Evaluation of Retention and Resistance to Dislodgement of Bioflx Crowns Compared to Zirconia Crowns on Primary Molars

Primary molars play a significant role in maintaining oral function, esthetics, and space for permanent teeth, therefore, restoring decayed primary molars is a critical aspect of pediatric dentistry. Stainless steel crowns have been the standard restorative material for primary molars due to their clinical success, retention, and durability. However, the aesthetic limitations of SSCs, have been problematic, especially when patients seek more esthetically acceptable treatment options.In an attempt to address the aesthetic limitations of stainless-steel crowns, pre-veneered stainless-steel crowns were introduced featuring a thin layer of composite resin or ceramic on the outside to improve their appearance. While they provided a better aesthetic than pure stainless steel, their limitations included a tendency to wear down over time, difficulty in matching natural tooth color, and the potential for the veneer to chip or detach.Recently, zirconia crowns are preferred over pre-veneered stainless-steel crowns for their esthetic superiority, biocompatibility, and resistance to wear. They demonstrate excellent retention and durability but require significant tooth preparation, which may compromise tooth structure. Despite their advantages, zirconia crowns posed challenges such as increased cost, more complex preparation techniques, and concerns about their brittleness under certain conditions. Moreover, zirconia crowns may not be suitable for all cases, especially those involving less mineralized or structurally compromised primary molars .In 2021, Kids-e-Dental LLP introduced Bioflx Crowns and claimed as the first flexible, durable, and esthetic preformed crown for primary molars. Bioflx Crowns are monochromatic, metal-free, tooth-colored crowns made up of high-strength resin polymer used in the medical device industry having high strength, flexibility, and durability. These crowns are autoclavable and are like SSC in tooth preparation as claimed by the manufacturer. Their flexibility and snap-fit technology aim to improve retention while minimizing trauma during placement.

It is important to mention that retention is a crucial factor for the success of any dental crown. An inadequate retention can lead to crown displacement, necessitating re-treatment, and ultimately affect the long-term health of the primary tooth. While studies have demonstrated the superior esthetic properties of materials like Bioflx crowns, their clinical performance, particularly retention rates and overall longevity, require further evaluation in direct comparison to zirconia crowns .Thus, this trial aims to fill the gap in current knowledge and provide clinicians with evidence to support the choice of crown material based on retention performance, which is critical to the long-term success of pediatric restorations.