A Comparison of Degree of Conversion, Microhardness and Surface Characterization of Two Commercially Available Composite Materials: An in Vitro Study

Abstract

Objective: To compare the micro-hardness, degree of conversion and elemental composition of two resin based composites available in the market.

Study Design: Comparative study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Dental Materials, Islamic International Dental College, Islamabad for 06 months from January 2018 to June 2018.

Materials and Methods: 40 disc shaped specimens of two light cured composite filling materials Filtek^TMZ250 XT and Filtek^TMZ250 were irradiated for 20s and 40s. The degree of conversion, micro-hardness, surface characterization and compositional elemental analysis wererecorded and compared.

Results: The degree of conversion (DC) of Filtek^TMZ250-XT was found to be greater thanFiltek^TMZ250 composite material yielding a higher mean degree of conversion at 20s and 40s (p < 0.05).It was also found that the ultrastructure and size of filler particles of the two composites varied significantly from each other resulting in a statistically significant difference in Vickers hardness micro-hardness (MH) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The DC and MH of the Filtek^TMZ250 composite was found to be lower than the Filtek^TMZ250 XT composite. Additionally, with variations in values compared to those acquired from literature it appears that the Z250 composite acquired is a counterfeit. It is recommended that clinicians should purchase original products from authorized dealers and should remain aware of other commercially available counterfeit dental products.