Evaluation of the Flexural Strength of Submicron Hybrid Composite using Different Fabrication Methods: An in vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to perform three-point bend test on submicron hybrid composite fabricated with direct and indirect veneer technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 maxillary anterior teeth were selected, and labial reduction of 0.5 to 0.75 mm with a chamfered finish line for veneer preparation was done. Teeth were divided into two groups depending on fabrication technique being used: group I-veneers fabricated with light and group II-veneers fabricated with light and heat (PHOTOPOL). Specimens were tested under universal testing machine (UTM) where load was applied at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min with a pointer of 1 mm diameter. Data were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: The results showed highly significant difference between the two groups with the mean value of group I (246.7 ± 2.285 N) and group II (531.1 ± 4.411 N).

CONCLUSION: The curing mechanism involving light and heat increases the fracture resistance of the veneers.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Within the limitations of this study, the results led to the conclusion that the association of common composites with a simple postcure heat treatment may be an alternative for current indirect composite systems, although more studies are needed to assess other properties of the composites for this application.