High-viscosity Bulk-fill Resin Composites Research Articles

Effect of Radiant Exposure on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of 10 Flowable and High-viscosity Bulk-fill Resin Composites.

To evaluate the effect of the different radiant exposures from a multipeak light curing unit on the physical and mechanical properties of flowable and high-viscosity bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBC). Five flowable bulk-fill RBCs (Tetric N-Flow Bulk-fill, Ivoclar Vivadent; Filtek Bulk Fill Flow, 3M Oral Care; Opus Bulk Fill Flow APS, FGM; Admira Fusion x-base, Voco and; and SDR Plus Bulk Fill Flowable, Dentsply Sirona) and five high-viscosity bulk-fill RBCs (Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-fill, Ivoclar Vivadent; Filtek One Bulk Fill, 3M Oral Care; Opus Bulk Fill APS, FGM; Admira Fusion x-tra, Voco; and SonicFill 2, Kerr) were photo-cured using a VALO Cordless light (Ultradent) for 10, 20, and 40 seconds at an irradiance of 1200, 800, or 400 mW/cm2, resulting in the delivery of 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, or 48 J/cm2. Post-gel shrinkage (Shr) was calculated using strain-gauge test. The degree of conversion (DC, %) was calculated using FTIR. Knoop hardness (KH, N/mm2) and elastic modulus (E, MPa) were measured at the top and bottom surfaces. Logarithmic regressions between the radiant exposures and mechanical properties were calculated. Radiodensity was calculated using digital radiographs. Data of Shr and radiodensity were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the DC, KH, and E data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA using split-plot repeated measurement tests followed by the Tukey test (a = 0.05). Delivering higher radiant exposures produced higher Shr values (p<0.001) and higher DC values (R2=0.808-0.922; R2=0.648-0.914, p<0.001), KH (R2=0.707-0.952; R2=0.738-0.919; p<0.001), and E (R2=0.501-0.925; R2=0.823-0.919; p<0.001) values for the flowable and high-viscosity RBCs respectively. Lower KH, E and Shr were observed for the flowable bulk-fill RBCs. All bulk-fill RBCs had a radiopacity level greater than the 4-mm thick aluminum step wedge. The radiant exposure did not affect the radiopacity. The Shr, DC, KH, and E values were highly correlated to the radiant exposure delivered to the RBCs. The combination of the higher irradiance for longer exposure time that resulted in radiant exposure between 24 J/cm2 to 48 J/cm2 produced better results than delivering 400 mW/cm2 for 40 s (16 J/cm2), and 800 mW/cm2 for 20 seconds (16 J/cm2) or 1200 mW/cm2 for 10 seconds (12 J/cm2). All the bulk-fill RBCs were sufficiently radiopaque compared to 4 mm of aluminum.

In-vitro pulpal temperature increases when photo-curing bulk-fill resin-based composites using laser or light-emitting diode light curing units.

To evaluate the in vitro pulpal temperature rise (ΔT) within the pulp chamber when low- and high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites are photo-cured using laser or contemporary light curing units (LCUs). The light output from five LCUs was measured. Non-retentive Class I and V cavities were prepared in one upper molar. Two T-type thermocouples were inserted into the pulp chamber. After the PT values reached 32°C under simulated pulp flow (0.026 mL/min), both cavities were restored with: Filtek One Bulk Fill (3M), Filtek Bulk Fill Flow (3M), Tetric PowerFill (Ivoclar Vivadent), or Tetric PowerFlow (Ivoclar Vivadent). The tooth was exposed as follows: Monet Laser (1 and 3s), PowerCure (3 and 20 s), PinkWave (3 and 20 s), Valo X (5 and 20 s) and SmartLite Pro (20 s). The ΔT data were subjected to one-way ANOVA followed by Scheffe's post hoc test. Monet 1s (1.9J) and PinkWave 20 s (30.1J) delivered the least and the highest amount of energy, respectively. Valo X and PinkWave used for 20 s produced the highest ΔT values (3.4-4.1°C). Monet 1s, PinkWave 3s, PowerCure 3s (except FB-Flow) and Monet 3s for FB-One and TP-Fill produced the lowest ΔT values (0.9-1.7°C). No significant differences were found among composites. Short 1- to 3-s exposures produced acceptable temperature rises, regardless of the composite. The energy delivered to the tooth by the LCUs affects the temperature rise inside the pulp. The short 1-3s exposure times used in this study delivered the least amount of energy and produced a lower temperature rise. However, the RBC may not have received sufficient energy to be adequately photo-cured.

