Impact of Zirconia Three‐Unit Resin‐Bonded Fixed Partial Dentures in the Posterior Region on Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life: A 12‐Month Longitudinal Observation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) remain limited in prosthodontics, including for ceramic resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPDs), despite their growing relevance in minimally invasive practice. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) can be reliably assessed using the validated Oral Health Impact Profile -14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. METHODS: Thirty participants completed the German version of the OHIP-14 before and 3 months as well as 12 months after receiving a three-unit posterior monolithic zirconia RBFPD (n = 30). Scores were summarized descriptively; clinical relevance was assessed using effect size and the Minimal Important Difference (MID). Longitudinal differences were examined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Mean total scores decreased from 4.2 ± 3.9 at baseline to 1.8 ± 2.9 at 12 months. The baseline-to-12-month difference (-2.38) exceeded the two-point MID. Significant improvements occurred from baseline to 12 months (p < 0.001), accompanied by a moderate effect size between baseline and 12 months (d = -0.59). After 12 months, significant improvements were found in the domains orofacial pain (p = 0.010) and orofacial appearance (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Serving participants posterior three-unit zirconia RBFPDs led to clinically meaningful OHIP-14 improvements, with significant gains in the domains of orofacial pain and orofacial appearance. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These findings highlight the positive impact of zirconia RBFPDs on OHRQoL when used for posterior tooth replacement.
DOI: 10.1111/jerd.70122
Institutions: Heidelberg University, University Hospital Heidelberg
Language: English
Subfield: Orthodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,030
OpenAlex ID: W7128780696