Survival characteristics of 771 resin-retained bridges provided at a UK dental teaching hospital

Posterior two-unit cantilevered zirconia resin-bonded fixed partial dentures: A 3-year prospective single-arm clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the longevity of cantilevered zirconia-based resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPDs) in replacing missing posterior teeth, as well as the quality of life and patient satisfaction experienced by those receiving zirconia RBFPDs.

METHODS

A prospective single-arm uncontrolled clinical trial was conducted to replace one or more missing premolars or molars with a span of 5 to 8 mm using cantilevered zirconia RBFPDs. Thirty-six participants with 40 prostheses were recruited and underwent a 3-year clinical evaluation. The retainer designs included a minimum thickness of 0.8 mm, a minimum of 200° circumferential wraparound with an occlusal bar, and a connector dimension of 3 × 3 mm. Patient-reported outcomes, including patient satisfaction and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), were assessed.

RESULTS

The average age of participants was 45.8 years, and 72.5 % were women. The success rate of the posterior zirconia RBFPDs was 76.2 %, with an estimated mean success duration of 46.1 months. The survival rate was 88.1 %, with an estimated mean survival duration of 49.4 months. Participants were highly satisfied with the treatment, achieving an average satisfaction score of 80.8 ± 11.9. Participants' total OHIP scores decreased from 52.3 to 39.6 after 3 years, indicating a significant improvement in oral health-related quality of life (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

After 3 years, a moderately high survival rate and favourable patient-reported outcomes of posterior cantilevered zirconia RBFPDs were achieved. Therefore, it can be recommended as a conservative treatment option to replace missing posterior teeth, provided that retainer design considerations are taken into account.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Cantilevered zirconia RBFPDs for posterior teeth can serve as a conservative treatment option that is both aesthetically pleasing and biocompatible. It offers a more cost-effective alternative compared to dental implants, which are often prohibitively expensive for the majority of patients. This approach has the potential to greatly improve patient-reported outcomes.

Creating space for a resin-bonded fixed partial denture retainer by using the Dahl concept

A technique is presented for creating interocclusal space for a resin-bonded fixed partial denture retainer by applying the Dahl concept. A missing mandibular first molar was replaced with a cantilevered resin-bonded fixed partial denture and had been successfully retained at the 9-year clinical review.

Failure and complication rates of different materials, designs, and bonding techniques of ceramic cantilever resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses for restoring missing anterior teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to assess clinical trials that have examined the materials, design, and bonding of ceramic cantilevered resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) as a potential option for replacing missing anterior teeth. The evaluation primarily focuses on the rate of restoration failure and clinical complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A thorough search of databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, was conducted. The most recent search was performed in October 2023. Clinical studies that compared ceramic cantilevered RBFDPs with double retainers or cantilevered RBFDPs using different ceramic materials or bonding systems were included. The outcome measures considered were restoration failure and complication rates.

RESULTS

Twelve studies met the eligibility criteria. The pooled data showed a statistically significant decrease in complication events when using cantilever designs compared with double retainer designs (p < 0.05); however, there were no differences found between the two designs in terms of restoration failure. The complication and failure rate of cantilever RBFDPs did not show a statistically significant difference with or without ceramic primer application before luting with phosphate monomer-containing luting resin (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Ceramic cantilevered RBFDPs have lower complication rates compared with those with double retainers. The use of a ceramic primer prior to luting composite resin for ceramic cantilevered RBFDPs decreases the occurrence of complications and failures, although this effect was not statistically significant. Additional research is required to confirm these findings. Glass ceramic cantilever RBFDPs showed a decrease in success after 6 years, requiring ongoing monitoring, but both zirconia and glass-infiltrated alumina cantilever RBFDPs have demonstrated durability with excellent long-term success and survival rates for up to 10 and 15 years.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Cantilever ceramic RBFDPs in the anterior region are a less invasive and valuable treatment option, providing good esthetic results.

Restorative dentistry clinical decision-making for hypodontia: complex cases

Hypodontia is a relatively common condition and patients will be seen by both general dental practitioners and specialist dental colleagues. Although hypodontia can be described as mild, moderate and severe, this does not directly correlate with the complexity of treatment required to provide an acceptable outcome. In addition, the complexity of treatment provided by one colleague in the multidisciplinary team may not be the same as for other colleagues.When treatment planning and delivering dental care for these patients, especially those with severe hypodontia, it is useful to recognise the factors that make their care complex and also to follow principles for multidisciplinary treatment planning.

