Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival rate of three-unit surface-retained, resin-bonded, metal-ceramic fixed dental prostheses (RBFDP) using two adhesive cements and two surface conditioning methods.
Materials and methods: Between 2005 and 2009, a total of 58 patients (34 women, 24 men; mean age: 42.1 years) received 58 three-unit RBFDPs made of a nonprecious alloy (Wirocast Co-Cr). Restorations were cemented employing the following combinations: (1) alumina air abrasion-silane + Panavia F 2.0 (group A1), (2) tribochemical silica coating (CoJet)-silane + Panavia F 2.0 (group A2), (3) alumina air abrasion-silane + Super-Bond C and B (group B1), and (4) CoJet-silane + Super-Bond C and B (group B2). Teeth were conditioned using the adhesives of the cements accordingly. Adaptation, debonding, fracture, and crack and caries formation were considered for clinical evaluation. Data were collected at baseline, 6 months, and annually thereafter. Forty-eight RBFDPs were available for follow-up (mean: 20.3 months, minimum: 6 months, maximum: 42 months).
Results: The effect of cement type on the survival rate of RBFDPs was not significant (P > .05). The survival rate was also not significantly affected by the location (maxilla: 93.2%, mandible: 92.9%; P = .928). All experienced failures were observed within the first year after cementation. In total, four complete debondings were encountered (two in group A1, one in group A2, and one in group B1 at months 1, 3, 7, and 3, respectively). Group B2 did not result in any failures during the observation period. The failures were adhesive debondings between the metal surface and the cement.
Conclusion: Early findings did not show significant differences between the cement and conditioning type combinations, with group B2 presenting no failures.