Objectives: to determine the survival of direct composite resin bridges replacing anterior teeth. Methods: Between 1994 and 2003 58 patients were referred to a dental practice for placing a direct fixed partial denture (FPD). Bridges were reinforced with metal gauze, glass fiber (Everstick) or polyethylene fiber (Ribbond) and made with a heavily filled hybrid composite (Clearfil AP-X, Kuraray) and anterior hybrid composite resin (PhotoClearfilBright, Kuraray). 42 patients with 47 FPDs could be reached for evaluation. They were interviewed whether the FPD was still present and if additional treatments were performed on the bridge. Survival was calculated using the actuarial method. Results: 9 FPDs were placed immediately after extraction. 43 FPDs replaced one tooth, 3 replaced 2 teeth and one replaced 4 teeth. The average age of the patients on placement of the FPD was 35 years (range 12-65). On average the bridges were 5 years (range 0.8 to 9.1) in function. 43 PDs were still in function without additional treatment (91%). One FPD was lost as part of a total extraction after 3.4 years, one bridge showed a fracture after 5.8 years and replaced by an indirect FPD. Two FPDs showed a repairable fracture. One FPD fractured in the connector area after 5.7 years, and one FPD demonstrated fractures in a veneer on one of the abudment teeth after 5.6 years. Using total failure as criterion the mean annual failure rate (AFR) over 9 years was 0.9%, for all failures it was 2,2%. 89% of the patients would choose the same treatment option in case another tooth would be lost. Conclusions: In case anterior teeth are missing direct FPDs show an acceptable survival and high patient satisfaction.

Back to the Dental Materials: IV - Clinical Trials Program
Back to the IADR/AADR/CADR 85th General Session and Exhibition (March 21-24, 2007)

Top Level Search