Depth of cure of contemporary bulk-fill resin-based composites

Dent Mater J. 2016;35(3):503-10. doi: 10.4012/dmj.2015-402.

Abstract

This study evaluated the depth of cure (DOC) of packable and flowable bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs) including PRG (prereacted glass ionomer) and short-fiber materials. The materials were placed in a black split-mold with a 7 mm deep recess and cured at 700 mW/cm(2) for 20 s using a LED curing light. DOC was assessed using the ISO scraping and Knoops hardness tests. Data (n=5) were computed and analyzed using one-way ANOVA/Scheffe's post hoc test (p<0.05). ISO DOC ranged from 3.66 to 2.54 mm while DOC based on hardness testing ranged from 3 to 1.5 mm. For all materials, a decrease in hardness was observed with increasing depths. The DOC of bulk-fill RBCs was product dependent and greater than standard composites. At 4 mm depth, none of the bulk-fill RBCs had a depth: top hardness ratio of 0.8 and above.

MeSH terms

  • Composite Resins*
  • Hardness
  • Hardness Tests
  • Light-Curing of Dental Adhesives*
  • Materials Testing

Substances

  • Composite Resins