THE CLINICAL-PERFORMANCE OF CANTILEVERED RESIN-BONDED BRIDGEWORK

Objectives: The technique of resin-bonded bridgework is a well-accepte d clinical technique to replace missing teeth. This study assesses the clinical performance of cantilevered resin-bonded bridgework provided in a university teaching hospital environment. Methods: One-hundred a nd twelve patients who had a total of 142 cantilevered bridges were ei ther examined or completed a questionnaire regarding their bridgework. The following data were recorded for each resin-bonded bridge: gender of patient, age at bridge cementation, date of initial cementation, t ooth replaced, abutment(s) involved, and grade of clinician responsibl e for the provision of the bridge. Details of the incidence of debondi ng with date(s) and the subsequent treatment in relation to the debond ed resin-bonded bridge were recorded. The subjects examined indicated their degree of satisfaction with their bridgework on a visual analogu e scale. Results: There were 112 patients with a total of 142 bridges, 116 (82%) maxillary and 26 (18%) mandibular. The mean length of clini cal service was 36.2 months (s.d. 17.2 months). Only single pontics we re included in the bridges, with almost half (49%) replacing a lateral incisor. Of the cantilever resin-bonded bridges studied, 88% remained bonded over the period of the study. A success rate of 94% is reporte d. Conclusion: This study confirms the clinical success of cantilever resin-bonded bridges particularly in the replacement of maxillary late ral incisors, maxillary premolar and permanent mandibular teeth. Copyr ight (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.