Resin-bonded bridges by dental undergraduates: three-year follow-up

This study was conducted to evaluate performance and longevity of resin-bonded bridges in patients treated by undergraduate dental students. A total of 62 bridges had been constructed for 53 patients by the students at the School of Dentistry, Karolinska Institute, between 1989 and 1997. After a mean observation period of 35.3 months retention had been lost in 13.6% of 59 bridges examined (4.6% per year). The debonding rate was greater in the mandible (8.3 %/year) than in the maxilla (2.7 %/year), and greatest in the mandibular anterior region (13.4%). Thirty-nine patients with 46 bridges (27 maxillary and 19 mandibular bridges), underwent more detailed clinical examination. No significant differences in bleeding and pocket depth were found between abutment teeth and controls. Bleeding was more frequent at the approximal than the lingual surfaces of the abutment teeth. A questionnaire revealed high patient satisfaction, the resin-bonded bridges meeting their expectations. The study suggests that resin-bonded bridges are an acceptable alternative to conventional bridges. Successful outcome is dependent on stringent case selection, an abutment preparation designed to establish retention form, and meticulous bonding procedures.