Five-year survival of 3-unit fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures in the anterior area.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of 3-unit anterior fixed partial dentures (FPDs) made of fiber-reinforced resin composite (FRC), and to identify design factors influencing the survival rate.


METHODS
52 patients (26 females, 26 males) received 60 indirectly made FRC FPDs, using pre-impregnated unidirectional glass fibers, requiring manual wetting, as framework material. FPDs were surface (n=48) or hybrid (n=12) retained and mainly located in the upper jaw. Hybrid FPDs had a combination of retainers; i.e. crown at one and surface retention at the other abutment tooth. Surface FPDs were either purely adhesively retained (n=29) or with additional mechanical retention (n=19). Follow-up period was at minimum 5 years, with check-ups every 1-2 years. Six operators were involved, in three centers in the Netherlands, Finland and Sweden. Survival rates, including repairable defects of FPDs, and success rates were determined.


RESULTS
Kaplan-Meier survival rate at 5 years was 64% (SE 7%). For the level of success, values were 45% (SE 7%) and the estimated median survival time 58 (SE 10.1) months. For surface FPDs, additional mechanical retention did not improve survival significantly. There was a trend towards better survival of surface FPDs over hybrid FPDs, but differences were not significant. Main failure modes were fracture of the FPD and delamination of veneering composite.


CONCLUSIONS
A success rate of 45% and a survival rate of 64% after 5 years was found. Fracture of the framework and delamination are the most prevalent failure modes, especially for surface FPDs.
van Heumen
Céleste C M
CC
Department of Oral Function and Prosthetic Dentistry, College of Dental Science, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, Netherlands. c.vanheumen@dent.umcn.nl
van Dijken
Jan W V
JW
Tanner
Johanna
J
Pikaar
Ronald
R
Lassila
Lippo V J
LV
Creugers
Nico H J
NH
Vallittu
Pekka K
PK
Kreulen
Cees M
CM