Fracture resistance of microhybrid composite, nano composite and fibre-reinforced composite used for incisal edge restoration

Traumatized anterior teeth need quick, aesthetic and functional repair. Along with aesthetics, the physical properties of restorative material should also be considered for long-lasting restoration. Fibre reinforcement has been tried as a newer technique to improve the physical properties of composite materials. Hence, this study was carried out to evaluate the fracture resistance of microhybrid composite, nano composite and fibre-reinforced composite used for restoration of incisal edge of fractured maxillary central incisors. Extracted permanent maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into four groups of 10 samples each: control group with intact teeth (Group A), microhybrid composite (Esthet X; Dentsply/Caulk, Milford, DE, USA) (group B), nano composite (Ceram X; Dentsply/Caulk) (group C) and microhybrid composite reinforced with polyethylene fibre - flowable composite unit [(Ribbond THM; Ribbond Inc., Seattle, WA, USA; Esthet X flow; Dentsply/Caulk)] (group D). The fracture resistance was measured under universal testing machine at a speed of 1mmmin(-1) with the loading tip of 2mm diameter. The samples were further evaluated for mode of fracture under stereomicroscope at 3.5× magnification. The data were analysed using one-way anova and Tukey's test for fracture resistance. Group A and group D exhibited significantly higher fracture resistance than group B and group C. No significant difference was found between group B and group C as well as between group A and group D. Fisher's exact test for the mode of fracture revealed no statistical significance. It was concluded that fibre reinforcement of composite could be an alternative technique for restoration of fractured anterior teeth for better aesthetics and longevity of the restoration.