Mechanical Properties of Composite Core Build-Up Materials: A Comparative Study

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Core build-up materials are crucial for restoring tooth structure after decay or fracture.
• Evaluating mechanical and physical properties is essential for selecting optimal materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the flexural strength, modulus, resilience, water sorption, and solubility of different resin-based core build-up materials.
• To identify the most suitable materials for dental core build-up procedures based on performance.

Main Methods:

• Three dual-cure resins and two bulk fill composites were tested according to ISO 4049 standards.
• Mechanical properties (flexural strength, modulus, resilience) and physical properties (water sorption, solubility) were evaluated.
• Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests was performed.

Main Results:

• CosmeCore DC Automix (CCC) demonstrated the highest flexural strength and lowest water sorption.
• Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative (BFO) exhibited the highest modulus of resilience.
• Filtek Bulk Fill Flowable (BFF) showed the lowest flexural modulus, while Filtek Supreme Ultra (FSU) had the lowest flexural strength and highest water sorption.

Conclusions:

• Significant variations exist in the mechanical and physical properties of tested core build-up materials.
• CCC and BFO presented the most favorable performance profiles.
• These findings suggest CCC and BFO are suitable candidates for core build-up applications.