Influence of light source and extended time of curing on microhardness and degree of conversion of different regions of a nanofilled composite resin.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different light sources and curing time on the degree of conversion and microhardness of two surfaces within a nanofilled composite resin. METHODS: Four experimental groups (n=10) were formed in accordance with the light source (quartz-tungsten halogen (QTH - 600mW/cm(2)), or light-emitting-diode (LED - 800mW/cm(2))) and the time of curing (20 s or 40 s). The specimens were prepared with a circular mould (5 mm ∅ and 2 mm thick), according to the respective protocol, and the Knoop microhardness and degree of conversion was measured at the top and the base of the specimens. The degree of conversion was evaluated by the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The results were analyzed by ANOVA two-way repeated measures and Tukey's test (α=,05). RESULTS: Both the degree of conversion and microhardness were higher at the top than at the bottom of the specimens. The QTH light source presented better values on the degree of conversion evaluation, but this result was not observed in the microhardness evaluation. Although forty seconds of curing promotes an increased level of microhardness, it did not influence the degree of conversion. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that increasing the time of curing to 40 s promotes an increase in microhardness, but it does not influence the degree of conversion of a nanofilled composite resin. QTH promote better monomeric conversion; however, the microhardness values are similar to LED curing. For all situations tested, the bottom of the specimens presented lower results than the top.

Effect of different light-curing devices and aging procedures on composite knoop microhardness.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of light-curing devices (Halogen/HAL, Light Emitting Diodes/LED, Argon Laser/LAS and Plasma Arc/PAC) and aging procedures (Mechanical Cycling/MC, Thermal Cycling/TC, Storage/S, MC+TC and MC+TC+S) on the micro-hardness of bottom/B and top/T surfaces of 2-mm-high composite resin cylinders. The Knoop microhardness test (25 g, 20 s) on both B and T was performed before and after each aging procedure. For B and T, before aging procedures, PAC showed reduced polymerization effectiveness when compared with HAL. In the T, after TC, PAC and LAS had also showed reduced polymerization effectiveness when compared to HAL and LED. For all light-curing devices, MC+TC+S and S affected the Knoop microhardness values. In the B, no difference could be observed among the aging procedures for PAC. From all light-curing units, PAC may have rendered composites of reduced quality and the storage aging procedures were the most harmful to the polymer hardness.

Effect of different light-curing devices and aging procedures on composite knoop microhardness

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of light-curing devices (Halogen/HAL, Light Emitting Diodes/LED, Argon Laser/LAS and Plasma Arc/PAC) and aging procedures (Mechanical Cycling/MC, Thermal Cycling/TC, Storage/S, MC+TC and MC+TC+S) on the micro-hardness of bottom/B and top/T surfaces of 2-mm-high composite resin cylinders. The Knoop microhardness test (25 g, 20 s) on both B and T was performed before and after each aging procedure. For B and T, before aging procedures, PAC showed reduced polymerization effectiveness when compared with HAL. In the T, after TC, PAC and LAS had also showed reduced polymerization effectiveness when compared to HAL and LED. For all light-curing devices, MC+TC+S and S affected the Knoop microhardness values. In the B, no difference could be observed among the aging procedures for PAC. From all light-curing units, PAC may have rendered composites of reduced quality and the storage aging procedures were the most harmful to the polymer hardness.

Effectiveness of resin composite polymerization when cured at different depths and with different curing lights.

This study evaluated how photocuring devices affected the microhardness of composite resin cylinders. For this study, 120 specimens of composite were fabricated and allocated randomly into 12 groups (n = 10), according to the light source (quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH), LED, argon laser, plasma arc) and the height of the specimen (2.0, 4.0, or 6.0 mm). Twenty-four hours after the specimens were fabricated, the Knoop microhardness test was performed on bottom and top surfaces. Statistical analysis showed significant interaction among light sources, between light sources and specimen heights, and between the surfaces. Compared to the QTH specimens, the argon laser and plasma arc specimens showed reduced polymerization on the top surface, while the plasma arc specimens showed reduced polymerization on the bottom surface. The 4.0 mm samples demonstrated higher Knoop microhardness than the 2.0 mm and 6.0 mm samples, especially when argon laser and plasma arc curing lights were used. The microhardness was always higher on the top surface than on the bottom surface. No photocuring unit was able to properly polymerize the bottom surface as completely as the top surface.

