Abstract:

Objective To investigate the market demand and diversification of different types of fixed prostheses. Methods 95 789 representative samples collected in dental laboratory technology center during 2009 to 2011 were statistically analyzed in terms of proportions and trends. Change situation of production was analyzed by seasonal index. Results The proportions of porcelain fused to metal prosthesis were higher than 90%; porcelain fused to palladium-silver prosthesis were the main type; the production of porcelain fused to nickel-chromium alloy prosthesis cut down year by year; porcelain fused to cobalt-chromium alloy prosthesis, non-ceramic prosthesis and implant prosthesis maintained in steady growth; porcelain fused to gold-platinum alloy prosthesis stabilized at a certain level; the highest month of season index was July, which index reached 1.155 56, while season index of February was the lowest, which index reached 0.840 79, the highest month of season index differed 0.314 77 from the lowest one. Conclusion Porcelain fused to metal prosthesis dominated the market, porcelain fused to nickel-chromium alloy prosthesis was replaced by porcelain fused to cobalt-chromium alloy prosthesis gradually; the production of fixed prostheses had seasonal fluctuations, thus the resource allocation and technology promotion should be improved in future.

Key words: dental prostheses, fixed prostheses, trend analysis, seasonal index