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Properties of packable dental composites
K K Choi1, J L Ferracane, T J Hilton
1Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Esthetic Dentistry
|April 28, 2001
Summary
New packable composites show intermediate or lower mechanical properties compared to traditional nonpackable materials. These dental composites may not offer improved clinical performance over existing options.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Packable composites are increasingly popular in dentistry.
- Their enhanced physical and mechanical properties compared to conventional materials require evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the in vitro properties of novel packable composites.
- To compare their performance against established nonpackable posterior composites.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated fracture toughness, flexure strength, flexure modulus, hardness, and volumetric polymerization shrinkage.
- Tested five packable and two nonpackable composites (ALERT, Pyramid, Solitaire, SureFil, Heliomolar, Z100).
- Assessed depth-of-cure and radiopacity.
Main Results:
- Packable composites exhibited intermediate or lower mechanical properties than nonpackable ones.
- No composite demonstrated adequate depth-of-cure for increments >2 mm.
- Polymerization contraction was similar or higher in packable composites.
- Radiopacity of Solitaire was inadequate.
Conclusions:
- Packable composites do not appear to offer superior physical or mechanical properties.
- Clinical performance benefits over well-placed nonpackable composites are unlikely.
- Further research into material composition and curing characteristics is warranted.