Efeito dos períodos de armazenamento na resistência de união de um sistema adesivo autocondicionante à dentina bovina / Effect of the storage periods on the bond strength of a self-etch system to bovine dentin

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito do armazenamento de dentes bovinos, em diferentes períodos, na resistência de união de um sistema adesivo autocondicionante de dois passos. Para essa avaliação, 40 incisivos bovinos (n = 10) foram armazenados em solução de timol 0,10 g.mL 1(um negativo) durante os seguintes períodos: 24 horas (controle), 15 dias, um mês e seis meses. Após esses períodos de armazenamento, cada dente foi desgastado até a exposição da dentina superfcial, um sistema adesivo autocondicionante (Clearfl SE Bond/Kuraray) foi aplicado e um bloco de resina composta (TPH Spectrum, Dentsply DeTrey) foi confeccionado sobre o substrato dentinário. Os materiais restauradores foram aplicados segundo as instruções do fabricante. Os espécimes foram seccionados a fim de se obterem fatias de 1 mm de espessura e constrições foram realizadas para obtenção do formato de ampulheta com área adesiva de 1 mm2. As fatias foram testadas sob tensão em uma máquina de ensaio universal a uma velocidade de 0,5 mm.min 1(um negativo) e o padrão de fratura foi analisado em microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Os seguintes resultados foram obtidos (MPa): 24 horas - 11,73 ± 5,2; 15 dias - 9,66 ± 3,6; 1 mês - 11,01 ± 6,7, e 6 meses - 9,43 ± 4,7. Não foi observada nenhuma diferença estatística signifcante (ANOVA, p = 0,79). Falhas na interface adesiva foram mais frequentemente observadas. Pode-se concluir que os períodos de armazenamento avaliados não infuenciaram a união do sistema adesivo autocondicionante à dentina bovina.

The aim of this study was evaluate the effect of the storage of bovine teeth in different periods on the microtensile bond strength of a two-step self-etch system. For this, forty bovine incisors (n = 10) were stored in 0.10 g.mL 1(one negative) thymol solution during the following periods: 24 hours (control), 15 days, 1 month, and 6 months. After these storage periods, each tooth was fattened until superfcial dentin exposure, the bonding system (Clearfl SE Bond/Kuraray) was applied and a composite block (TPH Spectrum, Dentsply DeTrey) was built over the dentin substrate. Restorative materials were used following manufacturer's instructions. The specimens were sectioned to obtain 1 mm thick slabs, which were trimmed to an hour-glass shape with cross sectional area of 1 mm2. Slabs were tested under tension in a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm.min 1(one negative) and their failure mode was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The following results were obtained (MPa): 24 hours - 11.73/5.2; 15 days - 9.66/3.6; 1 month - 11.01/6.7, 6 months - 9.43/4.7. Signifcant differences among experimental groups were not observed (ANOVA, p = 0.79). Failures within the adhesive interface were the most frequently observed. May be concluded that the storage periods did not infuence the bonding of the two-step self-etch system to dentin.

Effect of cyclic loading on the bond strength of class II restorations with different composite materials.

This study evaluated the effect of cyclic loading on the bond strength of Class II restorations using different composite materials. Class II preparations with gingival margins located in dentin were performed on the mesial surface of 80 bovine incisors. The teeth were randomly allocated to eight groups (n=10) according to resin composite (Filtek Z250, Filtek Supreme, Tetric Ceram HB and Esthet-X) and use of cyclic loading. The restorations were bonded with the Single Bond adhesive system. Simulated aging groups were cyclic loaded for 200,000 cycles with 80N load (2Hz). The specimens were vertically sectioned (two slabs per restoration) and further trimmed into an hour-glass shape at the adhesive interface to obtain a final bonded area 1 mm2. Samples were placed in an apparatus and tested under tension using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test with a 95% confidence level. Aged groups presented significantly lower means when compared to the groups that were not aged (p=0.03). However, significant differences among composite materials were not observed (p=0.17). Regardless of the restorative composite material used, it could be concluded that the bond strength of Class II restorations at the gingival wall was affected by simulated cyclic loading.

