ISO 4049 versus NIST 4877: Influence of stress configuration on the outcome of a three-point bending test in resin-based dental materials and interrelation between standards

Abstract

ObjectivesThe study aimed to find a relationship between the most common standards used in testing resin-based materials (RBC) in a three-point bend test - ISO 4049 and NIST 4877 - using a size-strength relationship defined by the Weibull model. The direct comparison of calculated and measured data is used for validation. Methods280 (n = 20) specimens were prepared from seven different light-cured RBCs. The flexural strength, FS, and modulus, E, were measured with a span of 12 mm (NIST) or 20 mm (ISO). A fractographic analysis determined the origin of fracture. One and multiple-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) post-hoc tests (α = 0.05), Weibull statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were used for data analysis. ResultsCalculated data approximate the measured data very well. FS measured according to ISO is 11 % lower and E is 17 % higher than the NIST data. The test method influenced the properties measured, but not the material ranking or the fracture mode. Fractures originated from volume defects (sub-surface) were the most common type of fracture. ConclusionsWeibull analysis is successful to predict the scaling of strengths to other configurations in RBCs. Clinical SignificanceThe need to limit the sample size of RBCs up to the dimensions of their clinical use can benefit from the use of Weibull statistics. Weibull size-strength relationship and fractographic analysis can help to better assess the clinical behaviour of the RBCs, calculate the reliability of a restoration, and assess the nature of the flaws in the material.