In vitro study of fracture strength and marginal adaptation of polyethylene-fibre-reinforced-composite versus glass-fibre-reinforced-composite fixed partial dentures

This in vitro study was carried out in order to estimate the clinical usability of adhesively luted three-unit posterior fixed partial dentures (FPD) made of a polyethylene-fibre-reinforced-composite system (PFRC) in comparison with a glass-fibre-reinforced-composite system (GFRC). Therefore the fracture strength and marginal adaptation were examined. A total of 16 FPDs of each material combination were manufactured and adhesively luted to human molars. Before and after an artificial ageing process by thermal cycling and mechanical loading (TCML) the quality of the marginal adaptation was examined by evaluating epoxy replicas in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). After TCML the fracture strength of eight FPDs of each series was tested by mechanical loading them to failure. With the remaining eight FPDs the quality of deeper layers of the luting was examined with a dye penetration technique. The calculated median fracture strength values (25/75% percentiles) were 830 N (643/982) for the PFRC and 884 N (684/1,113) for the GFRC. The SEM analysis showed at least 80% of perfect marginal areas for both material combinations in dentine as well as in enamel before and after TCML. Looking at the cement-tooth interfaces the dye penetration technique showed statistically significant better results for the enamel finishing lines than for those in dentine. With finishing lines in dentine the two material combinations showed statistically significant differences for this interface. Fracture force results as well as marginal quality encourage further clinical investigations on both systems although the GFRC performed slightly better than the PFRC.     

Composite veneering of metal based fixed partial dentures

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the thermal mechanical properties of veneering composites after polymerization with the appropriate polymerization device. Fracture tests were performed to investigate the effect on fixed partial dentures (FPDs). Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis was used to determine the temperature-dependent mechanical properties. To approximate the clinical situation, the fracture resistance of three-unit metal-based FPDs with different composite veneering was investigated after a simulated 5-year oral wearing period. The restorations were made of a high gold alloy and veneered with three different composites. To determine the influence of fabrication, one composite was used in a light-polymerizing and a heat/pressure-curing version and, in addition, a newly developed heat protection paste was used. After a 5-year simulation period, the fracture resistance was determined. The storage modulus varied between 14268 N mm(-2) (Belleglass) and 6616 N mm(-2) (Sinfony). Adoro showed no significant differences between light curing (9155 N mm(-2)) and heat curing (8184 N mm(-2)) variations. The Adoro-veneering with the heat protection paste showed the highest median fracture strength (1700 N), followed by Adoro LC (1555 N), Belleglass (1051 N), Adoro HP (1150 N) and Sinfony (909 N). The most common failure type occurring in all FPDs was a cracking of the composite, exposing the metal framework. All FPDs showed stress cracking of the composite. The heat protection paste seemed to reduce the crack formation after fabrication and increased the fracture resistance of the composite veneering. Stress cracking after thermal cycling and mechanical loading affected all composites, but all veneered three-unit alloy FPDs showed a fracture resistance sufficient for posterior application.     

Static strength of molar region direct technique glass fibre-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures

The aim of this study was to determine static fracture force of fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) fixed partial dentures (FPD) with different retainer designs. The fabrication simulated the process to make directly made 3-unit maxillary molar FPD. Four types of retainers were tested (n = 5): conventional crown preparation (1.2 mm axially and 2.0 mm occlusally), slot preparation (3.5 mm high x 3.5 mm wide x 1 mm deep), no preparation with broad fibre abutment contact, and combination of the slot and broad fibre contact were performed. The FPD contained unidirectional E-glass FRC veneered with particulate reinforced composite. Dimensions of the FPDs were homogenized. FPDs were stored at 1 week 37 degrees C deionized water, thermocycled between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C (5000 cycles, dwell time 10 s) and statically loaded to failure. The slot retainer design yielded the lowest mean load to initial and final failure (FF) (1284 and 1313 N, respectively), the crown retainer the highest mean load to initial failure at 1755 N, and the combination retainer resulted in the highest mean load to FF (1836 N) (anova, P < 0.001; Tukey multiple comparisons, 0.05 significance level). The results of this study suggest that the fabrication of direct FRC FPD does not necessarily require extensive preparation for the retainers.     