Practical advice for successful clinical treatment with resin-bonded bridges

Resin-bonded bridges are one of the main options for replacing missing teeth for hypodontia patients. This technique offers several advantages for these patients, who are often young, have unrestored abutment teeth, and have had tooth positions optimised by orthodontic treatment. However, the replacement of missing teeth can be challenging due to tooth positions and anomalies of abutment tooth shape and size.These patients are often young adults at the time of restoration, making the minimally invasive nature and predictable long-term success of resin-bonded bridges advantageous over other treatment methods.This paper in the hypodontia themed issue discusses the importance of case selection and gives practical advice for the design and provision of resin-bonded bridges.

The dental technician as a member of the hypodontia multidisciplinary team, with practical considerations for anterior restoration design

Most patients seeking treatment for hypodontia will require prosthetic replacement of their missing teeth. This will be in the form of dentures, bridges and implant restorations. As these are created by one or more dental technicians who supports the clinical team, a close working relationship between these colleagues is likely to improve the quality of treatment outcome. This interaction will usually occur towards the end of the patient's treatment process, when definitive restorations are prescribed. However, appropriately trained and experienced dental technicians should be involved throughout the patient's treatment process as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team approach to effectively manage these patients.This paper describes the contribution of dental technicians to patient care with particular focus on communication between the restorative dentistry clinical team and the dental technician to improve the quality of anterior restorations. As missing maxillary lateral incisor teeth are a common presentation for this patient group, further technical detail relating to planning resin-bonded bridges for replacement of these teeth is included.

Restorative dentistry clinical decision-making for hypodontia: peg and missing lateral incisor teeth

Peg-shaped and missing lateral incisor teeth are common features for patients affected by hypodontia. While improvements in dental appearance may be a strong motivating factor for these patients, providing dental treatment to improve the clinical condition and achieve an acceptable and stable outcome can be complex and lengthy.For patients affected by hypodontia, discussion and consideration of various approaches to their individual treatment are best achieved in a multidisciplinary team environment. This allows debate of options and joint agreement between at least orthodontic and restorative dentistry specialist colleagues, based largely on clinical factors, towards a treatment plan that is acceptable to the patient. As most patients with this lateral incisor form of hypodontia are initially treated as teenagers and young adults, there is also an understanding that treatment outcomes will have lifelong maintenance and resource implications to consider.This paper identifies and discusses the key clinical features that influence the treatment planning process for a patient with either missing or peg lateral incisor teeth. These will often involve consideration of whether to open or close the lateral incisor spaces and whether to restore or replace a peg lateral incisor tooth. The process should be patient-centred, evidence-based, and aim to minimise the lifelong treatment burden, retaining options for future maintenance and retreatment.

Restorative dentistry in the young cleft patient

This clinical paper outlines the role of the restorative consultant in the treatment of young cleft lip and palate patients up to the end of their cleft package of care on their 22nd birthday. The multidisciplinary nature of the care is highlighted, including the role of the general dental practitioner in caring for cleft patients in primary care. The various clinical treatment modalities used in this patient group are described with an emphasis on minimally invasive and adhesive approaches. The role of dental implants and removable prostheses are described. Considerations for long-term maintenance, much of which will take place in primary care, are also included.

Multidisciplinary management of missing maxillary central incisors in children and adolescents

Missing maxillary central incisors can impact a patient's psychological wellbeing and smile aesthetics. Comprehensive management of such cases requires a multidisciplinary team approach, often involving orthodontic, paediatric and restorative dental teams. This paper summarises the various management options for these complex patients.

When (and when not) to use the Dahl Concept

The Dahl Concept describes the re-establishment of occlusal contacts after the provision of a planned localised appliance or restoration in supraocclusion. Initially developed to create space for prosthetic rehabilitation of anterior teeth suffering from localised wear, the principle has later been successfully applied to a variety of situations, including the Hall technique and resin-bonded bridges cemented in supraocclusion. Despite high levels of success seen in the relevant literature and widespread adoption in specialist care, the wider profession appears to be far more cautious in its use. This article aims to provide a brief summary of the Dahl Concept and discuss the local and general factors that influence its successful implementation in the hope of promoting its increased adoption by the broader dental profession.

