Technique Tips: The Role of Fibre-reinforced Composite Posts in Children

This technique tip highlights the role of fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) posts in managing fractured teeth, as well as their specific application in children, with a case-based discussion and exploration of their advantages and disadvantages.

Dentists are frequently exposed to the management of fractured anterior teeth in children. Restoring extensively fractured permanent teeth in a child to maintain function and aesthetics can pose a significant clinical challenge. Conventional techniques to support coronal restorations of teeth with little supragingival tooth structure in children may not always be practicable. They may not conform to immature canal anatomy or may require an indirect restoration with laboratory input, which may necessitate multiple appointments.

In a growing child, FRC may provide a useful alternative to address the shortcomings of more traditional restorative techniques in restoring an extensively fractured anterior tooth. The everStick® POST (GC Europe NV, Leuven, Belgium) (Figures 1–3), a silanated E-glass fibre impregnated with a bis-GMA matrix and Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) polymer,^1,2 is an example of such an alternative. It is an adaptable, soft and flexible post with a diameter of approximately 1.5 mm and similar composition to composite. The term ‘E-glass’ refers to fibres which are a variant of a FRC which has been found to have superior strength properties in varying conditions, good chemical resistance and sufficient imperviousness to moisture.^3,4 Whilst we are focusing on its use as a post in a fractured anterior permanent central incisor, other uses of variants of everStick® POST (GC Europe NV, Leuven, Belgium) include a splinting material for periodontally compromised teeth or a minimally invasive composite bridge, which are discussed in greater detail in other literature.^5,6