The polymerization shrinkage of composite resins

The majority of methods used for the determination of volumetric polymerization shrinkage rely on mercury as the immersion medium. With current concern for industrial hygiene, the water-filled dilatometer may have advantages. The purpose of this study was to adapt this method for external-energy-cured materials. Six materials were investigated: Aurafill, Silar, Concise, Heliomolar, P-30, and Occlusin. Measurements were taken over one hour, and results ranged from 0.9 to 2.24 volume percent.