Technique tips: information for patients receiving resin-bonded bridges

Designs for resin-bonded bridges (also known as resin-retained bridges) have evolved since their first incarnation as the Rochette bridge, progressing to the Maryland design in order to improve micromechanical retention and longevity of the bridge.¹ Resin cements allow chemical adhesion of the wings to the etched enamel of the tooth, but mechanical retention is also desirable to help protect the bond. In this regard, it is also important to consider that any bridge should rely more on the preparation of the tooth and shape of the units, rather than the cement used.¹

The choice of material and design should be made for the patient, depending on the purpose of bridge, the occlusion, previous treatment and anatomy of the teeth (both crown and roots). Traditionally, resin-bonded bridges are minimally invasive so, in many situations, these present a good treatment option for replacing missing teeth for functional or aesthetic reasons, with minimal compromise to the abutment teeth.¹ A recent publication has indicated good survival rates for resin-bonded bridges.² Other evidence suggests that resin-bonded bridge survival at 5 years is 87%, with failures mostly due to debonding, especially anteriorly.^3,4 Biological complications, such as periodontitis or caries, also caused failure, but these statistically were much lower than debonding.^3,4