The Effect of Different Fiber Concentrations on the Surface Roughness of Provisional Crown and Fixed Partial Denture Resin

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate surface roughness in provisional crown acrylics, after polishing, reinforced with different concentrations of glass fibers. METHODS A total of 48 disk-shaped specimens were prepared using autopolymerizing acrylic resin. These specimens were divided into four groups according to the level of glass fiber added: Group A (no fiber), Group B (0.5%), Group C (1%) and Group D (2%). After polishing the specimens, an average surface roughness (Ra) value was calculated using a profilometer from four randomly selected points on the surface. RESULTS A significant difference was determined among the surface roughness values of provisional crown resins to which different concentrations of fiber had been added (P<.001). Tukey's test was then used to perform paired comparisons of the data between the different groups, and a significant difference was found between Group A (no fiber) and the other groups, between Group B (0.5%) and Group D (2%) and between Group C (1%) and Group D. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between Group B and Group C. CONCLUSIONS The reinforcement of provisional crown and fixed partial denture resin with glass fibers increases surface roughness.