Contratação de polimerização: estratégias para minimizar seus efeitos em restaurações diretas / Polymeration shrinkage: strategies to minimize its effects on direct restorations

O objetivo deste estudo é revisar a literatura sobre as estratégias clínicas para minimizar os efeitos adversos da contração de polimerização dos compósitos, dentre elas, a forma de inserção da resina composta, o uso de materiais intermediários com propriedades elásticas e as técnicas de fotoativação. De acordo com a literatura, a combinação de mais de uma estratégia parece ser o método mais eficiente para garantir o sucesso clínico das restaurações diretas. Além disso, o julgamento crítico do adequado emprego dos compósitos pode influenciar o resultado final do tratamento restaurador.

Effect of surface treatments and bonding agents on the bond strength of repaired composites.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: An adequate repair procedure depends on high bond strength between the existing composite and the new composite. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of surface treatments and bonding procedures on the bond strength of repairs performed 24 hours after composite polymerization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Composite specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. Specimens were allocated into 12 groups (N=10) according to the combination of surface treatment (none, air abrasion, diamond bur) and bonding procedure (none, Single Bond after H(3)PO(4) cleansing, Clearfil SE Bond after H(3)PO(4) cleansing, Clearfil SE Bond without H(3)PO(4) cleansing). The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the composite was tested in nonrepaired specimens. Twenty-four hours after repair, specimens were sectioned into three slabs and trimmed to an hourglass shape (1 mm(2) area). Slabs were tested under tension and mean bond strengths analyzed with two-way analysis of variance/Tukey and Dunnett tests (alpha=5%). RESULTS: Two groups resulted in repair bond strengths similar to composite UTS: air abrasion combined with Clearfil SE Bond after H(3)PO(4) cleansing, and air abrasion combined with Clearfil SE Bond without H(3)PO(4) cleansing. Combinations of surface treatments and bonding procedures were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: When repair procedure was performed 24 hours after composite polymerization, different combinations of surface treatments and bonding procedures affected repair bond strength similarly. There was no statistical difference between the repair bond strength of groups air-abraded and bonded with the self-etching system and composite UTS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Only air abrasion associated with a self-etching system provided repair bond strength comparable to composite UTS.

Influence of thermal and mechanical load cycling on microtensile bond strengths of total and self-etching adhesive systems.

This study evaluated the influence of different thermal (TC) and mechanical (MC) cycling protocols on microtensile bond strength (muTBS) to cervical dentin margins of Class II restorations using two total-etch (TE) adhesives and one self-etching (SE) primer. Class II slot cavities were prepared on the mesial surfaces of 168 bovine incisors and were divided into three groups according to the bonding system used: Single Bond, OptiBond Solo Plus and Clearfil SE Bond. All cavities were restored with Filtek Z250 composite. Following restorative procedures, the restored teeth were allocated to seven subgroups (n = 8) according to the thermal/mechanical protocol performed: G1-control (no cycling), G2-100,000 MC, G3-200,000 MC, G4-500,000 MC, G5-100,000 MC+1,000 TC, G6-200,000 MC+1,000 TC, G7-500,000 MC+1,000 TC. TC was performed using 5 +/- 2 degrees C and 55 +/- 2 degrees C baths, with a dwell time of 60 seconds in each bath. MC was achieved with an axial force of 80 N at 2 cycles/second. The restorations were sectioned perpendicular to the cervical bonded interface into two 0.8-1-mm thick slabs. The slabs were trimmed at the interface to obtain a cross-sectional surface area of 0.8-1 mm2. All specimens were then subjected to muTBS (v = 0.5 mm/minute). Fracture mode analysis was performed using SEM. Bond strength mean values (MPa) were analyzed with ANOVA 3-way and Tukey's test (alpha = 5%). Dunnett's test was used to compare tested groups against Control groups of each adhesive system (alpha = 56%). SE primer presented lower mean bond strength values when compared to TE adhesives (p = 0.05). In addition, specimens restored with the SE primer did not resist to the 200,000 and 500,000 MC associated with TC. The application of 100,000 MC did not present a significant decrease in bond strength when compared to the control. Mixed failures were predominant for all groups. The higher the amount of thermal/mechanical cycles, the greater the number of mixed failures and the lower the percentage of adhesive failures.

