Resin-retained bridges: fibre-reinforced versus metal.
Resin-retained bridges (RRBs) have become an accepted part of the restorative dentist's armamentarium. Despite disadvantages, such as more frequent rates of debonding than conventionally-luted bridges, RRBs hold advantages such as their minimally invasive preparation and reduced cost, along with good patient acceptance. RRBs have traditionally been formed of a metal framework with porcelain coverage: most recently, fibre-reinforced RRBs (FRRRBs) have become available, using fibres to reinforce a laboratory composite material. They may also be formed intra-orally. This paper discusses the current status of indirectly-placed FRRRBs, their principal advantages being their improved aesthetics because they are tooth-coloured, and a principal disadvantage being a lack of long-term clinical research.


CONCLUSIONS
In cases where the visibility of metal may compromise the appearance of a metal-based RRB, a fibre-reinforced, resin-retained bridge may provide a clinical solution.
Burke
F J Trevor
FJ
Primary Dental Care Research Group, University of Birmingham School of Dentistry, St Chad's Queensway, Birmingham B4 6NN, UK.
D000328:Adult; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry*; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D003776:Dental Porcelain / Q000737:chemistry; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003779:Denture Design; D016379:Denture, Partial, Fixed, Resin-Bonded; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D005898:Glass / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018583:Pliability; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000737:chemistry; D019233:Retreatment; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019231:Tooth Preparation, Prosthodontic / Q000379:methods
D003188:Composite Resins; D003722:Dental Alloys; D003764:Dental Materials; C477352:Sinfony composite resin; C485628:Stick resin; C009753:fiberglass; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate