Flexural strength of provisional restorative materials

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Provisional restorative materials are crucial for maintaining function during dental treatment.
• These materials must possess adequate strength to withstand occlusal forces and prevent fracture.
• Understanding the mechanical properties of different provisional resins is essential for clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the fracture resistance of five different autopolymerizing provisional resin materials.
• To simulate clinical functional stresses on provisional restorations in a laboratory setting.
• To identify materials with superior mechanical integrity for provisional dental applications.

Main Methods:

• Five autopolymerizing provisional resin materials were tested.
• Specimens were subjected to simulated functional stresses relevant to fixed partial dentures.
• Fracture resistance was measured for each material type.

Main Results:

• Snap poly(ethyl methacrylate) exhibited the highest fracture resistance.
• Two samples of Snap poly(ethyl methacrylate) showed significantly lower fracture resistance, indicating variability.
• The fracture resistance order, from highest to lowest, was: Snap (poly(ethyl methacrylate)), Caulk temporary bridge resin and G-C Unifast temporary resin (poly(methyl methacrylate) materials), Protemp (composite), and Scutan (epimine).

Conclusions:

• Snap poly(ethyl methacrylate) demonstrates high fracture resistance but exhibits concerning inconsistency.
• Further research is needed to understand and address the variability in Snap material performance.
• Material selection should consider both average strength and consistency for reliable provisional restorations.