title: Comparative evaluation of retentive properties of acid etched resin bonded fixed partial dentures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Little consensus exist in suitable tooth preparation design and alloy pre-treatment methods for improving the retention of resin bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPDs).
  
  
  METHODS
  An in-vitro experiment was done with four designs. Group A: standard form, B: wings and proximal slices, C: wings, proximal slice and grooves, D: wings, proximal slice, grooves and occlusal coverage. Alloys were subjected to pre-treatment procedures like Group I: control, II: sand blasting, III: electro etching, IV: tin plating. Debonding forces of the castings were recorded in a universal testing machine and results were analyzed by student's 't' test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Group B, C and D showed higher debonding forces compared to A. However, there were no significant differences in mean force values among Groups B, C and D. Group II, III and IV with different alloy pre-treatment methods demonstrated higher values against control. Inter group variations among Group II, III and IV were not significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tooth preparation with adequate surface extensions and pre-treatment procedures of casting alloys are two parameters that play important role in determining the retentive features of RBFPDs. Different types of tooth preparation designs and alloy pre-treatment methods exert almost similar influence in increasing the retention of acid etched RBFPDs.
authors.affiliation: DGDS & Col Commandant, AD Corps, 'L' Block, IHQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi 110 001, India.
authors.forename: Vimal
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Arora
authors.affiliation: Prof & Head, (Prosthodontics), Maitri Dental College & Research Centre, Anjora, Durg, Chattisgarh, India.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Prof & Head, (Prosthodontics), BBD College of Dental Sciences, BBD University Campus, Faizabad Road, Lucknow, India.
authors.forename: Ravi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dwivedi
keywords: Acid etched resin; Alloy pre-treatment; RBFPD; Resin bonded fixed partial denture