The fracture of provisional restorations is of concern, especially with long span FPDs or patients with high occlusal forces. A number of different techniques for reinforcement of provisional restorations have been suggested; however their effect is largely unclear. Purpose: To determine the effect of fibers reinforcement on the fracture toughness of the provisional restoration resins. Material and methods: The fibers used in this study were: 1) silanized E-glass fibers preimpregnated with porous polymer (Fibrestick); 2) cold plasma-treated polyethylene fibers (Ribbond); and 3) preimpregnated silanized plasma-treated polyethylene fibers (Construct). PMMA compact test specimens reinforced with different fibers were fabricated according to ASTM no. E 399-83. Fracture toughness values for these specimens were evaluated and compared to unreinforced controls. The fibers were exposed on selected specimens by grinding with sandpaper and then examined with scanning electron microscopy(SEM) to determine the degree of adhesion of resin to the different fiber types. Mean results were compared with 1-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons made with Tukey's standardized range test (HSD) (a = 0.05). Results: The fracture toughness values (Tukey's grouping in parentheses) were as follows: preimpregnated silanized E-glass fibers: 2.74MPa∙m^1/2 (A); preimpregnated silanized plasma treated polyethylene fibers: 2.59MPa∙m^1/2 (A); cold plasma treated polyethylene fibers: 1.64MPa∙m^1/2 (B); unreinforced controls: 1.25MPa∙m^1/2(C). Conclusion: preimpregnated silanized E-glass fibers and preimpregnated silanized plasma-treated polyethylene fibers produced composites with the highest fracture toughness. SEM observation suggested that fiber reinforcement is correlated with increased adhesion of fibers to the resin matrix.

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