Since the introduction of restorative dental composites, their physical properties have been significantly improved. However, polymerization shrinkage is still a major drawback. Many efforts have been made to develop a low shrinking composite, and silorane-based composites have recently been introduced into the market. In addition, many different methods have been developed to measure the polymerization shrinkage.

In this study, we developed a new method to measure the linear polymerization shrinkage of composites without direct contact to a specimen using a particle tracking method with computer vision. The shrinkage kinetics of a commercial silorane-based composite (P90) and two conventional methacrylate-based composites (Z250 and Z350) were investigated and compared. The results were as follows:

The linear shrinkage of composites was 0.33-1.41%. Shrinkage was lowest for the silorane-based (P90) composite, and highest for the flowable Z350 composite.

Dental composites have improved significantly in physical properties over the past few decades. However, polymerization shrinkage and stress is still the major drawback of composites, limiting its use to selected cases. Much effort has been made to make low shrinking composites to overcome this issue and silorane-based composites have recently been introduced into the market.

The aim of this study was to measure the volumetric polymerization shrinkage kinetics of a silorane-based composite and compare it with conventional methacrylate-based composites in order to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing polymerization shrinkage.

Five commercial methacrylate-based (Beautifil, Z100, Z250, Z350 and Gradia X) and a silorane-based (P90) composites were investigated. The volumetric change of the composites during light polymerization was detected continuously as buoyancy change in distilled water by means of Archemedes'principle, using a newly made volume shrinkage measurement instrument. The null hypothesis was that there were no differences in polymerization shrinkage, peak polymerization shrinkage rate and peak shrinkage time between the silorane-based composite and methacrylate-based composites. The results were as follows:

The shrinkage of silorane-based (P90) composites was the lowest (1.48%), and that of Beautifil composite was the highest (2.80%). There were also significant differences between brands among the methacrylate-based composites.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fiber direction on the polymerization shrinkage of fiber-reinforced composite. The disc-shaped flowable composite specimens (d = 10 mm, h = 2 mm, Aeliteflo A2, Bisco, Inc., IL, USA) with or without glass fiber bundle (X-80821P Glass Fiber, Bisco, Inc., IL, USA) inside were prepared, and the longitudinal and transversal polymerization shrinkage of the specimens on radial plane were measured with strain gages (Linear S-series 350ω, CAS, Seoul, Korea). In order to measure the free polymerization shrinkage of the flowable composite itself, the disc-shaped specimens (d = 7 mm, h = 1 mm) without fiber were prepared, and the axial shrinkage was measured with an LVDT (linear variable differential transformer) displacement sensor. The cross-section of the polymerized specimens was observed with a scanning electron microscope to examine the arrangement of the fiber bundle in composite. The mean polymerization shrinkage value of each specimen group was analyzed with ANOVA and Scheffe post-hoc test (α=0.05).

The radial polymerization shrinkage of fiber-reinforced composite was decreased in the longitudinal direction of fiber, but increased in the transversal direction of fiber (p<0.05). We can conclude that the polymerization shrinkage of fiber-reinforced composite splint or restoratives is dependent on the direction of fiber.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of instrument compliance on the polymerization shrinkage stress measurements of dental composites. The contraction strain and stress of composites during light curing were measured by a custom made stress-strain analyzer, which consisted of a displacement sensor, a cantilever load cell and a negative feedback mechanism. The instrument can measure the polymerization stress by two modes: with compliance mode in which the instrument compliance is allowed, or without compliance mode in which the instrument compliance is not allowed.

A flowable (Filtek Flow: FF) and two universal hybrid (Z100: Z1 and Z250: Z2) composites were studied. A silane treated metal rod with a diameter of 3.0 mm was fixed at free end of the load cell, and other metal rod was fixed on the base plate. Composite of 1.0 mm thickness was placed between the two rods and light cured. The axial shrinkage strain and stress of the composite were recorded for 10 minutes during polymerization, and the tensile modulus of the materials was also determined with the instrument. The statistical analysis was conducted by ANOVA, paired t-test and Tukey's test (α<0.05).

