Clinical evaluation of cast metal resin-bonded anterior fixed partial dentures

Abstract

R esin-bonded fixed partial dentures offer the following significant advantages to the dentist and the patient in properly selected clinical situations: (1) tooth preparation is reduced to a minimum, (2) the procedure is reversible, (3) soft tissue management is simplified, (4) there is less problem with color matching, (5) temporary crowns are not needed, and (6) reduced cost and simplicity give high patient acceptability. There are two disadvantages: (1) bonding procedures are more difficult and time consuming than conventional luting techniques, and (2) occlusal adjustment at the try-in of the restoration is more difficult because of the lack of a retentive crown-tooth relationship. All factors considered, it seems that the use of the cast metal resin-bonded fixed partial denture should be encouraged where sound abutment teeth exist and only one or two teeth are missing. However, a question remains. Should the fixed partial dentures be considered as long-term restorations or as intermediate restorations to serve only until conditions for a conventional fixed partial denture are more ideal? The answer to this question requires laboratory testing and more clinical evaluation.