Clinical performance of cantilevered resin-bonded fixed partial dentures for single tooth replacement in elderly patients

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical performance of cantilevered resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (CRBFPDs) in single tooth replacement in elderly patients at Qingdao Stomatological Hospital. Methods In total, 186 CRBFPDs in 153 patients were made from cobalt-chrome alloy. Panavia F 2.0 was used as a luting agent after air-abrasion. Restoration were evaluated at 3-month intervals with regard to function, esthetics, and possible complications. Results CRBFPDs were evaluated after intervals of 12 to 40 months. The average clinical service time (i.e., length of time in situ at examination, including re-cementation after debonding) was 26.2 ± 13.6 months. Among these CRBFPDs, 87 (46.8%) were bridges in the maxilla, while 99 (53.2%) were bridges in the mandible. Most CRBFPDs (184, 98.9%) survived throughout the study period, while two (1.1%) were regarded as failed. The majority of debonded bridges had been used to replace the maxillary central incisor (60%). Conclusion Our findings confirm the successful clinical performance of CRBFPDs with tooth preparation designs involving mesial and distal vertical grooves in elderly patients.