DEVELOPMENT AND CLINICAL-APPLICATIONS OF A LIGHT-POLYMERIZED FIBER-REINFORCED COMPOSITE

Statement of problem. After 30 pears of intermittent reports in the li terature, the use of fiber reinforcement is just now experiencing rapi d expansion in dentistry. Purpose. This article describes the developm ent and use of a continuous, unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite as a framework for the fabrication of fixed prostheses. Methods. By u sing various matrix materials and fibers, a number of fiber-reinforced composite formulations were evaluated with the goal of creating a sys tem with optimized mechanical properties and handling characteristics. Fiber-reinforced composite based on a light-polymerized BIS-GMA matri x has been used clinically to make 2-phase prostheses comprised of ail internal glass fiber-reinforced composite substructure covered by a p articulate composite. The clinical and laboratory procedures required for the fabrication and use of reinforced composite fixed prostheses a re described for laboratory-fabricated complete or partial coverage fi xed prosthesis and chairside prosthesis. Results. Although additional clinical experience is needed, fiber-reinforced composite materials ca n be used to make metal-free prostheses with excellent esthetic qualit ies.