[Effects of post-curing on the wear resistance of composite materials]

The effects of different postcuring methods on the wear resistance of three different composite materials was evaluated using a clinically correlated in vitro test. While postcuring did not significantly affect the wear resistance of the occlusal contact surfaces in two of the materials tested, wear decreased significantly in the third material after heat postcuring. The effects of postcuring on wear resistance seem to be of a complex nature. Thus it is recommended not to use postcuring techniques indiscriminately.