Depth of cure of high-viscosity bulk-fill and conventional resin composites using varying irradiance exposures with a light-emitting diode curing unit

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the depth of cure (DOC) of three resin-based composites (RBCs) using varying irradiance exposures with a corded light-emitting diode curing unit. DOCs for Filtek Z250, TPH Spectra, and Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill were determined using the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 4049. The RBCs were light-polymerized using three different power modes and manufacturer-recommended curing times. Irradiance was determined using a spectrometer sensor and the total energy density was calculated for each power mode and concomitant polymerization time. The DOC data were analyzed with a two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test. Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill produced significantly greater DOCs than TPH and Z250 (P < 0.05) for all three power mode settings. Overall, the DOC of Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill was greater than those of TPH and Z250 at all power settings, but the individual RBCs did not show a significant DOC difference among the three power settings (P > 0.05).