Background: Spacing in the midline of the natural dentition has long been a focus for Prosthodontists. The challenge often proves difficult, with the common approach being to incorporate the gap into the treatment plan, rather than attempting to eliminate it entirely. This is due to the fact that closing a midline diastema with a fixed prosthesis frequently leads to aesthetic compromises.
Case Presentation: In this article, 2 cases with excessive space in the anterior region are discussed. The prosthetic rehabilitation was done by using a modified FPD with loop connectors instead of a conventional FPD design. Using this method to restore patients’ natural smiles helped boost confidence and patient satisfaction.
Conclusion: Replacing a single anterior tooth is a complex and demanding procedure that can be successfully achieved using implant-supported restorations, conventional porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, or resin-bonded fixed partial dentures. A range of aesthetic treatment options should be carefully considered when planning the best approach for such patients.
loop connectors, midline diastema, modified fixed partial denture, spacing
Al-Quran, F. A., Al-Ghalayini, R. F., & Al-Zu’bi, B. N. (2011). Single-tooth replacement: Factors affecting different prosthetic treatment modalities. BMC Oral Health, 11, 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6831-11-34
Boujoual, I., Wahid, H. O., Moussaoui, H., & Alzoubi, A. (2024). Managing missing single tooth loss with a loop connector resin bonded bridge: Case report. Oral Health & Dental Science, 8(3), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.33425/2639-9490.1149
Fischer, H., Weber, M., & Marx, R. (2003). Lifetime prediction of all-ceramic bridges by computational methods. Journal of Dental Research, 82(3), 238–242. https://doi.org/10.1177/154405910308200317
Kalra, A., Gowda, M. E., & Verma, K. (2013). Aesthetic rehabilitation with multiple loop connectors. Contemporary Clinical Dentistry, 4(1), 112–115. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-237X.111632
Kamalakanth, S., & Arbaz, S. (2008). Anterior loop connector fixed partial denture: A simple solution to a complex prosthodontic dilemma. Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society, 8, 162–164. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-4052.49022
Kamposiora, P., Papavasiliou, G., Bayne, S. C., & Felton, D. A. (1996). Stress concentration in all-ceramic posterior fixed partial dentures. Quintessence International, 27(10), 701–706.
Kou, W., Kou, S., Liu, H., & Sjögren, G. (2007). Numerical modeling of the fracture process in a three-unit all-ceramic fixed partial denture. Dental Materials, 23(8), 1042-1049. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2006.06.039
Mishra, A., Chopade, S. R., Rastogi, R., & Thareja, P. (2016). Loop connectors: An overlooked solution to missing anteriors—A case report. IP Annals of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry, 2(1), 26–28. https://doi.org/10.18231/2581-4796.2016.0006
Oh, W., Götzen, N., & Anusavice, K. J. (2002). Influence of connector design on fracture probability of ceramic fixed-partial dentures. Journal of Dental Research, 81(9), 623–627. https://doi.org/10.1177/154405910208100909
Plengsombut, K., Brewer, J. D., Monaco, E. A., & Davis, E. L. (2009). Effect of two connector designs on the fracture resistance of all-ceramic core materials for fixed dental prostheses. The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 101(3), 166–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3913(09)60022-6
Pradhan, D. A., & Goel, P. (2023). Loop connector: An esthetic solution for missing anterior tooth with diastema—A case report. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, 11(8), B306–B310. https://doi.org/10.1729/Journal.35677
Sharma, N., Paleka, U., & Sharma, S. (2012). Loop connector—Bridging the gaps: A case report. National Journal of Dental Science and Research, 1(1), 42–45.
Srinivasan, K., Mathew, C. A., & Kannan, S. (2020). Esthetic rehabilitation of anterior missing teeth with loop connector: A case report. Paripex Indian Journal of Research, 9(2), 47–48. https://doi.org/10.36106/paripex
Taggart, J. A. (1990). Resin bonded spring cantilever bridge. Restorative Dentistry, 6(2), 4–5.
