Survival of zirconia resin retained bridges without tooth preparation
Zirconia, Resin-bonded bridge, Cantilever, No-prep, Adhesive dentistry, Minimally invasive prosthodontics.
AuthorAbstractPurpose: To evaluate the 5-year clinical performance of no-preparation zirconia cantilever resin-bonded fixed dentalprostheses (RBFDPs) and assess their viability as a non-invasivealternative to conventional tooth replacement strategies. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients received single-unitcantilever RBFDPs fabricated from 3Y-TZP zirconia using astandardized digital workflow. No enamel reduction wasperformed on abutment teeth. Prostheses were bonded usingMDP-containing adhesive systems following airborne-particleabrasion at 2.5 bar pressure. Clinical assessments wereconducted at baseline, 3 months, and 5 years. Survival analysiswas performed using Kaplan–Meier methodology. Patient demographics, technical complications, biological integrity, andsatisfaction were recorded. Results: At a median follow-up of 63 months, the survival ratewas 97%. One failure occurred due to connector fracture in acanine replacement. No debonding, marginal staining, secondarycaries, or chipping was observed. Composite bonding was usedin 63% of cases to optimize guide planes and aesthetics. Seatingjigs were employed in selected cases to facilitate accurateplacement. Conclusion: No-prep zirconia cantilever RBFDPs demonstratepromising mid-term survival and technical reliability,comparable to prepared zirconia and metal-ceramic alternatives.These findings support the feasibility of a non-invasiverestorative approach, aligning with contemporary principles ofenamel preservation and patient-centred care. Clinical Significance: This study provides clinical evidence thatzirconia RBFDPs can be successfully delivered withoutabutment tooth preparation, offering a minimally invasive,aesthetically favourable, and cost-effective alternative toimplants and conventional fixed prostheses.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ejprd.org - Published by Riset Publication Services LLC
EJPRD
Copyright ©2026 by Riset Publication Services LLC