Performance of Self-adhering Flowable Composite in Class V Restorations: 18 Months Clinical Study

Area of Science:

• Restorative Dentistry
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Class V restorations are common in anterior teeth.
• Flowable composites are widely used for their handling properties.
• Self-adhering composites aim to simplify the bonding procedure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the 18-month clinical performance of a self-adhering flowable composite with a conventional flowable composite.
• To evaluate the efficacy of self-adhering flowable composite in anterior Class V restorations.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical study involving 20 patients with 40 anterior Class V restorations.
• Restorations were placed using either self-adhering flowable composite (Fusio liquid dentin) or conventional flowable composite (Tetric Flow).
• Evaluations were performed using modified US Public Health Services (USPHS) criteria at 18 months.

Main Results:

• One patient was lost to follow-up in each group at 18 months.
• No significant differences were observed between the self-adhering and conventional flowable composites based on modified USPHS criteria from baseline to 18 months.

Conclusions:

• Self-adhering flowable composite shows acceptable clinical performance comparable to conventional flowable composite in anterior Class V restorations.
• Longer-term clinical studies are necessary to further validate these results.