The effect of light-curing source and mode on microtensile bond strength to bovine dentin.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different light-curing techniques on the microtensile bond strength of hybrid and packable resin composite to dentin. The null hypotheses were that different light-curing techniques do not affect the adhesion of resin composites to tooth structure and that different resin composites do not have a similar bond to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred four box-shaped buccal preparations were made and dentin/enamel adhesive was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions (Single Bond 3M ESPE). A hybrid resin composite (Filtek Z250, A2, 3M ESPE) or a packable resin composite (Solitaire 2, A2, Heraeus Kulzer) were inserted in bulk and polymerized using one of these techniques (n = 13): (a) Soft-start (SS) using a halogen lamp (QTH); (b) LED low intensity; (c) Plasma arc (PAC) curing for 6 s for packable resin composite and 3 s for the hybrid resin composite; (d) Conventional (C) QTH curing for 40 s. Afterwards, specimens were thermocycled 1,000 times between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C in tap water, and were sectioned into beams with a rectangular cross-sectional area of approximately 1 mm2. Microtensile bond strength testing was performed using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. RESULTS: Bond strength means +/- (SD) in MPa were: Filtek Z250: SSQTH = 17.9 (5.4); LED = 17.9 (6.4); PAC = 16.8 (6.8); CQTH = 16.1 (4.6). Solitaire 2: SSQTH = 12.4 (6.4); LED = 15.5 (4.3); PAC = 16.2 (4.4); CQTH = 13.8 (5.7). The data were structured in a split-plot design and analyzed by a two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (alpha = 0.05). CONCLUSION: The light-curing method did not significantly affect bond strengths. However, the bond strengths of the packable resin composite were significantly lower than those of the hybrid resin composite for all polymerization techniques, suggesting that the restorative material itself might be a more critical factor in adhesion than the curing method.

The effect of composite type on microhardness when using quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) or LED lights.

This study evaluates the Knoop microhardness of resin composites cured with different light-emitting diode (LED) based light curing units (LCU) or with a conventional quartz-tungsten-halogen light (QTH). Ten experimental groups with 10 specimens each were used. The specimens were prepared by placing two light-cured resin composites with similar VITA shade A2-microhybrid Filtek Z250/3M ESPE and microfill Durafil VS/Heraeus Kulzer--in a 2.0 mm-thick disc shaped mold. The specimens were polymerized for 40 seconds with the use of one QTH LCU (Optilux 501/Kerr-Demetron) and four LED LCUs: Elipar FreeLight 1 Cordless LED (3M ESPE), Ultrablue II LED with cord (DMC), Ultrablue III LED cordless (DMC) and LEC 470 I (MM Optics). Knoop microhardness was determined at the top and bottom surfaces of the specimens 24 hours following curing. Microhardness values in the microhybrid resin composite group showed no statistically significant differences when cured with LED FreeLight 1 LCU and QTH LCU (p<0.05). The other LED devices evaluated in the study presented lower microhardness values in both surfaces (p<0.05) when compared to QTH. In the microfill resin composite group, no statistically significant differences were observed among all LCUs evaluated on the bottom surfaces (p<0.05). However, on the top surfaces, QTH presented the highest KHN values, and the LED devices presented similar results when compared with KHN values relative to each other (p<0.05).

