Patient satisfaction following resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses cemented by using the Dahl concept

OBJECTIVE: Resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) cemented at an increased occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) (the Dahl concept) to create space for a metal retainer remains controversial because of the lack of reported clinical studies. This study analyzed the demographic (age and sex) and clinical factors (location and arch of prosthesis) affecting the patients' perception of RBFDPs cemented at an increased OVD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight participants treated with cantilevered RBFDP at an increased OVD were prospectively recruited. They were asked to answer a validated patient satisfaction questionnaire based on six parameters during the 12-week review visit.

RESULTS: 71.4% of the participants were completely satisfied with the color, shape, and function. Twenty-one (75%) participants reported no complaints about the prostheses. 89.3% will recommend this treatment option to others. There was a significant difference between males and females in avoiding loading on the prostheses (p = 0.015). The level of satisfaction did not differ by age, ethnicity, location, and arch of the prostheses (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Patient satisfaction toward RBFDP cemented by using the Dahl approach was generally high on all the parameters at the 12-week review visit.