Clinical evaluation of anterior all-ceramic resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses

Objectives: All-ceramic resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) were introduced as a conservative treatment many years ago. The purpose of this study was to evaluate for 8 years the clinical survival of RBFDPs made with a conventional tworetainer design. Method and Materials: A total of 54 anterior RBFDPs were made from the glass-infiltrated alumina ceramic In-Ceram. The restorations were placed in 49 patients, aged 18 to 60 years, by a single operator using the same clinical procedure. The restorations were examined for debonding, fracture rate, caries, and patient acceptance. All restorations were examined clinically at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 years after placement. Results: At 8 years, the success rate was 85.18%. Patient acceptance was very encouraging and dental caries were not detected with any abutment. Two restorations debonded during the evaluation period and fracture of porcelain occurred in six restorations (two total fractures and four partial fractures). Conclusion: All-ceramic RBFDPs made from high-strength oxide ceramics offer an effective conservative treatment for replacing anterior teeth. Keywords: clinical performance, esthetics, fracture, In-Ceram system, resin-bonded FDP