Comparative evaluation of curing light intensity on depth of cure of bulk fill and conventional composites - in vitro study

Original Research

Abstract

Introduction

Due to its superior looks and qualities, direct composite resin restorations have grown in popularity in modern dentistry treatment. The posterior bulk fill composites Filtek TM Bulk Fill Posterior and X-tra fil are said to achieve a 5 mm depth of cure with good strength. The depth of cure of commercially available packable bulk fill composites has not been adequately studied in the literature. 

Aim

To determine how different curing light intensities affect the curing depth of bulk fill and traditional composite.

Materials and methods

Two packable bulk fill (Filtek Bulk Fill and X-tra fil) composites and a conventional composite (Tetric N Ceram) were used in the study and were divided into three groups and were cured using two light cure units having different light intensities (LED and QTH units). A total of 120 composite specimens were prepared. Depth of cure was evaluated using B/T ratio of Vickers hardness number.

Results

The hardness values of top and bottom surface values ranged between 49.9 to 99.7 VHN. The Filtek bulk fill composite cured with LED unit showed the maximum and B/T ratio which was significantly higher than Tetric N Ceram composite cured with QTH unit which showed the least B/T ratio (p<0.05)

Conclusion

The depth of cure of bulk fill composites is significantly influenced by the type of curing light used. The bulk fill composites employed in this investigation displayed a suitable B/T ratio of more than 0.80 suitable for clinical application.