Adhesive Bridges: From Mechanical Retention to Contemporary Adhesive Dentistry
Location
Speaker
Dr Irene Valerio Alfaro
I am a full-time university professor with over 15 years of experience teaching restorative dentistry to pregrade, grade and postgradraduate students through teaching, I have discovered a calling to share evidence-based knowledge and clinical expertise with the next generation. More than 20 years practicing this wonderful profession base on my master program in Operative Dentistry. Since 2019 with my own practice being the director of Dental Solutions, leading a team of dentists and specialists; we offer high-quality options while always prioritizing a compassionate, human approach and a minimally invasive philosophy. Furthermore, I have participated in charitable projects, bringing oral healthcare to vulnerable populations and those with limited access to dental treatment. Finally my main area of investigation is based on pre-columbian teeth and anthropological dentistry.
Organizer
Abstract :
Adhesive bridges have evolved from conservative alternatives to conventional fixed prostheses into predictable treatment options for the replacement of selected missing teeth. Advances in adhesive dentistry, surface conditioning, resin cements, and restorative materials have progressively shifted the clinical approach from mechanical retention toward adhesion-driven, minimally invasive rehabilitation.
This presentation reviews the biological, biomechanical, and adhesive principles that influence the clinical performance of adhesive bridges, with particular emphasis on contemporary preparation designs, material selection, surface treatment, and cementation protocols. The rationale behind different framework and retainer designs will be discussed, including the influence of occlusion, abutment characteristics, span length, connector dimensions, and material properties on clinical outcomes.
Current evidence regarding metal, zirconia, and fiber-reinforced or glass-ceramic adhesive bridges will be critically considered, highlighting the indications, limitations, complications, and reported survival of different approaches.
Learning Objectives :
- Identify the biological, biomechanical, and clinical factors that determine the indication and prognosis of adhesive bridges, including patient selection, abutment characteristics, occlusion, span length, connector design, and available restorative space.
- Compare contemporary materials and preparation designs used for adhesive bridges, evaluating the advantages and limitations of metal, zirconia, glass-ceramic, and fiber-reinforced frameworks in relation to aesthetics, mechanical performance, adhesion, and tissue preservation
- Apply evidence-based adhesive and cementation protocols for adhesive bridges, including appropriate surface conditioning, primer and resin cement selection, isolation, and clinical handling, while recognizing common causes of debonding and strategies to minimize complications.