Abstract
BackgroundThe use of composites in dental restoration has been commonly criticized, due to their underwhelming mechanical properties. This problem may be solved partially by preheating. The present research aims to determine the effect of preheating on the mechanical properties of two different classes of composites. Material and Methods A Silorane-based (Silorane) and a Methacrylate-based (Z250) composite were preheated to different temperatures (25, 37, and 68 °C) and afterwards were tested with the appropriate devices for each testing protocol. The material’s flexural strength, elastic modulus, and Vickers microhardness were evaluated. Two-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s post hoc were used to analyze the data. Results Microhardness and elastic modulus increased with preheating, while flexural strength values did not increase significantly with preheating. Furthermore the methacrylate-based composite (Z250) showed higher values compared to the Silorane-based composite (Silorane) in all the tested properties. Conclusions Preheating Silorane enhances the composite’s microhardness and elastic modulus but does not affect its flexural strength. On the other hand, preheating Z250 increases its microhardness but does not change its flexural strength or elastic modulus. In addition, the Z250 composite shows higher microhardness and flexural strength than Silorane, but the elastic modulus values with preheating are similar. Therefore Z250 seems to have better mechanical properties making it the better choice in a clinical situation. Key words:Composite, elastic modulus, flexural strength, microhardness, preheating.
Highlights
In dental restorations, composite resins have underwhelming mechanical properties compared to amalgam; they do not contain mercury, a highly toxic substance found in amalgam compounds, and have higher aesthetic appeal
Considering the different composition and polymerization mechanisms of these composites from methacrylate composites, the question that comes to mind is whether preheating could affect the mechanical properties of these composites? Would it improve the mechanical properties of these composites or will it show negative effects on Silorane-based composites? The aim of the current study is to study the effect of preheating on mechanical properties of two different classes of composites
We found that preheating does not significantly affect the flexural strength of Z250 or Silorane
Summary
Composite resins have underwhelming mechanical properties compared to amalgam; they do not contain mercury, a highly toxic substance found in amalgam compounds, and have higher aesthetic appeal. Their recently increased popularity as posterior filling materials remains controversial [1,2,3]. The aim of the current study is to study the effect of preheating on mechanical properties (flexural strength, microhardness, and modulus of elasticity) of two different classes of composites. The Z250 composite shows higher microhardness and flexural strength than Silorane, but the elastic modulus values with preheating are similar. Z250 seems to have better mechanical properties making it the better choice in a clinical situation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
