IADR Abstract Archives
Evaluation of the Physical Properties of Cention N (an Alkasite)
Objectives: A mercury-free replacement for dental amalgam could relieve fears of physiological consequences of free mercury and its impact on our environment. A new dental restorative material, Cention N (Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, NY) has recently been developed as this alternative. This project tested volumetric change and flexural strength of Cention N and compared these values with two bulk fill resin-based composites, a traditional amalgam and a glass-ionomer restorative.
Methods: Materials tested are shown in the table below. Volumetric shrinkage (ISO-17304) was measured using an AcuVol (Bisco, Schaumburg, IL) where a 3-mm diameter sphere was imaged after light curing according to manufacturer instructions. Volume change data (N=5 each material) were collected at 15 and 30-minute time points.
Flexural strength (N=5 each material) was compared using 25x2x2mm test bars (ISO-4049). They were light-cured according to manufacturer instructions and stored in RO water at 37oC for 24 hours. Each sample was tested in 4-point bending on an Instron E-3000 (Instron, Norwood, MA) with a crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min.
Results: Results are shown in the table below. Volumetric shrinkage of Cention N was similar to those of traditional bulk-fill composites, but significantly less than that of both the glass ionomer and amalgam (which shows an expansion).
Cention N had a lower absolute flexure stress at maximum load compared to traditional bulk fill resin-based composites, however, the differences were not statistically significant. The modulus of elasticity for Cention N was statistically similar to that of all other materials tested.
Conclusions: Cention N showed strength that was between the glass ionomer and the composites, and had the highest stiffness of all materials tested. Its shrinkage was higher than either of the composites, but considerably less than the glass ionomer material. Clinical use of Cention N might provide a useful material that could be used in place of amalgam.
Methods: Materials tested are shown in the table below. Volumetric shrinkage (ISO-17304) was measured using an AcuVol (Bisco, Schaumburg, IL) where a 3-mm diameter sphere was imaged after light curing according to manufacturer instructions. Volume change data (N=5 each material) were collected at 15 and 30-minute time points.
Flexural strength (N=5 each material) was compared using 25x2x2mm test bars (ISO-4049). They were light-cured according to manufacturer instructions and stored in RO water at 37oC for 24 hours. Each sample was tested in 4-point bending on an Instron E-3000 (Instron, Norwood, MA) with a crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min.
Results: Results are shown in the table below. Volumetric shrinkage of Cention N was similar to those of traditional bulk-fill composites, but significantly less than that of both the glass ionomer and amalgam (which shows an expansion).
Cention N had a lower absolute flexure stress at maximum load compared to traditional bulk fill resin-based composites, however, the differences were not statistically significant. The modulus of elasticity for Cention N was statistically similar to that of all other materials tested.
Conclusions: Cention N showed strength that was between the glass ionomer and the composites, and had the highest stiffness of all materials tested. Its shrinkage was higher than either of the composites, but considerably less than the glass ionomer material. Clinical use of Cention N might provide a useful material that could be used in place of amalgam.