Silica-Nylon Reinforcement Effect on the Fracture Load and Stress Distribution of a Resin-Bonded Partial Dental Prosthesis.

This study investigated the influence of silica-nylon reinforcement on the stress distribution and fracture load of a resin-bonded fixed partial dental prosthesis (RBFDP). Three-unit RBFDPs (N = 60) were inserted between the first premolar and the first molar of a maxillary model. The groups were divided according to the nylon reinforcement (n = 20/group): conventional fixed prosthesis (without reinforcement), prosthesis with silica-nylon reinforcement positioned vertically, and prosthesis with silica-nylon reinforcement positioned horizontally. Half of the specimens were tested after 24 hours in a universal testing machine until fracture (1,000 kgf; 1 mm/minute) to determine the single load to fracture. The other half was submitted to mechanical aging during 10