Abstract
Longevity of fixed partial dentures fiber-reinforced composite restorations is dependent upon many different factors, including material, maxillary or mandibular arches, patient- and dentist-related. 25 metal polymeric and 25 integral polymeric fixed partial prosthesis were obtained for this study. The Rx investigation was performed by using the Fona X 70. The possible defects were investigated with the DIAGNOcam using the transillumination method. In contrast to conventional technology with an interdental light source, DIAGNOcam practically uses the entire tooth as a light propagation medium. the transillumination investigation detects more defects trapped in the polymeric materials in 20 from the 25 metal ceramic fixed partial prosthesis and in 16 from the considered 25 integral polymeric fixed partial prosthesis. In conclusion, a noninvasive evaluations method, such as transillumination, has a great capability to evaluate the internal structure of the polymeric material used for the fixed partial prosthesis considered. Most of these defects were identified in the occlusal, cervical and connector’s areas of the fixed partial prosthesis and then could lead to fractures and failures of the prosthetic treatment. Keywords: polymeric fixed partial prosthesis, transillumination, non-invasive method, material defect