Comparative properties of low-shrinkage composite resins

To measure the polymerization shrinkage, wear, surface roughness, gloss, color stability, and stain resistance of N'Durance, SureFil SDR, and Filtek LS, and compare those values to currently used clinically successful composites.

Polymerization shrinkage: Specimens were placed into an AcuVol, and percent volume shrinkage calculated after light curing. Wear: Specimens were loaded in the University of Alabama at Burlington wear machine. Volumetric loss was determined using a 3D noncontact profilometer (Proscan 2000). Gloss and Ra: Gloss was measured with gloss meter using 60 degress geometry in a gloss unit. Surface roughness was measured with a 3D noncontact profilometer. Color stability: Initial and after storage (distilled water, ultraviolet light, and staining solution) L*a*b* values were measured using a spectrophotometer against white and black backgrounds.

Filtek LS had the lowest polymerization shrinkage values. Gloss and roughness average values were similar for all materials measured. Color stability measurements for all composite resins in water and UV light were less than 3. All composite resins had similar values when placed in the staining solution.

Low-shrinkage composite resin restorative materials have mechanical and physical properties similar to clinically successful composite resins.