Zirconia Ceramic Single-Retainer Resin-Bonded Fixed Dental Prostheses (RBFDPs) After 4 Years of Clinical Service: A Retrospective Clinical and Volumetric Study

The aim of this study was a retrospective assessment of the up to 8-year clinical outcomes of zirconia ceramic single-retainer resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs). Fifteen subjects (9 women, 6 men) with 15 anterior zirconia ceramic RBFDPs were included. The RBFDPs replaced 5 maxillary central incisors, 7 maxillary lateral incisors, and 3 mandibular lateral incisors. The patients willing to participate were recalled and the survival of the RBFDPs was assessed. The technical outcome was evaluated with modified United States Public Health Service criteria. Fracture and/or chipping of the restoration, occlusal wear, marginal adaptation, marginal discoloration, shape, surface texture, and esthetic integration were recorded. Biologic parameters were assessed, including vitality, probing pocket depth, gingival recession, plaque control record, bleeding on probing, and periodontal mobility. Data were descriptively analyzed using a paired t test (P .05). Fifteen subjects with 15 RBFDPs were examined after a mean follow-up period of 53.3 months (SD, 23 months). No catastrophic failures occurred. The 4-year survival rate was 100%. Two early debondings occurred with successful recementation. No chipping of the veneering ceramic occurred. No differences in biologic outcomes between test and control teeth were found. The zirconia ceramic RBFDPs exhibited excellent clinical results in anterior regions and had a positive effect on the esthetic outcomes of the pontic regions.