Trends Biomater. Artif.

Organs, Vol 20(1), ppOf53-58

Versatility (2006)
Ribbond In Contemporary Dental Practice 53
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Versatility of Ribbond in Contemporary Dental Practice

M. Ganesh and Shobha Tandon

Dept. of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry

Manipal College of Dental Sciences
Manipal 576119

Provision of innovative treatment solutions to various problems has always been the motto of medical scientific
brains. Dentistry is no exception to this endeavor. The acceptance of advances in material science has really
helped this cause. Ribbond is one such material, which has occupied an important place in the dentist's repertoire.
It is bondable fibre reinforced material, made from the same ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and ceramic
fibers used to make bulletproof vests. The key to Ribbond's success is its patented leno weave. Designed with a
lock-stitch feature, it effectively transfers forces throughout the weave without stress transfer back into the resin,
providing excellent manageability characteristics. Having virtually no memory, Ribbond adapts to the contours of
the teeth and dental arch. It is translucent, practically colorless and disappears within the composite or acrylic
without show-through offering excellent esthetics. Ribbond's fibers are the standard in biocompatibility. The same
material is also used in the construction of artificial hip and knee joints. By virtue of such wide spectrum of intended
properties, it enjoys varied applications in day to day dentistry like: endodontic posts,periodontal splints, aesthetic
space maintainers ,bondable briges and single bridges and orthodontic retainers. This paper is an attempt to
showcase the versatility and applicability of this wonderful material in day-to-day dental practice.

Introduction their physical properties. These were introduced

first in the 1960s by Smith when glass fibres
We humans have taken a lot from the nature were used to reinforce polymethyl
and would continue to do the same. If we look methacrylates.This group is very heterogenous
the tree, it consists of innumerable number of one depending on the nature of the fibre, the
fibres, which gives its structure, configuration geometrical arrangement of the fibres and the
and strength. Fibre reinforcement is one such overlying resin material.
achievement, which has been accomplished
by inspiration from the nature. Fibre The main materials used are glass, ultra-high
reinforcement is a proven technology today strength polyethylene fibres and Kevlar fibres.
which is being in almost every field like the bus The arrangement of the fibres can be
industry to ship manufacture to something unidirectional with all fibres running in one
complex like the wind mills to one of most direction or a weave or meshwork design fibres.
important in today's world the bullet proof vests The arrangement can be either braided fibres
and jackets. Dentistry is no exception in or woven fibres.
accepting this technology in its stride. The use The manufacturing method of these fibres can
of fibre reinforced composites/ ribbons has be either through resin pre- impregnated ones
become a day to day practice in clinical dental or the types, which require a chair-side
practice which has made life easier for the impregnation method, either ways the end
dentist at the same time helping him provide result is the same. Key factors which influences
quality care to the patients. the physical properties of fibre reinforced
Fibre reinforced composites structures are: Fibre loading within the
restoration and Efficacy of the bond at the fibre
Fibre- reinforced composites are resin-based resin interface, fibre orientation and fibre
materials containing fibres aimed at enhancing position in the restoration.
54 M.Ganesh and Shobha Tandon

