Clinical evaluation of direct composite versus zirconia resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses for a single missing anterior tooth: A short-term multicenter retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the outcome of a simplified direct composite resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses without reinforcing fibers (CR-RBFDP) and resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses using zirconia (Zr-RBFDP). METHODS: The clinical records of five private practice dental clinics and one university hospital were analyzed. Failure was defined as a RBFDP that was removed or remade for any reason. Survival analyses were performed using log-rank tests. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients (CR-RBFDP, n = 17; Zr-RBFDP, n = 28) were followed up for 3 years. Among the CR-RBFDP cases, 1 case of framework fracture and 2 cases of discoloration occurred, whereas among the Zr-RBFDP cases, 1 case of debonding occurred. The mean duration of observation was 21.9 months. The 3-year survival rate was 92.3 % for CR-RBFDP and 91.7 % for Zr-RBFDP. Log-rank test showed no significant difference (p = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this short-term retrospective study, the survival rate of CR-RBFDP was not significantly different from that of Zr-RBFDP. Contrary to concerns regarding material strength, CR-RBFDP showed reliable results. This direct composite restoration has the advantages of being less invasive and being completed in a single visit. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite differences in material strength, CR-RBFDPs without fiber reinforcement showed reliable short-term clinical results. This direct composite restoration has the advantage of being less invasive and can be restored in a single visit.