Evaluation of Compressive Strength and Microhardness of Composites Associated to Light Curing Characterizing Materials

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim This study evaluated the microhardness and compressive strength of composite and light curing characterizing materials (LCCMs) by intrinsic technique. Materials and methods Eighty composite specimens with a cylindrical shape were prepared and divided into eight groups (n = 10): Group E—composite-Enamel shade (ES); Group T— composite-Translucent shade (TS); Group W—White Tetric Color Pigment (Ivoclar/Vivadent) LCCM; Group B—Black Tetric Color Pigment (Ivoclar/Vivadent) LCCM; Group E/W/E—TS/ White Tetric Color Pigment LCCM/ES; Group E/B/E—ES/ Black Tetric Color Pigment LCCM/ES; Group E/W/T—ES/White Tetric Color Pigment LCCM/TS; Group E/B/T—ES/Black Tetric Color Pigment LCCM/TS. The specimens were submitted to a microhardness and compressive strength tests. Data were subjected to ANOVA, Tukey tests (5%) and pearson correlation. Results and conclusion There were significant differences among the groups (p = 0.00). The Pearson correlation showed a p = 0.85. The mean values for microhardness: Group E—73.30a; Group T—66.47b; Group E/W/T—63.71bc; Group E/W/E—62.08bc; Group E/B/E—57.47c; Group E/B/T—55.61c; Group W—39.69d; Group B—37.87d. The mean values for compressive strength: Group E—493.12a; Group T—481.96a; Group E/B/E—359.45b; Group E/W/T—358.64b; Group E/B/T— 357.01b; Group E/W/E—353.73b; Group W—136.62c; Group B—41.22d. The use of LCCM by intrinsic technique reduced the microhardness and compressive strength of composite. There is a strong correlation between microhardness and compressive strength. Clinical significance The use of light curing characterizing materials combined with direct resin restorations can adversely reduce microhardness and compressive strength of direct esthetic restorations. How to cite this article Barcellos DC, Batista GR, Pleffken PR, Valera MC, Torres CRG, de Araújo MAM. Evaluation of Compressive Strength and Microhardness of Composites Associated to Light Curing Characterizing Materials. World J Dent 2014;5(1):6-10.