Resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures: A clinical study

Statement of problem. Resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures (FPDs) have been under development for some time. There is a lack of data regarding the clinical usefulness of such prostheses. Purpose. The clinical performance of 31 resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforce d composite filed partial dentures was evaluated ill a preliminary study. Material and methods. The prostheses were made to replace 1 to 3 missing ma xillary or mandibular teeth in each of 31 patients. The prostheses had a fr amework made of continuous unidirectional E-glass fibers with multiphase po lymer matrix and light-polymerized particulate composite resin veneering. T he prostheses were examined after 6-month periods for up to 24 months (mean follow-up time was 14 months). partial or total debonding of the prosthese s or the framework fracture was considered a treatment failure. Results. Two prostheses debonded during the follow-up period; 1 debonding w as related to improper occlusal adjustment and the other to unknown reasons . Kaplan-Meier survival probability at 24 months was 93%. No framework frac tures were observed. Conclusion. The results of this preliminary study suggest that the resin-bo nded, glass fiber-reinforced FPDs map be an alternative For resin-bonded FP Ds with a cast metal framework.