There were significant differences between the two measurement modes and among materials. With compliance mode, the contraction stress of FF was the highest: 3.11 (0.13), followed by Z1: 2.91 (0.10) and Z2: 1.94 (0.09) MPa. When the instrument compliance is not allowed, the contraction stress of Z1 was the highest: 17.08 (0.89), followed by FF: 10.11 (0.29) and Z2: 9.46 (1.63) MPa. The tensile modulus for Z1, Z2 and FF was 2.31 (0.18), 2.05 (0.20), 1.41 (0.11) GPa, respectively. With compliance mode, the measured stress correlated with the axial shrinkage strain of composite; while without compliance the elastic modulus of materials played a significant role in the stress measurement.

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 thickness, filling methods and curing methods on the polymerization of dual cured core materials by means of microhardness test.

Two dual cured core materials, MultiCore Flow (Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and Bis-Core (Bisco Inc., Schaumburg, IL, USA) were used in this study. 2 mm (bulky filled), 4 mm (bulky filled), 6 mm (bulky and incrementally filled) and 8 mm (bulky and incrementally filled)-thickness specimens were prepared with light cure or self cure mode. After storage at 37℃ for 24 hours, the Knoop hardness values (KHN) of top and bottom surfaces were measured and the microhardness ratio of top and bottom surfaces was calculated. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Scheffe multiple comparison test, with α = 0.05.

The effect of thickness on the polymerization of dual cured composites showed material specific results. In 2, 4 and 6 mm groups, the KHN of two materials were not affected by thickness. However, in 8 mm group of MultiCore Flow, the KHN of the bottom surface was lower than those of other groups (p < 0.05). The effect of filling methods on the polymerization of dual cured composites was different by their thickness or materials. In 6 mm thickness, there was no significant difference between bulk and incremental filling groups. In 8 mm thickness, Bis-Core showed no significant difference between groups. However, in MultiCore Flow, the microhardness ratio of bulk filling group was lower than that of incremental filling group (p < 0.05). The effect of curing methods on the polymerization of dual cured composites showed material specific results. In Bis-Core, the KHN of dual cured group were higher than those of self cured group at both surfaces (p < 0.05). However, in MultiCore Flow, the results were not similar at both surfaces. At the top surface, dual cured group showed higher KHN than that of self cured group (p < 0.05). However, in the bottom surface, dual cured group showed lower value than that of self cured group (p < 0.05).

The purpose of this study was to measure the polymerization shrinkage and hygroscopic expansion of resin-based temporary filling materials and to evaluate microleakage at the interface between the materials and cavity wall.

Five resin-based temporary filing materials were investigated: Fermit (Vivadent), Quicks (Dentkist), Provifil (Promedica), Spacer (Vericom), Clip (Voco). Caviton (GC) was also included for comparison. Polymerization shrinkage of five resin-based temporary filling materials was measured using the bonded disc method. For the measurement of hygroscopic expansion, the discs of six cured temporary filling materials were immersed in saline and a LVDT displacement sensor was used to measure the expansion for 7 days. For estimating of microleakage, Class I cavities were prepared on 120 extracted human molars and randomly assigned to 6 groups of 20 each. The cavities in each group were filled with six temporary filling materials. All specimens were submitted to 1000 thermo-cycles, with temperature varying from 5℃/55℃. Microleakage was determined using a dye penetration test.

The results were as follows:

Fermit had significantly less polymerization shrinkage than the other resin-based temporary filling materials. Fermit (0.22 %) < Spacer (0.38 %) < Quicks (0.64 %), Provifil (0.67 %), Clip (0.67 %)

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 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.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of intermittent polymerization on marginal adaptation by comparing the marginal adaptation of intermittently polymerized composite to that of continuously polymerized composite.

The materials used for this study were Pyramid (Bisco Inc., Schaumburg, U.S.A.) and Heliomolar (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein). The experiment was carried out in class II MOD cavities prepared in 48 extracted human maxillary premolars. The samples were divided into 4 groups by light curing method; group 1- continuous curing (60s light on with no light off); group 2- intermittent curing (cycles of 3s with 2s light on & 1s light off for 90s); group 3- intermittent curing (cycles of 2s with 1s light on & 1s light off for 120s); group 4- intermittent curing (cycles of 3s with 1s light on & 2s light off for 180s). Consequently the total amount of light energy radiated was same in all the groups. Each specimen went through thermo-mechanical loading (TML) which consisted of mechanical loading (720,000 cycles, 5.0 kg) with a speed of 120 rpm for 100 hours and thermocycling (6000 thermocycles of alternating water of 50℃ and 55℃). The continuous margin (CM) (%) of the total margin and regional margins, occlusal enamel (OE), vertical enamel (VE), and cervical enamel (CE)) was measured before and after TML under a × 200 digital light microscope.

