Influence of Filler Particle Sizes on the Physical Properties of Bulk-Fill Composites Compared to Conventional Composites.

INTRODUCTION: Filler size affects how the material is coated and finished, while filler stacking affects how strong the material is, how flexible it is, how resistant it is to wear, and how much it shrinks when it polymerizes. The purpose of this research was to compare micro-hybrid, nano-composite, and bulk-fill composites with respect to their compressive strength, diametric tensile strength, and flexural strength.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: To organize the samples according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4049 and American Dental Association (ADA) detail number 27, we used a custom-made Teflon mold. A total of 45 samples were used, with 15 samples in each group. The sample was mounted on a state-of-the-art general testing machine to determine its compressive strength and polar rigidity. The 3-point bowing test was used to determine flexural strength. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for quantitative analysis, followed by a post hoc test with a significance level of P < 0.05.

RESULTS: The Tetric N Ceram Bulk Fill, the Filtek Z350 XT nanocomposite, and the T-Econom micro-hybrid composite all had different levels of flexural and compressive strength. This difference was statistically significant. Nanocomposites have superior compressive and flexural strengths to their counterparts analyzed in the present study.

CONCLUSION: Nano-composite combines the properties of being strong and looking good. It can be used in both front and back restorations that need to be strong enough to withstand the forces of chewing.