Design and clinical application of modified fixed Maryland Bridge for restoration of geriatric anterior dentition defects / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective The anterior dentition defects of geriatric patients were restored with modified fixed Maryland Bridge.The clinical design,tooth preparation,fabrication of prosthesis and clinical indication were summarized.Method 24 cases of geriatric patients with anterior dentition defects were restored with modified fixed Maryland Bridge.All selected cases were accompanied with different degree of loosening of neighboring teeth,gingival atrophy and exposure of root.The dentition defects were successfully restored and followed up for 3 to 5 years.Results The overall success rate was 87.5%.Three patients had the prosthesis loosened and re-bonding was necessary.No loosening was found in other patients.There was no swelling or inflammation of gingival underneath the prosthesis.All patients were quite satisfactory with the function and appearance of the prosthesis.Dental calculus was observed in 12 patients,and 2 patients complained of a feeling of foreign body on the side of tongue.Conclusion The modified fixed Maryland Bridge,when used in restoring the dentition defect of geriatric patients,showed the advantages of less tooth reduction,perfect esthetic effect,good fixation of loosening teeth as well as restoration of missing teeth with its splint wings.However,the long-term effect of this technique needs to be further observed.