Direct Fiber‐Reinforced Interim Fixed Partial Dentures: Six‐Year Survival Study

Purpose Mechanical and optical studies of glass fiber composites have revealed great resistance and satisfactory bonds between the glass fibers and composite resins. This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term survival of anterior and posterior direct glass fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) fixed partial dentures (FPD). Materials and Methods Twenty‐three patients (9 men, 14 women) aged 18 to 67 received 23 d‐FRC‐FPDs. The frameworks of the FPDs were unidirectional pre‐impregnated glass fibers (ever Stick C&B). The retainers were inlay composite resin retainers (n1 = 19) and composite resin wings (n2 = 4). The FPD that used inlay retainers and composite resin wing retainers was called the hybrid design. The mean follow‐up period was 4.91 years with 12‐month check‐ups performed by two independent operators. The survival rates of the glass fiber FPDs were determined. Results Six‐year survival rates for the two types of FPDs were 94.7% for the inlay retainer type versus 25% for the hybrid type, with a statistically significant difference (log‐rank test χ2(1) = 11.422, p = 0.001). The inlay retainers were functional, with only one patient with a fracture line in the connector held by the glass fibers. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were drawn to show the difference between the two types of retainers. Conclusion According to the results of this study, these long‐term interim FRC‐FPD were resistant enough to allow mastication, minimally invasive and also esthetic, with inlay composite retainers as the better solution.