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Resin Composite Depth of Cure Through Transparent Matrix Materials Used for Injection Molding
N C Lawson1, Z Greene2, N Machado3
1*Nathaniel C Lawson, DMD PhD, UAB School of Dentistry, Division of Biomaterials, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Operative Dentistry
|February 5, 2025
Summary
Curing light transmittance through clear matrix materials significantly impacts resin composite depth of cure (DOC). Doubling the curing time can achieve a full cure with certain materials and thicknesses, compensating for reduced light transmission.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Accurate light curing is crucial for resin composite polymerization.
- Clear matrix materials are used in dental procedures, but their effect on light transmission and cure depth is not fully understood.
- Assessing the impact of different clear matrix materials and thicknesses on light curing efficiency is essential for clinical success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the curing light transmittance and depth of cure (DOC) of resin composite through various clear polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impression and 3D printed matrix materials.
- To evaluate the influence of different material thicknesses on light transmittance and DOC.
- To determine the correlation between light irradiance transmittance and the percentage of total cure (%TC).
Main Methods:
- Three clear PVS and two 3D-printed clear matrix materials were tested at thicknesses from 2 mm to 10 mm.
- Light irradiance transmittance was measured using a radiometer.
- Depth of cure (DOC) was assessed using flowable and conventional resin composites, cured for 10 or 20 seconds.
- Percentage of total cure (%TC) was calculated relative to a control without matrix material.
Main Results:
- A strong positive correlation was found between light irradiance transmittance and %TC for both 10-second and 20-second curing times (r=0.90 and r=0.89, respectively).
- Increasing matrix material thickness significantly reduced light transmittance and %TC.
- Doubling the curing time to 20 seconds resulted in a statistically similar depth of cure for several materials at specific thicknesses compared to the control.
Conclusions:
- Reduced light irradiance through clear matrix materials diminishes the depth of cure (DOC) of resin composites.
- Utilizing extended curing times (e.g., 20 seconds) can effectively compensate for light reduction through certain matrix materials and thicknesses, achieving a complete cure.
- Material selection and thickness are critical factors influencing the efficacy of light curing through clear dental matrices.