Low- and high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites: a comparison of microhardness, microtensile bond strength, and fracture strength in restored molars.

The aim of this study was to compare low- and high-viscosity bulk-fill composites for Knoop microhardness (KHN), microtensile bond strength (MTBS) to dentin in occlusal cavities, and fracture strength (FS) in molars with mesialocclusal- distal restoration. Disk-shaped samples with different thicknesses (2 or 4 mm) of low-viscosity (SDR Flow, Dentsply) and high-viscosity bulk-fill composites (Filtek BulkFill, 3M ESPE; and Tetric-N Ceram Bulk Fill, Ivoclar Vivadent) were prepared for top and bottom KHN analysis (n=10). MTBS to dentin and fracture pattern was evaluated in human molars with occlusal cavities restored with (n=10): conventional nanocomposite (Z350XT, 3M ESPE), low-viscosity (Filtek Bulk-fill Flow, 3M ESPE) or high-viscosity bulk-fill composites (Filtek BulkFill). The FS and fracture pattern of human molar with mesial-occlusal-distal restorations submitted or not to thermomechanical cycling were investigated (n=10) using: intact tooth (control), and restoration based on conventional microhybrid composite (Z250, 3M ESPE), low-viscosity (SDR Flow) or high-viscosity bulk-fill composites (Filtek BulkFill). The data were submitted to split-plot ANOVA (KHN), one-way ANOVA (MTBS), two-way ANOVA (FS) followed by Tukey's test (α=0.05). For KHN, there was no significant difference for the resin composites between the top and bottom. For MTBS, no significant differences among the materials were detected; however, the low-viscosity composite presented lower frequency of adhesive failures. For FS, there was no significant difference between composites and intact tooth regardless of thermomechanical cycling. Low- and high-viscosity bulk-fill composites have comparable microhardness and microtensile bond strength when used in occlusal restorations. Likewise, the bulk-fill composites present similar fracture strength in molars with mesio-occlusal-distal restorations.

Thirty-six-month clinical evaluation of posterior high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composite restorations in a high caries incidence population: interim results of a randomized clinical trial.

This study compared the clinical performance of two bulk-fill (BF) and one conventional resin composite in a population with a high caries incidence. A total of 138 class I and II restorations were performed and randomly divided into three groups (n = 46) with equal allocation: Filtek BF (FBF; 3M ESPE), Tetric EvoCeram BF (TBF; Ivoclar Vivadent), and control Filtek Z250 (Z250; 3M ESPE). The evaluations were performed using the USPHS and FDI criteria at baseline and after 12 and 36 months by a previously calibrated evaluator. The Friedman and Wilcoxon tests for paired data were used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05). The DMFT index at baseline was 9.44, with 87% from the decayed component. After 36 months, 108 restorations (n = 36) were evaluated. Two failures were observed for TBF at marginal adaptation and recurrence of caries, resulting in a survival rate of 94.44% and an annual failure rate (AFR) of 1.26%. No equivalence was observed between the criteria for surface roughness, marginal adaptation, and discoloration. The 36-month clinical performance of high-viscosity BF resin composites was comparable to conventional incremental-filled resin composites. The FDI criteria better presented the restorations' clinical success. However, in the case of failure, both criteria provided the same result. High-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites showed excellent performance after 36 months in a high caries incidence population. It can be considered a simplified alternative restoration method that reduces operating time and minimizes possible operator errors.

How do the optical properties of the bulk fill posterior composites change after 2 years of simulated toothbrushing?

