An evaluation of fracture resistance of interim fixed partial denture fabricated using polymethylmethacrylate and reinforced by different fibres for its optimal placement: an in vitro study

Abstract

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the most common material used to fabricate interim fixed partial denture (FPD). Several attempts have been made to improve fracture strength of this material with various methods of reinforcement, but its effect on the fracture resistance of interim FPD was not evaluated. The study was designed in two stages. In the first stage various methods of reinforcement (glass fibre, polyethylene, combination of glass and polyethylene, and stainless steel) for interim FPD of PMMA were used and its effect on the fracture resistance of interim FPD was evaluated by three point bending test using universal testing machine. In the second stage, fibres which showed the highest fracture resistance value was used to ascertain the most appropriate site of placement for reinforcing interim FPD. Comparisons were made with analysis of variance. Stainless steel and glass fibres showed significantly higher fracture resistance value than polyethylene alone or mixed with glass fibres (P < 0.001). Fibre placement in the occlusal third region of the pontic resulted in higher fracture resistance than the other locations (P < 0.05). There was a definite improvement in the fracture resistance after reinforcement with fibres and stainless steel. The occlusal third region of the pontic is the most appropriate site of placement for reinforcement in interim FPD.