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Published on: July 21, 2014
Effect of composite type and placement technique on cuspal strain
Vilhelm G Ólafsson1,2, André V Ritter3, Edward J Swift4
1Department of Operative Dentistry and Cariology, Faculty of Odontology, University of Iceland, Vatnsmyrarvegur 16, 101, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Bulk-fill composite resins generally reduce cuspal strain in Class II restorations compared to conventional resins placed incrementally. However, bulk-filling with conventional composites is unpredictable and not recommended.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Restorative Dentistry
Background:
- Minimally invasive cavity preparations are crucial in modern dentistry.
- Bulk-fill composite resins offer potential advantages in reducing placement time and stress.
- Understanding cuspal strain is vital for predicting restoration longevity and tooth integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cuspal strain generated by different bulk-fill composite resins versus incrementally placed conventional composite resins in Class II restorations.
- To evaluate the influence of placement technique on stress distribution within the tooth structure.
Main Methods:
- Fifty extracted maxillary premolars underwent standardized MOD preparations and received restorations using various bulk-fill materials (SonicFill, SureFil SDR flow with an occlusal layer, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill) and a conventional composite (Filtek Supreme Ultra) placed incrementally or in bulk.
- Strain gages were bonded to the buccal and lingual cusps to measure cuspal strain.
- Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, and Tukey's post hoc tests.
Main Results:
- Bulk-fill composites (SonicFill, SureFil SDR flow/Filtek Supreme Ultra, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill) resulted in significantly less cuspal strain compared to incrementally placed Filtek Supreme Ultra.
- Bulk placement of conventional Filtek Supreme Ultra led to the highest mean strain and cuspal fractures, necessitating exclusion from statistical analysis.
- Strain values varied among the tested bulk-fill products, indicating product-dependent performance.
Conclusions:
- Tested bulk-fill composite resins generate less cuspal strain than incrementally placed conventional composite resins.
- The magnitude of generated strain is dependent on the specific bulk-fill product used.
- Bulk-filling with conventional composite resins is contraindicated due to unpredictable outcomes and potential for tooth damage.
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