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Purpose: This case series study evaluated the clinical outcomes of cantilevered veneerretained
fixed partial dentures (VRFPDs) fabricated with IPS e.max Press for single-tooth
replacement in the anterior arch. Materials and Methods: A total of 35 patients were
treated with VRFPDs, including 17 cases in the maxilla and 18 in the mandible. The
patients were evaluated at baseline and annually from October 2005 to July 2011 for the
integrity of the VRFPDs, proximal contacts, occulsal relationships, pulp vitality, and tooth
mobility. The degree of satisfaction was indicated with a visual analog scale. Results:
During a mean observation time of 46.57 months, 35 VRFPDs on vital abutment teeth
did not exhibit postoperative sensitivity or secondary caries. No fractures or chipping
of the restorations occurred within the course of the evaluation. No patient complained
of food impaction. One cantilevered pontic needed adjustment on the incisal edge due
to premature contacts after the 3-year recall examination. Conclusion: Cantilevered
IPS e.max Press VRFPDs should be considered a minimally invasive, single-tooth
restorative strategy in the anterior or first premolar area. Longer observation periods
are necessary before this type of restorative design can be recommended as a general
conservative procedure. Int J Prosthodont 2013;26:181–187. doi: 10.11607/ijp.3102
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