Assessment of bulk-fill of resins microhardness longitudinal

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess the polymerization effectiveness of bulk-fill composite resins in longitudinal microhardness. Methods: Blocks of bulk-fill composite resin with thicknesses of 6 mm were analyzed with Vickers microhardness. The resin blocks were divided into two groups (n=6): resin AURA and OPUS. The microhardness test was performed before (base and top) and after (longitudinal microhardness) sectioning the blocks at distances of 2 mm,  4 mm, and 6 mm from the top of the block. The mean microhardness values were tabulated and subjected to ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (p<0.05). Results: The OPUS bulk-fill resin samples presented microhardness means of 55.9 kgf/mm2, 53.7 kgf/mm2, and 49.3 kgf/mm2, the AURA bulk-fill resin samples presented microhardness means of 57,02 kgf/mm2, 55,86 kgf/mm2 e 51,77 kgf/mm2 for the distances of 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm, respectively. Tukey’s statistical test showed a significant difference in microhardness values at different distances of 2 mm,  4 mm, and 6 mm (p<0.001) for each resin. Although there was a statistically significant difference within and between the groups assessed, all samples showed polymerization effectiveness when comparing the top and base of the block. Conclusion: Polymerization was effective in different thicknesses (2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm) in both resins studied. The microhardness ratio was adequate when comparing the base and top.