Effect of light-curing method and irradiation time on marginal sealing and cavity wall adaptation of resin composite restorations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of irradiation time on two light-curing methods on the marginal sealing and cavity wall adaptation of resin-based composite restorations. METHODS: Cylindrical cavities, 1 mm deep and 3 mm in diameter (C-factor = 2.3) were prepared on flat superficial bovine dentin surfaces. The teeth were restored with Clearfil Photo Bond, Clearfil Liner Bond 2 or Super-Bond D-Liner adhesive systems followed by Photo Clearfil Bright resin-based composite. The resins were cured using a conventional method at an output of 600 mW/cm2 for 60 s, or 600 mW/cm2 for 30 s, or the slow-start curing method at an output of 270 mW/cm2 for 10 s + 5 s (interval) + 600 mW/cm2 for 50 s or 270 mW/cm2 for 10 s + 5 s (interval) + 600 mW/cm2 for 20 s. After thermocycling, a dye penetration test was carried out. The dye penetration length was calculated as a percentage of the total cavity wall length. RESULTS: Slow-start curing method; 270 mW/cm2 10 s + 5 s (interval) + 600 mW/cm2 for 50 s showed the best marginal sealing and cavity wall adaptation. A shorter irradiation time increased cavity wall adaptation when the conventional curing method was used. Super-Bond D-Liner showed good marginal sealing and resin composite adaptation to the cavity wall regardless of the light-curing method.link_to_subscribed_fulltex