Evaluation of a glass-fiber-reinforced, bonded, inlay-supported fixed partial denture--4-year results

Glass-fiber-reinforced composite resin systems may be used as conservative alternatives to conventional fixed partial dentures (FPDs) for the replacement of a single missing tooth. This article describes a clinical technique and 4-year evaluation of an inlay bonded FPD. The patient presented with a missing maxillary right second premolar. A high-caries risk and moderate-to-advanced attachment loss around the abutment teeth, which were clinically stable, were noted. The patient had a strong desire to maintain his remaining dentition. Advantages of supragingival margins and minimal tooth structure removal made the bonded inlay bridge a viable alternative to a conventional FPD for this compromised restorative situation. The clinical performance of this glass-fiber-reinforced resin inlay FPD at the 4-year follow-up is provided. The restoration has served satisfactorily for more than 4 years and holds promise as a conservative, esthetic alternative to the conventional FPD in certain clinical cases.