Bite Force Recovery Following Pediatric Full Crown Restorations

This controlled, randomized clinical trial aims to compare the recovery of occlusal function following restoration of primary molars with preformed BioFlx crowns and stainless steel crowns in children aged 5-8 years. thirty eligible children requiring full-coverage crown restorations of primary molars will be randomly allocated to receive either a BioFlx crown or a stainless steel crown. Occlusal bite force, occlusal contact distribution, vertical dimension, and masseter muscle activity assessed by surface electromyography will be evaluated before treatment, immediately after crown placement, and during follow-up. Clinical evaluations will also be performed at 1and 3 months.

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 5-8 years.
• Healthy and cooperative children who are able to tolerate the required dental procedures and follow-up visits.
• Children requiring full-coverage crown restoration of a primary molar due to extensive or multisurface caries, wide proximal carious lesions
• Primary molars requiring pulp therapy followed by full-coverage restoration.
• Primary molars with more than one-third of the root structure remaining radiographically.
• Children with normal molar relationship.
• Children with normal overjet and overbite.
• Children without clinically evident malocclusion.
• Children without parafunctional oral habits.

Exclusion criteria

• Temporomandibular joint disorders
• Apparent facial asymmetry.
• Uncontrolled systemic disease or medical condition that may affect participation in the study or the dental treatment.
• Current or previous orthodontic treatment that may influence occlusion or bite-force measurements.
• Presence of parafunctional habits, such as bruxism or other abnormal occlusal habits.