INTRODUCTION

High-performance fiber-reinforced technopolymers for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of dental restorations offer superior durability and strength. However, exposure to acidic solutions may adversely affect these mechanical properties.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the flexural properties of a high-strength commercially available CAD/CAM fiber-reinforced dental material in response to water, cola, and artificial gastric acid solutions.

METHOD

Forty bar-shaped specimens (1 × 4 × 13 mm) were fabricated from a pre-polymerized glass fiber-reinforced composite (Trilor disks, Bioloren, Saronno, Italy). Ten specimens were randomly selected for baseline testing. The remaining specimens were subdivided into three groups based on the storage media (n = 10): artificial gastric acid solution, Coca-Cola, and deionized water (37 °C, 48 h). Mean flexural strengths and moduli were statistically compared at a significance level of < 0.05.

RESULTS

No statistically significant change in flexural strength was observed after immersion in the different media. However, there was a statistically significant decrease in the flexural modulus after storage for 48 h, regardless of pH.

CONCLUSION

Fiber-reinforced CAD/CAM technopolymers show promising strength stability in response to varying pH conditions. However, further studies are needed to investigate the material's long-term strength stability.