Early Clinical Performance of Two Powder-Liquid Restoratives in Class-I/II Cavities

This randomized clinical trial (RCT) aims to evaluate the clinical performance of the two powder-liquid restoratives Cention Forte ('CF'; Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and Equia Forte HT ('EF'; GC, Tokyo, Japan) in class-I/II restorations. Here, the early 6-month clinical performance is reported.

Fifty-nine patients were included based on specific exclusion/inclusion criteria. Each patient had two teeth with similar cavities restored using either CF or EF, which were randomly assigned using the Castor EDC system. Baseline (BL) evaluation occurred at 2 weeks followed by a 6-month recall, both conducted by two independent examiners using FDI criteria.

The 6-month recall rate was 96.6%. All restorations were rated as clinically acceptable, except for 1 EF restoration showing a severe but repairable marginal defect. Similar clinical performance was recorded for both restorative materials regarding surface staining, margin discolouration, anatomic form, approximal contact, postoperative hypersensitivity, and tooth integrity. Slight but still clinically acceptable marginal deterioration was observed for both restoratives. Regarding color match, most EF restorations (94.7%) showed a clinically acceptable deviation in color match (opaquer; FDI score 2 and 3), compared to 57.9% CF restorations having an excellent color match rated as FDI score 1. The percentage of EF restorations with a surface luster comparable to that of enamel (FDI score 1) decreased from 50.8% at BL to 14% at 6 months, mainly due to wearing off of the resin-based coating. CF restorations showed more frequently a slightly dull surface (FDI Score 2 for BL: 81.4%; 6 months: 82.5%).

Both powder-liquid restoratives revealed a similarly favorable early clinical performance after 6 months of clinical service.