Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill: Comparison to Other Bulk Filling Materials

Tetric EvoCeram Bullk Fill (TECBF) is a filling material that is optimized for a layer thickness of 4mm. In order to achieve the curing depth several properties had to be adjusted compared to Tetric EvoCeram: the initiation system including a new initiator, translucency, pigmentation and filler composition.

Objectives:  Comparison of TECBF with other bulk filling materials.

Materials: Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (Ivoclar Vivadent), Sonic Fill (Kerr), QuixFil (Dentsply), SureFil  SDR flow Universal Shade (Dentsply), Venus Bulk Fill (Heraeus Kulzer)

Methods: Shrinkage was measured 60min post-cure using NIST mercury dilatometer for the mouldable composites, and with the Archimedes principle for the flowable materials. Shrinkage force was measured using a Bioman shrinkage-stress instrument (Watts, Manchester UK). For polishability, the surface of the specimen was pre-roughened and polished under 2N pressure with OptraPol Next Generation. Surface gloss was measured with a glossmeter (Novocurve). Wear of the composite specimens was tested against IPS Empress antagonists in a two-axis wear simulator. Light sensitivity to ambient light was measured according to ISO 4049. The groups were statistically compared with ANOVA and post hoc Tukey B (p<0.05);                            

Results:

Conclusions: The bulk fill materials differ widely with respect to their properties. Therefore practitioners are advised to include all parameters in their selection criteria, when selecting resin composites for posterior restorations.