Erschienen in:
01.11.2014 | Original Article
Light transmittance and micro-mechanical properties of bulk fill vs. conventional resin based composites
verfasst von:
Stefan Bucuta, Nicoleta Ilie
Erschienen in:
Clinical Oral Investigations
|
Ausgabe 8/2014
Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhalten
Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study was to quantify the blue light that passes through different incremental thicknesses of bulk fill in comparison to conventional resin-based composites (RBCs) and to relate it to the induced mechanical properties.
Materials and methods
Seven bulk fill, five nanohybrid and two flowable RBCs were analysed. Specimens (n = 5) of three incremental thicknesses (2, 4 and 6 mm) were cured from the top for 20 s, while at the bottom, a spectrometer monitored in real time the transmitted irradiance. Micro-mechanical properties (Vickers hardness, HV, and indentation modulus, E) were measured at the top and bottom after 24 h of storage in distilled water at 37 °C. Electron microscope images were taken for assessing the filler distribution and size.
Results
Bulk fill RBCs (except SonicFill) were more translucent than conventional RBCs. Low-viscosity bulk fill materials showed the lowest mechanical properties. HV depends highly on the following parameters: material (ηp
2 = 0.952), incremental thickness (0.826), filler volume (0.747), filler weight (0.746) and transmitted irradiance (0.491). The bottom-to-top HV ratio (HVbt) was higher than 80 % in all materials in 2- and 4-mm increments (except for Premise), whereas in 6-mm increments, this is valid only in four bulk fill materials (Venus Bulk Fill, SDR, x-tra fil, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill).
Conclusions
The depth of cure is dependent on the RBC’s translucency. Low-viscosity bulk fill RBCs have lower mechanical properties than all other types of analysed materials. All bulk fill RBCs (except SonicFill) are more translucent for blue light than conventional RBCs.
Significance
Although bulk fill RBCs are generally more translucent, the practitioner has to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on curing technique and maximum incremental thickness.