Three-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test was performed at 95% level of confidence to test the effect of 3 variables on CM (%) of the total margin: light curing conditions, composite materials and effect of TML. In each group, One-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test was additionally performed to compare CM (%) of regions (OE, VE, CE).

The results indicated that all the three variables were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Before TML, in groups using Pyramid, groups 3 and 4 showed higher CM (%) than groups 1 and 2, and in groups using Heliomolar, groups 3 and 4 showed higher CM (%) than group 1 (p < 0.05). After TML, in both Pyramid and Heliomolar groups, group 3 showed higher CM (%) than group 1 (p < 0.05). CM (%) of the regions are significantly different in each group (p < 0.05). Before TML, no statistical difference was found between groups within the VE and CE region. In the OE region, group 4 of Pyramid showed higher CM (%) than group 2, and groups 2 and 4 of Heliomolar showed higher CM (%) than group 1 (p < 0.05). After TML, no statistical difference was found among groups within the VE and CE region. In the OE region, group 3 of Pyramid showed higher CM (%) than groups 1 and 2, and groups 2,3 and 4 of Heliomolar showed higher CM (%) than group 1 (p < 0.05).

It was concluded that intermittent polymerization may be effective in reducing marginal gap formation.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of exponential curing method with conventional curing and soft start curing method on polymerization shrinkage of composite resins.

Three brands of composite resins (Synergy Duo Shade, Z250, Filtek Supreme) and three brands of light curing units (Spectrum 800, Elipar Highlight, Elipar Trilight) were used. 40 seconds curing time was given. The shrinkage was measured using linometer for 90 seconds.

The effect of time on polymerization shrinkage was analysed by one-way ANOVA and the effect of curing modes and materials on polymerization shrinkage at the time of 90s were analysed by two-way ANOVA. The shrinkage ratios at the time of 20s to 90s were taken and analysed the same way. The results were as follows:

1. All the groups except Supreme shrank almost within 20s. Supreme cured by soft start and exponential curing had no further shrinkage after 30s (p < 0.05).

2. Statistical analysis revealed that polymerization shrinkage varied among materials (p = 0.000) and curing modes (p = 0.003). There was no significant interaction between material and curing mode.

3. The groups cured by exponential curing showed the statistically lower polymerization shrinkage at 90s than the groups cured by conventional curing and soft start curing (p < 0.05).

4. The initial shrinkage ratios of soft start and exponential curing were statistically lower than conventional curing (p < 0.05).

From this study, the use of low initial light intensities may reduce the polymerization rate and, as a result, reduce the stress of polymerization shrinkage.

Competition will usually develop between the opposing walls as the restorative resin shrinks during polymerization. Magnitude of this phenomenon may be depended upon cavity configuration and volume.

The purpose of this sturdy was to evaluate the effect of cavity configuration and volume on microleakage of composite resin restoration that has margins on the enamel site only.

The labial enamel of forty bovine teeth was ground using a model trimmer to expose a flat enamel surface. Four groups with cylindrical cavities were defined, according to volume and configuration factor (Depth × Diameter / C-factor) - Group I: 1.5 mm × 2.0 mm / 4.0, Group II: 1.5 mm × 6.0 mm / 2.0, Group III: 2.0 mm × 1.72 mm / 5.62, Group IV: 2.0 mm × 5.23 mm / 2.54.

After treating with fifth-generation one-bottle adhesive - BC Plus™ (Vericom, AnYang, Korea), cavities were bulk filled with microhybrid composite resin - Denfill™ (Vericom). Teeth were stored in distilled water for one day at room temperature and were finished and polished with Sof-Lex system. Specimens were thermocycled 500 times between 5℃ and 55℃ for 30 second at each temperature.

Teeth were isolated with two layers of nail varnish except the restoration surface and 1 mm surrounding margins. Electrical conductivity (µA) was recorded in distilled water by electrochemical method. Microleakage scores were compared and analyzed using two-way ANOVA at 95% level.

