A Retrospective Clinical Multicenter Study of Single Retainer Glass-Ceramic Resin Bonded Fixed Dental Prostheses and Implant-Supported Single Crowns in the Esthetic Zone.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the 3-8-year survival, complication, esthetics, and patient- reported outcomes of single retainer glass-ceramic resin bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs), and implant supported single crowns (ISSCs).

Materials and methods: A retrospective multicenter study including 48 participants with 66 single retainer lithium disilicate RBFDPs and 45 participants with 53 ISSCs in the anterior or premolar position. A clinical and radiographical examination including esthetic evaluation using White and Pink Esthetic Score index (PES and WES) were performed. Participants completed the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14) and a visual analogue scale VAS, to evaluate subjective treatment outcomes.

Results: The mean follow up was 50 months for RBFDPs and 73 months for ISSCs. There was a statistically significant difference in 5-year survival rates for RBFDPs 87.9% and ISSCs 96.7% and 100% for implants (P=.012). There was also a statistically significant difference in survival rates for RBFDPs between the clinics (P = .015). The RBFDP group had 15% technical complications (one debonding and nine fatal fractures), and the ISSCs had 11.3% technical (four extensive and two minor ceramic fractures) and 5.6% biological complications. The WES evaluation was statistically significantly better for RBFDPs than for the ISSCs (P=.002) but, no statistical difference was present in PES evaluation (P=.47). All participants were satisfied according to OHIP-14 and VAS except for two with ISSCs.

Conclusions: ISSCs had a higher survival rate than the RBFDPs, however a correctly designed single retainer glass-ceramic lithium disilicate RBFDP is a viable treatment when ISSC is not indicated.