Background: Two-unit cantilevered resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPDs) have higher retention rates over longer span fixed-fixed RBFPDs. It has been hypothesized that interabutment stresses associated with fixed-fixed designs cause prosthesis debonds therefore for the replacement of molar-sized and longer spans, non-rigid connectors have been used to allow independent movement between two abutment teeth.
Objectives: This preliminary study evaluates the clinical longevity and subjects' satisfaction of three-unit fixed-movable (FM3) RBFPDs provided at a dental teaching hospital.
Materials and methods: Subjects who had received FM3 RBFPD(s) in the posterior region were clinically reviewed for complications. History of any debonds and subjects' satisfaction to the prosthesis was recorded. Time-to-debond (retention rate) and time-to-loss (survival rate) of these prostheses were presented in life tables.
Results: Ninety-eight prostheses in 84 subjects were examined. Their mean service life was 31.8 months (SD 11.5, range 3-67 months). Twenty-two prostheses had a history of debond, resulting in a retention proportion of 77.6%; seventeen of these were rebonded and still present at the time of review. One prosthesis was lost after extraction of a periodontally-involved abutment tooth, giving a survival proportion of 93.9%. High subject satisfaction and no adverse outcome were reported.
Conclusion: Three-unit fixed-movable RBFPDs have a shorter success than two-unit cantilevered RBFPDs. However, non-rigid connectors allow the possibility of rebonding giving satisfactory short-term survival rate. Further research is needed to investigate their long-term efficacy.
Clinical significance: Three-unit fixed-movable RBFPDs incorporating non-rigid connectors may be a feasible option for replacement of molar-size pontic in the posterior region.
Keywords: Connectors; Dental prosthesis retention; Fixed-movable; Longevity; Non-rigid; Patient satisfaction; Resin bonded bridge.
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