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Glass-fiber frameworks for fixed partial dentures: laser-interferometrical in vitro analysis
Till N Göhring1, Gianluca Zappini, Jörg Mayer
1Division of Cariology, Clinic for Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. till.goehring@zzmk.unizh.ch
Quintessence International (Berlin, Germany : 1985)
|September 16, 2004
Summary
This study evaluated glass fiber-reinforced pontics using a novel strain measurement method. A strategically placed glass-fiber mesh framework effectively inhibited crack propagation in dental composites.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Dental Materials
Background:
- Fiber-reinforced resin composites show promise for dental applications.
- Despite superior physical properties, clinical failures of these materials persist.
- Understanding strain and fracture resistance is crucial for improving pontic design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel method for measuring strain and fracture resistance in glass fiber-reinforced pontics.
- To evaluate the influence of different glass fiber reinforcement configurations on pontic performance under load.
- To compare the strain distribution and crack propagation resistance of various reinforced pontics against controls.
Main Methods:
- Thirty pontics were fabricated in five groups, including controls and four configurations of glass fiber reinforcement.
- A laser interferometer was employed to measure inner strains at three levels under occlusal loading (250 N and 450 N).
- Specimens were loaded to crack onset to determine fracture resistance, with data analyzed using ANOVA and nonparametric tests.
Main Results:
- The glass fiber mesh placed parallel to the pontic's occlusal surface (Group 3) exhibited significantly lower mean strain values compared to controls.
- No significant differences were found in maximal inner strain or load to crack onset across most groups.
- The Group 3 framework demonstrated superior inhibition of crack propagation compared to groups 2 and 5 (controls).
Conclusions:
- Speckle interferometry is a viable and promising technique for analyzing strains in dental pontics under load.
- The tested framework designs had a limited impact on the load required to initiate cracks.
- Strategic placement of a glass-fiber mesh is effective in preventing crack propagation in resin composite pontics.