Use of short fiber-reinforced composite with semi-interpenetrating polymer network matrix in fixed partial dentures

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the static load-bearing capacity of fixed partial dentures (FPDs) made of experimental composite resin (FC) with short fiber fillers and interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) polymer matrix. Materials and methods: Experimental composite FC resin was prepared by mixing short E-glass fibers (3 mm in length) of 22.5 wt% and IPN-resin 223 wt% with silane treated silica fillers 55 wt%. Four groups of FPDs (3-unit) were fabricated (n = 6); Group A: made from commercial composite resin (Sinfony dentin, 3M-ESPE, control), Group B: Sinfony and fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) substructure, Group C: made from FC, Group D: made from FC with 1 mm surface layer of Sinfony. The bridges were polymerized with a hand-light curing unit for 40 s then post-cured in vacuum curing device (Visio Beta) for 15 min before they were statically loaded with speed of 1 mm/min until fracture. Failure modes were visually examined. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (p = 0.05). Results: ANOVA revealed that bridges made from experimental fiber composite had statistically significantly higher load-bearing capacity (2171 N) (p < 0.05) than the control restorations (1482 N). S ignificance: Restorations made from short glass fiber containing composite resin with IPN-polymer matrix showed better load bearing capacity than in those made with conventional composites resin and similar with those reinforced with FRC-substructure. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.