Resin-Bonded Bridge — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateProsthodonticsResin-Bonded BridgeORE Part 1

A 28-year-old patient has a resin-bonded bridge (Maryland bridge) debonded from the abutment tooth. The bridge is intact. What is the most important factor for achieving a successful re-cementation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Ensuring the fitting surface of the retainer is clean and the enamel is properly etched

The correct answer is E. Resin-bonded bridges, particularly Maryland bridges, depend entirely on micromechanical bonding created by acid etching of both the abutment tooth enamel and the metal retainer surface. When re-cementing a debonded bridge, ensuring the fitting surface is clean and enamel is properly re-etched restores this critical bond interface. Recent UK clinical guidance (King et al. 2023) emphasises that contamination of the etched surface—even by saliva—must be recleaned before cementation to maintain the essential matte appearance indicating intact etching. Option B (thicker cement) does not compensate for poor micromechanical retention. Option C (chamfer finish) is inappropriate because Maryland bridges minimise tooth preparation and enamel confinement is a key success factor. Option A (conversion to conventional) unnecessarily abandons a conservative approach; rebonded bridges achieve acceptable long-term retention. Option D (stronger adhesive without prep) misunderstands the mechanism—these restorations rely on mechanical interlocking, not adhesive chemistry alone.

Reference: King S, Sood B, Ashley MP. Practical advice for successful clinical treatment with resin-bonded bridges. British Dental Journal. 2023 Oct 13;235(7):438-445. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10570136/