Color stability of light-cured and post-cured composites.

PURPOSE: To determine the color stability of five composites after light-curing and recommended post-curing using reflection spectrophotometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of the composites were prepared as disks 10 mm in diameter and 1 mm thick. The pre-cured samples were prepared with a clear plastic sheet on the top and bottom of disk, pressed between two glass slabs to the thickness of the mold, and then removed from between the glass slabs. The color of the samples was measured with the clear plastic sheets in place. The color of the composites before curing served as the control. RESULTS: Light-curing caused barely perceptible to perceptible color changes for all of the composites from the pre-cured shade. Clearfil and TrueVitality changed color significantly more than Charisma, Conquest C&B and Herculite XRV. Once the composites were light-cured, post-curing caused no further perceptible changes in shade.

Mechanical properties of direct and post-cured composites.

Surface mechanical properties (diametral tensile strength, Knoop hardness, and Rockwell Superficial indentation and recovery) and bulk mechanical properties (compressive strength and modulus of elasticity in compression) of seven composites were measured in vitro under two curing conditions (light-curing only and light-curing plus manufacturer's recommended post-curing). Post-curing improved the Knoop hardeness by 7 to 46% and diametral tensile strength by 15 to 39% of some of the composites. None of the composites had improved compressive strength and only two had an improved modulus of elasticity.

Effects of post-curing on mechanical properties of a composite.

The mechanical properties (diametral tensile strength, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity in compression, Knoop hardness, and Rockwell Superficial indentation and recovery) were measured for one light-cured composite (Herculite XRV) post-cured by five different conditions. The post-curing conditions were: boiling water, CRC-100, D.I.-500, Translux EC Light Box, and Triad 2000 with normal light curing as a control. Post-curing Herculite XRV significantly improved the diametral tensile strength (24-39%), Knoop hardness (8-22%) and Rockwell Superficial recovery (3-6%); decreased Rockwell Superficial indentation (0-19%) but did not affect the compressive strength significantly. Modulus of elasticity was not affected, except by the Translux EC Light Box, which increased the modulus by 33%. Post-curing Herculite XRV with the Triad 2000 and Translux EC Light Box produced the most improved properties. Water at 100 degrees C was the least effective of the post-curing methods.