The safety and efficacy of anterior ceramic fixed partial dentures: A review of the literature.

As a result of the successful use of ceramic crowns and patient demands for metal-free, tooth-colored restorations, ceramic systems for anterior fixed partial dentures (FPDs) have become available. Although numerous in vitro studies have been published, clinical studies that evaluate anterior ceramic FPDs are few and limited. This article reviews data on ceramic FPDs published between 1966 and 2001 in the English language. Peer-reviewed articles were identified through a MEDLINE search and a hand search of relevant textbooks and annual publications; abstracts were not considered for inclusion. The available data suggest that more clinical studies (preferably randomized clinical trials) that assess the long-term outcome of anterior ceramic FPDs are required to determine whether they can serve as a viable replacement for a maxillary anterior missing tooth and, at the same time, provide patients with a safe and effective restoration, oral health, and social comfort.