Comparative evaluation of clinical performance, child and parental satisfaction of Bioflex, zirconia and stainless steel crowns in pediatric patients

Abstract

Background: Pediatric treatment is challenging in patients with early childhood caries. It is difficult due to the adjacency of pulp, miniature tooth size, and thin enamel compared to permanent dentition. Nowadays, aesthetics play an important role in managing decayed teeth, and children need treatment that includes full coverage crowns in either stainless steel or anesthetic crown in zirconia or the recently developed Bioflex crown. The Bioflex crowns are highly flexible and aesthetically preformed pediatric crowns with combined stainless steel and zirconia properties. This study aims to assess the clinical performance and child and parental satisfaction of Bioflex crowns compared to zirconia and stainless steel crowns. Methods: In the current in-vivo comparison of Bioflex crowns with zirconia and stainless steel crowns, children aged three to seven years old will be selected, and 72 primary teeth requiring crowns will be randomly distributed into three groups,  n = 24: Group I:  Preformed stainless steel crown, control; Group II:  Preformed Bioflex crown; Group III: Preformed zirconia crown. Crowns will be evaluated for recurrent caries, plaque accumulation, restoration failure, gingival status opposing tooth wear, and clinicians and parental satisfaction at zero, three, six, and 12 months. Newly introduced aesthetic crowns will serve as a versatile alternative for restoring primary decayed teeth that over-performed aesthetic and conventional crowns. Conclusions: The Bioflex crown will be assessed as a better aesthetic substitute for the future, and the satisfaction level of parents will be evaluated.  Trial registration: CTRI registration number: CTRI/2023/05/052256; Date of registration: May 03, 2023. Protocol version: Two; Date: April 22, 2023