A Literature Review of Two-Unit Cantilevered FPDs

Purpose: This review article evaluated the clinical performance of two-unit cantilevered, single-abutment, single-pontic, resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (FPDs) by comparing them to noncantilevered resin-bonded FPDs with two abutments and a single pontic. Materials and Methods: One publication on design principles and 11 clinical research studies were selected by searching two databases. Results: Six of the studies dealt exclusively with two-unit cantilevered resin-bonded FPDs, and five studies compared fixed-fixed design resin-bonded partial dentures with cantilevered resin-bonded FPDs. Two-unit cantilevered resin-bonded FPDs for singletooth replacement appear to be reliable and predictable restorations, provided their preparations meet the right standards. Conclusion: According to the studies reviewed, two-unit cantilevered FPDs show better longevity than resin-bonded fixedfixed partial dentures in similar situations.