Resin-bonded fixed partial dentures, without definitive tooth preparat
ion and current resinous cements and perceptive treatment, have had an
inordinate number of dislodgments in initial restorative efforts. A l
ongitudinal examination of resin-bonded prostheses was performed after
a mean observation time exceeding 6 years. To prevent stress fatigue
fractures of the cement bondings, one proximal groove was prepared in
dentin for each anterior abutment and the inner surfaces of the framew
orks were silicoated. Five of 34 prostheses debonded, and the bond str
ength between resin and high gold alloys was too low to resist fatigue
fractures during this study. The results of this study and other repo
rts suggested a need for increased retention and resistance form of th
e frameworks to improve longevity of resin-bonded prostheses.