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. (Eur J Dent 2008;2:185-190)