Determination of polymerization shrinkage of different composites using a photoelastic method.

Purpose: To investigate the polymerization shrinkage stress of different low viscous bulk composites (SDR, Venus Bulk Fill, X-tra Base, Filtek Bulk Fill) in comparison to a conventional flowable composite (Filtek Supreme XTE Flow) and to high viscous bulk and conventional composites (Filtek Supreme XTE, GrandioSO, Tetric EvoCeram, Tetric EvoCeram BulkFill, Venus Diamond, Venus Pearl), as well as to an experimental composite (Ormocer) and a sonic-activated bulk fill composite (Sonicfill), by means of photoelastic investigation.

Methods: To ensure bonding of the resin composite, cylindrical cavities (Ø 4mm) in araldite B epoxide resin plates (40 × 40 × 4 mm3) were pre-treated with the Rocatec system. Embedded in araldite plates, six resin composite specimens of each material were exposed for 60 seconds from one side (Translux Power Blue, 1,000 mW/cm2).