[Tensile strength of short-fiber-reinforced temporary plastics]

Glass fibers added to temporary crown and bridge material (Proviso-Blend, Blendax) by 5% to the weight increased the tensile strength of the acrylic resin by 38%. The increase was even greater when carbon fibers were added (50%), but the resin discoloured to a greyish shade. The results were less spectacular with Dentalon Plus (Kulzer), and the experiment did not work with Protemp (Espe). The amount of improvement in tensile strength depended on the type and geometry of the fiber and of the fiber concentration. Neither the properties of the polished surface of a fiber-reinforced acrylic nor adverse effects of such fibers possibly swallowed by the patient are investigated as yet.