Surface roughness and marginal behaviour of experimental and commercial composites: an in vitro study

Three experimental inhomogeneous microfilled composites (IMC) containing spherical prepolymerized particles with an interpenetrating network (IPN) were compared with the reference materials Estic MF, Adaptic and the amalgam Dispersalloy in vitro. With surface roughness tests, different polishing procedures were investigated. In addition an SEM analysis of the margins of Class I fillings using a replica technique was performed. With the same technique the proximal boxes of Class II fillings were analysed to further determine the best method to handle the materials clinically. The experimental materials showed a superior adaptation to the walls of proximal boxes of Class II cavities than the reference materials. This superiority was increased by the use of a filled bonding agent. The influence of viscosity, filler load and glass transition point on adaptation and polymerization shrinkage are discussed. It was concluded that especially designed diamonds with very fine abrasive particle size (40 micrograms and 15 micrograms) are the best for finishing and contouring composite fillings. Based on the results of this study it is recommended to use the experimental material for clinical investigations.