The objective of this study was to evaluate the alteration of the optical properties of bulk Fill resin-based composites after 2 years of simulated toothbrushing. Three high-viscosity bulk fill resin composites and one conventional sculptable resin composite (control) were analyzed. Five specimens of each resin composite were prepared, and roughness, color, translucency and gloss were evaluated initially and after one and two years of simulated toothbrushing. The specimens were submitted to electric simulated toothbrushing (14600 strokes/100g) using a commercially available toothbrush with soft fibers and toothpaste slurry in a proportion of 1:2 by weight. The brushing scheme was of 40 cycles per day (2 cycles per second / 280 cycles in a week). The optical properties and the roughness data were analyzed by a multifactor analysis of variance (MANOVA) and a Tukey post hoc test. The baseline and final values of Ra and Sa were submitted to linear regression analyses, all of which were performed at a significance level of p=0.05. Gloss and roughness presented statistical differences between the resin-time interactions in all composite resins. The gloss (72.5%) and roughness (89.4%) worsened significantly after brushing, but the authors didn’t find statistically significant differences when evaluating translucency and color. Based in the results, it could be concluded that the simulated brushing degraded the brightness and roughness of the used high-viscosity bulk fill composites.

Evaluation of polymerization shrinkage of bulk-fill resin composites using microcomputed tomography.

This study evaluated the influence of cavity depth on polymerization shrinkage of bulk-fill resin composites with and without adhesive resin. Standardized box-shaped cavities (width, 4mm; length, 5mm, depth, 2mm or 4mm) were made on occlusal surfaces of extracted human third molars (N = 60). The teeth were assigned to 3 groups to receive bulk-fill resin composites (low-viscosity bulk-fill, SDR; high-viscosity bulk-fill; Filtek Bulk-Fill-FB; and TetricEvo Ceram Bulk-Fill-TB) in the prepared cavities with and without adhesive resin (Clearfil S3 Bond). Each specimen (n = 5 per group) was scanned twice using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT): once after application of the resin composite to the cavity prior to polymerisation and once after polymerisation. The shrinkage of volumetric loss (%) was measured using micro-CT. Data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (alpha = 0.05). The material type (p < 0.05), application of adhesive resin (p < 0.05) and cavity depth (p < 0.05) significantly affected the shrinkage values. The interaction terms were also significant (p < 0.05). All the bulk-fill resin composites tested showed significantly less shrinkage when applied in cavities with adhesive resin (0.94-2.55) compared with those without (2.01-3.45) (p < 0.05) and presented significantly more shrinkage after polymerisation (p < 0.05). At a 2-mm cavity depth without (2mm, 2.28; 4mm, 2.41) and with adhesive (2mm, 0.94; 4mm, 1.67), significantly less shrinkage was observed with FB compared with SDR and TB (p < 0.05). At a 4-mm cavity depth without (3.14) and with adhesive (2.55), SDR showed significantly higher shrinkage compared with FB and TB (p < 0.05). The bulk-fill composites tested presented less shrinkage when used in conjunction with adhesive resin application on dentin. Overall, the low-viscosity bulk-fill resin SDR showed more shrinkage compared with high-viscosity resins tested. Low- or high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites should be applied on dentin after application of adhesive resin to decrease shrinkage.

The shear bond strength of repaired high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites with different adhesive systems and resin composite types

This study compared the effect of different adhesive systems and composite resins on the shear bond strength (SBS) of repaired high-viscosity bulk-fill composites(Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill) and investigated failure modes. One hundred twenty cylindrical bulk-fill composite blocks (diameter 5 mm) were fabricated and thermocycled for 5000 cycles (5–55 °C). Specimens were roughened by diamond bur and divided into 8 groups (n = 15). Bulk-fill blocks were repaired with the same material or nanohybrid composite resin(Tetric EvoCeram Nanohybrid) (diameter 3 mm) using different adhesive systems:Tetric N-Bond Universal (TSE);37% phosphoric acid etching + Tetric N-Bond Universal (TER); Clearfil SE Bond (CSE); 37% phosphoric acid etching + AdperTMSingle Bond 2(SB). After repair procedures, all specimens were thermocycled again. The shear bond strengths were measured for all specimens using a universal test machine (crosshead speed of 1 mm/min). Cohesive strengths of bulk-fill composites were measured and described as control group. Debonded surfaces were observed with a stereomicroscope under 10x magnification to determine mode of failure. The SBS data of all groups was statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni correction test (p < 0.05). The specimens repaired with bulk-fill composites showed significantly higher SBS values (25.86 ± 5.74, 27.05 ± 4.93, 24.49 ± 6.95MPa) than those with nanohybrid composites (20.41 ± 3.70, 22.08 ± 6.37, 18.74 ± 6.40 MPa) for TER,CSE,SB, respectively (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in SBS according to the type of adhesive systems for both repair materials (p > 0.05). The predominant mode of failure was a mixed type in the restorative material except for the ones repaired with nanohybrid composites using AdperTMSingle Bond 2. High-viscosity bulk-fill composites could be successfully repaired with the same materials. SBS of repaired bulk-fill composites reached cohesive strength for all tested groups.

