OBJECTIVETo analyze influence of fiber framework design on fracture strength of posterior glass fiber-reinforced-composite resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (GFRC-RBFPD).

METHODSBased on established three-dimensional finite element models of GFRC-RBFPD for restoring the second mandibular premolar or the first mandibular molar, traditional fiber framework design and modified fiber framework design were analyzed. Two types of load, including cusp-fossa load and buccal-lingual cusp load, were selected. Load values were 400 N on premolar and 600 N on molar respectively. The fracture strength of GFRC-RBFPD was calculated.

RESULTSUnder cusp-fossa load, the fracture strength was 1340 N for both types of fiber frameworks of premolar GFRC-RBFPD, and 864 N for traditional framework and 875 N for modified framework of molar GFRC-RBFPD. Under buccal-lingual load, the fracture strength of premolar GFRC-RBFPD was 792 N for traditional framework and 1019 N for modified framework; that of molar GFRC-RBFPD was 645 N for traditional framework and 652 N for modified framework.

CONCLUSIONSThe modified fiber framework obviously improved the strength of premolar GFRC-RBFPD and only slightly improved that of molar GFRC-RBFPD.