Method: Four provisional materials were tested in a three-point flexural test comparable to ISO4049 to determine fracture work, flexural strength and deflection (N=6) using a Zwick universal testing machine. The materials used were Protemp Plus (3M ESPE), Structur 3 (Voco), Luxatemp Star (DMG) and Visalys Temp (Kettenbach). Data were analyzed using a one way ANOVA with a Fisher test and a confidence interval of 95%. Summary of results and mean values including standard deviations (in brackets) were calculated. Values in one row marked with the same superscript characters are not statistically different.
Result: Protemp Plus showed significantly higher fracture work and deflection than the other materials tested. Visalys Temp had the highest flexural strength (p>0.05).
Material |
Protemp Plus |
Structur 3 |
Luxatemp Star |
Visalys Temp |
Fracture Work [KJ/m²] |
16.2 [± 2.9]A |
10.7 [± 2.5]B |
9,5 [± 2.1]B |
10.8 [± 1.7]B |
Flexural Strength [MPa] |
103.9 [± 3.2]C |
107.6 [± 7.4]B, C |
111,2 [± 5.7]B |
127.5 [± 6.3]A |
Deflection [mm] |
1.76 [± 0.22]A |
1.25 [± 0.17]B |
1,08 [± 0.14]B |
1.08 [± 0.09]B |
Conclusion: The data indicate that Protemp Plus has the highest toughness of all materials tested based on a combination of high flexural strength and high deflection. High toughness is a prerequisite for long-term mechanical stability which is especially relevant in indications such as long-term provisional crowns and bridges.