Changes in expansion and mechanical strength during water storage of a traditional and three modified resin composites

Abstract

Four types of resin composites (Dyract AP (DYR), Definite (DEF), Ariston pHc (ARI), and Spectrum TPH (SPE)) were tested after water storage for up to 180 days. The test parameters were flexural strength, flexural modulus, and marginal gaps at fillings in cylindrical cavities. The cavity tests were performed in two ways. One series of fillings was finished shortly after curing and the maximal gaps were followed with time during water storage. Another series was finished immediately before gap size measurement and after water storage for various periods. Absence of or reduced gap sizes at 180 days compared to 1 h or 1 day was observed for all materials and with both methods. At 180 days, DYR and ARI showed significantly smaller gap sizes than those observed with DEF and SPE. No significant differences in flexural strength were observed when means at 180 days were compared to those observed at 1 day. DEF, ARI, and SPE showed a significant increase in flexural moduli at 180 days compared to 1 day, while DYR showed none. It is concluded that fillings made of Dyract AP or Ariston pHc may show absence of or very small gap sizes between filling and cavity wall after 6 months and with no significant reduction in mechanical strength.