Objectives: To investigate the different morphological patterns of fractured surfaces of three different types of fluoride-releasing tooth-colored restorations. Methods: A total number of 90 teeth were sectioned parallel to the occlusal surface, to expose the underlining dentine. Specimens were divided into three groups of 30 specimens each; group (1) received a Ketac™ Fil Plus Aplicap Glass ionmer restoration, group (2) received N100 light cured nanoionomer restorations and group (3) received Beautifil II Giomer composite restoration. All restorations were detached from the dentine surface by shearing using the Universal testing machine. The fractured surfaces of all the specimens were then investigated under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) for the different fracture patterns.
Results: SEM images obtained for the fracture pattern of the Giomer restorations showed predominant cohesive failure, whereas no significant differences were obtained between the Ketac-fill Glass ionmer and the Nano-ionmer as they both showed a mixed failure as the predominant pattern. Conclusions: The cohesive pattern obtained with the fluoride releasing Giomer indicated the maximum dentin-restoration bond.