RIBBOND
A biomimetic approach to the reconstruction of weakened teeth. It is not just another material placed into a restoration, but a way to restore the biomechanics of the tooth.
Reconstruction of teeth today is no longer just about replacing lost tissue, but about understanding its function. Modern dentistry is moving toward biomimetics—the effort to replicate the natural behavior of the tooth, its ability to distribute stress, and to withstand functional loading.
In this context, the choice of material becomes less important than how the final restoration behaves as a whole.
Ribbond represents a tool that enables this approach. It does not merely increase the strength of the restoration, but fundamentally alters its biomechanical behavior, allowing the creation of a system that more closely mimics the natural tooth.
What is Ribbond
Ribbond is a fiber-reinforcing material composed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers, which are also used in high-performance technical applications requiring extreme strength, including ballistic protection.
In dentistry, this material is used as part of adhesive restorations, where it serves to reinforce composite and modify its mechanical behavior.
Unlike conventional restorative materials, Ribbond does not function independently, but always in combination with composite, forming a functional unit. Due to its structure, it allows stress to be transferred and distributed throughout the restoration, connecting individual parts of the tooth into a unified system.
For fiber stabilization, the manufacturer recommends Ribbond Securing Composite, a viscous, highly adhesive flowable composite designed for precise adaptation and stabilization of the fibers prior to polymerization. However, this material is not available on the European market.
In clinical practice, EverX Flow has proven to be a highly effective alternative, as its mechanical properties and behavior align well with the principles of biomimetic dentistry and allow for the creation of stable, long-lasting restorations.
Vital teeth
In vital teeth, the limitations of composite restorations become apparent mainly:
- in extensive defects
- in weakened cusps
- in teeth with existing cracks
In these situations, the goal is no longer just to replace lost tissue, but to stabilize the remaining tooth structure as a functional whole.
Large restorations significantly alter the biomechanical behavior of the tooth. Under functional load, forces are transferred to weakened walls that are not capable of withstanding such stress. The result is the formation of new cracks or the progression of existing ones, often in the cusp or cervical areas.
Composite alone does not resolve this issue, as it cannot effectively bridge weakened structures or provide long-term stabilization.
In this context, Ribbond acts as a reinforcing framework that connects individual parts of the tooth and increases overall structural stability. In cracked teeth, it allows crack bridging and limits further propagation. In extensive restorations, it contributes to a more uniform stress distribution and reduces the risk of fracture.
In combination with materials such as EverX Flow, a system is created that behaves more like dentin, allowing for restorations that are not only strong, but also mechanically balanced.
Endodontically treated teeth
Ribbond: the end of fiber posts? In our opinion – 100% YES
Reconstruction of endodontically treated teeth represents a specific challenge. The tooth is structurally compromised, often with a limited amount of remaining tissue, and its natural ability to withstand functional loading is significantly reduced. In such cases, the goal is no longer just retention of the core, but the overall biomechanical behavior of the tooth.
The traditional approach using posts is based on the need to stabilize the reconstruction. Modern fiber posts have properties closer to dentin, yet their behavior under clinical conditions still has limitations. Along the long axis of the tooth, they remain relatively rigid elements that transfer stress into the surrounding structures.
Under ideal conditions—adequate ferrule and favorable loading—this system can function reliably. However, in clinical reality, these conditions are often not met. Compromised ferrule, extensive tissue loss, or the presence of parafunction—which is common in the majority of patients today—significantly increase the demands on the restoration.
In these borderline situations, well-known complications repeatedly occur:
● failure of adhesive bonding – decementation of the crown together with the post
● stress concentration in critical areas
● risk of root fracture
A significant negative factor is also the preparation required for post placement or subsequent horizontal crown preparation, both of which lead to further dentin loss and reduced tooth resistance. The cement layer necessary for post fixation represents another potential weak point of the entire reconstruction.
Ribbond offers a fundamentally different concept. Instead of introducing a separate rigid element, it allows the creation of a reinforcement that adapts to the tooth anatomy and connects the intracanal and coronal portions into a single unit.
This approach eliminates the “post and core” concept and replaces it with a continuous fiber-reinforced composite system that better reflects the biomechanical behavior of the tooth. Functional loads are not concentrated in one area, but distributed throughout the entire restoration.
In combination with materials such as EverX Flow, it is possible to achieve a structure that respects the remaining dentin, minimizes the need for further preparation, and enables a stable and functionally balanced reconstruction.
This concept is naturally followed by the prosthetic phase. The combination with vertical preparation contributes to improved stress distribution in the ferrule area and reduces the risk of long-term failure.
In cases of suspected occlusal overload, such as bruxism, clenching, or increased functional stress, it is advisable to complement the reconstruction with an occlusal splint, which significantly prolongs the longevity of both the restorative materials and the enamel and dentin.
