Short answer

When designing for long-term functional and aesthetic requirements, consider materials with proven durability like lithium disilicate, and be mindful of potential discrepancies in aesthetic perception between users and evaluators.

Field: Classic Design
Source: Clinical Oral Investigations (2023)
Method: Retrospective clinical study
Sample: 143 restorations
Evidence: Strong effect

Monolithic lithium disilicate restorations in posterior teeth demonstrate high long-term survival rates, even when performed by supervised students. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Clinical Oral Investigations. Using Retrospective clinical study with 143 restorations, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for long-term functional and aesthetic requirements, consider materials with proven durability like lithium disilicate, and be mindful of potential discrepancies in aesthetic perception between users and evaluators.

Study

Classic DesignRecentStrong effect

Lithium Disilicate Restorations Achieve 97.5% Survival Rate Over 8.3 Years

Monolithic lithium disilicate restorations in posterior teeth demonstrate high long-term survival rates, even when performed by supervised students.

Clinical Oral Investigations · 2023

Key Findings

01Cumulative survival rate of 97.5% after a mean service time of 5.9 years and 95.0% after 8.3 years.
02Cumulative success rate decreased significantly after 5.9 years.
03High level of patient satisfaction reported.
04Dental technicians assessed subjective aesthetics more critically than dentists.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When selecting materials for long-term use products, research their documented performance and failure rates in similar contexts. Consider incorporating user feedback mechanisms for aesthetic assessments.

Project actions

01When choosing materials for your design project, look for evidence of their durability and how well they perform over time.
02Consider how different people might perceive the aesthetics of your design – not everyone will see it the same way.

Method & Evidence

AimTo evaluate the long-term performance and aesthetic outcomes of pressed lithium disilicate restorations in posterior teeth.

MethodRetrospective clinical study

Procedure143 lithium disilicate posterior restorations were examined using FDI criteria. Patient satisfaction was assessed via a questionnaire, and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated by dentists and dental technicians using intraoral photographs. Survival and success rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimation.

Sample143 restorations

ContextDental restoration materials and clinical performance

Variables

IVType of restoration (monolithic lithium disilicate), clinical service time.

DVCumulative survival rate, cumulative success rate, complication rate, patient satisfaction, aesthetic outcome.

CVSupervised undergraduate student performance, posterior teeth location, specific material (IPS e.max Press).

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Long follow-up period (up to 8.3 years).
+Inclusion of both objective clinical data and subjective patient/expert feedback.

Limitations

The study's findings are specific to dental restorations and may not directly translate to other design fields. The 'success rate' definition is complex and can vary.

Reliability & validity

The study's reliability is supported by the use of standardized criteria (FDI) and statistical analysis (Kaplan-Meier). Validity is enhanced by including multiple evaluation perspectives (dentists, technicians, patients) and a long follow-up period, though the retrospective nature and student performance introduce potential biases.

Think critically

How might the 'cumulative success rate' decrease while the 'cumulative survival rate' remains high? What does this distinction imply for design evaluation?

Design Principles

"Prioritize material longevity and user satisfaction in design solutions for critical applications."

This research highlights the durability and reliability of a specific material and technique for dental restorations. Understanding the long-term performance of materials is crucial for designers and engineers when selecting appropriate solutions for demanding applications, ensuring longevity and user satisfaction.

What This Means for Your Design

This study shows that a specific type of dental filling material (lithium disilicate) lasts a very long time (over 8 years) and patients are happy with it, even when it's done by students learning the skill.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the selection of durable materials for your design project, especially if it involves functional longevity and user satisfaction.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The long-term performance of materials is a critical consideration in design. Research such as the retrospective study on lithium disilicate restorations (Lindner et al., 2023) demonstrates that materials like pressed lithium disilicate can achieve high survival rates (95% over 8.3 years) in demanding applications, contributing to significant user satisfaction.

Source

Clinical Oral Investigations

Retrospective clinical study on the performance and aesthetic outcome of pressed lithium disilicate restorations in posterior teeth up to 8.3 years

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about lithium disilicate restorations achieve 97.5% survival rate over 8.3 years?: When designing for long-term functional and aesthetic requirements, consider materials with proven durability like lithium disilicate, and be mindful of potential discrepancies in aesthetic perception between users and evaluators. Evidence: Clinical Oral Investigations (2023).
Why does "Lithium Disilicate Restorations Achieve 97.5% Survival Rate Over 8.3 Years" matter for design?: This research highlights the durability and reliability of a specific material and technique for dental restorations. Understanding the long-term performance of materials is crucial for designers and engineers when selecting appropriate solutions for demanding applications, ensuring longevity and user satisfaction.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing for long-term functional and aesthetic requirements, consider materials with proven durability like lithium disilicate, and be mindful of potential discrepancies in aesthetic perception between users and evaluators.
What were the main findings?: Cumulative survival rate of 97.5% after a mean service time of 5.9 years and 95.0% after 8.3 years.. Cumulative success rate decreased significantly after 5.9 years.. High level of patient satisfaction reported.. Dental technicians assessed subjective aesthetics more critically than dentists.
What research method was used?: Retrospective clinical study with 143 restorations.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Clinical Oral Investigations.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When selecting materials for long-term use products, research their documented performance and failure rates in similar contexts. Consider incorporating user feedback mechanisms for aesthetic assessments.
What are the limitations?: Study involved supervised undergraduate students, which may not perfectly reflect all clinical scenarios. Aesthetic evaluation was subjective and relied on photographic evidence.