Quantitative determination of stress reduction by flow in composite restorations

In this study, the reduction of the polymerization shrinkage stress by flow of four chemically-initiated composites was investigated in relation to the cavity configuration. In an experimental set-up simulating restorations bonded to cavity walls, the developing shrinkage stress accompanied by flow was recorded as a function of time for several configurations. For each configuration, theoretical shrinkage stress curves were also drawn, excluding stress reduction by flow. These data were obtained from Young's modulus determinations at the early setting stage and the corresponding polymerization shrinkage. By comparison of the theoretical stress with the experimentally determined stress, a measure for the ability to flow in the bonded situation could be obtained. It was found that the flow strongly depended on the type of composite and on the configuration of the cavity.