Surface Topography of Tooth-Colored Restorative Material After Thermal Aging

Objectives: Surface roughness and marginal integrity are two factors that may impact the survival of tooth-colored restorative materials. The present study aims to evaluate the surface topography of tooth-colored restorative materials after exposure to thermal aging.
Methods: Class V preparations (5x2x2 mm) were made on the buccal surface of 80 newly extracted molars. All cavities were prepared 1mm above the cementoenamel junction. Teeth were randomly divided into four groups, with 20 teeth per group. Four restorative materials were used including Ormocer (Admira Fusion), fluoride releasing universal nano-hybrid composite (Beautifil II), Universal nanoparticle composite (Filtek Supreme Ultra), and a Glass Hybrid restorative material (Equia Forte). Following the manufacturer's instructions, a bevel in the prepared teeth was included for Beautifil II and Filtek Supreme Ultra. Surface roughness and marginal integrity measurements were examined using a non-contact 3D profilometer. The examined teeth were subjected to artificial aging using a thermocycling machine dwelling for 10000 cycles (equivalent to one clinical year) at 5°C and 55°C. Readings were taken 24 hours post-restoration, after 1, 3, 5, and 7 of estimated clinical years. Data was analyzed using a one-way ANOVA analysis of variance with the significance level set at P<0.05.
Results: All examined restorations exhibited a decrease in the surface profile after five clinical years. Admira Fusion showed the most minor changes in the marginal integrity (0.025 µm) and surface roughness (0.104 µm). Equia forte showed the most significant surface roughness deterioration after 5 clinical year (0.848 µm), while Filtek exhibited the worst marginal integrity among the examined restorative materials after five clinical years (25.2 µm).
Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study, the surface topography of all restorative materials has changed after thermal aging. Ormocer material showed the slightest changes, while Hybrid glass material displayed the worst surface roughness with noticeable surface alterations.