Comprehensive Evaluation of Six Flowable Composite Resins in the Market: A Comparative Study

Objectives: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the mechanical and physical properties of six commercially available flowable dental composite resins, providing critical insights for informed material selection. Materials and Methods: Six flowable composite resin materials namely Edge Flow (EDF), Opallis Flow (OPF), Els Flow (ELF), Denfil Flow (DFF), DX Flow (DXF), and Charisma Flow (CHF) were tested according to ISO 4049 standards. Each material underwent evaluation of depth of cure, flexural strength, solubility, water sorption, and radiopacity. Statistical analyses with ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test were conducted to identify significant differences among the six study groups (alpha=0.05). Results: Significant material-specific differences were noted in depth of cure and flexural strength among the six study groups (P<0.05). Solubility and water sorption profiles were also significantly different among the study groups (P<0.05). All tested composite resins met the required radiopacity standards, ensuring accurate radiographic diagnosis and monitoring. However, none of the composite groups achieved an exact color match with the A2 reference shade. Conclusion: This study revealed significant differences in mechanical properties of flowable composites, particularly in depth of cure and flexural strength, underscoring the importance of selecting the appropriate material. Shade matching presented ongoing challenges, emphasizing the need for careful material selection. Future research should explore long-term clinical performance and standardized methods for handling of pre-test failures.