A literature review of two-unit cantilevered FPDs
van Dalen, A.; Feilzer, A.J.; Kleverlaan, C.J.
International Journal of Prosthodontics 17(3): 281-284
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0893-2174 PMID: 15237872 Document Number: 570725
This review article evaluated the clinical performance of two-unit cantilevered, single-abutment, single-pontic, resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (FPDs) by comparing them to noncantilevered resin-bonded FPDs with two abutments and a single pontic. One publication on design principles and 11 clinical research studies were selected by searching two databases. Six of the studies dealt exclusively with two-unit cantilevered resin-bonded FPDs, and five studies compared fixed-fixed design resin-bonded partial dentures with cantilevered resin-bonded FPDs. Two-unit cantilevered resin-bonded FPDs for single-tooth replacement appear to be reliable and predictable restorations, provided their preparations meet the right standards. According to the studies reviewed, two-unit cantilevered FPDs show better longevity than resin-bonded fixed-fixed partial dentures in similar situations.