The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new resin monomer, filler size and polishing technique on the surface roughness of composite resin restorations using confocal laser scanning microscopy. By adding new methoxylated Bis-GMA (Bis-M-GMA, 2,2-bis[4-(2-methoxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy) phenyl] propane) having low viscosity, the content of TEGDMA might be decreased. Three experimental composite resins were made: EX1 (Bis-M-GMA/TEGDMA = 95/5 wt%, 40 mm nanofillers); EX2 (Bis-M-GMA/TEGDMA = 95/5 wt%, 20 mm nanofillers); EX3 (Bis-GMA/TEGDMA = 70/30 wt%, 40 mm nanofillers). Filtek Z250 was used as a reference.

Nine specimens (6 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) for each experimental composite resin and Filtek Z250 were fabricated in a teflon mold and assigned to three groups. In Mylar strip group, specimens were left undisturbed. In Sof-lex group, specimens were ground with #1000 SiC paper and polished with Sof-lex discs. In DiaPolisher group, specimens were ground with #1000 SiC paper and polished with DiaPolisher polishing points. The Ra (Average roughness), Rq (Root mean square roughness), Rv (Valley roughness), Rp (Peak roughness), Rc (2D roughness) and Sc (3D roughness) values were determined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The data were statistically analyzed by Two-way ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparisons test (p = 0.05).

The type of composite resin and polishing technique significantly affected the surface roughness of the composite resin restorations (p < 0.001). EX3 showed the smoothest surface compared to the other composite resins (p < 0.05). Mylar strip resulted in smoother surface than other polishing techniques (p < 0.05).

Bis-M-GMA, a new resin monomer having low viscosity, might reduce the amount of diluent, but showed adverse effect on the surface roughness of composite resin restorations.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new resin monomer on the microleakage of composite resin restorations. By adding new methoxylated Bis-GMA (Bis-M-GMA, 2,2-bis[4-(2-methoxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy) phenyl] propane) having low viscosity, the content of TEGDMA which has adverse effects on polymerization shrinkage might be decreased. As a result, microleakage might be improved.

2 mm × 2 mm × 2 mm cavities with occlusal margins in enamel and gingival margins in dentin were prepared on buccal and lingual surfaces of 40 extracted human premolars. Prepared teeth were randomly divided into four groups and restored with Clearfil SE bond (Kuraray, Japan) and one of experimental composite resins; EX1, Experimental composite resin1 (Bis-M-GMA/TEGDMA = 95/5 wt%, 40 nm nanofillers); EX2, Experimental composite resin2 (Bis-M-GMA/TEGDMA = 95/5 wt%, 20 nm nanofillers); EX3, Experimental composite resin3 (Bis-GMA/TEGDMA = 70/30 wt%, 40 nm nanofillers); and Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE, USA) was filled as a control group. The restored teeth were thermocycled, and immersed in 2% methylene blue solution for 24 hours. The teeth were sectioned buccolingually with a low speed diamond saw and evaluated for microleakage under stereomicroscope. The data were statistically analyzed by Pearson Chi-Square test and Fisher Exact test (p = 0.05).

The microleakage scores seen at the enamel margin were significantly lower than those of dentin margin (p = 0.007). There were no significant differences among the composite resins in the microleakage scores within each margin (p > 0.05). Bis-M-GMA, a new resin monomer having low viscosity, might in part replace high viscous Bis-GMA and might improve the quality of composite resin.