The clinical performance of cantilevered resin-bonded bridgework

Objectives: The technique of resin-bonded bridgework is a well-accepted clinical technique to replace missing teeth. This study assesses the clinical performance of cantilevered resin-bonded bridgework provided in a university teaching hospital environment. Methods: One-hundred and twelve patients who had a total of 142 cantilevered bridges were either examined or completed a questionnaire regarding their bridgework. The following data were recorded for each resin-bonded bridge: gender of patient, age at bridge cementation, date of initial cementation, tooth replaced, abutment(s) involved, and grade of clinician responsible for the provision of the bridge. Details of the incidence of debonding with date(s) and the subsequent treatment in relation to the debonded resin-bonded bridge were recorded. The subjects examined indicated their degree of satisfaction with their bridgework on a visual analogue scale. Results: There were 112 patients with a total of 142 bridges, 116 (82%) maxillary and 26 (18%) mandibular. The mean length of clinical service was 36.2 months (s.d. 17.2 months). Only single pontics were included in the bridges, with almost half (49%) replacing a lateral incisor. Of the cantilever resin-bonded bridges studied, 88% remained bonded over the period of the study. A success rate of 94% is reported. Conclusion: This study confirms the clinical success of cantilever resin-bonded bridges particularly in the replacement of maxillary lateral incisors, maxillary premolar and permanent mandibular teeth.