title: Tooth Fractures in Fixed Full-Arch Implant-Supported Acrylic Resin Prostheses: A Retrospective Clinical Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the influence of several variables in the frequency of prosthetic teeth fractures in fixed full-arch implant-supported acrylic resin prostheses.
  
  
  METHODS
  The influence of each variable was determined after analyzing the results obtained from 161 prostheses after a mean follow-up period of 39.69 months. All patients were treated with standard Nobel Biocare and Biomet 3i implants, and followed a strict prosthodontic protocol.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 155 fractures were recorded, all of which took place in 60 prostheses (40% of the total). Statistically significant differences were found among several variables: the arch the prosthesis was on, patient sex, opposing arch characteristics, length of the cantilevers, and whether the structure had mechanical retention. The prostheses that suffered a greater number of fractures were those that had been placed in men, opposing a natural arch, with cantilevers shorter than 10 mm and without mechanical retention. Patient age and presence or absence of a cantilever were not determinants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tooth fractures in fixed full-arch implant-supported metal-acrylic prostheses are a common complication. Several factors are linked more directly with the need for mechanical maintenance. The design and indications of this type of prosthesis should be carefully considered.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ventura
authors.forename: Emilio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jiménez-Castellanos
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Romero
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Enrile
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003779:Denture Design; D003781:Denture Retention; D003824:Denture, Complete; D003826:Denture, Complete, Lower; D003827:Denture, Complete, Upper; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D014093:Tooth, Artificial
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials