Stainless steel bands in endodontics: Effects on cuspal flexure and fracture resistance

Abstract

Aims: This study investigated the effect of stainless steel bands on cuspal flexure and fracture resistance of extracted maxillary premolars. Methodology: Twenty extracted maxillary premolars (10 matched pairs) with mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities and endodontic access were subjected to occlusal loading tests (100 N) using a servo-hydraulic testing machine. Cuspal deflections were measured by an extensometer, with and without the band present. Ten teeth (one of each pair) then had the band removed, and all teeth were subjected to loading until fracture. Results: Mean cuspal flexure of teeth with bands was one-half of flexure without bands (P < 0.001). Teeth with bands fractured at higher..