An in vitro investigation of the tooth strains associated with four different restorations in Class II cavity

The purpose of this study was to examine tooth strains in Class II preparations. A Class II cavity was prepared in 16 permanent premolars, and a strain gauge was attached to the buccal surface of each tooth. Each cavity was then restored with bonded amalgam, bonded gallium, composite, or composite with a resin liner. The tooth strains created by these four restorations were determined and evaluated with a strain indicator. The results of this study indicated that composite restorations with and without resin liner created much greater strains to tooth structure than did bonded amalgam and bonded gallium restorations. The application of resin liner before placement of the composite was effective for decreased tooth strain.