Studies on microleakage associated with visible light cured dental composites

The objective of this investigation was twofold: 1) to determine the extent of microleakage associated with two visible light cured dental composites, one of which is an indigenously developed light cure composite (chitra light cure system) compared with a commercially available control material (Prisma APH light cure system), and 2) to study the effect of using bonding agents upon the above phenomena. The bonding agents used along with the above composites during restoration were chitra bonding agent system containing chitra primer/chitra resin and a control (Probond) which was purchased commercially. A comparison of microleakage in freshly restored human premolar teeth by silver nitrate staining technique was made during the above study. Cavities were restored with both composites with and without bonding agents, stored in 50 percent silver nitrate, and sections were cut after developing. The microtomed sections were observed under the optical light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Results indicate that bonding agents are mandatory for effective bonding at the tooth/resin interface and subsequent reduction in marginal leakage. Chitra bonding agent showed excellent adhesive bonding characteristics at the dentine/composite interface with minimal marginal leakage compared to the control bonding system. The chitra light cure composite material also showed lower shrinkage characteristics compared to Prisma APH composite.