How long do fibre-reinforced resin-bonded fixed partial dentures last?

Searches were made for data using Medline and the reference lists of identified papers by two independent readers. Only papers published in English were considered and reviews, case reports, descriptive reports and in-vitro studies were excluded.

Prospective or retrospective cohort studies were selected.

Information on the design, location and the choice of material was extracted. Retainer type (inlay, surface, crown retainer), number of abutment teeth, and different span distances were recorded and, as far as possible, the survival period for each fixed partial denture (FPD) was extracted on an individual basis. Technical complications and number of failures were extracted, if reported. FPD survival was defined as the FPD remaining in situ, with or without modification, during the observation period. An overall survival curve was constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the possibility of performing a regression analysis on different types and locations of FPD was investigated.

In all, 15 articles dealing with 13 sets of patients and 435 FPD were included, with observation periods that varied between 10 months and 5.7 years. Of 435 FPD, 88 failed within 5 years, with a calculated survival rate of 4.5 per year (73.4%; 95% confidence interval, 69.4-77.4%). Converted survival rates at 2 years' follow up showed substantial heterogeneity between studies. It was not possible to build a reliable regression model that indicated risk factors. The technical problems most commonly described were fracture of the FPD and delamination of the veneering composite.

The majority of the studies showed a survival rate of approx. 72% after 2-5 years. This study highlights the need for good-quality randomised clinical trials (RCT).