Enamel bonding plastic materials in modifying the form of abutment teeth for the better functioning of partial prostheses

The potential uses of enamel bonding sealants and composite filling materials in increasing the retentive form of abutment teeth and covering the preparations for the occlusal supports of partial prostheses were studied in laboratory conditions. The materials tested were Nuva and Concise sealants and composite resins. Extracted permanent human molars, premolars and canines were inserted into acrylic blocks, two teeth in each block. An unretentive clasp framework was made on every test block. A retention prominence was built up separately of sealants and of composite materials occlusally to the tip of each clasp arm. The bond strength and wear resistance of the materials was tested in a device designed for this study. The bond of the prominences was very good, only two out of 114 prominences loosened. The retention gained with prominences was, on average, 18 N measured by the force needed for removal. The decrease in the total retention of the four clasp arms was measured by the force needed to remove the clasp framework. The total retention of the prominences made of Nuva and Concise sealants after 5000 removals was 53 and 50% of the original, when long, flexible clasp arms were used. The corresponding figures for composite resins were 56 and 59%. Short rigid clasp arms caused a distinctly faster abrasion. The prominences made of sealants, in particular, were abraded rapidly, one-fifth of retention being left after 3000 removals.