Clinical studies of fiber-reinforced resin-bonded fixed partial dentures: a systematic review

In the past decade, follow-up studies on fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures (FRC FPDs) have been described. Combining the results of these studies to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of FRC FPDs is challenging. The objective of this systematic review was to obtain survival rates of FRC FPDs and to explore the relationships between reported survival rates and risk factors. In a literature-selection procedure on the clinical performance of FRC FPDs, 15 studies, reporting on 13 sets of patients, were analyzed. The Kaplan–Meier estimate of the overall survival, based on the data from all sets of patients ( n  = 435) was 73.4% (69.4–77.4%) at 4.5 yr. Converted survival rates at 2 yr of follow-up showed substantial heterogeneity between studies. It was not possible to build a reliable regression model that indicated risk factors. The technical problems most commonly described were fracture of the FPD and delamination of the veneering composite.     

The influence of electron beam irradiation on fibre-reinforced composite specimens

This study investigated whether glass fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) specimens can benefit from post-curing using electron beam irradiation. Twenty-four frameworks of the Vectris and 24 of the Stick glass fibre-reinforced system were veneered with their correspondent veneer materials. Eight specimens of both systems were post-cured using electron beam irradiation (3 x 33 kGy, 10 MeV). The specimens were fixed in a restrained-end apparatus and inserted in an artificial mouth. With the exception of controls (n = 8 each) all other groups were thermally cycled and mechanically loaded (TCML). Finally, all samples were loaded to fracture using a universal testing machine. In two of eight non-irradiated Vectris/Targis specimens facing fracture occurred during TCML. Irradiation avoided these failures. No Stick/Sinfony facing fractured. However, Stick frameworks showed considerable torsions. Post-curing with electron beam irradiation made Stick frameworks stiffer. The fracture load of irradiated Stick/Sinfony specimens reached 520 +/- 31 N; control (without TCML and irradiation) 396 +/- 14 N, TCML-group without irradiation 362 +/- 41 N. Irradiated Vectris/Targis had a fracture resistance of 575 +/- 57 N; the control 556 +/- 36 N and the TCML group without irradiation 383 +/- 51 N. This investigation demonstrated that different types of FRC systems could considerably benefit from electron beam irradiation. The reconstructions became stiffer and resisted higher load.     

All-ceramic fixed partial dentures designed according to the DC-Zirkon technique. A 2-year clinical study

The aim of the study was to investigate whether the properties of a pre-sintered, hot isostatic post-compacted (HIP) ZrO2 are adequate for use in three-five-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) and to evaluate the clinical results. Twenty three-five-unit FPDs were fabricated for 18 patients on a total of 56 abutments. They were all made on abutments cut with a shoulder preparation and cemented with a zinc phosphate cement. They were clinically followed for 24 months. After 24 months all FPDs were still in use without any fractures or clinical wear but in three cases (15%) minor chip-of fractures were observed. Marginal integrity was rated excellent at 45 abutments and acceptable at 11. Within the limitations of this 2-year clinical follow-up study, FPDs made of pre-sintered HIP ZrO2 core material veneered with a compatible ceramic is an acceptable alternative in the fabrication of FPDs with the extensions investigated in this study. Special attention, however, must be paid to designing the core for an occlusal shape that provides sufficient support for the veneer.     

Success,clinical performance and patient satisfaction of direct fibre‐reinforced composite fixed partial dentures – a two‐year clinical study

To evaluate the success, clinical performance and patient satisfaction of directly placed fibre‐reinforced composite (FRC) fixed partial dentures (FPDs) in 2 years. One hundred sixty‐seven FRC FPDs (120 subjects) were directly fabricated to restore a single missing tooth by six Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residents. The FRC FPDs recipients were rando‐mised into two groups according to the fibre materials (pre‐impregnated glass or polyethylene). Clinical performance was evaluated at baseline (2 weeks), 6, 12 and 24 months by two calibrated evaluators for prosthesis adaptation, colour match, marginal discoloration, surface roughness, caries and post‐operative sensitivity using modified United State Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Prosthesis appearance, colour, chewing ability and overall satisfaction were evaluated by patients using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Kaplan–Meier estimation was used to estimate the prosthesis success. Ninety‐four patients with 137 FRC FPDs returned (21·67% attrition rate for study subjects, 17·94% for FRC FPDs). Seventeen FRC FPDs failed, due to one‐end (n = 4) or two‐ends (n = 4) debonding or pontic fracture (n = 9). The cumu‐lative 2‐year success rate was 84·32% and survival rate was 92·7%; there were no statistically significant differences between the groups according to different missing tooth location, retention type or fibre materials (P > 0·05). Patient satisfaction regarding prosthesis appearance, col‐our, chewing ability and overall satisfaction was rated high on the VAS (mean >80 mm) for all criteria at all time points. The FRC FPDs (restoring single tooth) fabricated by AEGD residents achieved acceptable success and survival rates in a 2‐year follow‐up.     