The results were as follows:

1. Small cavity volume showed lower microleakage score than large one, however, there was no statistically significant difference.

2. There was no relationship between cavity configuration and microleakage.

Factors of cavity configuration and volume did not affect on microleakage of resin restorations with enamel margins only.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of thickness on the degree of cure of dual-cured composite core.

2, 4, 6, 8 mm thickness Luxacore Dual and Luxacore Self (DMG Inc, Hamburg, Germany) core composites were cured by bulk or incremental filling with halogen curing unit or self-cure mode. The specimens were stored at 37℃ for 24 hours and the Knoop's hardness of top and bottom surfaces were measured.

The statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's test at p = 0.05 significance level.

In self cure mode, polymerization is not affected by the thickness. In Luxacore dual, polymerization of the bottom surface was effective in 2, 4 and 6 (incremental) mm specimens. However the 6 (bulk) and 8 (bulk, incremental) mm filling groups showed lower bottom/top hardness ratio (p < 0.05). Within the limitation of this experiment, incremental filling is better than bulk filling in case of over 4 mm depth, and bulk filling should be avoided.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cavity shape, bond quality of bonding agent and volume of resin composite on shrinkage stress developed at the cavity floor. This was done by measuring the shear bond strength with respect to iris materials (cavity shape; adhesive-coated dentin as a high C-factor and Teflon-coated metal as a low C-factor), bonding agents (bond quality; Scotchbond™ Multi-purpose and Xeno®III) and iris hole diameters (volume; 1 mm or 3 mm in diameter × 1.5 mm in thickness). Ninety-six molars were randomly divided into 8 groups (2 × 2 × 2 experimental setup). In order to simulate a Class I cavity, shear bond strength was measured on the flat occlusal dentin surface with irises. The iris hole was filled with Z250 restorative resin composite in a bulk-filling manner. The data was analyzed using three-way ANOVA and the Tukey test. Fracture mode analysis was also done. When the cavity had high C-factor, good bond quality and large volume, the bond strength decreased significantly. The volume of resin composite restricted within the well-bonded cavity walls is also be suggested to be included in the concept of C-factor, as well as the cavity shape and bond quality. Since the bond quality and volume can exaggerate the effect of cavity shape on the shrinkage stress developed at the resin-dentin bond, resin composites must be filled in a method, which minimizes the volume that can increase the C-factor.

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).

In this study we measured the amount of light energy that was projected through the tooth material and analyzed the degree of polymerization by measuring the surface hardness of composites. For polymerization, Optilux 501 (Demetron, USA) with two types of light guide was used: a 12 mm diameter light guide with 840 mW/cm² light intensity and a 7 mm diameter turbo light guide with 1100 mW/cm².

Specimens were divided into three groups according to thickness of penetrating tooth (1 mm, 2 mm, 0 mm). Each group was further divided into four subgroups according to type of light guide and curing time (20 seconds, 40 seconds). Vickers'hardness was measured by using a microhardness tester. In 0 mm and 1 mm penetrating tooth group, which were polymerized by a turbo light guide for 40 seconds, showed the highest hardness values. The specimens from 2 mm penetrating tooth group, which were polymerized for 20 seconds, demonstrated the lowest hardness regardless of the types of light guides (p < 0.05).

The results of this study suggest that, when projecting tooth material over a specified thickness, the increase of polymerization will be limited even if light intensity or curing time is increased.

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).

The purposes of this study were to estimate the material properties of the recently developed domestic composite resins for core filling material (Chemical, Dual A, Dual B; Vericom, Korea) and to compare them with other marketed foreign products (CorePaste, Den-Mat, USA; Ti-Core, Essential Dental Systems, USA; Support, SCI-Pharm, USA). Six assessments were made; working time, setting time, depth of polymerization, flexural strength, bonding strength, and marginal leakage. All items were compared to ISO standards.

All domestic products satisfied the minimum requirements from ISO standards (working time: above 90 seconds, setting time: within 5 minutes), and showed significantly higher flexural strength than Core Paste. Dual A and B could, especially, reduce the setting time to 60 seconds when cured with 600 mW/cm² light intensity. All experimental materials showed 6 mm depth of polymerization.

Bond strengths of Ti-Core and Dual B materials were significantly higher than the other materials. Furthermore, three domestic products and Ti-Core could reduce the microleakage effectively.