Bonding Interaction and Shrinkage Stress of Low-viscosity Bulk Fill Resin Composites With High-viscosity Bulk Fill or Conventional Resin Composites

To analyze the shrinkage stress, bonding interaction, and failure modes between different low-viscosity bulk fill resin composites and conventional resin composites produced by the same manufacturer or a high-viscosity bulk fill resin composite used to restore the occlusal layer in posterior teeth. Three low-viscosity bulk fill resin composites were associated with the conventional resin composites made by the same manufacturers or with a high-viscosity bulk fill resin composite, resulting in six groups (n=10). The bonding interaction between resin composites was tested by assessing the microshear bond strength (μSBS). The samples were thermocycled and were tested with 1-mm/min crosshead speed, and the failure mode was evaluated. The post-gel shrinkage (Shr) of all the resin composites was measured using a strain gauge (n=10). The modulus of elasticity (E) and the hardness (KHN) were measured using the Knoop hardness test. Two-dimensional finite element models were created for analyzing the stress caused by shrinkage and contact loading. The μSBS, Shr, E, and KHN data were analyzed using the Student t-test and one-way analysis of variance. The failure mode data were subjected to chi-square analysis (α=0.05). The stress distribution was analyzed qualitatively. No significant difference was verified for μSBS between low-viscosity bulk fill resin composites and conventional or high-viscosity bulk fill composites in terms of restoring the occlusal layer (p=0.349). Cohesive failure of the low-viscosity bulk fill resin composites was the most frequent failure mode. The Shr, E, and KHN varied between low-viscosity and high-viscosity resin composites. The use of high-viscosity bulk fill resin composites on the occlusal layer reduced the stress at the enamel interface on the occlusal surface. The use of high-viscosity bulk fill resin composites as an occlusal layer for low-viscosity bulk fill resin composites to restore the posterior teeth can be a viable alternative, as it shows a similar bonding interaction to conventional resin composites as well as lower shrinkage stress at the enamel margin.

Simulated cuspal deflection and flexural properties of high viscosity bulk-fill and conventional resin composites

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the simulated cuspal deflection and flexural properties of high viscosity bulk-fill and conventional resin composites. MethodsSeven high viscosity bulk-fill resin composites and eight conventional resin composites were used. Aluminum blocks (10 mm x 8 mm x 15 mm) with a mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavity [4 (W) mm x 8 (L) mm x 4 (D) mm] were prepared and randomly divided into groups for different measurement techniques [micrometer vs CSLM] and further subdivided according to type of resin composite (high viscosity bulk-fill vs conventional resin composite). The simulated cuspal deflection resulting from the polymerization of resin composite bonded to a precisely machined MOD cavity within an aluminum block was measured with either a novel highly accurate submicron digimatic micrometer (MDH-25 M, Mitsutoyo, Tokyo, Japan) or a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM, VK-9710, Keyence, Tokyo, Japan) cuspal measurement method. In addition, flexural properties of tested resin composites were measured to investigate the relationship between simulated cuspal deflection and flexural properties. Scanning electron microscopy observation of tested resin composites was also conducted. ResultsThe simulated cuspal deflection of high viscosity bulk-fill resin composites was similar to that of conventional resin composites, regardless of measurement method. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between the micrometer and CLSM cuspal measurement methods. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in flexural strength and elastic modulus depending on the material, regardless of the type of resin composite. Pearson correlation analysis did not show any statistically significant (p < 0.05) relationship between flexural properties and cuspal deflection. ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that high viscosity bulk-fill resin composites show similar cuspal deflection with bulk-filling techniques, to those shown by conventional resin composites with incremental filling techniques. Simulated cuspal deflection can be measured using either a micrometer or CLSM, but this experiment failed to show any relationship between the flexural properties and simulated cuspal deflection of resin composites. SignificanceHigh viscosity bulk-fill resin composites produce the same level of cuspal deflection as a conventional incrementally filled resin composite.

