Polymerization depths of conventional and bulk fill composites photoactivated by different methods

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the depth of cure of conventional (Filtek Z350 and Esthet-X HD) and bulk fill resins composites (Filtek bulk fill flow and SDR) using different photoactivation methods. Samples were made using five disc-shaped matrices (1 mm high and 8 mm central diameter) with interposed polyester strips. The samples were photoactivated using different methods [continuous high-irradiance light (LCA), continuous low-irradiance light (LCB), and soft-start (SS)], maintaining 24 J/cm2 radiant exposure. After 24h, Knoop microhardness test was performed at 5 depths (surface, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm). The Knoop microhardness were analyzed by ANOVA two-way and Tukey’s test (5%). Conventional resins presented the highest results up to 2 mm depth, except for Esthet-X photoactived by LCB, which showed significant lower Knoop hardness from 2 mm depth. Bulk fill resins photoactivated with LCA and SS had the highest results in 4 mm depth. The LCA and SS photoactivation methods produce suitable photoactivation in conventional composites up to 2 mm and bulk fill up to 4 mm depth and the bulk fill composites present higher polymerization depth than conventional composites.