Survival rates of resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures with a mean follow-up of 42 months: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Although short-term clinical data exist for resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures (FPDs), long-term data are needed.


OBJECTIVE
The survival rates of 29 resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures were evaluated in this clinical study for periods of up to 42 months.


METHODS
FPDs were fabricated to replace 1 to 3 missing maxillary or mandibular teeth of 29 patients not able to be treated with conventional FPDs. Originally, there were 37 patients (the drop-out rate was 22%). The FPDs were retained with wings, inlays, complete coverage crowns, or combinations of these that were bonded to tooth structure. The FPD frameworks were made of continuous unidirectional E-glass fibers with a multiphase polymer matrix and light-polymerized particulate composite veneer. The patients were recalled for examinations, where a general dental examination was performed, 1 to 3 times per year for up to 63 months (minimum 24 months, mean 42 months). Partial or complete total debonding of the FPD or the framework fracture was considered a treatment failure. The data were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier survival test (alpha=.05).


RESULTS
Two resin frameworks fractured, and 3 frameworks were debonded. Kaplan-Meier survival probability at 63 months was 75%. Three of the failed FPDs were rebonded or repaired in situ, producing a functional survival rate of 93% after rebonding or repairing (mean survival time was 55 months).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this clinical study of 29 prostheses suggest that glass fiber-reinforced FPDs may be a possible alternative to cast metal resin-bonded FPDs. These restorations were successfully used as multiple-unit prostheses that employed a variety of abutment tooth preparation designs.
Vallittu
Pekka K
PK
Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Biomaterials Research, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Finland. pekka.vallittu@utu.fi
D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003442:Crowns; D001840:Dental Bonding; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003801:Dental Veneers; D003779:Denture Design; D003781:Denture Retention; D016379:Denture, Partial, Fixed, Resin-Bonded; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005898:Glass / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007284:Inlays; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011336:Probability; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000737:chemistry*; D016019:Survival Analysis
D003188:Composite Resins; D003764:Dental Materials; D019279:Resin Cements; C009753:fiberglass