Shear bond strength evaluation of composite resin on enamel and dentin after nonvital bleaching.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that bleaching agents interfere with the adhesion of composite resin placed immediately after bleaching. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strengths of composite resin after four different durations since the time of nonvital bleaching (1 d and 1, 2, and 3 wk). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred seventy bovine teeth were assigned to nine groups (n = 30) according to the bleach used and the time between bleaching and restoration: group 1--sodium perborate (SP), 1 day after bleaching (AB); group 2--SP, 1 week AB; group 3--SP, 2 weeks AB; group 4--SP, 3 weeks AB; group 5--37% carbamide peroxide (CP), 1 day AB; group 6--CP, 1 week AB; group 7--CP, 2 weeks AB; group 8--CP, 3 weeks AB; group 9--control group (no treatment). After the bleaching treatment, the teeth in each group were sectioned and the enamel and dentin were separated. The teeth were cut, embedded in polyester resin, and polished to obtain flat enamel and dentin surfaces. The adhesive system was applied and a cylinder of composite resin was bonded on each flat surface. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 7 days at 37 degrees C. The shear bond strength test was performed in a universal test machine (Emic DL-500, São José dos Pinhais, São Paulo, Brazil) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. RESULTS: The data were subjected to analysis of variance, Dunnett's t-test, and Tukey's least significant difference at p < or = .05 and showed a statistically significant decrease in bond strengths of composite resin for enamel and dentin 1 day after the nonvital bleaching. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The decrease in shear bond strength values is time dependent. A delay in bonding procedures for composite resin restoration is recommended. According to the results, a satisfactory time to perform the restoration of composite resin for both enamel and dentin is 2 weeks after bleaching.

Microleakage evaluation of resin composite restorations polymerized with different blue light-emitting diode units (LED) / Avaliação da microinfiltração marginal de restaurações de resina composta polimerizadas com diferentes aparelhos de LEDs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microleakage of class II resin composite restorations polymerized with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with different numbers of blue diodes. One hundred sixty-eight class II cavities were prepared in bovine teeth. A one-bottle adhesive system (Single Bond/3M ESPE) was applied. The microhybrid or packable resin composites were inserted in three horizontal increments and cured for 40 seconds each, according to the following groups (n=21): G1- Z250 + LED light curing unit with 19 LEDs (3M ESPE); G2- Surefil + LED light curing unit with 19 LEDs; G3- Z250 + LED light curing unit with 7 LEDs (DMC); G4- Surefil + LED light curing unit with 7 LEDs; G5- Z250 + LED light curing unit with 6 LEDs (MM Optics); G6- Surefil + LED light curing unit with 6 LEDs; G7- Z250 + conventional halogen light curing unit (Demetron-Kerr); G8- Surefil + conventional halogen light curing unit. After thermocycling, the specimens were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution and then evaluated for microleakage. The Kruskal-Wallis and non-parametric Multiple Comparison tests (p<0.05) showed statistically significant differences among groups median: G1: 1(d); G2: 4(a); G3: 1(cd); G4: 4(a); G5: 2(bc); G6: 4(a); G7: 1(cd); G8: 4(ab). The blue light-emitting diode units (LEDs) demonstrated similar results to the conventional halogen lamp unit and the microleakage of the packable resin composite was significantly more severe than that of the microhybrid resin composite

The effect of nonvital bleaching on the shear bond strength of composite resin using three adhesive systems.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of nonvital bleaching on the shear bond strength of composite resin using three adhesive systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred seventy bovine teeth were assigned to 3 groups (n = 90): SP, paste of sodium perborate and water; CP, 37% carbamide peroxide; CO, control group (no treatment). After the bleaching treatment, the teeth in each group were cut into enamel (E) and dentin (D) sections. The teeth were embedded in polyester resin and polished in order to obtain a flat E or D surface. Each group was divided into 6 subgroups (n = 15) according to substrate (E and D) and adhesive system: SB, Single Bond (solvent: water/alcohol); PB, Prime & Bond NT (solvent: acetone); CLF, Clearfil SE Bond (solvent: water). The adhesive system was applied on each flat surface according to the manufacturer's instructions and a cylinder of composite resin Z-250 was overlaid. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 7 days at 37 degrees C. The SBS test was performed in a universal testing machine with crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The data obtained (in MPa) were statistically analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < or = 0.05). RESULTS: The bleaching treatment influenced the SBS, regardless of the adhesive system used. On enamel, the SP and CP bleaching treatments reduced the SBS values. On dentin, the SP bleaching agent reduced the SBS values, but the CP bleaching did not. CONCLUSION: Nonvital bleaching treatment with sodium perborate may adversely affect shear bond strength of composite resin for both enamel and dentin. Similar effects can be expected from 37% carbamide peroxide bleaching agent on enamel but not dentin bonding strength. The use of water/alcohol and acetone-based adhesive systems cannot reverse the effects of bleaching treatments on bond strengths.

