Objectives: To determine the consistency of unset resin-composites by maximum penetration-force (Fmax) and work done (W).
Methods: Seven commercial resin-composites of similar filler loading (54-63.3%) but different in resin mixtures were selected. Resin-composite pastes were first mixed in a Speedmixer at 1500 RPM for 30s. Each paste (n=6) was then placed inside a cylindrical cavity (φ= 8, depth= 4 mm) fixed to the platform of a texture analyser instrument. A flat-ended stainless-steel probe (φ=2 mm) was fixed to the upper member and lowered into the paste surface at 1 mm/s for 1.5s to measure the consistency. Maximum-force (Fmax, N) and work-done (W, N.mm) were measured. Data were analysed using one way ANOVA, Dunnetts's post-hoc and t independent tests (p<0.05).
Results: The composites varied in Fmax and W (p<0.05) ranging from 0.94 to 2.52 in Fmax and 0.67 to 1.92 in W respectively. Venus Pearl and Filtek Supreme-XTE composites showed the lowest Fmax (p<0.05). Also, Venus Pearl had the lowest W when compared to the rest of the materials (p<0.05). So this material exhibited the softest consistency.
Material Code | IPS E.D | TEC | E XHD | TPH3 | VNS | VP | XTE |
Force/ Fmax (N) | 2.52 (0.06) a | 2.44 (0.19) a | 2.35 (0.23)a, b | 1.75 (0.11) d | 2.07 (0.22) b, d | 0.94 (0.16) c | 1.09 (0.12) c |
Work/ W (N.mm) | 1.46 (0.07) a | 1.92 (0.18) c | 1.27 (0.17)a, b, c | 1.08 (0.08) b, d | 1.21 (0.14) a, d | 0.67 (0.08) | 0.99 (0.17) d |
For each parameter; same superscript letters indicate homogenous subsets (p>0.05) | |||||||
Conclusion: Maximum probe penetration-force (Fmax) and work done (W) are appropriate parameters to test consistency of resin composites.