Commonly used bondable reinforced fibres in Adaptable and Manageable. Does not unravel
clinical practice are: Ultrahigh molecular weight when cut or manipulated. Reinforces multi-
polyethylene fibers- Ribbond (Ribbond), directionally durable & impact absorbent. Transfers
Connect(Kerr), Glass Fibers- GlasSpan stresses efficiently throughout the fiber network.
(GlasSpan) and fiber Splint ML(Polydentia), Fibers
Other properties seen in Ribbond:
preimpregnated with resin Vectris (Vivadent),
StickNet (StickTech) and FibreKor (Jeneric/ Highly Bondable
Pentron).
Ribbond bonds to any composite system. You
Ribbond choose the composite Magnified 110,000 time,
SEM's demonstrate complete incorporation of the
Ribbond fibres introduced in 1992 to the market
resin to Ribbond's fibers (note lack of voids).
is a bondable reinforced fibres consisting of ultra-
Forces within the resin are easily transferred to
high strength polyethylene fibres. These fibers far
the fibers insuring that the Ribbond is an integral
exceed the breaking point of fiberglass and are
strength member of the prostheses.
so tough that specially made scissors are required
to cut them. Unlike Kevlar, Ribbond's fibers Bonding to Composites
absorb less moisture than the dental resins
Place the cut piece of Ribbond on a contaminant-
Structure free (having no wax or oil). Mixing slab, pad or light-
safe box and wet it with a few drops of unfilled
The key to Ribbond's success (and what
bonding <adhesive, composite sealant or
distinguishes Ribbond from the other fiber
modeling resin. A "pit and fissure sealant" can also
reinforcements) is its patented leno
be used to wet Ribbond. Important: It is not
weave.Designed with a lock-stitch feature that
recommended to wet the Ribbond with one step
effectively transfers forces throughout the weave
or 5th generation bonding systems. Sometimes
without stress transfer back into the resin,
these systems contain components (such as
Ribbond's weave also provides excellent
acids to etch the dentin or solvents) that can
manageability characteristics. Having virtually no
compromise the adhesion between the resin and
memory, Ribbond adapts to the contours of the
the fiber. To avoid diluting the filled composite resin,
teeth and dental arch. For example; when making
blot off the excess unfilled bonding adhesive with
a periodontal splint, Ribbond tucks in
a lint-free gauze or a patient bib. It is easier to
interproximally without rebounding. In addition,
work with the Ribbond if it is not overly saturated
unlike loosely braided or bundles of unidirectional
with unfilled resin. Once Ribbond is wetted with
fibers, Ribbond does not spread or fall apart when
unfilled bonding adhesive, it can be handled as
manipulated. Since fiber reinforced resin
you would touch resin (with powder-free gloves
structures derive their strength primarily from
or clean fingers). To minimize premature setting
making laminates, high manageability and lack of
of the unfilled composite on the Ribbond, protect
memory is essential for close and accurate
the wetted Ribbond from the light until ready for
layering of the fibers. Inaccurate fiber placement
use.[1]
results in voids or excessive composite on the
tensile side of the fibers that will be prone to Bonding Ribbond to Acrylic Resins
fracturing. The unique fibre design renders the
In general, when autopolymerizing acrylic resin is
following properties to Ribbond : (Fig 1)
being used, the slower the set, the stronger the
resin.Wet Ribbond with a "runny mix" of acrylic
resin.Once Ribbond has been covered by a runny
mix of acrylic resin you can handle it with your
fingers.When doing a repair or using the channel
technique for reinforcing an acrylic bridge, wet
cut pieces of Ribbond with a runny mix of acrylic
resin, lay it in the channel and then press it down
Figure 1: Unique cross-link lock stitch leno weave into place with a doughy mix of acrylic resin.
pattern of Ribbond Fibres.
 Versatility Of Ribbond In Contemporary Dental Practice 55

Esthetic creates a smoother surface to the tongue.

Ribbond-THM covers easier with composite with
Ribbond is translucent, practically colorless and
less show-through of the fiber. Ribbond-THM is
disappears within the composite or acrylic without
designed for use with applications in which
show-through. Not only does Ribbond offer
thinness and higher modulus are the primary
excellent esthetics, its translucency also allows
concerns. These applications include
the use of light cured composites
periodontal splints, orthodontic retainers,
Biocompatible endodontic posts and cores or short span
anterior bridges. Original Ribbond is the
Ribbond's fibers are the standard in
preferred material for applications in which the
biocompatibility. The same material is also used
final breaking strength is the primary concern.
in the construction of artificial hip and knee joints.
These applications include provisional bridges,
Unlike fiberglass, if at anytime the Ribbond is cut
composite bridges and reinforcement of
into with a rotary instrument, the resultant particles
removable prostheses.
and exposed fibers will not be a biocompatibility
risk to the patient. Ribbond Triaxial
Versatile The fibers in Ribbond Triaxial are oriented in a
different design than our other Ribbond products.
The unique combination of strength, esthetics and
It is a hybrid of unidirectional and braided fibers
bondability allows Ribbond to be used for many
forming a double-layered triaxial ribbon. This
different applications. Ribbond bonds to both
patented design provides significantly greater
composite and acrylic giving you a material with
multidirectional fracture toughness and greater
multiple uses.
modulus of elasticity than our other Ribbond
Family Of Ribbond Fibres: products. Ribbond-Triaxial is the material of choice
for bridges, endodontic restorations, and other
Since its introduction in 1992 because of the applications where strength, modulus of elasticity,
increased demand for more ideal properties in the and fracture toughness is the primary concern. In
fibres with enhaced ease of application and addition to its greater strength and modulus of
reduced chances of any failure,today Ribbond has elasticity, another advantage of Ribbond-Triaxial
a family of fibres suited for different application in for these applications is that it easily holds its form
the day to day dental practice.It consists of before polymerization and only requires one layer
:Ribbond THM,Ribbond original and Ribbond within the pontic area.Because Ribbond-Triaxial
Triaxial is thicker, it usually requires preparations. For
Ribbond Original applications in which preparations are not
desired, Ribbond Triaxial can be used in
Original Ribbond is a general purpose fiber conjunction with Ribbond-THM.(Fig 2).
reinforcement that can be used for the same
applications as Ribbond-THM and Ribbond-
Triaxial. It is thicker (0.35 mm) than Ribbond-THM
Ribbond-THM (thinner higher modulus)
Made from thinner fibers with a higher thread
count, Ribbond-THM has a higher flexural strength
than regular Ribbond and is only 0.18 mm thick.
Ribbond-THM offers the same crack-stopping
leno-weave and high strength fibers of Original
Ribbond with greater manageability, greater ease-
of-use, and thinner results. Thinner Ribbond-
THM adapts more closely to the teeth with even
less memory than Original Ribbond and stays
better in place before curing. Not only is the Figure 2.Comparison of thickness between
finished prosthesis thinner, Ribbond-THM Ribbond original & Ribbond THM.
56 M.Ganesh and Shobha Tandon