Retrospective survival analysis of 3-unit fixed-fixed and 2-unit cantilevered fixed partial dentures

To evaluate the cumulative survival (CS) rates of fixed partial dentures (FPDs) retained by full-veneer retainers, and those of resin-bonded FPDs provided by graduating dental students for the replacement of a single missing tooth. In 168 patients, 61 3-unit fixed-fixed FPDs and 25 2-unit cantilevered FPDs retained by full-veneer retainers, and 77 3-unit fixed-fixed resin-bonded FPDs and 47 2-unit cantilevered resin-bonded FPDs, were examined for their retention and integrity. The periodontal health, endodontic status and coronal tissues of all abutment teeth were also evaluated. The survival rates of these various designs were analysed with the Kaplan-Meier method. The mean age of all FPDs was 31 months. At 48 months after their insertion, 3-unit FPDs retained by full-veneer retainers had a CS rate of 82%, followed by 2-unit resin-bonded FPDs at 81%, 2-unit FPDs retained by full-veneer retainers at 77%, and 3-unit resin-bonded FPDs at 63%. No significant difference was found between the four designs (P>0.05). Up to both 48 and 60 months, the most common causes of failure were endodontic for FPDs retained by full-veneer retainers, and dislodgement for resin-bonded FPDs. The 3-unit fixed-fixed FPDs retained by full-veneer retainers had the most favourable prognosis after 48 months for replacing a single missing tooth, but the difference between designs was not statistically significant.     

种植体与天然牙联合固定修复的临床观察

目的:评价种植体与天然牙联合固定修复的临床效果。方法:共为135例患者完成种植体与天然牙联合支持固定修复,植入CDIC种植体366枚,制作联合支持固定桥145件,并进行临床随访观察5-12年。结果:共有8枚种植体脱落,5例联合支持固定桥在完成修复后因天然基牙牙根折断拆除,其余联合支持固定桥使用良好。成功率为96%。与范群等的研究结果相近。[1]结论:种植体与天然牙联合固定义齿在临床上是一种相对简便,经济,实用有效的修复方式。     

Dislodgement resistance of modified resin-bonded fixed partial dentures utilizing tooth undercuts: an in vitro study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Over the years, resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPDs) have gone through substantial development and refinement. Several studies examined the biomechanics of tooth preparation and framework design in relation to the success rate of RBFPDs and considered retention and resistance form essential for increase of clinical retention. However, these criteria required preparations to be more invasive, which violates not only the original intentions of the RBFPD, but may also have an adverse effect on retention due to loss of enamel, an important factor in bonding.

PURPOSE

The object of this in vitro study was to compare the dislodgement resistance of the new types of RBFPDs, the conventional three-unit fixed partial denture, and conventional design of RBFPD (Maryland bridge).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty resin mandibular left second premolars and second molars were prepared on dentiforms, according to the RBFPD design. After model fabrication (five group, n = 10), prostheses were fabricated and cemented with zinc phosphate cement. After cementation, the specimens were subjected to tensile loading at a cross head speed of 4 mm/min in a universal testing machine. The separation load was recorded and analyzed statistically using one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan''s multiple range test.

