Influence of the composition of different resin composites in the Knoop hardness and bond strength between tooth/restoration

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Knoop Hardness (KH) and bond strength (BS) among different resin composites. Three composites (Z100- 3 M/ESPE; Filtek Supreme-3 M/ESPE, Filtek Silorane-3 M/ESPE) were tested. Thirty bovine incisors (n = 10) were used. Conical cavities were prepared in the buccal surface of each tooth with a diamond bur (3131KG Sorensen, Barueri, SP, Brazil) with a high-speed water-cooled hand-piece in a standard cavity preparation appliance (2.0 x 2.0 x 1.5 mm), resulting in a C-Factor of 2.2. Two adhesive systems were used according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Single Bond 2 and Silorane System Adhesive - 3 M ESPE). The restorations were made respectively with Z100, Supreme and Silorane. The composites were inserted in a single increment and light cured with a LED unit, Freelight (3 M ESPE) for 40 s. After photo-activation the specimens were stored at 37°C in distilled water during 24 h. KH (HMV-2, Shimadzu) were performed in the top and bottom at each specimen. After that, the push-out test was performed with a universal testing machine (Model 4411, Instron). In the KH test the data were submitted to a two way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=5%). The mean of KHN and standard deviations were: Top - Z100 (74.1/9.0); Supreme (58.4/3.6); Silorane (42.8/6.2) and Bottom - Z100 (66.7/13.6); Supreme (61.2/3.6); Silorane (40.0/3.0). In the BS test the data were submitted to one way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=5%). The BS mean and standard deviations were: Z100 (12.6/5.2), Supreme (20.9/6.3), Silorane (29.7/9.0). Z100 had the highest KHN at the top and it was statistically different from the bottom. Supreme and Silorane had no differences between top and bottom. Silorane showed the highest BS mean differing statistically from the others. Differences in the composition of composite resins can to influence in the Knoop hardness and bond strength of restorations.