The Fracture Resistance of Fiber Reinforced Composite Restorative Material has Higher Yield than Nanohybrid Resin Composite

Abstract

Restorative materials used in dentistry should have aesthetic appeal and good strength for use in restorations on anterior and posterior teeth. Nanohybrid resin composite is a composite resin with nano-filler particles having both aesthetic appeal and good durability against fracture. The newest composite resin, fiber-reinforced composite, comprises resin matrix, E-glass fiber and organic particulate filler. Composite resins with E-glass fibers are expected to have higher fracture toughness values than composite resins without E-glass fibers. This research aimed to study the difference in the fracture toughness between nanohybrid resin composite and fiber-reinforced composite. Twenty samples were divided into 2 groups: Group I-nanohybrid resin composite and group II-fiber-reinforced composite. Each sample was applied incrementally on a glass mould and individually exposed to light for cure stiffening for 20 s. Before polymerisation of the second layer, the central part of the sample was given a sharp crack. The sample was then maintained at 37°C for 48 h, followed by testing for fracture toughness by the universal testing machine specification. Independent t-test revealed significant differences in fracture toughness values between the two groups (p = 0,000).