Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 12, 2025
Quasistatic Mechanical Testing for Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing Occlusal Veneers Cemented to Milled Dentin Analog Material
Published on: December 20, 2024
Depth-Related Curing Potential of Ormocer- and Dimethacrylate-Based Bulk-Fill Composites
Ramona S Oltramare1, Reto Odermatt2, Phoebe Burrer1
1Clinic of Conservative and Preventive Dentistry, Center for Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
This study tested how well certain dental composites cure at different depths. Four bulk-fill composites and one traditional composite were used. They were placed in standardized cavities and exposed to light. The researchers measured how much of the material hardened at depths up to 6 mm. The bulk-fill composites maintained at least 80% conversion up to 4 mm depth. One composite reached 80% conversion even at 6 mm. The traditional composite only reached 80% up to 3 mm. This suggests that newer composites may be suitable for thicker applications, potentially simplifying dental procedures.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Polymer chemistry in clinical dentistry
- Restorative dentistry techniques
Background:
Current dental restorations rely on composites that polymerize under light exposure. Traditional composites require thin layers for full curing. Bulk-fill composites aim to simplify clinical procedures by allowing thicker layers. Prior research has shown that conventional composites achieve sufficient curing only up to 3 mm. This gap motivated further investigation into newer composites. No prior work had resolved how bulk-fill composites perform at various depths. The need to confirm their performance in thick layers remains. This paper addresses that uncertainty by testing conversion rates at multiple depths. The study focuses on two types of bulk-fill composites: ormocer-based and dimethacrylate-based.
Purpose Of The Study:
The study aimed to evaluate how well bulk-fill composites cure at different depths. Specifically, it compared ormocer and dimethacrylate-based composites. The goal was to determine if these materials maintain sufficient conversion in thick layers. The researchers tested conversion rates at seven depths up to 6 mm. They used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to measure conversion. The study also included a conventional composite for comparison. The motivation was to assess whether bulk-fill composites can replace traditional layering methods. This would improve clinical efficiency if proven effective.
Main Methods:
The study used in vitro methods to assess composite curing. Four bulk-fill composites and one conventional composite were tested. Each material was placed in standardized Class II cavities. The composites were photoactivated for 20 seconds at 1350 mW/cm². Conversion was measured at seven depths using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The depths included 0.15, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm. Statistical analysis used repeated measures ANOVA and one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests. The sample size was six per group to ensure reliability.
Main Results:
The bulk-fill composites achieved at least 80% of maximum conversion up to 4 mm depth. Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill and Bulk Ormocer reached 80% up to 5 mm. X-tra fil showed 80% conversion up to 6 mm. The conventional composite reached 80% only up to 3 mm. These results suggest better performance from bulk-fill materials. The dimethacrylate-based composites outperformed the conventional one. Ormocer-based composites also showed improved depth capability. The statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between groups.
Conclusions:
The authors found that ormocer- and dimethacrylate-based bulk-fill composites cure effectively in thick layers. They achieved at least 80% conversion up to 4 mm. This supports their use in bulk-filling procedures. The conventional composite did not perform as well at greater depths. The results suggest these composites may be suitable for thicker applications. The study does not claim these materials are essential for all cases. The findings are specific to the tested conditions and materials. The authors propose that these composites could simplify clinical workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
The study found that ormocer- and dimethacrylate-based composites achieved at least 80% conversion up to 4 mm depth.
X-tra fil achieved 80% conversion up to 6 mm depth, the greatest among tested composites.
This method measures the degree of C=C double bond conversion accurately across different depths.
It served as a benchmark, showing 80% conversion only up to 3 mm depth.
Composites were photoactivated at 1350 mW/cm² for 20 seconds.
The authors propose that these composites may be suitable for thick-layer applications based on conversion rates.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Accelerated Curing of Concrete
01:17Mortar Properties
01:18Porosity in Cement Paste
The balance of water to cement in the mix is...
01:20Strength of Cement
For compressive strength tests, ASTM C 109-05 standards prescribe a cement-sand mix ratio of 1:2.75 and a water/cement ratio of 0.485 for making 2-inch cubes. These cubes are mixed, cast, and cured in saturated lime water at 23°C until testing. Flexural strength testing, outlined in...