Practical advice for successful clinical treatment with resin-bonded bridges

• Published in: British dental journal 2023-10, Vol.235 (7), p.503-509
• Main Authors: King, Stephanie, Sood, Banoo, Ashley, Martin P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clinical; Dental restorative materials; Dentistry; Orthodontics; Patients; Teeth; Young adults
• ISSN: 0007-0610; 1476-5373
• DOI: 10.1038/s41415-023-6332-5

Resin-bonded bridges are one of the main options for replacing missing teeth for hypodontia patients. This technique offers several advantages for these patients, who are often young, have unrestored abutment teeth, and have had tooth positions optimised by orthodontic treatment. However, the replacement of missing teeth can be challenging due to tooth positions and anomalies of abutment tooth shape and size. These patients are often young adults at the time of restoration, making the minimally invasive nature and predictable long-term success of resin-bonded bridges advantageous over other treatment methods. This paper in the hypodontia themed issue discusses the importance of case selection and gives practical advice for the design and provision of resin-bonded bridges. Key points Understand how to select a case that is suitable for a resin-bonded bridge to improve the clinical outcomes. Review the step-by-step process for impression making and resin-bonded bridge cementation. Recognise the important steps required and the advice to give to the patient to improve the chance of long-term success with these restorations.