Glass-ceramic resin-bonded fixed partial dentures for replacing a single premolar tooth: A prospective investigation with a 4-year follow-up

Abstract

Statement of problemResin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPDs) are a reliable treatment option for the replacement of a single missing tooth. Glass-ceramic may be a promising material for the fabrication of RBFPDs, but clinical verification has been lacking. PurposeThe purpose of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the outcomes of glass-ceramic RBFPDs on participants with a single missing premolar. Material and methodsTwenty participants (6 men, 14 women; age range: 20 to 54 years) were treated with 2-retainer RBFPDs. These RBFPDs were made of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (IPS e.max Press; Ivoclar Vivadent AG) and designed with improved C-shaped retention. These prostheses were evaluated at 6 months, 12 months, and annually thereafter and were classified as survival or failure. Analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier analysis (95% confidence interval). Modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria were used to rate the clinical performance. Parameters assessed were fracture, marginal integrity, marginal discoloration, color of restoration, secondary caries, and abutment mobility. ResultsTwenty RBFPDs were provided, 9 in the maxilla and 11 in the mandible. The mean observation time was 49.2 months (minimum 9 months, maximum 53 months). Nineteen RBFPDs were evaluated as having survived during the observation period with some acceptable marginal discoloration, 1 RBFPD had to be replaced because of fracture and secondary caries and was evaluated as a failure. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a survival rate of 95% after a 4-year observation. ConclusionsThe glass-ceramic RBFPDs in this study displayed a good survival rate and clinical performance, indicating that glass-ceramic RBFPDs might be a promising approach for the short-term replacement of a single premolar. However, further investigations are needed to determine the long-term outcome.