How long does it take for the occlusion to re-establish following the placement of restorations at an increased occlusal vertical dimension? A literature review

Purpose This literature review aimed to investigate predictability of re-establishment of the occlusion following placement of restorations at an increased OVD, duration and to assess the quality of the available evidence.Methods An electronic search of articles using MEDLINE (1946-01/2019), EMBASE (1974-01/2019) and the Cochrane databases was undertaken. Search terms included dental restoration, vertical dimension and time. Studies involving placement of restorations at an increased OVD and recorded the time taken for the occlusion to re-establish were included. Eligibility assessments were carried out independently by two reviewers who also undertook independent extraction of predefined data fields, including study quality indicators.Results The search provided 61 results with 11 being relevant. A further 5 papers were identified for full text analysis. 4 papers used similar data from previous studies and 3 were excluded after full text assessment.. A final total of 9 papers were included in the review. It was indicated that the technique of placing restorations at an increased OVD appears to be clinically predictable in terms of re-establishment of occlusion and appears to occur most rapidly in younger patients.Conclusions The time taken for the occlusion to re-establish was between 15 days to 24 months. However, there is a need for prospective studies to evaluate the process in terms of success, predictive variables and specifically how long the process takes and this information would be helpful for both clinicians and patients, so that they know what to expect before embarking on a treatment.

Distribution of congenitally missing teeth and treatment options for the lower second premolars in patients referred to special care

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to evaluate the distribution of congenitally missing teeth and the treatment provided for congenitally missing lower second premolars in an eleven-year cohort of patients referred to a publicly funded source of specialist care.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, register-based cohort study. Search for patients referred to a publicly funded source of specialist care based on ICD10 diagnosis code K00.00 (partial anodontia) and treatment codes EBA00, EBA05, EBA10, EBA12, EBB10 and EBB20 during the period 1.1.2009-27.10.2019 yielded 232 patients (151 females, 81 males), of whom 218, born in 1941-2009, were eligible. Data collected from medical files were presented in the form of descriptive statistics and analysed using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

The 218 subjects possessed 876 congenitally missing teeth (males 307, females 569) (third molars excluded). The most common missing teeth were upper second premolars and lateral incisors, and lower second premolars and central incisors. No difference in laterality was found. Statistically significant associations were found between the choice of treatment and both the patient's age at referral and the patient's year of birth. Most common treatment for adult patients (age 18-56 years) was placement of an implant (67%), while autotransplantation (11%) was the preferred option for children at the mixed dentition stage (age 9-15 years).

CONCLUSIONS

The congenitally missing teeth most commonly involved in referrals of patients to publicly funded specialist care were lower second premolars. The most frequent treatment was insertion of an implant for adults and autotransplantation at the mixed dentition stage.

Comparative Evaluation of Stress Acting on Abutment, Bone, and Connector of Different Designs of Acid-Etched Resin-Bonded Fixed Partial Dentures: Finite Element Analysis

Background: Finite element analysis (FEA) is one of the best methods for evaluating the stress distribution of restorations, such as fixed partial dentures. The development of resin cement has transformed prosthesis bonding and retention properties. Resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPD) have been considered minimally invasive treatment options for the prosthetic rehabilitation of single missing teeth.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress load and distribution in four different designs of acid-etched RBFPDs using FEA.

Materials and Methods: The designs included standard tooth preparation principles and additional features. The first premolar and first molar abutments replaced the missing second premolar. Designs 1, 2, 3, and 4 included (1) lingual wings and occlusal rests; (2) wings and proximal slices; (3) wings, rests, and grooves; and (4) wings, rests, grooves, and occlusal coverage. The prepared models were restored with RBFPDs. A load of 100 N was applied to the central groove of the pontic to simulate occlusal forces. The materials used in the models were considered to be isotropic, homogeneous, and linearly elastic. FEA was used to reveal stresses acting on the abutment, bone, and connector in all prosthesis designs.

Results: The stresses transmitted to the abutment and bones were lowest for design 3, using wings, rests, and grooves. The stresses acting on the connector were the weakest in design 2. The stresses transmitted to the abutment and bone were highest in designs 1 and 4. The stresses transmitted to the connector were highest in design 3.

Conclusion: The wings, rests, and grooves design is possibly the ideal and conservative tooth preparation design to receive a posterior RBFPD. This design transmits less stress to the abutments and less bone resorption in the FEA. It is most likely to be successful in the clinical provision and ensures the longevity of the prosthesis.

Debonding of cast metal-based cantilever and fixed-fixed resin-retained bridgework: A review of the literature

AIM

Cast metal-based resin-retained bridgework (RRB) offers a practical, conservative approach when restoring edentulous spaces. This review examines the debonding of cast metal-based RRB, comparing cantilever resin-retained bridgework (CRRB) and fixed-fixed resin-retained bridgework (FRRB) designs taking into context developments in RRB design, construction, and cementation over time.

METHODS

An electronic search was conducted through Medline and Embase with the aid of Boolean operators to combine the following key words: "adhesive bridges", "resin-bonded bridges", "resin-retained bridges", "resin-bonded fixed partial dentures", "cantilever", "debond", "fixed-fixed", "decementation", "failure", "success", "outcome", "longevity" and "survival". The search was limited to peer-reviewed articles written in English and published from 1995 through to 2019.