RESULTS

Group V, the pin-retained RBFPDs, had the highest mean dislodgement resistance, whereas specimens of group II, the conventional RBFPDs, exhibited a significantly lower mean dislodgement resistance compared to the other 4 groups (P < .05). There were no significant differences between group I, III, and IV in terms of dislodgement resistance (P > .05). Group V had the highest mean MPa (N/mm²) (P < .05). There was no significant difference between groups I, II, III and IV (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Within the limits of the design of this in vitro study, it was concluded that: 1. The modified RBFPDs which utilizes the original tooth undercuts and requires no tooth preparation, compared with the conventional design of RBFPDs, has significantly high dislodgement resistance (P < .05). 2. The modified RBFPDs which utilizes the original tooth undercuts and requires minimal tooth preparation, compared with the conventional FPDs, has significantly no difference in retention and dislodgement resistance)(P > .05). 3. The pin-retained FPDs showed a high dislodgement resistance compared to the conventional three-unit FPDs (P < .05).     

前磨牙邻面板固位全瓷粘接桥修复的应用研究

目的 探究IPS e.max Press玻璃基铸造陶瓷和WIELAND氧化锆陶瓷邻面板固位粘接桥修复下颌第二前磨牙缺失的抗折性能及模拟短期使用后的修复效果。方法 选取成人离体下颌第一前磨牙和第一磨牙各32颗,体外建立下颌第二前磨牙缺失模型。随机分为4组（n=8）,E0组:IPS e.max Press铸瓷粘接桥;E1组:IPS e.max Press铸瓷粘接桥+30万次机械循环加载;W0组:WIELAND氧化锆全瓷粘接桥;W1组:WIELAND氧化锆全瓷粘接桥+30万次机械循环加载。万能测试机测试各实验组的破坏载荷力值。结果 机械循环加载后试件均无松动或脱落,无明显裂纹。万能测试机测试结果:E0、E1、W0、W1组破坏载荷分别为（1 242.85±260.11）、（1 062.60±179.98）、（1 650.85±206.77）、（1 167.61±265.50） N,均大于下颌第二前磨牙所受最大力（360 N）,差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）。E0组破坏载荷小于W0组（P<0.05）。循环加载后,E1组和W1组间差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。循环加载后,铸瓷组（E1、E0）破坏载荷变化不显著（P>0.05）,氧化锆组（W0、W1）明显降低（P<0.05）。结论 IPS e.max Press铸瓷和WIELAND氧化锆全瓷邻面板固位粘接桥修复下颌第二前磨牙缺失均能够获得良好的抗折性能,短期修复效果满意。     

前磨牙邻面板固位全瓷粘接桥修复的应用研究

目的 探究IPS e.max Press玻璃基铸造陶瓷和WIELAND氧化锆陶瓷邻面板固位粘接桥修复下颌第二前磨牙缺失的抗折性能及模拟短期使用后的修复效果。方法 选取成人离体下颌第一前磨牙和第一磨牙各32颗,体外建立下颌第二前磨牙缺失模型。随机分为4组（n=8）,E0组:IPS e.max Press铸瓷粘接桥;E1组:IPS e.max Press铸瓷粘接桥+30万次机械循环加载;W0组:WIELAND氧化锆全瓷粘接桥;W1组:WIELAND氧化锆全瓷粘接桥+30万次机械循环加载。万能测试机测试各实验组的破坏载荷力值。结果 机械循环加载后试件均无松动或脱落,无明显裂纹。万能测试机测试结果:E0、E1、W0、W1组破坏载荷分别为（1 242.85±260.11）、（1 062.60±179.98）、（1 650.85±206.77）、（1 167.61±265.50） N,均大于下颌第二前磨牙所受最大力（360 N）,差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）。E0组破坏载荷小于W0组（P<0.05）。循环加载后,E1组和W1组间差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。循环加载后,铸瓷组（E1、E0）破坏载荷变化不显著（P>0.05）,氧化锆组（W0、W1）明显降低（P<0.05）。结论 IPS e.max Press铸瓷和WIELAND氧化锆全瓷邻面板固位粘接桥修复下颌第二前磨牙缺失均能够获得良好的抗折性能,短期修复效果满意。     

Cross-sectional study of patients fitted with fixed partial dentures with special reference to the caries situation

