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Resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures: a clinical study
1Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. Pekka.Vallittu@utu.fi
Statement Of Problem:
Resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures (FPDs) have been under development for some time. There is a lack of data regarding the clinical usefulness of such prostheses.
Purpose:
The clinical performance of 31 resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures was evaluated in a preliminary study.
Material And Methods:
The prostheses were made to replace 1 to 3 missing maxillary or mandibular teeth in each of 31 patients. The prostheses had a framework made of continuous unidirectional E-glass fibers with multiphase polymer matrix and light-polymerized particulate composite resin veneering. The prostheses were examined after 6-month periods for up to 24 months (mean follow-up time was 14 months). Partial or total debonding of the prostheses or the framework fracture was considered a treatment failure.
Results:
Two prostheses debonded during the follow-up period; 1 debonding was related to improper occlusal adjustment and the other to unknown reasons. Kaplan-Meier survival probability at 24 months was 93%. No framework fractures were observed.
Conclusion:
The results of this preliminary study suggest that the resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforced FPDs may be an alternative for resin-bonded FPDs with a cast metal framework.