A comparison of the effects of incremental and snowplow techniques on the mechanical properties of composite restorations.

Background: Glass fibre-reinforced composite (GFRC) has the potential to enhance the mechanical properties of resin-based restorations. Nevertheless, the application technique can influence the cervical margin porosity, potentially reducing the mechanical strength of restorations.

Methods: In an in vitro setup, mould specimens underwent six different treatments to assess the effects of snowplow and incremental curing techniques on the properties of GFRC (EverX) and universal resin composite (Filtek). Mechanical properties, namely flexural strength (FS), compressive strength (CS) and Vickers hardness (VH), were evaluated following ISO 4049 standards. Data interpretation utilized the Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Results: No significant difference emerged across groups for FS. CS in the snowplow method with lesser EverX thickness (SnPl_1) was comparable with only EverX and Filtek (P > 0.05). The CS was reduced in the snowplow technique with greater EverX thickness (SnPl_2) (P < 0.05) and further decreased with the incremental method (P < 0.001). VH results showed that EverX Posterior was consistently softer than Filtek, with specific patterns of hardness variations among different application methods.

Conclusions: Applying EverX and Filtek using the snowplow technique delivers superior CS and VH for restorations in contrast to the incremental method. Utilizing the snowplow approach in high-stress areas can make restorations more fracture-resistant.