A systematic review of the scientific documentation of fixed partial dentures made from fiber-reinforced polymer to replace missing teeth.
OBJECTIVE
Many restorative systems have become commercially available that are based on fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) for production of fixed partial dentures. However, the clinical documentation of their use has not been systematically reviewed and critically appraised. This systematic review aimed to identify the scientific documentation of all commercially available products within this material group.


METHODS
MEDLINE was searched for all clinical and laboratory studies on FRP, and papers were browsed to identify product names. Moreover, the Internet was searched to find manufacturers of FRP products. Also, several large trade exhibitions were visited to identify products and manufacturers. All papers that included any data from a clinical setting of an identifiable product were critically appraised. Each product was categorized according to the scientific clinical documentation of their intended clinical use.


RESULTS
Eleven commercial products were identified. The scientific clinical documentation of these products varied markedly, but was generally poor. No randomized controlled trials have been carried out on FRPs versus, eg, conventional treatments, nor are any long-term cohort studies available. None of the products demonstrate good evidence for usage as a technical solution to permanently replace lost teeth.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of FRP for fixed partial dentures must still be regarded as experimental.
Jokstad
Asbjørn
A
Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Oral Function, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. jokstad@odont.uio.no
Gökçe
Meriç
M
Hjortsjö
Carl
C
D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D003779:Denture Design; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D004282:Documentation; D005898:Glass; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D006801:Humans; D008689:Methacrylates; D020959:Polyethylene; D011095:Polyethylenes; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D012823:Silicate Cement
D003188:Composite Resins; C495566:Connect resin; C113550:FiberKor, sculpture; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D008689:Methacrylates; D011095:Polyethylenes; C084063:RIBBOND; C485628:Stick resin; C111282:dental polyglass; C496140:everStick; C009753:fiberglass; C113549:splint-It, FRC material; D012823:Silicate Cement; D020959:Polyethylene; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate