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 22.5 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). Significance 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.