Effect of gastric acids on the mechanical properties of conventional and CAD/CAM resin composites - An in-vitro study

J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2024 Jul:155:106565. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106565. Epub 2024 May 3.

Abstract

Objectives: Dental erosion in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a current and frequent condition that may compromise the mechanical properties and clinical durability of resin-based composites (RBCs). This study assessed the mechanical properties of conventional and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) RBCs subsequent to simulated gastric acid aging.

Materials and method: Three conventional and three CAD/CAM composites were assessed. They were divided into an experimental group (exposed to simulated gastric acid aging) and a control group (no aging). Both groups were analyzed for Vickers microhardness (VHN), wear and flexural strength over a period of six months. The failure rate probability for each RBC was calculated through the Weibull cumulative distribution function (m). Statistical analysis was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA, 3-way ANOVA, a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and U Mann-Whitney tests (α = 0.05).

Results: The mechanical properties of all the RBCs dropped significantly after aging (p < 0.05). Lower VHN and flexural strength values, along with greater wear values were evident in the experimental groups, though the effects of the treatment varied between RBCs. The Weibull m of all the RBCs decreased over time.

Conclusion: Conventional RBCs might show greater reduction in mechanical properties compared to CAD/CAM RBCs when exposed to gastric acid attack. Thus, CAD/CAM composites may represent a suitable choice for the treatment of patients presenting erosive issues.

Keywords: CAD/CAM; Gastric acid; Mechanical properties; Resin composite; Simulated chewing; Weibull analysis.

MeSH terms

  • Composite Resins* / chemistry
  • Computer-Aided Design*
  • Gastric Acid* / chemistry
  • Gastric Acid* / metabolism
  • Hardness
  • Humans
  • Materials Testing*
  • Mechanical Phenomena
  • Mechanical Tests

Substances

  • Composite Resins