Metal-free inlay-retained fixed partial dentures.
OBJECTIVE
The treatment procedures used in conjunction with two different metal-free restorative systems are illustrated on the basis of clinical examples. In addition, a report on the initial clinical findings is provided.


METHODS
Metal-free restorative materials are opening doors to new preparation methods because of their close link to the adhesive cementation technique. As a result of the developments over the past few years, various metal-free systems that can be used to fabricate short-span fixed partial dentures (FPD) are now available. Certain guidelines, however, must be observed in the process. Because of their minimal invasiveness, inlay-retained FPDs offer an interesting solution in cases where the residual dentition exhibits low caries activity. Since the beginning of 1997, a total of 23 metal-free inlay-retained FPDs made of two different types of framework material (11 of high-strength pressed ceramic and 12 of fiber-reinforced composite) have been examined in a clinical study.


RESULTS
One inlay-retained FPD made of pressed ceramic had to be replaced because of a fracture. Because the materials have only been on the market for a short time, long-term results are not yet available.


CONCLUSIONS
This type of restoration provides excellent esthetics and reduced invasiveness compared with complete crown-retained FPDs, although indications are limited by the special mechanical properties of the material.
Edelhoff
D
D
Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Medical Centre, University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany. edelhoff@ohsu.edu
Spiekermann
H
H
Yildirim
M
M
D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D000269:Adhesives / Q000737:chemistry; D000538:Aluminum Silicates / Q000737:chemistry; D002484:Cementation; D002516:Ceramics / Q000737:chemistry; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D000044:Dental Abutments; D001840:Dental Bonding / Q000379:methods; D003776:Dental Porcelain / Q000737:chemistry; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D003779:Denture Design; D003834:Denture Precision Attachment; D003781:Denture Retention; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005898:Glass / Q000737:chemistry; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007284:Inlays; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012823:Silicate Cement / Q000737:chemistry; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D019231:Tooth Preparation, Prosthodontic / Q000379:methods
D000269:Adhesives; D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D003188:Composite Resins; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; C075815:IPS-Empress ceramic; C111282:dental polyglass; C009753:fiberglass; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D012823:Silicate Cement