Polymerization shrinkage of composite resins: comparison with tooth deformation

Polymerization shrinkage of two posterior composite resin restorative materials was measured by dilatometry. The results were compared with a decrease in cavity width of MOD preparations in extracted premolars restored with the composite resins. A highly filled hybrid composite exhibited greater free shrinkage and cuspal deformation than a hybrid composite with a lower filler content. Deformation of the cusps was less than the unrestricted shrinkage of the composite resins. Hydrated teeth exhibited less deformation than dehydrated teeth because of polymerization shrinkage. Greater cuspal deformations were measured with the microscopic technique than with interferometry because of differences in experimental design.