Influence of compressive forces and aging through thermocycling on the strength of mono incremental dental composite resins

Abstract

Understanding dental composite resins' physical and mechanical properties is vital for advancing dental materials science, enhancing durability, and improving patient care. The present study aims to quantitatively investigate the impact of compressive forces and thermocycling aging on the strength of mono incremental dental composite resins, focusing on three materials: 3M Filtek One Bulk Fill, Opus Bulk Fill APS A2 from FGM, and Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill VIA from Ivoclar Vivadent. Using a mixed quasi-experimental approach, 84 samples were divided into a control group and an experimental group, comprising 14 samples of each material. The samples underwent a thermocycling process involving temperature cycles between 5°C, 37°C, and 55°C, totaling 10,800 cycles, simulating one year of aging. Subsequently, compressive strength tests were conducted using a universal press to identify the fracture point of the material and calculate its strength. Our results reveal differences in the material before and after thermocycling; however, these differences were not statistically significant concerning strength. Thus, it is concluded that one year of thermocycling aging does not induce substantial changes in the resin that would compromise its strength. Future research should consider extended thermocycling tests spanning multiple years to pinpoint the potential onset of issues affecting material strength durability. Keywords: compressive strength, dental composite resins, thermocycling, aging, mono incremental.