Degradability of bulk-fill resin composites after cyclic immersion in different distilled alcoholic beverages

To investigate effect of distilled alcoholic beverages on surface hardness, roughness, and erosion of bulk-fill resin composites.

Sixty eight specimens of each bulk-fill resin composite (Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative, SonicFill 2, and Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill) were prepared. Baseline data of surface hardness and roughness value were recorded. The specimens were divided into five groups: vodka, whisky, tequila, brandy, and deionized water (served as a control). Specimens were then alternately immersed in 25 ml of a storage agent for 5 s and in 25 ml of artificial saliva for 5 s over 10 cycles. This process was repeated for 14 days. After immersion, specimens were subjected to evaluation of surface hardness, roughness, and erosion on days 7 and 14. The data were statistically analyzed by two-way repeated analysis of variance, Tukey's honestly significant difference, and a t test (p < 0.05).

Distilled alcoholic beverages caused significant hardness decrement, roughness and erosion increment (p < 0.05), where the greatest degradation was found in brandy group. Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill had the most significant decrement in hardness and increment in roughness and erosion than the other resin composites (p < 0.05).

Distilled alcoholic beverages affected hardness, roughness, and erosion of all the bulk-fill resin composites.

Regarding the bulk-fill resin composites tested, Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative was the most appropriate restorative material in patients who consume distilled alcoholic beverages.