Microleakage and gap formation of resin composite restorations polymerized with different techniques.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different polymerization techniques on microleakage and gap formation of resin-based composite restorations. One correlation test was also carried out between these methodologies. METHODS: 180 vertical slot cavities were prepared in bovine teeth and filled with Z250/Single Bond system, for the following six groups (n=30): Soft-start I - 10 seconds at 75 mW/cm2 + 30 seconds at 560 mW/cm2; Soft-start II - 10 seconds at 190 mW/cm2 + 30 seconds at 560 mW/cm2; Pulse delay - 3 seconds at 300 mW/cm2 + 5 minutes waiting + 30 seconds at 560 mW/cm2; Plasma arc - 3 seconds at 1,500 mW/cm2; High intensity - 40 seconds at 810 mW/cm2; Conventional (control) - 40 seconds at 560 mW/cm2. After polishing, epoxy replicas were prepared for electron microscopy analysis (n=10), at x500 magnification. The samples were thermocycled, new epoxy replicas were prepared, and the teeth were immersed in 2% methylene blue dye solution for 4 hours. Marginal gaps were evaluated again and the microleakage was assessed. RESULTS: No statistical difference among polymerization techniques was observed for microleakage (Kruskal-Wallis test). For gap formation there was no statistical difference among polymerization techniques either before or after thermocycling (Tukey test). Conversely, thermocycling significantly increased the gap formation for all groups. No correlation (Spearman correlation test) was observed for the results of microleakage and gap formation.

Evaluation of marginal microleakage in class II cavities: effect of microhybrid, flowable, and compactable resins.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to evaluate the microleakage on the cementum/dentin and enamel surfaces in Class II restorations, using different kinds of resin composite (microhybrid, flowable, and compactable). METHOD AND MATERIALS: Forty human caries-free molars were extracted and selected. Eighty Class II standardized cavities were made in the cervical wall at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and at the mesial and distal surfaces. The teeth were divided into four groups: G1--adhesive system + microhybrid resin composite Z100; G2--adhesive system + compactable resin composite Prodigy Condensable; G3--adhesive system + flowable resin composite Revolution + Z100 resin composite; G4--adhesive system + Revolution fluid resin + compactable resin composite Prodigy Condensable. The adhesive system used in this study was Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus. The specimens were thermocycled in baths of 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C for 1,000 cycles and immersed in 50% silver nitrate solution. The specimens then were sectioned and evaluated on degree of dye penetration. RESULTS: The results were evaluated using the nonparametric Kruskall-Wallis test, which showed a statistically significant difference between groups G1 and G4, G2 and G4, and G3 and G4. CONCLUSIONS: None of the materials was able to eliminate the marginal microleakage at the cervical wall; the application of a low-viscosity resin composite combined with a compactable resin composite significantly decreased the microleakage.

Influence of polymerization technique on microleakage and microhardness of resin composite restorations.

This study evaluated the influence of three polymerization techniques on microleakage and microhardness of Class II restorations using a microhybrid (Filtek Z250) and a "packable" resin composite (SureFil). The techniques, their respective light intensities and time used in relation to the resin composites, are: Conventional (C)--800 mW/cm2 for 40 seconds; Soft-Start (SS1)--75 mW/cm2 for 10 seconds plus 518mW/cm2 for 30 seconds; Soft-Start (SS2)-- 170mW/cm2 for 10 seconds plus 518 mW/cm2 for 30 seconds and Plasma Arc Curing (PAC)--1,468 mW/cm2 for three or six seconds. One hundred and fifty-two "Vertical Slot type Class II cavities" at the mesial and distal surfaces were prepared and divided into eight groups (n = 19). After the restorative procedures, the samples were thermocycled (1,000 cycles at 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C), then immersed in 2% methylene blue dye solution for four hours. The microleakage was evaluated and the results analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Multiple Comparisons tests. Ten samples from each group were randomly selected, embedded in polyester resin, polished and submitted to the Knoop microhardness test. ANOVA (split-plot) and Tukey's test (p < 0.01) revealed significant differences among depths: the hardness at the top surface was significantly higher followed by the middle and bottom surfaces. There was no significant difference in microleakage among the techniques when microhybrid resin composite was employed. However, when using a "packable" resin composite, the conventional technique for polymerization was comparable to Soft-Start and better than PAC.