The aim of this systematic review was to compare the clinical performance and failure modes of teeth restored with intra-radicular retainers. A search was performed on PubMed/Medline, Central and ClinicalTrials databases for randomized clinical trials comparing clinical behavior and failures of at least two types of retainers. From 341 detected papers, 16 were selected for full-text analysis, of which 9 met the eligibility criteria. A manual search added 2 more studies, totalizing 11 studies that were included in this review. Evaluated retainers were fiber (prefabricated and customized) and metal (prefabricated and cast) posts, and follow-up ranged from 6 months to 10 years. Most studies showed good clinical behavior for evaluated intra-radicular retainers. Reported survival rates varied from 71 to 100% for fiber posts and 50 to 97.1% for metal posts. Studies found no difference in the survival among different metal posts and most studies found no difference between fiber and metal posts. Two studies also showed that remaining dentine height, number of walls and ferrule increased the longevity of the restored teeth. Failures of fiber posts were mainly due to post loss of retention, while metal post failures were mostly related to root fracture, post fracture and crown and/or post loss of retention. In conclusion, metal and fiber posts present similar clinical behavior at short to medium term follow-up. Remaining dental structure and ferrule increase the survival of restored pulpless teeth. Studies with longer follow-up are needed.

Cast post and cores or fiber posts can be used for restoring nonweakened roots. However, for weakened roots, a fiber post with a wider cervical emerging diameter appears to be a better alternative when compared with cast post and cores.

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The color stability of ceramic laminate veneers was similar for both of the polymerizing modes for all evaluated periods. Marginal discoloration increased over a 2-year period for both the light- and the dual-polymerizing modes.

The use of a three-step etch-&-rinse adhesive system appears to be effective. The application of other adhesive systems (single-bottle etch-&-rinse and self-etch adhesive systems) did not present high pullout strength values. The simplified self-adhesive resin cement (without adhesive application) presented good retentive performance. Further studies should be conducted.