title: Three-year clinical evaluation of fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures using prefabricated pontics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of surface-retained adhesive composite fixed partial dentures reinforced by an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWP) fiber (Ribbond THM).
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-three surface-retained fiber reinforced composite (FRC) fixed partial dentures (FPD) were placed by two operators in 23 patients, each with a single missing tooth. The restorations included prefabricated composite resin pontics, and no preparations were done on the lingual surfaces of the abutment teeth. The patients were recalled for examinations every year for up to 3 years. Restorations were evaluated directly using the modified Ryge criteria. The minimum observation period was 1 year and the maximum observation period was 3 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At baseline, 23 restorations were graded as Alpha for all parameters. At one year and two years (n = 21), three Bravos for wear resistance and surface texture/gingival inflammation and two Bravos for color match were observed. Twenty-one of 23 restorations were retained at the end of two years (91.3%) and 78.3% were retained after a maximum of 3 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this clinical study suggestthat UHMWP FRC FPDs are quite acceptable at least forthree years. However, further clinical investigations are still needed for improved long-term clinical performance.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Operative Dentistry, University of Selcuk, Campus, 42080, Konya, Turkey. nunlu@selcuk.edu.tr
authors.forename: Nimet
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Unlu
authors.forename: Sema
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Belli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003116:Color; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D000044:Dental Abutments; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D019554:Dental Restoration Wear; D003779:Denture Design; D003781:Denture Retention; D016379:Denture, Partial, Fixed, Resin-Bonded; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011095:Polyethylenes / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins; D003764:Dental Materials; D011095:Polyethylenes; C084063:RIBBOND