Physico-mechanical properties of aesthetic resin composites

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the physico-mechanical properties, including water sorption (WS) and solubility (SL), flexural strength (σf) and modulus of elasticity (Emod), as well as Vickers hardness (VHN) value of most currently available aesthetic resin composites by comparing them with conventional resin composite. Materials and methods Universal-shde resin composite OMNICHROMA (OMNI; Tokuyama), Beautifil Unishade (BU; Shofu), Essentia (EN; GC), and A3 shade of aesthetic resin composites Harmonize (HM; Kerr), conventional resin composite Tetric N Cream (TNC; Ivoclar Vivadent) were evaluated in this study. Volume and weight were recorded every 24 h of water immersion of resin composites (n = 5) for the calculation of WS and SL. Bar shaped specimens were sectioned from each material (n = 5), Emod and σf were evaluated using a three-point bending test. Bottom and top of the specimens (n = 3) of VHN were obtained for three spots using Vickers micro-hardness tester. Afterwards, bottom-top hardness ratio was calculated. One-way ANOVA, Tukey’s test, Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson’s correlation test, and Paired-samples t-test were computed (p < 0.05). Results HM showed significant the highest WS and SL (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in σf regarding the materials (p > 0.05). BU showed significant the highest Emod (p < 0.05). HM recorded the highest VHN value (p < 0.05), and significantly the lowest bottom-top hardness ratio (p < 0.05). Conclusions The aesthetic resin composites showed comparable physico-mechanical properties compared to conventional resin composite TNC. Clinical relevance The physico-mechanical properties of resin composite material influence the long-term clinical performance of the restoration.