Fiber-reinforced composite(FRC) was developed as a structural component for dental appliances such as prosthodontic framework. FRC provides the potential for fabrication of a metal-free, excellent esthetic prostheses. It has demonstrated success as a result of its simple fabrication, natural colour, and marginal integrity, and fracture resistance of veneering composite resin and the FRC material. Although it has lots of merits, clinical and objective data are insufficient. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture strength and marginal fitness of fiber-reinforced composite bridge in the posterior region for clinical application. Sixteen bridges of each group, Targis/Vectris(R), Sculpture-fibrekor(R)and In-Ceram, were fabricated. All specimens were cemented with Panavia 21 to the master dies. Strength evaluation was accomplished by a universal testing machine (Instron). The marginal fitness was measured by using the stereoscope (X50). The results were as follows. : 1.The fracture strength according to the materials was significantly decreaed in order In-Ceram(238.81+/-82). Targis Vectris(176.25+/-18.93), Sculpture-Fibrekor(120.35 +/-20.08) bridges. 2.FRC resin bridges were not completely fractured, while In-Ceram bridges were completely fractured in the pontic joint. 3.The marginal accuracy was significantly decreased in order Targis/Vectris (60.71micrometer), Sculpture-Fibrekor(73.10micrometer). In-Cream Bridge(83.81micrometer). 4.The fitness of occlusal sites had a lower value than the marginal sites(P<0.001), and the marginal gaps of inner site of the pontic were greater than that of outer sites of the pontic. Fiber reinforced composite bridges are new, esthetic prosthesis and can be clinically used in anterior regions and short span bridges. However, caution must be exercised when extrapolating laboratory data to the clinical situation because there are no long term clinical data regarding the overall success of the FRC.
Denture, Partial, Fixed ; Joints ; Prostheses and Implants ; Prosthodontics