Mechanical and physical evaluation of fiber-reinforced resin composite in comparison with conventional and bulk fill composite

Abstract Aim To compare fiber-reinforced composite with bulk fill and incremental composite regarding some mechanical and physical properties. Materials and methods Three groups of specimens represent the tested materials were prepared for each tested property. Group A conventional composite, group B bulk fill composite and group C fiber-reinforced composite. All groups were evaluated by seven tests. The specimens for the flexural test are rectangular in shape and were measured according to ISO4049-2019. Indirect tensile strength was measured according to ISO 4104. Microhardness specimens were prepared according to ASTM E384-22. Depth of cure was measured by two methods: the first method is according to microhardness ratio and the second method is according to ISO specification. Specimens for surface roughness and translucency were prepared in Teflon mold according to ISO4049-2009. Density of radiopacity was measured according to ISO 4049-1988. Results Regarding all tested properties, there was a significant difference between fiber-reinforced composite and both conventional and bulk fill composite. Fiber-reinforced composite resin has achieved the highest value of flexural strength, modulus, indirect tensile test, microhardness, depth of cure, surface roughness and translucency. Density of radiopacity of fiber-reinforced composite was less than bulk fill while it was more than conventional composite. Conclusions The fiber-reinforced composite has outperformed both bulk fill and incremental composites. Due to improvements in properties of fiber-reinforced composite, it is used as a base material for application in high stress-bearing areas and large cavities in posterior teeth.