Efficacy of the finite element analysis in assessing the effects of light curing on the mechanical properties of direct restorative composites: A systematic review.

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have identified the effects of light curing techniques on both shrinkage strain and contraction stress buildup in composite restorations. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has several advantages over other experimental methods for evaluating the mechanical properties of direct dental resins. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the impact of light curing protocols on the shrinkage behaviors and other mechanical properties of direct restorative composites utilizing FEA.

Material and methods: The search methodology adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and utilized prominent scientific databases. This systematic review was structured around a question formulated PICO framework. To estimate the methodological rigor of the included studies, a quality assessment tool was utilized.

Results: After the final phase of eligibility evaluation, the systematic review incorporated nine studies. Studies employing FEA primarily aimed to investigate the effects of various light curing protocols on shrinkage behaviors, contraction stress, and microleakage in composite restorations. Most FEA models in these studies incorporated key time-dependent parameters related to composite polymerization, such as shrinkage, Young's modulus, Poisson ratio, and resulting creep. FEA can provide valuable insights into the effects of light curing on the mechanical properties of direct restorative composites, its accuracy, and reliability depend on various factors, including the accuracy of input parameters, modeling assumptions, and validation against experimental data.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of considering various factors such as curing protocol, testing method, composite characteristics, and environmental conditions in understanding, and mitigating the adverse effects of polymerization shrinkage in composite restorations. Key words:Finite Element Analyses, Composite Resins, Light Curing of Dental Resins, Polymerization, Materials Testing, Mechanical Tests.