# Load-Bearing Capacity of Incisors Restored Using Fiber-Reinforced Composite Post-Core Systems

## TL;DR

This study found that using a specific composite material improves the strength of restored teeth compared to other methods.

## Contribution

The novel finding is that short-fiber composite as luting and core material improves load-bearing capacity in incisor restorations.

## Key findings

- Restorations with fiber posts (Approaches B and D) showed significantly higher load-bearing capacity.
- Short-fiber composite (Approach D) outperformed Gradia-based restorations in load-bearing performance.
- Post material and length did not significantly affect load-bearing capacity.

## Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the load-bearing performance of upper incisors and evaluate the curing of the luting polymer composite at various depths within the canal. Methods: A total of one hundred maxillary central incisors (10 groups, n = 10/group) were subjected to various restorative techniques. Approach A used Gradia Core for post-core and crown; Approach B employed prefabricated fiber posts (4 mm or 8 mm) with Gradia for luting and core build-up; Approach C used short-fiber composite (everX Flow) for post-core build-up; and Approach D used fiber posts with everX Flow for luting and core build-up. Restorations underwent cyclic fatigue (40,000 cycles at 95 N) and quasi-static fracture testing. Surface hardness of luting polymer composites was also measured. Results: Data showed that restorations with additional fiber posts (Approaches B and D) had significantly higher load-bearing capacity (p < 0.05), while post material and length had no significant impact (p > 0.05). Short-fiber composite as luting and core material (Approach D) enhanced load-bearing performance compared to Gradia-based restorations (Approach B, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of short-fiber composite as both the post luting and core material in restoring compromised incisors, along with a conventional fiber post, demonstrated favorable results in terms of load-bearing capacity.