Fiber reinforced composite restorations developed in recent years have been presented to improve the negative properties of composite resin systems applied by the traditional method thanks to the fact that the fibers act as a crack stopper, reduce polymerization shrinkage by decreasing the the mass of composite resin material between the remaining dentin structure and the fiber. Many authors having conducted tremendous experience in this field of research have reported that the polyethylene fiber is an innovative approach because it not only increases the flexural strength but also improves fracture toughness. Its woven fiber orientation provides the stresses to be dispersed throughout the restoration, and therefore reinforces the restoration and the remaining tooth structure in multiple directions.
The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the clinical performances of composite resin restorations with/without the polyethylene fiber to the first permanent molar teeth with extensively carious pediatric patients. A total of 75 restorations with (FC; n=38)or without (C; n=37) fiber were placed in the first permanent molar teeth.~Restorations were evaluated at baseline-6-12-18 months according to the modified-USPHS criteria. Data were analyzed with Chi-Square and Cochran's Q (p<0.05).