Introduction
One of the disadvantages of a conventional fixed
partial denture with either full veneer or partial
veneer crown retainers is the destruction of tooth
structure required for the abutment preparations.
Various solutions for this problem have been
tried through the years, which are:
Inlay retainers
Unilateral removable partial dentures
A cantilever fixed partial denture
Resin –retained FPD have had variable popularity
since the technique of splinting lower anteriors with
perforated metal casting was described by Rochette in
1973.
As an alternative to conventional metal –ceramic
FPD’s.
The development of acid etching of enamel to improve
the retention of resin, first described by Buonocore in
1955 .
Means of attaching fixed partial dentures to teeth by
less destructive means.
Ibsen first described the attachment of an
acrylic resin pontic to an unprepared tooth
using a composite bonding resin.
The advent of electrolytic etching of metal to
provide micromechanical retention for metal
adhesion to enamel has led to the broad
application of such bridges.
DESIGN CONCEPTS
The underlying principle for these
restorations has always been that it is
necessary to cover as much enamel surface
as possible, as long as occlusion, esthetics,
or periodontal health are not compromised
General Principles of Design
Creation of a distinct path of insertion for the
restoration by a sequence of modifications to
the enamel contours of the abutment teeth.
The restoration should not be displaced or
rocked in any direction by occlusal forces.
The bonding of the alloy to the tooth structure
allows the casting to be supported by the tooth
structure.
Posterior design principles
A distinct path of A distinct path of
insertion must be insertion must be
created in an created in an
occlusogingival occlusogingival
direction. direction.
Proximal resistance form must be created.
i.e. extend buccally beyond the distobuccal
and mesiobuccal line angles of the respective
abutments.
Maximum bonding area obtained with the
proximal and lingual modifications, which
lower the height of contour.
Proximal Proximal
"wrap-around" "wrap-around"
should be should be
obtainedobtained.
Some form of occlusal rest is Some form of occlusal rest is
required on each abutment of a required on each abutment of a
posterior resin-bonded restorationposterior resin-bonded restoration
Create knife-edge gingival margins on
posterior abutment teeth with supragingival
margin.
Anterior Design Principles
The same general principles for retention as
does the posterior retainer. The modifications
made to the enamel of abutment teeth are
much more subtle than those used in the
posterior region.
A distinct path of insertion
Extension of the framework over the marginal
ridge not involved with the edentulous space
as well as over the marginal ridge lingual to
the connector.
Modification of each abutment to create a
distinct cingulum notch.
Advatages
Minimal Tooth Preparation
Minimal potential for pulpal trauma
No Anesthetic Needed
Supragingival Margins
Easy impression making
Provisional not usually required
Reduced chair time
Unaltered casts without removable dies
Reduced Cost
Rebonding Possible
DISADVANTAGES
Irreversible
Uncertain Longevity
Enamel modification is required
No Space Correction
Good Alignment of abutment is required
Plaque accumulation can occur
Difficult Temporization
Patients expectation of esthetics is high
Graying out of teeth
Dependence on laboratory
Esthetics is compromised on posterior teeth
INDICATIONS
Replacement of missing anterior teeth in
children and adolescents
Caries-free Abutment Teeth/ Unrestored
abutments
Mandibular Incisor Replacements
Maxillary Incisor Replacements
Periodontal Splints
Stabilizing dentition after orthodontics
Prolonged placement of interim prosthesis
Single Posterior Tooth Replacements
Significant clinical crown length