THE SINGLE-UNIT, SINGLE RETAINER, CANTILEVER RESIN-BONDED BRIDGE

Resin-bonded restorations have many advantages over conventional alter natives. Advances in adhesive technology together with a better unders tanding of the clinical function of such restorations have allowed res in-bonded bridges to play an important role in everyday clinical pract ice. This paper highlights the role and importance of the single abutm ent, single pontic cantilever resin-bonded bridge. Clinical experience might suggest that the cantilever design offers a viable alternative to other designs. Furthermore, the paper suggests that when cantilever resin-bonded bridges fail initially, re-bond often leads to predictab le long-term success. Factors such as patient selection, abutment prep aration, retainer design and the aesthetic limitations of resin-bonded bridges are also discussed. The authors can claim that further clinic al studies are necessary to identify exactly what factors influence th e success of cantilever and other resin-bonded designs.