Fracture strength of Class 2 amalgams with various cavity-lining materials

This in vitro study compared the fracture resistance of class 2 amalgam restorations placed over seven materials: three resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (Fuji II LC, Vitrebond, and Vitremer), one polyacid-modified composite resin (VariGlass VLC), two conventional glass-ionomer cements (Ketac-Bond and GlasIonomer Cement), and one calcium-hydroxide material (Dycal). Eighty maxillary molars with flattened occlusal surfaces were divided into 14 experimental groups and two control (no liner) groups. One standardized class 2 amalgam cavity preparation was completed per tooth. Lining materials standardized at a thickness of 0.5 mm were placed in the approximal box portion of 10 test specimens per experimental group. Spherical amalgam was hand condensed into each cavity preparation. At 1 hour and again at 7 days, five samples from each group were fractured in compression using an Instron Universal Testing Machine. The force was directed at 10 degrees to the long axis of the tooth, 2.0 mm inside the approximal portion of the restoration. Results were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA for time and material. No statistically significant differences were found among the materials and controls at either time interval tested (P > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found (P < 0.05) when comparing 1-hour and 7-day strengths. The 7-day specimens were more resistant to fracture than the 1-hour specimens.

The fracture resistance of amalgam restorations was not affected by the presence of a material 0.5 mm thick placed in the approximal box when 3 mm of bulk of amalgam remained over it.