An investigation into aspects of resin retained bridge design on aesthetics and oral health related outcomes

Objective:To assess whether removing the incisal metal edge of an anterior resin-retained bridge (RRB) improves aesthetics without compromising clinical performance.Design:A two-phase study was conducted. Phase 1 involved a randomised, controlled trial of 40 dental patients requiring anterior tooth replacement, who received either the original or an adjusted RRB design. Participants completed an oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) questionnaire before and after treatment. Phase 2 assessed aesthetic preferences among three groups—hypodontia patients, the public, and dental care professionals—who rated photographs of both RRB designs using a 5-point Likert scale.Results:In Phase 1, both groups showed pConclusions:Removing the incisal metal improves aesthetic outcomes of anterior RRBs without affecting short-term survival. Both designs improved OHRQoL. The aesthetic questionnaire demonstrated potential as a valid tool for comparing fixed prosthetic outcomes.