I would like to start offering all-ceramic bridges to my patients, but am not sure of the long-term durability?

THE DENTAL ADVISOR just completed a seven-year clinical study of Lava Crowns and Bridges (3M ESPE) restorations, which included both crowns and fixed partial dentures. In all categories, they exhibited a 95% or better clinical rating in the wear resistance and marginal discoloration categories. The majority of the restorations had an excellent esthetics rating. Of the 574 restorations recalled at the seven-year mark, 16 had to be replaced due to large fractures and 35 restorations could be smoothed due to mild to moderate chipping. In summary, there were some chipped restorations, but this can also occur with metal-ceramic fixed partial dentures.