Abstract
Fiber-reinforced composites have recently been advocated as an alternative to fixed metal framework prostheses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glass-fiber reinforcement on the flexural strength of different resin composites. The tested composites were X-tra fil, Filtek Z350 XT Flow and Filtek Z350 XT commercially available and reinforced with glass-fiber. Six groups of bars specimens (2 × 2 × 20 mm) were prepared (n = 10). The measurement of flexural strength of the resin composites was carried out by the three-point bending test. Data were subjected to ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s tests (α = 0.05). The flexural strength of all composites was improved when combined with glass fiber. The bulk-fill X-tra fil composite (133.53 MPa) was the strongest fiber-reinforced material. Clinically, fiber reinforcement should be employed in extensive restorations to provide increased flexural strength.
Highlights
Due to the enormous demand for conservative and aesthetic restorations [1], fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) have recently been advocated as an alternative to fixed metal framework prostheses
Addition of glass fiber increased the flexural strength of all composites (Table 2, p = 0.013)
The X-tra fil (102.86 MPa) and Filtek Z350 XT (101.51 MPa) composites without glass fiber had similar flexural performance, the X-tra fil composite experienced greater improvement when blended with glass fiber (133.53 MPa)
Summary
Due to the enormous demand for conservative and aesthetic restorations [1], fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) have recently been advocated as an alternative to fixed metal framework prostheses. The restorations can be effectively adhered to dental tissues and cause less damage to remaining teeth [2]. The use of composite materials in metal-free fixed partial dentures (FPDs) became feasible following the introduction of fiber reinforcement [6]. FRC-based FPDs have good resistance to masticatory forces [6] in addition to their low cost, improved aesthetics, reduced weight, and favorable elastic modulus [7, 8]. Prosthetics manufactured from ceramic material have superior color stability and wear resistance, exhibit marginal adhesion to tooth structure, and have the potential to damage unrestored opposing teeth [9]. FRC materials are currently used for crowns and inlays, and
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