T he etched-Imetal, resin-bonded (EMRB) fixed partial denture has been advocated as a conservative and reversible method for the replacement of missing teeth. The proximal and lingual enamel of intact teeth is used to retain the restoration. The innovative laboratory etching of the metal framework creates a micropitted surface similar to etched enamel, which provides retention for the bonding medium.’ Because of the novelty of the EMRB restoration, analysis of clinical failures is important. After a 2-year field evaluation, the University of Maryland study has experienced only three debonding failures from a total of 124 restorati0ns.t Four of 45 EMRB restorations placed during a 12-month period at the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry, were dislodged. All four failures occurred at the metal-composite interface, and most of the composite remained on the enamel. This mode of failure was unexpected, because the metal-composite bond is stronger under ideal conditions than the enamel-composite bond. Bond failure between metal and composite indicated that the metal was improperly etched, and/or the etched surface was contaminated. The University of the Pacific had their EMRB restorations fabricated by commercial laboratories. However, Sloan et al.2 reported a wide variation in bonding strengths among metal specimens that had been etched at commercial laboratories. One limitation of the EMRB technique is that a faulty or contaminated metal etch may not be obvious to the dentist before the restoration is placed. Macroreten,tive devices that are more readily verified than an etched surface and less affected by contamination during m;inipulation can be designed for the metal. The perforated design provides countersunk holes for retention of th.e bonding resin, but the resin is exposed to the oral environment and stress is concentrated around each p&oration. A mesh can be incorporated inside a solid lingual retainer (Dura lingual bonded