Research Information System
36th Annual Conference of the European Prosthodontic Association, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 6 - 08 September 2012, pp.106-107
Objectives: This clinical study evaluated the clinical performance of indirect, surface-retained fiber-
reinforced composite (FRC) fixed dental prosthesis (FDP). Methods: Between September-2011 and
May-2012, 13 patients (9 females, 4 males, 17-60 years old, mean age: 36.5) received a total number of
13 indirect FRC FDP at the Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. All restorations were made indirectly
using E-glass woven fibers (Interlig, Angelus) in combination with resin composite (Gradia, GC), and
bonded using resin cement (Choice 2, Bisco). FRC FDPs were made in the anterior segment of the
maxilla (n=9) and the mandible (n=4). No cavity preparations were made on the abutment teeth. The
restorations were made at the dental laboratory by one dental technician. Before cementation, enamel
surfaces were cleaned with pumice and etched with 38% H3PO4 for 30 seconds, rinsed 30 seconds.
Then adhesive resin was applied accordingly. After baseline recordings, patients were followed every 3
months according to previously defined criteria. Patients were also instructed to call upon experience
of a failure. Two calibrated operators performed additional qualitative analysis using modified USPHS
criteria. Results: Mean observation period was 7 months with a maximum of 9 months. Altogether, one
absolute failure in the form of fracture was observed in the maxilla due to trauma where the pontic was
12. This FRC FDP was renewed using the same protocol. According to USPHS criteria, no delamination
of the veneering composite or debonding of the restoration from the enamel surface was experienced.
Secondary caries and endodontic complications did not occur in any of the teeth. Conclusion: Except
one failure, preliminary clinical findings of 13 case series with surface-retained indirect FRC FDPs
demonstrated promising results up to maximum 9 months.