Applications In Dentistry: an avulsed tooth. All these applications involve

variations of a common technique. In general,
Ribbond endodontic post and core
it is easier to use the direct technique for the
Technique minimizes the chance for root construction of periodontal splints, orthodontic
fracture and has the following advantages. retainers and splint-bridges using the avulsed
Compared to preformed posts, there is no tooth as the pontic. It is easier to use the indirect
additional tooth removal after endodontic technique for the construction of bridges.
treatment. This maintains the natural strength [12](Fig 4).
of the tooth. Eliminates the possibility of root
perforation. Because it is made when the
Ribbond is in a pliable state, it conforms to the
natural contours and undercuts of the canal and
provides additional mechanical retention. There
are no stress concentrations at the tooth-post
interface. The Ribbond post and core is passive
and highly retentive. Furthermore, because
Ribbond's translucent fibers take on the color
characteristics of the composite it allows. for
the natural transmission of light through teeth
and crowns. This provides an exceptionally
esthetic result [7,8] (Fig 3). Figure 4: Splinting To Stabilize An Avulsed Or Trau-
matized Tooth Constructing Orthodontic Retainer

Ribbond Orthodontic is designed to be used

only for post-orthodontic mandibular retainers
for non-bruxing patients with 1/2 mobility or less.
It can also be used to maintain maxillary
diastema closures when the relapse forces are
passive. If the relapse forces are more active,
the I-mm ultra narrow or 2-mm Ribbond should
be used.(Fig 5).

Figure 5 : Ribbond in post orthodontic patients as

retainers.

Figure 3 : Use of Ribbond for post and core prepa- Cementing Ribbond Bridges To The Teeth
ration.
Anterior Bridges
Constructing Periodontal Splints
In general, the construction of directly bonded
By bonding a Ribbond-composite laminate to bridges is a variation of the splint construction
the lingual of the teeth, you can construct a technique. This procedure is best done indirectly.
structural member that can stabilize If the teeth are very mobile, the Ribbond
periodontally involved teeth, act as a fixed framework should extend over additional
orthodontic retainer, support a pontic, or retain abutment teeth for added stabilization.
 Versatility Of Ribbond In Contemporary Dental Practice 57

Maryland Bridge Framework acrylic between each layer.Ribbond does not

polish well. Avoid cutting into the Ribbond fibers.
Using A Denture Tooth As The Pontic: Direct
Technique Composite Repairs
Because of the unpredictability of bonding acrylic Wet the Ribbond with the unfilled adhesive
resin to composite resin, it is not recommend using resin, composite sealant or modeling resin and
an acrylic denture tooth as a pontic for anything blot off the excess with a lint-free gauze, cloth or
other than a provisional bridge. This technique is a patient bib. Do not use one-step or 5th
a variation of constructing an anterior bridge. generation resin to wet the Ribbond. Place a
Select and fit a denture tooth to the pontic space. filled composite resin in the deepest area of
Construct and cure a Ribbond framework beam. etch channel. Compress the wetted Ribbond
Modify the denture tooth on the lingual so that it into the composite resin. Light-cure for 40 to 60
fits closely over the Ribbond framework. seconds.

Cut exaggerated mechanical retention in the Apply an additional layer of filled composite
modified area. Sandblast the retentive area of the resin and finish and polish. If possible, use
denture tooth and wet it with a heat cured multiple layers of Ribbond with composite
between each layer.
monomer. Apply an unfilled bonding adhesive to
the groove and cure it.. Fill in the retentive area of Reinforce or Repair a Denture
the denture tooth with hybrid composite resin and
Place the Ribbond as close to the oral-cavity
place it over the bemonomer. Apply an unfilled
side as possible, opposite the tissue surface
bonding adhesive to the groove and cure it.. Fill in
on which the denture is pivoting. The greater
the retentive area of the denture tooth with hybrid
the area covered with Ribbond, the stronger the
composite resin and place it over the beam. Shape
repair will be. Follow the preceding directions
and smooth the composite resin. Light-cure the
for acrylic repairs.
resin and check occlusion, finish and polish.
Conclusion
Crown Retained Bridges
It has always been the effort of scientific brains
Reinforcing an Acrylic Provisional Bridge to provide innovative solutions to any problems
Wet cut pieces of Ribbond with a runny mix of faced by mankind. In this effort Ribbond as a
acrylic resin, lay them in the channel and cover highly versatile materials with an array of
with acrylic. If the Ribbond has a tendency to desirable properties certainly helps us in
float to the surface, it can be pressed back into achieving this goal and in fulfillment of our
the channel with a doughy mix of acrylic.If dreams to help mankind and thus help
possible, use multiple layers of Ribbond with ourselves.

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Proceedings of CMA2005 -
pages 1 to 58
Submitted to the editor
and accepted - pages 59 to 99