Fiber-Reinforced Composites for Full-Arch Implant-Supported Rehabilitations: An In Vitro Study

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) are explored as alternatives to metal alloys for full-arch implant-supported prostheses frameworks.
• Evaluating the mechanical performance of FRCs is crucial for their clinical adoption in restorative dentistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the in vitro load-deflection behavior of full-arch implant prostheses with frameworks made from various materials, including different FRC types.
• To assess the suitability of FRCs as substitutes for traditional metal alloys in dental frameworks.

Main Methods:

• Seven types of full-arch prostheses frameworks were fabricated using different materials: gold alloy, titanium, multidirectional carbon FRC, unidirectional carbon FRC, glass fiber FRC, and resin.
• Flexural tests were performed using a universal testing machine to measure the deflection of the prostheses under increasing loads.

Main Results:

• Prostheses with unidirectional carbon fiber composite (UCFRC+C) and glass fiber composite (GFRC+C) frameworks exhibited the greatest rigidity and least deflection.
• Titanium (Ti+R) and gold alloy (Au+R) frameworks showed predictable mechanical behavior with gradual deformation.
• Fully acrylic (R), multidirectional carbon FRC (ICFRC+R), and glass fiber FRC (GFRC+R) frameworks demonstrated the highest levels of deformation.

Conclusions:

• Gold and titanium frameworks provide predictable mechanical performance for full-arch prostheses.
• Unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced composite (UCFRC) frameworks offer good mechanical properties with less deflection than multidirectional FRCs.
• Glass fiber reinforced composite (GFRC) frameworks present a potential alternative, though with higher deflection; further research on design and thickness is recommended.