MAIN FINDINGS

Thirty-one studies were included. Five studies compared the longevity of CRRB versus FRRB, five assessed the clinical performance of CRRBs alone, and 21 studies assessed the clinical performance of FRRBs. There was great variability in study design and the reporting of clinical outcomes, and an analysis and critique of the included papers is provided. Overall, CRRB tend to debond less and hence provide longer-term and more reliable clinical service when compared to FRRB.

PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS

More high-level, long-term, prospective and clinical controlled trials are required to further analyse and evaluate the long-term outcomes of cast metal-based RRB.

Predictable bonding of adhesive indirect restorations: factors for success

Adhesive indirect restorations are a popular restorative treatment option. This article discusses the many factors that contribute to their successful adhesive cementation, including a review of how to surface treat and manage contaminants across the wide range of indirect materials available.

Critiques the current various adhesive strategies used by resin cements at the tooth tissue interface.

Describes how to prepare the fitting surface of a wide range of restorative materials for adhesive cementation.

Discusses how to mitigate against contaminants during the adhesive cementation process.

Survival Rates of Anterior-Region Resin-Bonded Fixed Dental Prostheses: An Integrative Review

This study aimed to review clinical publications involving anterior-region resin-bonded fixed partial dentures to evaluate their survival rates vis-à-vis their materials and design. An electronic search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE to identify articles that reported on the longevity of anterior resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses published between 2000 and 2020. Only primary clinical studies that involved a follow-up after at least 3 years were included in this review. A statistical analysis was performed to evaluate resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses’ survival rates in relation to their materials and design. This review ultimately included 23 clinical publications, comprising prospective studies, retrospective studies, and randomized controlled trials. Its statistical analysis estimated the studied prostheses’ 5-year survival rate at 86.2% for metal-framed prostheses, 87.9% for zirconia prostheses, 93.3% for alumina prostheses, 100% for glass or ceramic prostheses, and 81.7% for fiber-reinforced composite restorations. Failure rates did not significantly differ between the different material groups or between the single- and double-retainer groups. Resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses present excellent 5-year clinical longevity in the anterior sector and a favorable benefit/risk/cost ratio. Currently, no consensus has been established on an ideal material for these restorations. Cantilever design tends to limit constraints on the prostheses’ retainers and, thus, increases their survival time. All-ceramic cantilever fixed partial dentures can be considered as a definitive therapy, given their high success and survival rates. They are an optimal solution for adolescents or young adults facing potentially continuous growth.

Tooth replacement options for partially dentate older adults: a survival analysis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the success of two different tooth replacement strategies for partially dentate older adults; namely resin bonded bridgework (RBB) provided to restore patients according to the principles of the shortened dental arch concept (SDA) and conventional full-arch rehabilitation with removable dental prostheses (RDPs).

METHODS

A randomised controlled clinical trial (RCT) was conducted with partially dentate adults aged 65 years or older. Each patient from the RDP group had all missing natural teeth replaced with cobalt-chromium framework RDPs. Each patient from the SDA group was restored to 10 occluding pairs of natural and replacement teeth using RBB. Patients were followed-up at 6, 12, 24, 36 months. Success rates were generated according to defined success criteria. Log-rank tests and Cox's proportional hazard models were used to compare the success of the two treatment strategies.

RESULTS

After 36 months, 89 patients completed the RCT; n = 45 in the RDP group and n = 44 in the SDA group. The overall success rate of the SDA treatment was 90.4% compared to 73.0% for RDPs (p = 0.005). In the upper arch SDA treatment was 100% successful compared to 86.4% for RDPs (p = 0.019). In the lower arch, lower success rates were reported for both the SDA treatment (80.0%) and RDPs (60.0%) (p = 0.054). Further analyses with cox's proportional hazard models demonstrated that SDA treatment was significantly more successful than RDPs (Hazard Ratio: 2.47, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

After 36 months SDA treatment using RBB was significantly more successful than RDPs used for conventional full-arch rehabilitation in partially dentate older adults.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Functionally orientated treatment according to the principles of the SDA is a feasible alternative to RDPs for partially dentate older patients. SDA treatment using RBB can achieve higher success rates compared to RDPs in this patient group.

