Comparison of the Stress Distribution in Class I and Class II Amalgam and Bulk-Fill Composite Restorations Using CAD-FEM Modeling.

This study compares the mechanical strengths of bulk-fill composite resin and amalgam material to investigate the stress distribution and capacity to mitigate stress of restored Class I and Class II teeth under chewing loads, using finite element analysis. A 3D model of a human mandibular first molar and four Class I (C1) and Class II (C2) caries, including 95-degree cavity-margin angles, were created. Different material combinations were simulated: model C1-A and C2-A, with an amalgam material; and model C1-C and C2-C, with a bulk-fill composite resin.