A literature review of two-unit cantilevered FPDs.
OBJECTIVE
This review article evaluated the clinical performance of two-unit cantilevered, single-abutment, single-pontic, resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (FPDs) by comparing them to noncantilevered resin-bonded FPDs with two abutments and a single pontic.


METHODS
One publication on design principles and 11 clinical research studies were selected by searching two databases.


RESULTS
Six of the studies dealt exclusively with two-unit cantilevered resin-bonded FPDs, and five studies compared fixed-fixed design resin-bonded partial dentures with cantilevered resin-bonded FPDs. Two-unit cantilevered resin-bonded FPDs for single-tooth replacement appear to be reliable and predictable restorations, provided their preparations meet the right standards.


CONCLUSIONS
According to the studies reviewed, two-unit cantilevered FPDs show better longevity than resin-bonded fixed-fixed partial dentures in similar situations.
van Dalen
Andy
A
Department of Dental Materials Science, Academic Centre for Dentistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. a.dalen@acta.nl
Feilzer
Albert J
AJ
Kleverlaan
Cornelis J
CJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002484:Cementation; D002648:Child; D000044:Dental Abutments / Q000009:adverse effects; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003779:Denture Design; D016379:Denture, Partial, Fixed, Resin-Bonded; D005888:Gingival Pocket / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans