Digital workflow for cantilever resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses

A digital workflow restoring a failed maxillary incisor with a resin-bonded fixed dental prosthesis is described for 2 patients, both presenting with root fracture of an incisor. After evaluation using digital scans, a digitally designed cantilever resin-bonded fixed interim restoration was placed on the adjacent tooth other than the dedicated abutment tooth, and the pontic sites were gingivally contoured. Then, the definitive cantilever resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses were fabricated, transferring the exact pontic gingival form from the interim restoration. The use of a digital workflow in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and definitive prosthesis fabrication demonstrated significant advantages in the predictability and consistency of the success of pink and white esthetics compared with conventional techniques. Proper design of the interim restoration and fabrication of a positioning splint can facilitate treatment with cantilever resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses.