Statement of problem: Limited information is available about the mechanical behavior of compomer under intraoral conditions.
Purpose: This in vitro study evaluated changes in the mechanical properties and surface texture of compomer and other materials, used in similar clinical circumstances, when immersed in various media.
Material and methods: Hardness measurement for 5 tested materials and 4 immersion media was obtained with a Vickers hardness testing machine. Compressive strength was measured using an Autograph at a crosshead speed of 0.75 mm/min. All readings were taken for up to a 60-day period. An electron probe microanalyzer was used to give an SEM image.
Results: The average compressive strength and Vickers surface hardness showed a significant difference between materials. Results showed an overall increase in the solubility of specimens immersed in low pH soft drinks.
Conclusion: There was a difference in the mechanical properties and surface texture of the materials tested in this study when they were immersed in various media.