Recently updated on January 8th, 2020
Fibre Reinforced Composite Bridge (FRC)
What is Fibre reinforced composite bridge (FRC)?
FRCs are resin-based materials and contains fibres to improve their physical properties and are introduced in the 1960’s. The strength of the fibre bond is very similar to the strength of cobalt chrome material. However, fibre bond is not rigid and its elasticity is similar to that of dentin. With this technique, the enamel of the anchor teeth remains intact and not damaged.
Anterior tooth replacement options and limitations
1. Removable partial denture (RPD): Is considered often as treatment of choice but lack of compliance in appliance wear and care is the greatest limitation.
2. Porcelain fused to metal prosthesis(PFM): This is delayed until gingival margins are stable and also rigid fixation of two teeth will lead to retardation of growth between the two teeth.
3. Bonded Maryland bridge: Routinely used but unaesthetic appearance due to metal wing behind the adjacent tooth. The bond strength between metal and enamel is low.
4. Cantilever bridge: Additional torsional forces are created on the abutment teeth.
5. Dental Implants: Need to wait until the growth period is completed and is very expensive.
2. Porcelain fused to metal prosthesis(PFM): This is delayed until gingival margins are stable and also rigid fixation of two teeth will lead to retardation of growth between the two teeth.
3. Bonded Maryland bridge: Routinely used but unaesthetic appearance due to metal wing behind the adjacent tooth. The bond strength between metal and enamel is low.
4. Cantilever bridge: Additional torsional forces are created on the abutment teeth.
5. Dental Implants: Need to wait until the growth period is completed and is very expensive.
Therefore, FRC bridge is a good alternative to above conventional treatment options that are routinely used to replace a missing anterior tooth. Instead of the traditional bridge which involves irreversible tooth loss, FRC is a minimally invasive cost-effective technique to replace missing tooth.
In this technique, a fibre bond is used as a frame which joins the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. A tooth coloured composite is placed over this fibre frame and the tooth is built over this frame to resemble natural tooth.
How long does FRC lasts?
Where can FRC be used?
1. A good alternative to conventional treatment options in replacing a missing permanent anterior tooth which is lost as a result of dental disease.
2. Trauma in children which leads to loss of tooth and where dental implants are not recommended before the end of the growth period.
2. Trauma in children which leads to loss of tooth and where dental implants are not recommended before the end of the growth period.
Advantages
1. Bondability.
2. Can be fabricated in one visit at chair side.
3. Economical.
4. Less time consuming.
5. Non invasive.
6. Reversible.
7. Can be repaired.
2. Can be fabricated in one visit at chair side.
3. Economical.
4. Less time consuming.
5. Non invasive.
6. Reversible.
7. Can be repaired.
Disadvantages
1. Difficulty in maintaining good oral hygiene.
2. May not be able to withstand heavy masticatory load.
3. Longer appointments.
2. May not be able to withstand heavy masticatory load.
3. Longer appointments.
After care instructions
1. Good oral hygiene.
2. Regular dental and hygienist visits.
3. Should avoid in advert forces.
2. Regular dental and hygienist visits.
3. Should avoid in advert forces.
Our Info
Claremont Dental Practice,
1-3 Terminus Buildings,
Claremont Road,BN25 1NT
Tel: 01323 897502
E-mail: cd@claremontdental.org
© 2020 Claremont Dental Practice.
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