Investigation on the Biaxial Flexural Strength of Universal Shade Resin-Based Composites.

The biaxial flexural strength of universal shade and conventional dental resin-based composites before and after alkaline degradation was investigated. Disk samples were prepared from these resin-based composites, and some of the specimens were immersed in 0.1 M NaOH solution to create deteriorated samples. The biaxial flexural strength of the samples before and after the alkaline degradation test was measured and statistically tested. The fracture surfaces after the biaxial flexural test were observed using a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the biaxial flexural strength of the paste-type universal shade resin-based composite before alkaline degradation was significantly (19%) higher than that of the conventional type, but no difference was observed between the materials after alkaline degradation. On the other hand, the biaxial flexural strength of the flowable universal shade resin-based composites was significantly (around 35%) lower than that of the conventional composite, with or without degradation. Although, for paste-type materials, the biaxial flexural strength of universal shade resin-based composites was higher than that of conventional resin-based composites before alkaline degradation, after degradation the two materials showed similar values. For flowable materials, the biaxial flexural strength of universal shade resin-based composites was lower than that of conventional resin-based composites regardless of the presence or absence of degradation processes. These results suggest that some caution should be used when deciding whether to use flowable universal shade resin-based composite to fill a cavity.

Comparison of surface properties of universal shade and conventional resin-based composites after degradation and repolishing.

PURPOSE: To investigate the discoloration, line roughness and gloss of conventional and universal shade resin-based composites. METHODS: Clearfil AP-X (AP-X) and Estelite Sigma Quick (EQ) samples were prepared. Discoloration, roughness, and gloss were measured on mirror-polished, alkaline-degraded, and repolished surfaces. The superficial layer degraded by alkaline immersion (degraded layer) was ground off from the sample surface. After removing the degraded layer, the surface was polished with aluminum oxide powder (1.0 µm and 0.3 µm), to create a repolished specimen. Scanning electron microscopy observations were made of the specimens. RESULTS: The results were compared with those for Omnichroma (OC) from a previous study. All the materials showed different responses to degradation and repolishing, but repolishing of AP-X, for surface roughness and gloss, was more effective at restoring pre-degradation properties. Repolishing effectively removed discoloration in all materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The materials tested showed different responses to degradation and repolishing, but repolishing of AP-X, for surface roughness and gloss, was more effective at restoring pre-degradation properties. Repolishing effectively removed discoloration in all materials.

Evaluation of the Repolished Surface Properties of a Resin Composite Employing Structural Coloration Technology.

Resin composites employing structural coloration have recently been developed. These resins match to various tooth shades despite being a single paste. To accomplish this, the filler and base resin are tightly bonded, which is thought to provide excellent discoloration resistance. Here, we investigated the surface properties of one of these resins, including the discoloration of the repolished surface. We developed an innovative in vitro method to adjust the repolished surface, in which structural degradation is removed according to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation rather than by the naked eye. The resin samples (20 mm (length) × 10 mm (width) × 4 mm (depth)) were manufactured using this resin material. After accelerated aging of the resin by alkaline degradation, the resin was repolished and the discoloration (ΔE*ab), surface roughness (the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra)), and glossiness (the 60° specular) were measured. SEM observation showed that the appearance of the bond between the organic composite filler and base resin on the repolished surface was different from that on the mirror-polished surface. This revealed that according to our in vitro method it was difficult to make the repolished surface structurally identical to the mirror-polished surface. Among the properties of the repolished surface, the degree of discoloration did not change despite the rougher and less glossy surface. It can be concluded that the factors that induce discoloration in this resin composite are independent of the surface roughness and glossiness.