[Studies on silicate-containing and silicate-free adhesives compared to composite materials II]

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Photo-polymerisable adhesives are widely used in dentistry.
• Understanding material properties like hardness and abrasion is critical for clinical longevity.
• Estilux glaze and its successor, Estiglaze microfill, are relevant dental restorative materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the properties of Estilux glaze, Estiglaze microfill, and a related compound.
• To determine the maximal polymerisable thickness of these materials.
• To evaluate the wetting behaviour and abrasion resistance of the tested materials.

Main Methods:

• Comparative investigations of photo-polymerisable dental adhesives.
• Determination of maximal polymerisable thickness using variable intensive light sources.
• Electron-microscopic analysis of matrices to assess wetting behaviour.
• Assessment of material hardness and abrasion resistance.

Main Results:

• No consistent correlation was found between hardness and abrasion across all tested materials.
• Estiglaze microfill, containing filling substances, exhibited significantly reduced abrasiveness.
• Abrasiveness of Estiglaze microfill was 2.5 times lower compared to products without filling substances.

Conclusions:

• The inclusion of filling substances in photo-polymerisable adhesives like Estiglaze microfill can substantially reduce wear.
• Material selection should consider the trade-offs between hardness, abrasion, and composition for optimal dental restorations.
• Further research into the relationship between material composition and wear resistance is warranted.