STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Fractured composite facings may result in replacement of a fixed partial denture unless a reliable intraoral repair method can be provided. PURPOSE: This in vitro study tested the quality of an intraoral repair method for fractured facings of fixed partial dentures made of a fiber-reinforced composite system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Shear bond strengths of a light-curing composite to a fiber-reinforced composite material were determined after different mechanical surface treatments. Aluminum oxide air abrading provided the most reliable bond strength values and therefore was used as a pretreatment for the facing repair of three-unit posterior fixed partial dentures. Facing repair was performed with the tested light-curing hybrid composite. Facing fracture strengths of repaired and original fixed partial dentures were determined after thermocycling and mechanical loading. RESULTS: Median facing fracture strength of the original fixed partial dentures was 1450 N after a simulated clinical service of 5 years. Facing fracture strengths of the repaired fixed partial dentures were significantly lower compared with the control group after an additional simulated 2-year interval. However, the median fracture force was still 1000 N. CONCLUSIONS: The facing repair of a fiber-reinforced fixed partial denture with a hybrid composite in combination with aluminum oxide air-abrading pretreatment and silanization provided sufficient fracture strength. Therefore the replacement of the complete restoration may be avoided.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Fractured composite facings may result in replacement of a fixed partial denture unless a reliable intraoral repair method can be provided. PURPOSE: This in vitro study tested the quality of an intraoral repair method for fractured facings of fixed partial dentures made of a fiber-reinforced composite system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Shear bond strengths of a light-curing composite to a fiber-reinforced composite material were determined after different mechanical surface treatments. Aluminum oxide air abrading provided the most reliable bond strength values and therefore was used as a pretreatment for the facing repair of three-unit posterior fixed partial dentures. Facing repair was performed with the tested light-curing hybrid composite. Facing fracture strengths of repaired and original fixed partial dentures were determined after thermocycling and mechanical loading. RESULTS: Median facing fracture strength of the original fixed partial dentures was 1450 N after a simulated clinical service of 5 years. Facing fracture strengths of the repaired fixed partial dentures were significantly lower compared with the control group after an additional simulated 2-year interval. However, the median fracture force was still 1000 N. CONCLUSIONS: The facing repair of a fiber-reinforced fixed partial denture with a hybrid composite in combination with aluminum oxide air-abrading pretreatment and silanization provided sufficient fracture strength. Therefore the replacement of the complete restoration may be avoided.
Authors: Willem M M Fennis; Cees M Kreulen; Arzu Tezvergil; Lippo V J Lassila; Pekka K Vallittu; Nico H J Creugers Journal: Int J Dent Date: 2011-09-15