Methods: Digital laser interferometry method was used to measure linear changes during setting of Ketac Molar Aplicap (KM) (Espe), Ketac Molar Quick Aplicap (KMQ) (Espe), Fuji IX Extra (FIXE) (GC) and Fuji IX Fast (FIXF) (GC). 10 discs specimens of 0.85mm thickness were prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions for each tested material. The dimensional changes were recorded during setting time up to 7min. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (p<0.01).
Results: All tested materials show initial setting expansion KM 0.28±0.13%, KMQ 2.41±1.09%, FIXE 0.03±0.03%, FIXF 0.26±0.21% and following setting shrinkage KM 0.47±0.13%, KMQ 0.62±0.33%, FIXE 1.22±0.38%, FIXF 1.32±0.57%. Ketac Molar Aplicap showed significantly lower shrinkage then Fuji IX Extra and Fuji IX Fast (p<0.01) and Ketac Molar Quick Aplicap showed significantly lower shrinkage then Fuji IX Fast (p<0.01).
Conclusions: Unlike other methods, which are limited to finding information about the final dimensional changes, the laser interferometry method provides information in discrete increments of time during the desired period. In particular, Ketac Molar Quick Aplicap exhibited the highest expansion, while Ketac Molar Aplicap showed the lowest contraction.