This study investigated the effect of intermittent polymerization on the rate of polymerization shrinkage and cuspal deflection in composite resins.

The linear polymerization shrinkage of each composite was measured using the custom-made linometer along with the light shutter specially devised to block the light at the previously determined interval. Samples were divided into 4 groups by light curing method; Group 1) continuous light (60s with light on); Group 2) intermittent light (cycles of 3s with 2s light on & 1s with light off for 90s); Group 3) intermittent light (cycles of 2s with 1s light on & 1s with light off for 120s); Group 4) intermittent light (cycles of 3s with 1s light on & 2s with light off for 180s). The amount of linear polymerization shrinkage was measured and its maximum rate (Rmax) and peak time (PT) in the first 15 seconds were calculated. For the measurement of cuspal deflection of teeth, MOD cavities were prepared in 10 extracted maxillary premolars. Reduction in the intercuspal distance was measured by the custom-made cuspal deflection measuring machine. ANOVA analysis was used for the comparison of the light curing groups and t-test was used to determine significant difference between the composite resins.

Pyramid showed the greater amount of polymerization shrinkage than Heliomolar (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the linear polymerization shrinkage among the groups. The Rmax was group 4 < 3, 2 < 1 in Heliomolar and group 3 < 4 < 2, 1 in Pyramid (p < 0.05). Pyramid demonstrated greater cuspal deflection than Heliomolar. The cuspal deflection in Heliomolar was group 4 < 3 < 2, 1 and group 4, 3 < 2, 1 in Pyramid (p < 0.05).

It was concluded that the reduced rate of polymerization shrinkage by intermittent polymerization can help to decrease the cuspal deflection.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the polymerization shrinkage and modulus of elasticity of composites on the cusp deflection of class V restoration in premolars. The sixteen extracted upper premolars were divided into 2 groups with similar size. The amounts of cuspal deflection were measured in Class V cavities restored with a flowable composite (Filtek flow) or a universal hybrid composite (Z-250). The bonded interfaces of the sectioned specimens were observed using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The polymerization shrinkage and modulus of elasticity of the composites were measured to find out the effect of physical properties of composite resins on the cuspal deflection. The results were as follows.

The amounts of cuspal deflection restored with Filtek flow or Z-250 were 2.18 ± 0.92 µm and 2.95 ± 1.13 µm, respectively. Filtek flow showed less cuspal deflection but there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05).

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the amount of cuspal deflection and linear polymerization shrinkage in resin composite and polyacid modified resin composite. For cuspal defelction and shrinkage measurement, Dyract AP, Compoglass F, Z100, Surefil, Pyramid, Synergy Compact, Heliomolar and Heliomolar HB were used.

For measuring polymerization shrinkage, a custom made linometer (R&B, Daejon, Korea) was used. The amount of shrinkage among materials was compared using One-way ANOVA analysis and Tukey's test at the 95% of confidence level.

For measuring cuspal deflection of teeth, standardized MOD cavities were prepared in extracted maxillary premolars. After a self-etching adhesive was applied, cavities were bulk filled with one of the filling materials.Fifteen teeth were used for each material. Cuspal deflection was measured by a custom made cuspal-deflection measuring device. One-way ANOVA analysis and Tukey's test were used to determine differences between the materials at the 95% of confidence level.

Correlation of polymerization shrinkage and cuspal deflection were analyzed by regression analysis.

The amount of polymerization shrinkage from least to greatest was Heliomolar, Surefil < Heliomolar HB < Z100, Synergy Compact < Dyract AP < Pyramid, Compoglass F (p < 0.05).

The amount of cuspal deflection from least to greatest was Z100, Heliomolar, Heliomolar HB, Synergy Compact Surefil < Compoglass F < Pyramid, Dyract AP (p < 0.05).

The amount of polymerization shrinkage and cuspal deflection showed a correlation (p < 0.001).

The purpose of present study was to evaluate the polymerization shrinkage stress and cuspal deflection in maxillary premolars resulting from polymerization shrinkage of composites and compomers.

Composites and compomers which were used in this study were as follows: Dyract AP, Z100, Surefil, Pyramid, Synergy Compact, Heliomolar, Heliomolar HB, and Compoglass F. For measuring of polymerization shrinkage stress, Stress measuring machine (R&B, Daejon, Korea) was used. One-way ANOVA analysis with Duncan's multiple comparison test were used to determine significant differences between the materials.

For measuring of cuspal deflection of tooth, MOD cavities were prepared in 10 extracted maxillary premolars. And reduction of intercuspal distance was measured by strain measuring machine (R&B, Daejon, Korea) One-way ANOVA analysis with Turkey test were used to determine significant differences between the materials.

Polymerization shrinkage stress is 『Heliomolar, Z100, Pyramid < Synergy Compact Compoglass F < Dyract AP < Heliomolr HB, surefil』 (P < 0.05). And cuspal delfelction is 『Z100, Heliomolar, Heliomolar HB, Synergy Compact Surefil, < Compoglass F < Pyramid, Dyract AP』 (P < 0.05).

Measurements of ploymerization shrinkage stress and those of cuspal deflection of the teeth was different. There is no correlation between polymerization shrinkage stress and cuspal deflection of the teeth (p > 0.05).