Sufficiency of curing in high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites with enhanced opacity.

The study aims analyzing if improved opacity in modern high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites (BF-RBC) contradicts with the sufficiency of curing and to assess material's tolerance to less ideal curing conditions. Simulated large cavities (10 × 6) mm were filled in one increment with three BF-RBCs (Filtek One, FO; Tetric Evo Ceram Bulk Fill, TEC-BF; SonicFill2, SF2). One central and two peripheral (4mm apart from the center) micromechanical property line-profiles (HV, Vickers hardness; YHU, indentation modulus) were measured in 0.2-mm steps at 24h post-polymerization (n = 6). Depth of cure (DOC) was calculated from the HV variation in depth. A scratch test (DOCscratch test) estimated the tolerance in polymerization when simulating clinically relevant curing conditions (exposure distance up to 7mm; centered and with a 3-mm offset placement of the LCU). Irradiance and spectral distribution of the used light curing unit (LCU) were assessed at various curing conditions. DOC varied among 3.6mm (SF2, peripheral) and 5.7mm (FO, central). The BF-RBC influences DOC stronger (p < 0.001, ηP2 = 0.616) than the width (p < 0.001, ηP2 = 0.398). Significant lower DOC (t test) was measured peripheral compared to center in all materials. YHU was more sensitive to the varied parameters as HV. DOCscratch test varied among 2.4mm (SF2, 3-mm offset, exposure distance 7mm) and 3.9mm (FO, center, 0mm). Whether opacity competes with DOC is material dependent. BF-RBCs tolerate small variations in LCU's centricity better than variations in exposure distance. The upper incremental thickness threshold of 4 or 5mm was not reached in all BF-RBCs under simulated clinically relevant curing conditions.

Depth of cure, flexural properties and volumetric shrinkage of low and high viscosity bulk-fill giomers and resin composites.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the depth of cure, flexural properties and volumetric shrinkage of low and high viscosity bulk-fill giomers and resin composites. Depth of cure and flexural properties were determined according to ISO 4049, and volumetric shrinkage was measured using a dilatometer. The depths of cure of giomers were significantly lower than those of resin composites, regardless of photo polymerization times. No difference in flexural strength and modulus was found among either high or low viscosity bulk fill materials. Volumetric shrinkage of low and high viscosity bulk-fill resin composites was significantly less than low and high viscosity giomers. Depth of cure of both low and high viscosity bulk-fill materials is time dependent. Flexural strength and modulus of high viscosity or low viscosity bulk-fill giomer or resin composite materials are not different for their respective category. Resin composites exhibited less polymerization shrinkage than giomers.

A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial of one nano-hybrid and one high-viscosity bulk-fill composite restorative systems in class II cavities: 12 months results.

Recently, manufacturers have introduced bulk-fill composite resins that reportedly can be placed in increments of 4 mm or greater. The purpose of this article was to report the results of 12 months prospective randomized clinical trial that evaluated the clinical performance of one high-viscosity bulk-fill composite resin in Class II cavities of posterior teeth. Thirty-four participantshad at least two Class II cavities included the study. Class II cavities restored with either a Tetric EvoCeram bulk-fi fill or universal nano-hybrid resin composite (Tetric EvoCeram). A total of 74 restorations (37 with each material) on 34 patients were placed according to the manufacturers' instructions by one calibrated operator. Seventy restorations were evaluated after 12 months evaluation period. No postoperative sensitivity, anatomic form, retention, and secondary caries were observed after 6 and 12 months. Regarding the items color match, marginal discoloration, and marginal adaptation, the statistical analysis did not detect any statistical significance between two materials (P > 0.05). After 12 months of clinical service, all restorations evaluated for both materials were classified as ideal, receiving predominantly Alfa scores for all parameters analyzed. This study presents that high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites (RCs) perform just as well as nano-hybrid RCs with the 2 mm RC layering technique, therefore could be alternative to conventional nano-hybrid RCs.

Fracture resistance of posterior teeth restored with high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites in comparison to the incremental placement technique.

