Risk of debonding in three-unit resin-bonded fixed partial dentures

Resin-bonded fixed partial dentures are considered practical and conservative but have not always enjoyed longitudinal success. The long-term survival of 1637 three-unit resin-bonded fixed partial dentures was analyzed. A multistate analysis that included parameters such as debonding, rebonding, or renewal of the restoration was used. Five years after insertion 66.1% (+/- 3.7%) of the originally inserted prostheses remained in place. If additional rebonding was computed, the probability of survival was 82.0% (+/- 3.0%). Reconstruction of the metal frame after one or more dislodgements raised the success rate to 87.1% (+/- 2.6%). Rebonded resin-bonded fixed partial dentures developed a greater risk of debonding. The risk of failure for refabricated fixed partial dentures was similar to that of the originally inserted resin-bonded fixed partial dentures. There were no signs of greater caries incidence after multiple recementation procedures.