Abstract – The caries situation among 30 patients with fixed partial dentures was examined 3 yr after cementation of the constructions. The fit of the crowns on the abutment teeth, the size of the interproximal areas and the relation between the crown margin and the gingival margin were registered. Risk factors for caries development, such as salivary factors, microbiologic factors, oral hygiene and diet were evaluated for each patient. During the 3-yr period 54 caries lesions occurred in 25 patients. Eleven lesions were found on abutment teeth. Two were located on the root surfaces unconnected with the crown margin (>2mm from the gingival margin), three were recurrent lesions, where the crown margin was located above the gingival margin but closer than 2 mm and six were recurrent lesions where the crown margin was located under the gingival margin. No single caries risk factor seemed to be so closely correlated to the number of caries lesions developed that it could be used alone to select of patients at risk. When the sum of the assumed negative factors was used, more caries was found among the patients with three or more factors with negative values in the group as a whole. However, predicting the development of caries in an individual case with a high degree of probability seems to be complicated. Generally speaking there was no indication that caries disease development was caused by the presence of the fixed partial denture per se.     

Fracture resistance of pressable glass-ceramic fixed partial dentures

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mechanical strength of the Empress2 system, which is based on the use of a high-strength glass--ceramic core of lithium disilicate, and the fracture resistance of fixed partial dentures fabricated with this material. To evaluate mechanical strength, four types of ceramic materials were tested for four-point flexural strength and diametral tensile strength: Empress2 core material, Empress2 layering porcelain, conventional Empress material and Dicor. Then, using Empress2, conventional Empress and Dicor, actual clinical type anterior fixed partial dentures were fabricated for fracture testing. The results showed that the Empress2 core material, at 329 MPa, has more than twice the flexural strength of conventional materials and at 271 MPa, more than four times the diametral tensile strength of conventional materials. Furthermore, fixed partial dentures fabricated with Empress2 had a fracture resistance of 1424 N. That is, they were more than twice as fracture resistant as fixed partial dentures made with conventional materials.     

Restoration of the Partially Dentate Patient with Conventional Fixed and Removable Prostheses

This clinical report documents the treatment of a 65-year-old Caucasian female referred for fixed and removable partial denture fabrication following completion of her orthodontic treatment.     

Bone level change at implant-supported fixed partial dentures with and without cantilever extension after 5 years in function

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze whether the inclusion of cantilever extensions increased the amount of marginal bone loss at free-standing, implant-supported, fixed partial dentures (FPDs) over a 5-year period of functional loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patient material comprised 45 periodontally treated, partially dentate patients with a total of 50 free-standing FPDs supported by implants of the Astra Tech System. Following FPD placement (baseline) the patients were enrolled in an individually designed supportive care program. A set of criteria was collected at baseline to characterize the FPDs. The primary outcome variable was change in peri-implant bone level from the time of FPD placement to the 5-year follow-up examination. The comparison between FPDs with and without cantilevers was performed at three levels: FPD level, implant level, and surface level. Bivariate analysis was performed by the use of the Mann-Whitney U-test and stepwise regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the potential influence of confounding factors on the change in peri-implant bone level. RESULTS: The overall mean marginal bone loss for the implant-supported FPDs after 5 years in function was 0.4 mm (SD, 0.76). The bone level change at FPDs placed in the maxilla was significantly greater than that for FPDs in the mandible (0.6 versus 0.2 mm; p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found with regard to peri-implant bone level change over the 5 years between FPDs with and without cantilevers at any of the levels of comparisons. The multivariate analysis revealed that the variables jaw of treatment and smoking had a significant influence on peri-implant bone level change on the FPD level, but not on the implant or surface levels. The model explained only 10% of the observed variance in the bone level change. CONCLUSION: The study failed to demonstrate that the presence of cantilever extensions in an FPD had an effect on peri-implant bone loss.     

Clinical study of the internal gaps of zirconia and metal frameworks for fixed partial dentures

The aim of this clinical study was to compare the internal gaps between abutment teeth and posterior fixed partial dentures (FPDs) fabricated utilizing milled zirconia and cast gold-alloy frameworks. As part of an ongoing randomized controlled clinical trial, 32 three-unit FPDs (16 zirconia and 16 metal-ceramic) in 25 patients were randomly selected for adaptation measurements. During the bisque-stage ceramic try-in, an A-silicone impression material was placed between the abutment teeth and the framework. The internal gap, corresponding to the thickness of the replica, was measured under magnification at the following locations: cervical, axial, and occlusal (cusp-tips and central). The internal gaps of FPDs with zirconia frameworks were significantly larger in cervical, axial, and centro-occlusal regions (cervical: 189.6 ± 71.8  μ m vs. 118.6 ± 31.5  μ m; axial: 140.5 ± 38.3  μ m vs. 95.7 ± 18.1  μ m; and centro-occlusal: 192.0 ± 66.5  μ m vs. 153.1 ± 69.8  μ m). The cervical gaps next to the pontics were significantly larger compared with those of the outer walls in both types of FPDs (zirconia: mean difference 67.7 ± 114.7  μ m; metal-ceramic: mean difference 30.0 ± 71.2  μ m). Posterior three-unit FPDs incorporating milled zirconia frameworks exhibited larger internal gaps than those constructed using conventional metal-ceramic techniques.     

