Fracture Resistance and Marginal Adaptation of Capped and Uncapped Bulk-fill Resin-based Materials

SUMMARY Objectives: This study tested the fracture resistance of capped and uncapped bulk-fill composite restorations and compared them to a conventional composite. Also, the effect of different radiant exposure was investigated. Methods and Materials: Flowable and high-viscosity bulk-fill composites (SureFil SDR, Filtek Bulk-Fill Posterior, and Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-Fill) and a nanohybrid resin composite (Filtek Z350 XT) were used. Standardized class II cavities were prepared on extracted premolars, and different restoration protocols were used. In protocol 1 (control), restoration was applied using a layering technique; in protocol 2, restoration was applied in bulk with a capping layer; in protocol 3, restoration was applied in bulk without a capping layer; and in protocol 4, restoration was applied in bulk without a capping layer, and the light curing time was extended. After thermocycling, the restorations were examined for marginal gaps and then subjected to the fracture resistance test using a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was carried out using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by one-way ANOVA at a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: A statistically significant difference in the fracture resistance of the tested materials and protocols was detected. Filtek Bulk-Fill Posterior achieved the highest fracture resistance values regardless of the protocol used, and its results were comparable to those of Filtek Z350. SDR and Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-Fill achieved their highest strengths when a capping layer was added. Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-Fill showed improvement in fracture resistance with extended light curing, while SDR and Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-Fill achieved similar results with the addition of a capping layer. The uncapped bulk-fill group showed more gap-free margins than the capped group. Conclusion: The new high-viscosity bulk-fill composite restorations seem to have adequate fracture resistance. However, the results are material dependent, and some materials perform better with a capping layer and extended light curing.