Flexural Strength and Depth of Cure of Single Shade Dental Composites

Aims: This work aims to assess the flexural strength and depth of cure of Optishade, Omnichroma and Z350 dental resin composites.

Study Design: Experimental Laboratory Study.

Methods: To assess flexural strength as per ISO standards, 15 samples of each of the three materials were made (n=5) with the dimensions 25x2x2 mm. They were then subjected to 3 point bending testing on a universal testing machine. To assess depth of cure as per ISO standard, 15 cylindrical samples 4 mm in diameter and 6 mm in height were created (n=5) and scraping test was performed.

Results: There was a significant difference between the 3 materials in both flexural strength and depth of cure. Z350 had the lowest depth of cure and the highest flexural strength.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, all three tested materials fell within the ISO requirementsfor dental resin compositesfor both flexural strength and depth of cure.