3D full field strain analysis of polymerization shrinkage in a dental composite.

Objective: The objective of this research was to study the polymerization shrinkage in a dental composite using 3D digital image correlation (DIC).

Methods: Using 2 coupled cameras, digital images were taken of bar-shaped composite (Premise Universal Composite; Kerr) specimens before light curing and after for 10 min. Three-dimensional DIC was used to assess in-plane and out-of-plane deformations associated with polymerization shrinkage.