title: The U-Beam bridge: an advancement in the fiber-reinforced resin-bonded fixed partial denture.
abstract: Conservative, esthetic restorative dentistry has become an essential component in modern clinical dental practice. This article reviews the literature regarding the fiber-reinforced resin-bonded fixed partial dentures. A clinical case illustrates the technique. The main supportive framework is a U-beam and reinforcing rod composed of unidirectional, pretensed quartz fibers bound in an epoxy resin matrix. This composite resin restoration is ideal as an interim solution when an implant is being considered for placement in the undetermined future or as a medium to long-term restoration in certain clinical cases where occlusal forces are controlled and the abutment teeth in good health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Illinois College of Dentistry, LaGrange, Illinois, USA. bobr759@sbcglobal.net
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rada
authors.forename: Wanda I
authors.initials: WI
authors.lastname: Cruz Gonzalez
mesh_terms: D003779:Denture Design; D016379:Denture, Partial, Fixed, Resin-Bonded; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D006801:Humans; D011791:Quartz; D019231:Tooth Preparation, Prosthodontic
chemical_list: D004853:Epoxy Resins; D011791:Quartz