Clinical evaluation of conventional cantilever and resin bonded cantilever fixed partial dentures: a comparative study

Ever since the introduction of the minimal preparation fixed partial dentures, the major concern of the clinicians has been its longevity. The objective of the present study was to compare the clinical performance of resin bonded cantilever bridges with conventional cantilever bridges for a period of 1 year and to evaluate the periodontal changes of abutment teeth using radio visio graphy. Fourteen patients with missing first or second premolar were selected for the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups, conventional cantilever group and resin bonded cantilever group. The results were analyzed using Student's t test and Mann-Whitney U test. The clinical success rate for both the groups was 100%. The amount of bone loss at 6 months for conventional group was 0.11 mm and for resin bonded bridge group was 0.10 mm. The amount of bone loss at 1 year for conventional cantilever group was 0.14 mm and for resin bonded fixed partial denture group was 0.16 mm. There was no statistical difference between both the groups. The results showed that the resin bonded cantilever bridges can be used for the treatment of missing posterior tooth.