Fracture behavior of pontics of fiber-reinforced composite fixed dental prostheses.

To evaluate the load-bearing capacities and failure mechanisms of FRC FDPs using shell-shaped acrylic denture teeth as pontics with different composite resins as filling materials. Eighty-four inlay-retained FDPs with FRC frameworks were made using shell-shaped posterior artificial teeth as pontics. Different composite resins were used as filling materials to complete the shape of the pontics. Four groups (n=21/group) were formed based on the filling material. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups and tested at 90º and 30°. Each FDP was statically loaded from the pontic until the final fracture. ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in the load-bearing capacities according to filling material, angle and storage (p<0.01). The fracture propagated from the fiber-rich part of the pontic towards the occlusal surface of the FDP. The filling material influenced the load-bearing capacities of FRC FDPs with shell-shaped denture teeth used as pontics.