Ribbond Bondable Reinforcement Ribbon
Ribbond
Ribbond combines high-strength fibers with enhanced bondability and patented cross-link lock-stitch leno weave for prostheses with unprecedented strength and durability.
Ribbond fiber reinforcement, from Ribbond, prevents fracture failures in composites and acrylics, ensuring strong and durable prostheses that maintain their strength with continued use. In one study, Ribbond had “a positive effect on fracture strength of endodontically treated molar teeth with MOD cavity preparation and cuspal fracture.”1
Ribbond is made from the same ultra-highmolecular- weight polyethylene fibers used to make bulletproof vests. Ribbond’s fibers exceed the breaking point of fiberglass, while absorbing less moisture than dental resins.
What makes Ribbond unique is its patented cross-link lock-stitch leno weave; it reinforces multi-directionally, transferring forces throughout the fiber network without transferring stress back into the resin. The biocompatible, translucent material is highly bondable to any composite system and is nearly colorless, disappearing within the composite or acrylic without showing through.
Ease of Use (Instructions)
When the 11 dentists who evaluated Ribbond were asked about the instructions, 7 rated them as excellent and 3 rated them as good. Comments ranged from “clear instructions,” to “great, easily understood manual,” and “the Web site is a good source of information.” A New York evaluator who said he would definitely purchase and recommend the material noted, “The product has evolved nicely and delivery has improved. This kit is the most complete of its kind. Having all the necessary accessories in 1 box is a plus.”
Strength and Handling
Ribbond’s combination of highstrength fibers, patented leno weave, and enhanced bondability produces prostheses with unsurpassed strength and impact resistance. Its leno weave makes it adaptable and manageable, and keeps it from unraveling when cut or manipulated. Because Ribbond has virtually no memory, it adapts easily to the contours of the teeth and dental arch.
Four evaluators cited strength as the feature they liked most. Lack of memory/ rebound was rated as excellent by 4 evaluators, as very good by 3, and as good by 4. When asked if Ribbond maintains width during adaptation, 3 dentists rated it as excellent, 6 rated it as very good, and 2 rated it as good. One evaluator called it “very sensitive to handling,” adding, “it’s not the greatest on memory.” The dentist who said it “handles well” noted that “the flat form is a plus over nylon rope.”
Esthetics and Versatility
Ribbond’s strength, esthetics, and bondability make it useful for multiple applications, including internal splinting of cusps in direct composite restorations, adding support to temporary and fixed-partial dentures, and splinting of teeth after traumatic injury.
Five evaluators rated esthetics as excellent, 5 rated them as very good, and 1 rated them as good. An evaluator who rated Ribbond as excellent said it “isn’t always easy to tuck inside the composite without some strands coming through to the surface.”
Five dentists identified versatility/ adaptability as their favorite feature, calling it “adaptable in different clinical situations” and “a unique material that can be used in lieu of wires for splinting or reinforcement of provisional restorations… great for anterior single tooth implant provisionals.” An evaluator with 40 years of experience who gave the product an overall rating of excellent suggested that Ribbond include “pieces designed to fit over dyes or prepared teeth to make reinforced crowns or bridges.”
Overall Satisfaction
Overall satisfaction with Ribbond was rated as excellent by 6 evaluators, as very good by 4, and as good by 1. Describing it as “unique” and “well designed,” 10 dentists said they would definitely or probably buy it and 11 would definitely or probably recommend it to colleagues. A Pennsylvania dentist in practice for 30 years called it “better than similar products and with multiple uses.” “This product is great. I really love it,” said a Florida dentist who rated all features as excellent. “It has become a must purchase for my practice.”
Reference
1. Belli S, Kont Cobankara F, uz Eraslan O, et al. The effect of fiber insertion on fracture resistance of endodontically treated molars with MOD cavity and reattached fractured lingual cusps. J Biomed Mat Res. 2006;79B:35-41.
