Effects of preheating on the properties of silorane- and methacrylate-based composites

This study evaluated how preheating affected the properties of a silorane-based composite restorative material and 4 methacrylate-based composites. Viscosity, compressive strength, depth of cure, and polymerization shrinkage were examined. Data were analyzed with a 2-way ANOVA per physical property and composite type. With the exception of the flowable composite, significant reductions in viscosity were found between all preheated and room temperature composites, with no significant difference in other properties. In general, preheating the restorative composites decreased viscosity, but did not affect compressive strength, depth of cure, or shrinkage per composite type.