Reinforcement of maxillary dentures with silane-treated ultra high modulus polyethylene fibers

Midline fractures appear to be the most common problem in maxillary complete dentures, and they can be prevented by reinforcement of the base material. In this clinical trial, complete upper dentures made, for patients having a history of midline fractures, that were reinforced with ultra-high modulus polyethylene fiber in woven form. This fiber was treated with a silane-coupling agent and sandwiched between acrylic dough. Laboratory procedures were conducted easily and conventionally, without any special equipment. At the end of 18 months, all of the dentures were well accepted and did not show any signs of fracture. (J. Oral Sci. 43, 103-107, 2001)