Comparison of Cuspal Deflection and Microleakage of Premolar Teeth restored with Three Restorative Materials.

AIM: This study aimed to assess cuspal deflection and micro-leakage of mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities in premolar teeth restored with three different tooth-colored restorative materials to determine the effect of polymerization shrinkage stress over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MOD cavities (4 mm depth) were prepared in 30 sound human maxillary premolars. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10). The teeth were then restored with Filtek P60 (group I), X-tra fil (group II), and Admira Fusion x-tra (group III). Cuspal deflection was assessed after 5 minutes, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days by measuring the intercuspal distance. After restoring the teeth, they were subjected to 1,000 thermal cycles and were then immersed in 2% methylene blue for 24 hours. After vertical section of teeth, they were observed under a stereomicroscope to assess micro-leakage. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) post hoc test. Friedman test was used to compare different time points in each group and nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was applied to assess microleakage (a < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean cuspal deflection was significantly different in the three groups (p < 0.001). The highest deflection was noted in Filtek P60 (14.8 +/- 1.9) and the lowest was noted in Admira Fusion x-tra (7.4 +/- 1.4 mum). Cuspal deflection significantly decreased after 7 days, but did not return to the baseline value. Admira Fusion x-tra showed significantly less deflection after 7 days (p < 0.001), but the other two groups were the same (p = 0.3). Microleakage was not significantly different among the three groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The lowest cuspal deflection was noted in Admira Fusion x-tra, although marginal microleakage was not significantly different among the groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: As the lowest cusp deflection was noted in Admira Fusion x-tra, this restorative material can be suitable for esthetic restoration of extensive posterior cavities.