Clinical and scanning electron microscopic evaluation of fiber-reinforced inlay fixed partial dentures: preliminary results after one year.

Abstract

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Restorative dentistry searches for nonmetal reinforcement of esthetic fixed partial dentures (FPDs). PURPOSE: This clinical study evaluated conservative fiber-reinforced composite FPDs bonded to inlay abutments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty fiber-reinforced composite inlay FPDs were made for 15 patients. Restorations were manufactured with the Targis Vectris glass-fiber-reinforced composite system and a simplified laboratory technique. The 20 bonded inlay FPDs were examined clinically and by SEM after 1 year. RESULTS: All 20 FPDs were intact at the 1-year examination. There were no signs of fracture, surface defects, or excessive wear with SEM. SEM marginal analysis exhibited 91.6% +/- 5% excellent margins at the tooth-luting composite interface and 86. 1% +/- 8% excellent margins at luting composite/restoration interface. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the results of this descriptive study, bonded glass-fiber-reinforced composite inlay FPDs were considered clinically successful at the 1-year examination.