Comparison of Water Sorption and Water Solubility Properties of Current Restorative Materials with Different Contents.

Objectives:  This study aimed to investigate and compare water sorption and solubility properties of current restorative materials with different contents.

Materials and methods:  Alkasite, self-adhesive restorative material (Cention N, Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein), bulk-fill glass hybrid restorative material (EQUIA Forte HT, GC Corp., Tokyo, Japan), nanohybrid universal composite material (OptiShade, Kerr Dental, United States), and bulk-fill composite material (Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States) were used. Samples (n = 6) were prepared (2 × 10 mm) according to the ISO 4049 standards. Water sorption and solubility values were calculated according to the ISO 4049 standards.

Statistical analysis:  One-way ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc, Tamhane's T2 post-hoc, Pearson's correlation, and independent samples t-tests were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05).

Results:  Group EQUIA Forte HT significantly showed the highest water sorption values (57.278 ± 3.174), while Group Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative exhibited the lowest (4.429 ± 0.174; p < 0.05). The water sorption values for Group Cention N were 5.000 ± 0.542. Group EQUIA Forte HT significantly had the lowest water solubility values (-99.799 ± 1.909), while Group Cention N (-2.966 ± 0.402) significantly exhibited the highest (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between water sorption and solubility values for each material (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:  The bulk-fill nano-filled composite resin material was successful in terms of water sorption while the bulk-fill glass hybrid restorative system in terms of water solubility. Alkasite can be recommended to be used as a base material due to its high solubility feature. Monomer, filler type, and amount had an impact on the water sorption and solubility properties of the tested materials.