Effect of different framework materials of resin-bonded bridges on load to fracture values and stress distribution

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare in vitro fracture strengths (FSs) of metal- and fiber-reinforced frameworks of resin-bonded bridges and to evaluate stress distribution with finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Methods: Totally 80 extracted maxillary central and maxillary canine teeth were used for in vitro part of this study as two groups; metal-reinforced framework (n = 20) [(metal-supported resin-bonded bridge (MR-RB)] and fiber-reinforced frameworks (n = 20) [fiber-reinforced resin-bonded bridge (FR-RB) were prepared for three unit resin-bonded bridges. All bridges were loaded from lateral pontic at 1 mm/min crosshead speed and fracture values were recorded. MannuWhitney U-test was used for statistical analysis, and fracture patterns were evaluated visually. FEA was carried out in the second part of the study, and stress distribution of MR-RB and FR-RB structures was analyzed using one of the models from in vitro specimens as main model. Results: The mean FSs of MR-RB and FR-RB were 637.47 151.91 N and 224.86 80.97 N, respectively. Fiber-reinforced specimens were found to distribute stress more homogeneous and connectors in each framework were the regions where stress concentrated mostly. Conclusion: In vitro FSs of MR-RB and the stress concentration of the point that the forces were applied were higher as compared to other parts of the restoration. Furthermore, in contrast to FR-RB specimens, retainer tooth fractures were observed in MR-RB specimens.