Glass-fibre-reinforced-composite fixed partial dentures on dental implants

The objective was to investigate the fracture strength and marginal fit of implant suprastructures made of fibre-reinforced composite which were fixed onto the implants using cementation or screws. A sample (n = 8) of 4-unit bridges, made of the fibre-reinforced composite Vectris/Targis, were adhesi vely cemented onto titanium conical implant abutments. The second sample co nsisted of eight screwable Vectris/Targis bridges which were based on proto types of titanium crown bases. After a 5 year simulation of thermal cycling and mechanical loading (TCML), all specimen were loaded to fracture. Margi nal fit was investigated using a semi-quantitative SEM analysis. The cement ed 4-unit bridges showed a fracture strength of 1553 N (Q(1) = 1498 N, Q(3) = 1825 N) and the screw-fixed bridges had a median of 1457 N (Q(1) = 1223 N, Q(3) = 1781 N). The analysis of the marginal adaptation showed similar r esults of cemented and screwed bridges. The bond between the Targis facing- material and the composite cement was significantly deteriorated after TCML . Conclusion: Suprastructures made of glass-fibre-reinforced composite coul d become an alternative to reconstructions with a metal-framework. Both, fi xation onto the implants with screws or cementation, are possible.