Five-year survival of 3-unit fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures in the anterior area

• Objectives: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of 3-unit anterior fixed partial dentures (FPDs) made of fiber-reinforced resin composite (FRC), and to identify design factors influencing the survival rate. Methods: 52 patients (26 females, 26 males) received 60 indirectly made FRC FPDs, using pre-impregnated unidirectional glass fibers, requiring manual wetting, as framework material. FPDs were surface (n = 48) or hybrid (n = 12) retained and mainly located in the upper jaw. Hybrid FPDs had a combination of retainers; i.e. crown at one and surface retention at the other abutment tooth. Surface FPDs were either purely adhesively retained (n = 29) or with additional mechanical retention (n = 19). Follow-up period was at minimum 5 years, with check-ups every 1–2 years. Six operators were involved, in three centers in the Netherlands, Finland and Sweden. Survival rates, including repairable defects of FPDs, and success rates were determined. Results: Kaplan–Meier survival rate at 5 years was 64% (SE 7%). For the level of success, values were 45% (SE 7%) and the estimated median survival time 58 (SE 10.1) months. For surface FPDs, additional mechanical retention did not improve survival significantly. There was a trend towards better survival of surface FPDs over hybrid FPDs, but differences were not significant. Main failure modes were fracture of the FPD and delamination of veneering composite. Significance: A success rate of 45% and a survival rate of 64% after 5 years was found. Fracture of the framework and delamination are the most prevalent failure modes, especially for surface FPDs.

Nyckelord

fiber-reinforced composite

cinical study

fixed partial denture

framework design

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)