Clinical Evaluation of Adhesive Fixed Partial Dentures

Methods: A sample of 53 RBFPDs placed in 39 patients from a prospective study started in 1987 could be re-evaluated after a minimum of 5 years (maximum 18 years) in function. The abutment teeth of all RBFPDs were retentively prepared with at least one parallel groove and a 1mm deep channel. The frameworks of 20 anterior and 33 posterior RBFPDs were either cast with a CoCr-alloy (n=29) or with Titanium (n=24) and then veneered with ceramic. Prior to cementation with resin cement the frameworks were silicoated using the Rocatec system. Clinical evaluation included documentation of complications and measurements of probing depth. Furthermore, the patient's satisfaction concerning function and aesthetics with their RBFPD was recorded using visual rating scales.

Results: Within the time span between 5 and 18 years four total failures, i.e. the patient lost his restauration, and three relative failures, i.e. the restauration is still in function but modifications were done, could be observed. After 10 years in service, a probability of survival without complication of 87% was calculated (Kaplan-Meier survival analysis). Cox regression analysis revealed no significant influence of location (anterior/posterior), the number of pontics and of the metal alloy on the complication rate (p-values ranging from 0.35 to 0.65). The mean patient satisfaction with aesthetic appearance was 9.71 and with functional performance 9.20 on a 10-point scale.

Conclusion: RBFPD combined with retentive tooth preparation present an acceptable long-term alternative to conventional FPDs. The great advantage is the less invasive preparation of the supporting teeth.