Aim:Comparative evaluation of the fracture resistance of maxillary premolar teeth restored with two high-viscosity bulk-fill composites and incrementally placed composite.Materials and Methods:Seventy-five freshly extracted maxillary premolar teeth were selected. Fifteen specimens served as positive control (Group 1). Mesio-occluso-distal cavity preparation was prepared on the rest of the specimens. These specimens were further divided into four groups: unrestored teeth (Group 2), teeth restored with incrementally placed nanocomposite (Group 3), teeth restored with high-viscosity bulk-fill giomer (Group 4), and teeth restored with high-viscosity bulk-fill nanocomposite (Group 5). The specimens were then subjected to compressive axial load using Instron universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using data were analyzed using Statistical package for social sciences software (SPSS v 20.0, IBM Corp.).Results:The positive control group exhibited highest fracture resistance (1104.70 ± 122.2 N). There was no statistically significant difference seen in between the incrementally placed nanocomposite and high-viscosity nanocomposite (P > 0.05). The fracture resistance values displayed by the high-viscosity bulk-fill giomer were found to be statistically lower than the other two groups.Conclusion:High-viscosity bulk-fill nanocomposite may substitute incrementally placed nanocomposite with respect to fracture resistance.

Pre-heating of high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites: Effects on shrinkage force and monomer conversion

ObjectivesTo investigate the influence of pre-heating of high-viscosity bulk-fill composite materials on their degree of conversion and shrinkage force formation. MethodsFour bulk-fill composite materials (Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill—TECBF, x-tra fil—XF, QuixFil—QF, SonicFill—SF) and one conventional nano-hybrid resin composite (Tetric EvoCeram—TEC) were used. The test materials were either kept at room temperature or pre-heated to 68°C by means of a commercial heating device, before being photoactivated with a LED curing unit for 20s at 1170mW/cm2. Shrinkage forces (n=5) of 1.5-mm-thick specimens were recorded in real-time for 15min inside a temperature-controlled chamber at 25°C (simulating intraoral temperature after rubber dam application) with a custom-made stress analyzer. Degree of conversion (n=5) was determined at the bottom of equally thick (1.5mm) specimens using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Data were analyzed with Student’s t-test, ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test (α=0.05). ResultsComposite pre-heating significantly increased the degree of conversion of TECBF, but had no effect on monomer conversion of the other materials investigated. For each of the test materials, pre-heated composite generated significantly lower shrinkage forces than room-temperature composite. At both temperature levels, TECBF created the significantly highest shrinkage forces, and QF caused significantly higher shrinkage forces than both XF and TEC. ConclusionsBoth the composite material and the pre-cure temperature affect shrinkage force formation. Pre-heating of bulk-fill and conventional restorative composites prior to photoactivation decreases polymerization-induced shrinkage forces without compromising the degree of conversion. Clinical significanceComposite pre-heating significantly reduces shrinkage force formation of high-viscosity bulk-fill and conventional resin composites, while maintaining or increasing the degree of monomer conversion, dependent upon the specific composite material used.

Influence of irradiation time on subsurface degree of conversion and microhardness of high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites.

To evaluate the influence of irradiation time on degree of conversion (DC) and microhardness of high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites in depths up to 6 mm. Four bulk-fill materials (Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill--TECBF; x-tra fil--XF; QuixFil--QF; SonicFill-SF) and one conventional nano-hybrid resin composite (Tetric EvoCeram--TEC) were irradiated for 10, 20, or 30 s at 1,170 mW/cm(2). DC and Knoop microhardness (KHN) were recorded after 24-h dark storage at five depths: 0.1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 mm. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni's post-hoc test (α = 0.05). With increasing bulk thickness, DC and KHN significantly decreased for TEC. TECBF and SF showed a significant decrease in DC and KHN at 4-mm depth after 10-s irradiation, but no decrease in DC after 30-s irradiation (p > 0.05). XF and QF demonstrated no significant DC decrease at depths up to 6 mm after irradiation of at least 20 s. At 4-mm depth, all materials tested achieved at least 80 % of their maximum DC value, irrespective of irradiation time. However, at the same depth (4 mm), only XF and QF irradiated for 30 s achieved at least 80 % of their maximum KHN value. Regarding DC, the tested bulk-fill resin composites can be safely used up to at least 4-mm incremental thickness. However, with respect to hardness, only XF and QF achieved acceptable results at 4-mm depth with 30 s of irradiation. Minimum irradiation times stated by the manufacturers cannot be recommended for placement of high-viscosity bulk-fill materials in 4-mm increments.