Fixed prosthodontics is the art and science of restoring damaged teeth with cast metal, metal-ceramic, or all-ceramic restorations, and of replacing missing teeth with fixed prostheses. When a missing tooth is to be replaced, a fixed partial denture is preferred by the majority of patients. The usual configuration for a fixed partial denture utilizes an abutment tooth on each end of the edentulous space to support the prosthesis. Abutment teeth are called upon to withstand the forces normally directed to the missing teeth, in addition to those usually applied to the abutments. Successful...