An in Vitro Evaluation of an Experimental Composite Resin

Abstract

An experimental polyurethane composite resin which was reported to have some adhesion to enamel was evaluated with respect to its potential to serve an anterior restorative material. A battery of physical tests were performed on this experimental resin which were considered pertinent to its performance as a restorative material. The values obtained for the experimental resin were compared to those obtained for a widely used commercial composite resin. The experimental composite resin was not superior to the commercial composite resin with respect to physical and mechanical properties. Although it is difficult to assess if differences in magnitudes observed with respect to strength, hardness, and water sorption would be reflected in clinical performance, past experience with enamel abrasion tests suggest that the experimental resin would be more susceptible to occlusal wear than the commercial resin. The bond strength and marginal leakage tests show that this material does not adhere to either enamel or dentin. In addition, problems were encountered with respect to handling characteristics. Thus, in essence, this experimental resin affords no advantage over current materials.