Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2025
Quasistatic Mechanical Testing for Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing Occlusal Veneers Cemented to Milled Dentin Analog Material
Published on: December 20, 2024
Bonding performance and interfacial adaptation of modern bulk-fill restorative composites after aging in artificial
Paula Maciel Pires1,2, Aline de Almeida Neves1, Monika Lukomska-Szymanska3
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Objectives:
This study aimed at comparing the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) and interfacial adaptation of a modern self-curing and a light-curing restorative bulk-fill composite to a conventional composite applied with the layering technique.
Methods:
Forty-eight occlusal cavities were divided in three main groups (16/group) based on tested materials: (i) STELA, bulk-fill self-curing restorative (STELA, SDI Ltd.); (ii) 3 M-BULK, bulk-fill composite (Filtek One Bulk-Fill, 3 M Oral Care); and (iii) 3 M-CTR, a conventional composite (Filtek Supreme XTE, 3 M Oral Care). These were used in combination with their adhesives in self-etch (SE) or etch-and-rinse (ER) mode. Specimens stored in artificial saliva (24 h or 12 months) were evaluated for MTBS and fractography. The interfacial analysis was performed through confocal microscopy. ANOVA and Fisher's LSD post hoc tests were performed with a level of significance of 5%.
Results:
All the tested materials applied in ER mode presented (24 h) greater bond strength than in SE mode. Although all materials showed a significant drop in the bond strength after prolonged storage, STELA showed the highest bonding performance and interfaces with few gaps. 3 M-BULK had the lowest bond strength and an interface with several voids and gaps.
Conclusions:
All materials were affected by interface degradation and bonding reduction over prolonged aging. However, their use in combination with adhesives applied in ER mode may offer greater immediate bonding performance.
Clinical Relevance:
The use of restorative light-curing bulk-fill composites may generate gaps at the bonding interface and voids. STELA may represent a suitable alternative to avoid such issues.
