Abstract
Introduction
the innovation of photopolymerization methods was proposed in an attempt to reduce the polymerization shrinkage stress of composite resins and also provide more comfort to patient reducing the chair time. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the microhardness of two nanofilled composite resins subject to different curing techniques.
Objective
assess the microhardness of two nanofilled composite resins subject to different curing techniques.
Material and method
forty specimens were divided into four groups (N=10) as follows: Filtek Z350 XT® + immediate technique (GI); Filtek One Bulkfill® + immediate technique (GII); Filtek Z350 XT® + delayed pulse technique (GIII); Filtek One Bulkfill® + delayed pulse technique (GIV). After storage in distilled water at room temperature the specimens were assessed for microhardness measurement. T-test was used for comparison of techniques and two-way ANOVA used to calculate the effects of composite resins, curing techniques and their interactions on dependent variable (p set at 0.05).
Result
Filtek Z350 XT® resin presented greater hardness on immediate technique (GI - 312,45 ± 64.37) and delayed pulse (GIII - 244,50 ± 75.63) compared to Filtek One Bulkfill® under both techniques. Overall, it was observed greater hardness values under immediate technique with a significant statistical difference apart of tested resin (p = 0.04 - Filtek Z350 XT®; p = 0.03 - Filtek One Bulkfill®). Both isolated factors (resin and techniques) presented effect on microhardness values (p = 0.02 and p < 0.01, respectively).
Conclusion
the conventional technique demonstrated to reach higher hardness values when compared to the alternative polymerization technique.
Descriptors:
Composite resins; polymerization; hardness tests