Biomechanical Behaviour of Fiber Reinforced Composite Dental Bridges

The major interest of practitioners for FRC dental restorations derives from the biological traits of this technique. The study concerned the biomechanical behaviour of polyethylene fiber reinforced composites. The experimental determination of the maximum pressure force that can be supported by a FRC fixed prosthetic restoration has also been targeted (Construct Premise Indirect). For this purpose two samples have been used, each been made of a FRC restoration resin bonded to two lateral teeth which are fixed in a plaster block. The 2 samples differ by the fiber width and by the thickness of the veneer composite. The 2 samples have been tested with static short duration loads on a testing machine. It has been observed that both samples had a perfect elastic behaviour for force under 280N (sample 1) and 360N (sample 2). The maximum flexural stresses as a result of the load are 102.77MPa for the first pontic and 92.5MPa for the second one. The persistence of the fiber allows maintaining the bridge under certain conditions and for a certain period of time. If the stress increases the restoration is destructed (the force has to be almost doubled before the important displacement could lead to the fracture of the bridge). In a clinical situation this reversible and cost effective procedure, which is minimally invasive, aesthetically and biologically desirable offers a viable alternative to conventional replacement of lost teeth.