Dentin adhesion of bulk-fill composites and universal adhesives in class I-cavities with high C-factor

Abstract: Objectives
The aim of this study was to compare the dentin adhesion of bulk-fill composites in high C-factor class I-cavities before and after thermocycling to a control group using incremental layering technique.
Methods
A standardized class I-cavity was prepared into 195 human molars, then different universal adhesives were applied either in self-etch or etch & rinse mode, and the cavity was filled according to each materials application protocol. The material combinations used were a conventional layered composite as control, the respective bulk-fill product, two other bulk-fill composites made by different manufacturers, with one of them being tested using two different polymerization times. Furthermore, one thermoviscous bulk-fill composite and one self-adhesive restorative were examined of which the latter can only be applied in self-etch mode. In each group the dentin adhesion to the cavity bottom was measured using microtensile bond strength test initially (24 h water storage) and after thermocycling. All results were statistically analyzed using STATA 17.0.
Results
The statistical analysis showed significant differences between the control and the experimental groups (p < 0.001). The highest mean bond strength before (14.8 ± 10.7 MPa) and after aging (14.2 ± 11.5 MPa) was measured for the etch & rinse-control group. Among the bulk-fill groups, the etch & rinse technique consistently showed higher bond strengths. Bond strength of groups with shortened polymerization did not exceed 2.1 MPa. The bond strength of the self-adhesive restoration material was low before and after thermocycling (2.7 MPa/ 0.0 MPa). Groups with low bond strength values showed a high number of pre-testing-failures.
Conclusions
Bulk-fill materials used in high C-factor class I-cavities showed lower bond strength during self-etch application. The same applies for a shortened polymerization regime, which cannot be recommended for high C-factor cavities.
Clinical significance
Today, a large variety of materials and application techniques can be used when placing an adhesive restoration. Whether new instead of established procedures should be applied in high C-factor cavities has to be critically assessed, as they are a demanding scenario for adhesive restorations

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Journal of dentistry. - 142 (2024) , 104852, ISSN: 1879-176X

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2025
• Creator: Eichler, Erik ; Vach, Kirstin ; Schlüter, Nadine Kai ; Jacker-Guhr, Silke ; Lührs, Anne-Katrin

Further information

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.104852
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-2617909
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:34 AM CEST