title: Comparison of fiber reinforcement placed at different locations of pontic in interim fixed partial denture to prevent fracture: An in vitro study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The interim restoration is an important phase in fixed prosthodontic therapy. It should provide sufficient durability to withstand the forces of mastication. A fractured interim restoration is damaging to the prosthodontic care and may lead to an unscheduled appointment for repair. Several attempts have been made to reinforce interim fixed partial dentures (FPDs). These have included the use of metal wire, a lingual cast metal reinforcement, a processed acrylic resin interim restoration, and different types of fibers, e.g., carbon, polyethylene, nylon and glass. These fibers can be placed in the occlusal, middle or cervical thirds in the FPD. There is no scientific data to evaluate the effect of fiber placement methods on the fracture resistance of clinical interim FPDs.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Hence this study was designed to evaluate fracture load values of interim FPDs with different locations of fiber reinforcement.
  
  
  METHODS
  30 interim FPD samples with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) reinforced with fibers at three different locations mainly occlusal, cervical and middle (10 samples each) were fabricated using a metal FPD on a master die. They were tested for fracture resistance in universal testing machine.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The fracture resistance was recorded and is tabulated and analyzed statistically. The results showed that the placement of the reinforcement in the occlusal third of the pontic resulted in higher fracture resistance which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than all other locations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The occlusal third of the pontic region from mesial to the distal end of the connector is the best site of placement of the fiber for reinforcing the PMMA interim restorative resin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Army Dental Centre (R and R), Delhi Cantonment, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Surg Cdr Anita
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Kapri
keywords: Fiber placement; fracture resistance; interim fixed partial denture; polymethyl methacrylate; reinforcements