Cast metal, resin-bonded prostheses: a 10-year retrospective study

A sample of 99 resin-bonded prostheses placed over a 10-year period were examined by four clinicians using a standardized criteria sheet. Areas examined included hard tissues, periodontium, retainer and pontic design, retention, the effect of occlusion on framework design and retention rate, and bonding media. The data from 7- and 10-year retrospective studies were compared for meaningful trends. Results showed (1) caries on retainer teeth was 3%, (2) gingival index of the retainer teeth was less than the gingival index of the rest of the mouth (0.7 +/- 0.5 versus 0.9 +/- 0.6), (3) the respective mean probing depths of retainer teeth of 34 patients in the 7- and 10-year studies were 2.2 +/- 0.4 mm and 1.9 +/- 0.7 mm, (4) the debond rate of all the prostheses from all causes was 31%, (5) the debond rate comparing etched metal and perforated retainers from all causes was 32% and 31% [corrected], respectively, and (6) 83% liked the prosthesis; 17% were noncommittal. The authors concluded that the resin-bonded prosthesis may be considered a permanent restoration and a valuable asset in the clinician's armamentarium.