Comparative estimation of fracture resistance of teeth restored with new fiber impregnated composite, short fiber composite, and nanohybrid composite – An in-vitro study

INTRODUCTION . Composite resins, used in restorative dentistry, offer enhanced esthetic and mechanical qualities. Nevertheless, the significant issue of volumetric shrinkage during polymerization remains a concern. Shrinkage-induced stress has the potential to cause marginal defects and enamel and cuspal fractures, especially in high stress-bearing areas. The present study aimed at assessing and comparing the fracture resistance and fracture patterns of teeth restored with new impregnated cubical composite, short fiber reinforced composite, and nanohybrid composite in mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavities. MATERIALS AND METHODS . This was an in-vitro study comprising 45 extracted premolars cleaned and mounted in resin blocks. The MOD cavities were prepared in all the samples and were divided into three groups; Group I samples restored using ESPE Filtek Z350 XT restorative composite syringeTM, Group II using GC EverX posterior compositeTM (4mm), and Group III using Fibrafill cube S. Restorations were finished and polished. RESULTS . The mean fracture resistance was 844.5±264.8, 1249.7±518.3, and 1240.8±453.3 in Group I, II, and III, respectively. Group II and III fracture resistance was comparable (p=1.00) but higher than Group I (p=0.03 with Group II, p = 0.04 with Group III). No significant difference was present in the favourable and nonfavourable fracture patterns between the three groups (p=0.108). CONCLUSIONS . Short fiber and cubic fiber integrated composites performed similarly in terms of fracture resistance resulting in favourable fracture, however better over conventional nanohybrid composites.