Comparative Evaluation of Composite Based Pediatric Esthetic Crowns and Zirconia Crowns A 12 Month Follow up Study

The present in vivo study aims to clinically evaluate and compare the performance of composite-based pediatric esthetic crowns with that of zirconia crowns in primary molars. The primary objective is to assess the anatomic form, integrity of restoration, color match, and other clinical parameters over a one-year period. The study includes two groups: Group A comprising Edelweiss composite crowns and Group B comprising zirconia crowns, with each group consisting of twenty-five samples. Children aged 4 to 8 years who require full-coverage restorations following pulpotomy or pulpectomy and are otherwise healthy without systemic diseases or developmental dental disturbances will be included in the study. Exclusion criteria include children with parafunctional habits, teeth exhibiting internal resorption, inadequate crown structure, furcation involvement, or more than two-thirds root resorption. All crown placements will be carried out by a single operator to ensure consistency in clinical procedures. The clinical success of the restorations will be evaluated by a single calibrated examiner through visual examination using modified USPHS criteria. Additional parameters such as opposing tooth wear, gingival inflammation, and plaque accumulation will also be assessed at intervals of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. This study seeks to determine whether composite-based esthetic crowns offer comparable or superior performance to zirconia crowns in terms of esthetics, function, and biological compatibility over a one-year evaluation period.