Depth of cure of contemporary bulk-fill resin-based composites

Abstract

This study evaluated the depth of cure (DOC) of packable and flowable bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs) including PRG (prereacted glass ionomer) and short-fiber materials. The materials were placed in a black split-mold with a 7 mm deep recess and cured at 700 mW/cm2 for 20 s using a LED curing light. DOC was assessed using the ISO scraping and Knoops hardness tests. Data (n=5) were computed and analyzed using one-way ANOVA/Scheffe's post hoc test (p<0.05). ISO DOC ranged from 3.66 to 2.54 mm while DOC based on hardness testing ranged from 3 to 1.5 mm. For all materials, a decrease in hardness was observed with increasing depths. The DOC of bulk-fill RBCs was product dependent and greater than standard composites. At 4 mm depth, none of the bulk-fill RBCs had a depth: top hardness ratio of 0.8 and above.