Functionally Orientated Tooth Replacement for Older Patients

Across the globe the population is ageing. In addition, older patients are retaining increasing numbers of natural teeth into old age. Therefore, clinicians are faced with the challenges of managing chronic dental diseases, including caries and periodontal disease, alongside replacing missing units. A number of treatment options are available to replace missing teeth for such patients with large numbers currently receiving removable partial dentures. Alternative approaches to treatment should be considered for this population group, including functionally orientated tooth replacement according to the principles of the shortened dental arch concept. In correctly chosen cases, this approach can provide patients with an acceptable, functional and aesthetic reduced dentition. Additionally, evidence suggests that such an approach can significantly reduce the maintenance burden for patients and clinicians which can ultimately deliver a more cost effective solution compared to removable alternatives.

Is 'Digital Dentistry' Dangerous for Teeth? Problems Associated with Zirconia and CAD/CAM Restorations

The increasing prescription of metal-free dental restorations has come about as a result of various patient demands and somewhat narcissistic expectations. However, some dental professionals have contributed to the rise in popularity of these materials and techniques. This article highlights the potential pitfalls of undertaking inherently destructive procedures, particularly when performed for questionable "cosmetic" reasons.

External cervical resorption: part 2 - management

Effective management of external cervical resorption (ECR) depends on accurate assessment of the true nature and accessibility of ECR; this has been discussed in part 1 of this 2 part article. This aim of this article was firstly, to review the literature in relation to the management of ECR and secondly, based on the available evidence, describe different strategies for the management of ECR. In cases where ECR is supracrestal, superficial and with limited circumferential spread, a surgical repair without root canal treatment is the preferred approach. With more extensive ECR lesions, vital pulp therapy or root canal treatment may also be indicated. Internal repair is indicated where there is limited resorptive damage to the external aspect of the tooth and/or where an external (surgical) approach is not possible due to the inaccessible nature of subcrestal ECR. In these cases, root canal treatment will also need to be carried out. Intentional reimplantation is indicated in cases where a surgical or internal approach is not practical. An atraumatic extraction technique and short extraoral period followed by 2-week splinting are important prognostic factors. Periodic reviews may be indicated in cases where active management is not pragmatic. Finally, extraction of the affected tooth may be the only option in untreatable cases where there are aesthetic, functional and/or symptomatic issues.

Resin-Bonded Bridges – the Problem or the Solution? Part 2: Practical Techniques

This is the second part of this two-part series. The first paper discussed key aspects of case selection, planning and design of resin-bonded bridges (RBBs). This paper outlines the important clinical stages involved in the successful provision of RBBs, including communication with the dental laboratory, clinical protocols and management of the de-bonded RBB. Clinical relevance: This paper aims to provide the general dental practitioner with a practical guide to the successful provision of RBBs, highlighting common barriers to successful treatment and how these may be overcome.

Resin-Bonded Bridges--Can We Cement Them 'High'?

Controversy exists surrounding resin-bonded bridges (RBBs), particularly with regards to abutment preparation. Should the abutments be prepared? If the abutments are prepared what design should be adopted? If there is to be no preparation, will there be space for the restoration? Many factors need consideration when planning for this treatment. This article aims to explore the effect of abutment preparation. In this regard, a literature review was conducted to present the latest available evidence. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Minimal intervention is key in modern dentistry, so clinicians must be able to make confident decisions in the provision of minimally invasive treatments like the RBB and be aware of the latest evidence.

A prospective study of the performance of resin bonded bridgework in patients with hypodontia

Congenital absence of teeth presents a number of clinical challenges in young patients, and little is known about the success rate of restorative dental treatment in these patients. The aim of this study was to conduct a prospective clinical study of the performance of resin bonded bridges in patients with hypodontia.

METHODS

A prospective clinical observation study was undertaken in Cork Dental School and Hospital, Ireland. Forty patients (22 males, 18 females; age range 18-21 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of hypodontia rated as mild (n=26), moderate (n=8) or severe (n=6) participated. Following completion of the orthodontic phase of care, all patients had missing teeth restored with resin bonded bridgework (RBB) using a standardised protocol (48 FF; 17CL design). Patients were followed up for 24 months, with recall visits at 6, 12 and 24 months following provision of RBBs.

RESULTS

65 RBBs were provided, 49 in the maxilla and 16 in the mandible; 43 bridges replaced anterior teeth and 22 replaced posterior teeth. After 24 months, 63 bridges were still in function and deemed to satisfy the preset criteria for success and survival. Two posterior bridges had failed due to repeated debond, and this was attributed to occlusal overload. 20% of the patients demonstrated some evidence of post orthodontic relapse, but this did not require further intervention.

CONCLUSION

In the short to medium term, resin bonded bridgework provides a reliable and minimally invasive solution for replacing missing teeth in patients with hypodontia.