Comparative Evaluation of Flexural Strength and Flexural Modulus of Different Periodontal Splint Materials: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Splinting of the mobile teeth is a critical part of periodontal management to improve the prognosis and longevity of stable results of periodontally compromised teeth with increased mobility. Different types of splints are used in the dental field based on their mechanical and physical properties.The objective of the current in vitro study was to evaluate the flexure strength and flexural modulus of different types of splinting materials, such as: composite block, ligature wire, Ribbond®, InFibra®, and F-splint-Aid® bonded utilizing Flowable composites resin material. Seventy-five bar specimens were prepared with the dimensions of 25 × 4 × 2 mm, utilizing split metallic mold. Specimens were divided equally (n = 15) into five groups (one control group, four test groups). Different layers of splinting material were placed in between the layers of composite before curing. All the specimens were subjected to a three-point bending test by using a universal testing machine to calculate the flexural strength and flexural modulus. The entire data was subjected to statistical tests to evaluate the significance. Specimens from composite block groups showed the least mean value for flexural strength (89.15 ± 9.70 MPa) and flexural modulus (4.310 ± 0.912 GPa). Whereas, the highest mean value for flexural strength (168.04 ± 45.95 MPa) and flexural modulus (5.861 ± 0.501 GPa) were recorded by Ribbond® specimens. Inter group comparison of flexural strength showed statistically significant differences (P-value < 0.05), whereas comparison of flexural modulus showed non-significant difference among the groups (P-value > 0.05). Within the limitation of the present study, it was concluded that the Ribbond® exhibits maximum flexural strength and flexural modulus, whereas the composite blocks recorded the least values. Still, the decision making depends on the clinical scenario and the unique characteristic of each splint material.

Effects of Periodontal Splints on Biomechanical Behaviors in Compromised Periodontal Tissues and Cement Layer: 3D Finite Element Analysis

“…Young’s modulus (an intrinsic mechanical property of the material) is an indicator of material stiffness and illustrates a positive association between the modulus of elasticity and substance rigidity [ 31 ]. Rigid materials tend to have high elastic moduli.…”

“…Silica fiber exhibits higher flexural strength than glass fiber [ 33 ]. A previous study carried out by Saquib et al showed that polyethylene fibers are more flexible than glass fibers [ 31 ]. Ribbond ® is made from leno weave, an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber, which is commonly used for splinting [ 2 ].…”

“…Ribbond ® is made from leno weave, an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber, which is commonly used for splinting [ 2 ]. Flexible splinting may recover the physiologic mobility of teeth and thus may foster bone-remodeling stimulation in a previously jeopardized periodontium [ 31 ]. However, rigid splints may limit the movement of abutment teeth.…”

“…Theoretically, PEEK splints can allow the physiological movement of the mobile abutment teeth, which may promote improved healing of the periodontal tissues compared to rigid splints. Ribbond ® , the elastic modulus of which (4 GPa) is comparable to that of PEEK [ 31 ], has been proven to be an excellent material for splinting mobile teeth due to its flexibility [ 2 , 35 ]. However, during the masticatory process, the infiltrating composite resin inside Ribbond ® may undergo microcracks and expansion.…”