Ribbond

From aerospace to tennis rackets, fiber reinforcement is a proven technology throughout high-tech industries. With the popularization of dental composites, it is natural for fiber reinforcements to become a useful material in the dental industry.

Dental fiber reinforcements must meet certain unique criteria. Ideally, a fiber reinforcement must be highly manageable so that it can be easily formed to the teeth. A fiber reinforcement should be strong, tough and resistant to cracking of the resin after continuous use. It should bond to dental resins. It should be aesthetic and biocompatible.

After intense research and a bit of luck, I found a combination of fibers, bondability treatment and perhaps most importantly a weave that fits these criteria. Introduced in 1992, Ribbond bondable reinforcement ribbon opened the door to this new and promising dental technology. Recognized as the fiber reinforcement of choice among independent evaluators and respected educators, Ribbond has proven itself as invaluable material for the dentist entering the new millennia.

• Unsurpassed fracture toughness

• Doesn’t unravel or rebound when placed

• Ease of use results in thinnest prostheses

• Indefinite shelf life – minimizes waste

Ribbond is made from the same ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers used to make bulletproof vests. These fibers far exceed the breaking point of fiberglass and are so tough that specially made scissors are required to cut them. Unlike Kevlar, Ribbond’s fibers absorb less moisture than the dental resins.

The key to Ribbond’s success (and what distinguishes Ribbond from the other fiber reinforcements) is its patented leno weave. Designed with a lock-stitch feature that effectively transfers forces throughout the weave without stress transfer back into the resin, Ribbond’s weave also provides excellent manageability characteristics. Having virtually no memory, Ribbond adapts to the contours of the teeth and dental arch. For example; when making a periodontal splint, Ribbond tucks in interproximally without rebounding. In addition, unlike loosely braided or bundles of unidirectional fibers, Ribbond does not spread or fall apart when manipulated.

Since fiber reinforced resin structures derive their strength primarily from making laminates, high manageability and lack of memory is essential for close and accurate layering of the fibers. Inaccurate fiber placement results in voids or excessive composite on the tensile side of the fibers that will be prone to fracturing.

Ribbond is cold-gas plasma treated and will bond to any dental composite resins. Magnified 110,000 time, SEM’s demonstrate complete incorporation of the resin to Ribbond’s fibers (note lack of voids). Forces within the resin are easily transferred to the fibers insuring that the Ribbond is an integral strength member of the prostheses.

Ribbond’s fibers are the standard in biocompatibility. The same material is also used in the construction of artificial hip and knee joints. Unlike fiberglass, if at anytime the Ribbond is cut into with a rotary instrument, the resultant particles and exposed fibers will not be a biocompatibility risk to the patient.

Ribbond is translucent, practically colorless and disappears within the composite or acrylic without show-through. Not only does Ribbond offer excellent esthetics, its translucency also allows the use of light cured composites.

The unique combination of strength, esthetics and bondability allows Ribbond to be used for many different applications. Ribbond bonds to both composite and acrylic giving you a material with multiple uses.

Ribbond has an indefinite shelf life. This minimizes waste, which is great for dentists who only occasionally use Ribbond.

Ribbond’s success has led to the introductions of other fiber reinforcements. Although many manufacturers have tried to imitate Ribbond, none of them has proven themselves equal to Ribbond. Published independent evaluations and respected educators indicate a preference for Ribbond over the other fiber reinforcements.  Ribbond is the most fracture tough dental fiber reinforcement available to the dental industry and also has the best manageability.  This results in the longest lasting and most comfortable prostheses for your patients.

Please see this video that describes the differences between Ribbond and other reinforcements: