11-year follow-up study of resin-bonded fixed partial dentures

The clinical performance of 325 resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPD) placed between 1984 and 1995 was reviewed. The primary indications of the 264 patients treated were trauma and aplasia. Two hundred eighty-three of the resin-bonded fixed partial dentures were primary restorations, and 42 of the restorations were secondary and tertiary after the loss of the primary resin-bonded fixed partial denture. Including the rebonded restorations, the survival rate calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method was 76% after 5 years and 60% after 10 years. Analysis of the data showed that casting alloy, pretreatment of the bonding surfaces, luting agent, and mobility of the abutment teeth were decisive prognostic factors for success. Base metal alloys, silicoating, mesh retention, and immobile abutments were positive factors. In contrast to other reports in the literature, retentive abutment preparation did not result in a higher survival rate than unprepared abutments. Small restorations in the bonding area did not affect the survival. No differences in survival rate were found for resin-bonded fixed partial dentures in the maxillae or mandible, or in the anterior and posterior regions. Multiunit resin-bonded fixed partial dentures had a smaller probability of survival than three-unit resin-bonded fixed partial dentures. Carious lesions were found on 4% of the abutment teeth.