Comparative Evaluation of Short Fiber-reinforced Composite Resin Thickness on Fracture Resistance of Class II Composite Restoration: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the difference in fracture resistance of the short fiber-reinforced composite (SFRC) thickness as intermediate layer of class II composite restoration. Thirty human maxillary premolars were selected and divided into three groups. In groups I, II, and III, class II cavities were prepared. Groups I and II were restored with 2 mm and 4 mm thickness of SRFC as intermediate layer. Group III as control group was restored with nanohybrid composite. Thermocycling procedure was performed manually 250 times. Fracture resistance was measured by using Universal Testing Machine. Data were analyzed statistically using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post hoc least significant difference (LSD) test. The result showed that group II had the highest fracture resistance and group III had the lowest fracture resistance. The difference between groups was statistically significant (p value < 0.05). The conclusion showed that adding 4 mm of SFRC as an intermediate layer increased the fracture resistance. The use of SFRC as intermediate layer enhanced the fracture resistance of class II composite restoration.