Comparative evaluation of the surface hardness of different esthetic restorative materials: An in vitro study

Abstract

A BSTRACT Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface hardness of a newly developed fiber-reinforced composite and bulkfill composites. Materials and Methods: Fiber-reinforced composite and other commercially available bulkfill composites were used. Fifteen cylindrical specimens (5 mm × 5 mm) were made from each material in metal template. Molds were filled in one increment for both bulkfill composites and fiber-reinforced composite and cured using Ivoclar blue phase light-curing unit at a wavelength of 850 mW/cm 2 . A dark container was used to store specimens to keep dry at room temperature for 24 h before testing. Vickers hardness number (VHN) on the top and bottom surfaces of each specimen was measured by a microhardness tester. Data for VHN were analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and pair-wise Newman–Keuls test. Results: No significant difference was observed in Vickers hardness test. The mean value of VHN on the top and bottom surfaces showed significant difference from each other. Fiber-reinforced composite showed the highest VHN as compared with other materials. Conclusion: Fiber-reinforced composite has the highest Vickers hardness ratio indicating highest degree of conversion and better clinical performance.

Effect of irradiation time by Light Emitting Diode on Water sorption of two different glass ionomer restoratives, in-vitro study

“…To ensure proper packing of the material without sticking, the moulds were carefully positioned on glass slabs before being filled with the triturated mixture. 13 In the case of the control groups, a polyester strip was placed on top of the mould after the mixed materials had been injected, and a second glass microscope slide was used to give a consistent surface finishing and to remove the excess material. After setting, the specimen was taken out of the mold, and the excess material that had protruded around the mold's edge was carefully removed using a surgical blade.…”