Effect of pontic height on the fracture strength of reinforced interim fixed partial dentures

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study evaluated the fracture load of interim FPDs made with various materials and pontic heights. The hypothesis was that different materials and pontic heights result in different fracture resistance. METHODS: Groups of interim FPDs were fabricated with prosthodontic resin materials on two abutments with two different pontic heights (4.3 and 5.8 mm) and a pontic width of 4 units (19 mm) (n = 3). The following materials were tested: (1) a thermoplastic polymer (Promysan Star), (2) Promysan Star with a veneering composite (Vita Zeta), (3) a non-impregnated polyethylene fiber reinforced resin (Ribbond) with a veneering composite (Sinfony), (4) an impregnated fiber reinforced composite system (Targis/Vectris), and (5) a conventional poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) (Biodent K+B, control group). After 5000 thermocycles, the FPDs were temporarily fixed with a provisional cement on the corresponding abutments and tested for fracture strength. One-way and two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni-Dunn's multiple comparison tests were performed for the statistical analysis (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: The mean fracture strength ranged from 83.0 to 625.9 N for a pontic height of 4.3 mm and from 97.2 to 893.7 N for a pontic height of 5.8 mm. Vectris/Targis FPDs of both pontic heights exhibited significantly superior fracture resistance compared to the corresponding Promysan, Promysan/Vita Zeta, Ribbond/Sinfony and Biodent groups. Except Biodent FPDs, fracture resistance of FPDs with a pontic height of 4.3 mm showed no significant differences compared to a pontic height of 5.8 mm for each material. SIGNIFICANCE: Material type of the FPDs has a significant influence on the fracture strength, whereas pontic height has no significant effect (except control group).     

Bone level changes at axial- and non-axial-positioned implants supporting fixed partial dentures. A 5-year retrospective longitudinal study

AIM: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the potential influence of implant inclination on marginal bone loss at freestanding, implant-supported, fixed partial dentures (FPDs) over a 5-year period of functional loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material comprised 38 periodontally treated, partially dentate patients with a total of 42 free-standing FPDs supported by implants of the Astra Tech System. Mesio-distal inclination of the implants in relation to a vertical axis perpendicular to the occlusal plane was measured with a protractor on standardized photographs of the master cast. The two tail quartiles of the distribution of the implants with regard to the implant inclination were defined as axial-positioned (mean 2.4 degrees; range 0-4 degrees) and non-axial-positioned implants (mean 17.1 degrees; range 11-30 degrees), respectively. For FPDs supported by two implants, both the mesial-distal and buccal-lingual inter-implant inclination was measured. The primary outcome variable was change in peri-implant bone level from the time of FPD placement to the 5-year follow-up examination. Comparison between axial- and non-axial-positioned implants was performed by the use of a Mann-Whitney U-test. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to analyze relationships between inter-implant inclination (mesial-distal and buccal-lingual) and 5-year bone level change on the FPD level. RESULTS: The 5-year mean bone level change amounted to 0.4 mm (SD 0.97) for the axial and 0.5 mm (0.95) for non-axial-positioned implants (P>0.05). For the FPDs supported by two implants, the mean inter-implant inclination was 9.2 degrees (1-36 degrees) in the mesial-distal direction and 6.7 degrees (0-24 degrees) in the buccal-lingual direction. Correlation analysis revealed lack of statistically significant correlation between inter-implant inclination (mesial-distal and buccal-lingual) and 5-year bone level change (r=-0.19 and r=-0.32, respectively). CONCLUSION: The study failed to support the hypothesis that implant inclination has an effect on peri-implant bone loss.