Comparative Evaluation of Commercial Bulk-Fill Resin-Based Composites: Flexural Properties, Roughness, Water Sorption...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Bulk-fill (BF) resin-based composites (RBCs) offer efficient dental restoration placement.
• Limited comparative data exists for commercially available BF RBCs.
• Understanding performance variations is crucial for clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare mechanical properties, water sorption/solubility, surface roughness, and color stability of various BF RBCs.
• To evaluate flowable and packable BF RBCs under standardized conditions.
• To identify high-performing BF RBCs for dental use.

Main Methods:

• Ten BF RBCs and one control RBC were tested.
• Mechanical performance assessed via three-point bending for flexural strength and elastic modulus.
• Water sorption, solubility, color change (ΔE00), and surface roughness (ΔRa) measured after 28-day immersion in water, Pepsi, or coffee.

Main Results:

• 3M Bulk and control exhibited highest flexural strength; 3M Flow, Shofu Bulk, and Ivoclar Flow showed lower strength.
• Shofu Bulk and Ivoclar Flow had lowest water sorption; Shofu Bulk, Ivoclar Flow, and SDR had lowest solubility.
• Significant color changes observed in FGM Bulk (water/Pepsi) and Shofu Bulk (coffee); surface roughness varied with immersion medium and material.

Conclusions:

• Significant variability exists in the intrinsic properties of bulk-fill resin composites.
• 3M Bulk and the control material offer superior mechanical strength.
• Material selection should consider potential for color instability and surface changes, as seen with Shofu Bulk.