[2] The case selection is important and as with any dental prosthesis, good oral hygiene is paramount for success.
[3] The use has been driven by the advent of evidence-based dentistry showing the benefits to patients of reduced tooth preparation and the importance of an intact enamel structure for the long-term health of the teeth.
Indeed, recent contemporary research shows resin retained bridges have better success rates than implants and are a cheaper alternative.
[5] Bridges made from fibre-reinforced composite are considered to have better aesthetics and adhesion of luting agent to the framework as well as lower costs.
Areas predicted to have high stress, benefit from having fibres in one direction (unidirectional) which can improve the mechanical properties.
More recently, yttrium tetragonal zirconia polycrystal-based materials such as Lava (3M ESPE) and Cercon (Degudent) have come into use.
The main advantage of this type of bridge is the aesthetics as well as good biocompatibility and lower levels of plaque accumulation.
More modernly, the term hybrid has been used as it permits the inclusion of fixed prosthesis using a variety of both designs and retainers.
In the majority of cases, with good four-handed dentistry, rubber dam is not required and does not improve success.
In conventional bridges, the failure mode is likely to be complete fracture of the abutment tooth with difficult-to-manage sequelae, possibly requiring root canal treatment.
With a resin-retained bridge the prosthesis can usually be cleaned off and rebonded in position with minimal inconvenience to the patient.