Clinical outcomes of rigid and non-rigid telescopic double-crown-retained removable dental prostheses: An analytical review

PURPOSE: The objective of this literature review was to analyze the cumulative survival rates (CSRs) of rigid and non-rigid double-crown-retained removable dental prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Screening of the literature published from January 1995 to December 2019 was performed by using electronic data base (Pubmed) and manual search. The CSRs of rigid and non-rigid double crown removable dental prostheses were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 403 articles were reviewed and 56 relevant articles of them were selected. Subsequently, 25 articles were included for data extraction. These articles were classified according to rigid and non-rigid type double crowns and further subdivided into teeth, implants, and teeth-implant combination types. The CSRs of rigid type double crown ranged from 68.9% to 95.1% of 5 to 10 years in tooth abutments, 94.02% to 100% over a 3-year mean observation periods in implant abutments, and 81.8% to 97.6% in tooth-implant combination. Non-rigid type double crowns had various CSR ranges from 34% to 94% maximum during 10 years observation in teeth abutment. The CSRs of non-rigid type had over 98% in implant abutments, and ranged from 85% to 100% in tooth-implant combination. CONCLUSION: The CSRs of double crowns varies according to types. With accurate evaluation of the remaining teeth and plan of the strategic implant placement, it could be successful treatment alternatives for partially or completely edentulous patients.