The clinical survival rate of the FRC inlays prosthetic restorations in the evaluation period of seven years

Aims: In this study, a sample of 28 patients followed the clinical functionality and durability of inlay fiber-reniforced composite (FRC) bridge restorations, laboratory fabricated, for a period of 7 years. Materials and Methods: Patients with the loss of a first molar in the posterior region were selected for the study. Fabrications of FRC structures were made of longitudinal and woven fibers and ceramic optimized polymer material was used for veneering. Statistical Analysis Used: The restorations were evaluated using the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) parameters system for the clinical evaluation of dental restorative materials. Kaplan-Meier survival test was used for analyzing the data. Results: During the evaluation period, no fracture of the FRC construction was found. At all tested restorations, significant color change of the Ceromer veneering material was observed. During the investigation time, the color of the restorations became slightly lighter, with loss of gloss. In two patients, a chip off from the veneered material was noticed after 4 years, in three patients over 5 years and in three patients after 6 years. Conclusions: FRC-Ceromer inlay fixed prosthetic restorations for a period of 7 years showed acceptable clinical durability and functionality. Clinical Relevance to Interdisciplinary Dentistry Fiber reinforced composite inlay restorations for a period of seven years showed exceptional durability and functionality with minimal preparation of the abutment teeth. FRC restorations present an acceptable alternative to the classical construction of the metal ceramic or full ceramic bridge which needs to make preparation with extensive reduction of the abutment teeth.