Influence of adhesive system and placement technique on microleakage of resin-based composite restorations

PURPOSE: To analyze the influence of two placement techniques and two adhesive systems on the marginal microleakage of Class II resin-based composite restorations using different resin composite materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred standardized Class II cavities (5 mm x 3 mm x 1.5 mm) were cut in human premolars and restored using five resin composite materials (A.L.E.R.T.-AL, Solitaire-SO, SureFil-SU, Filtek A110-A, and Z100-Z), two adhesive systems (Bond 1-B1 and Etch & Prime 3.0-EP), and two placement techniques (incremental or bulk). Specimens were thermocycled (700 cycles, 5 degrees - 55 degrees C, 1 min dwell time), immersed in 0.5% methylene blue solution for 4 h, and sectioned longitudinally to evaluate the extent of microleakage. Data were submitted to statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: It was observed that both adhesive systems presented similar results (p > 0.05), and neither achieved complete marginal sealing. The bulk placement technique led to greater microleakage than the incremental technique (p < 0.001). Restorations prepared using SO resin composite showed greater microleakage than those performed using Z or AL materials. However, SO obtained similar values of microleakage when compared to SU and A materials. CONCLUSION: The use of incremental placement technique resulted in less microleakage for Class II resin-based composite restorations. No difference was observed among adhesive systems regarding prevention of marginal dye penetration. Furthermore, the type of resin composite material employed for restoration may have an influence on the extent of microleakage.     

Microleakage of resin composite restorations with glass-ceramic inserts.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of glass-ceramic inserts and different application techniques of resin composites on marginal leakage. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Three groups of 10 standardized, round, Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of 30 extracted human molar teeth. Group 1 received resin composite restorations, placed in one increment (bulk). Group 2 received resin composite restorations that were placed in two increments, and group 3 received resin composite restorations with beta-quartz ceramic inserts. After the teeth were thermocycled and placed in 0.5% basic fuchsin for 24 hours, they were sectioned and examined for microleakage. RESULTS: On the occlusal margins, there was no statistically significant difference between the restorations placed with the incremental technique and the restorations with beta-quartz inserts. The restorations placed with the bulk technique had significantly more microleakage than did the others. On the gingival margins, the restorations with beta-quartz inserts exhibited significantly less microleakage than did the other groups. The restorations placed with the bulk technique showed significantly more dye penetration than did the others. CONCLUSION: The use of a glass-ceramic insert reduced the marginal leakage of Class V resin composite restorations.     

Amalgam alternatives – micro‐leakage evaluation of clinical procedures. Part I: direct composite/composite inlay/ceramic inlay

This study investigated the degree of dye penetration with three different types of tooth‐coloured restorations. Twenty‐four intact extracted molars were collected. The teeth were immediately stored in water at room temperature. Class II cavity preparations were prepared and restored with three different types of tooth‐coloured restorations: A, composite resin in the incremental technique; B, composite inlay technique; and C, ceramic inlay. Specimens were subjected to 700 cycles of thermal stress. They were than immersed in 2% basic fuchsin dye. The teeth were sectioned in three planes before being ranked as to the amount of dye penetration. The highest score obtained on three plano‐parallel sections was adopted as the representative value. The three groups were compared using the Kruskal Wallis non‐parametric test. Dye penetration was significantly lower at the enamel margins when using the composite inlay system and the incremental technique compared to the ceramic inlay technique. The restorations placed using the composite inlay technique showed less dye penetration than the incremental technique at the dentine margins ( P < 0·017).     

Influence of resin composite polymerization techniques on microleakage and microhardness.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the marginal microleakage and the extent of polymerization in Class II resin composite restorations prepared with two restorative techniques and two polymerization systems. METHOD AND MATERIALS One hundred twenty Class II cavities were prepared in bovine teeth and randomly divided into four groups: Bulk placement and conventional polymerization (Conv 1); buccolingual increments and conventional polymerization (Conv 3); bulk placement and soft-start polymerization (Soft 1); buccolingual increments and soft-start polymerization (Soft 3). All cavities were restored with the Z100/Single Bond system. After thermocycling, the specimens were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution and then evaluated for microleakage. Half of the samples were embedded in polyester resin and polished. The Knoop microhardness of the restorations was measured. RESULTS: There was no dye penetration in 54.44% of Conv 1, 70.11% of Conv 3, 42.53% of Soft 1, and 63.22% of Soft 3 specimens. There were statistically significant differences in microleakage among groups. There were no statistically significant differences in microhardness among any groups at any depth. CONCLUSION: The incremental placement technique resulted in less microleakage. The soft-start system provided adequate polymerization but could not improve marginal sealing.     

The effect of an intermediate layer of flowable composite resin on microleakage in packable composite restorations

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a thin layer of flowable composite on microleakage in Class II direct packable composite resin restorations on young permanent teeth in vitro. METHODS: Twenty sound human premolars and molars extracted for orthodontic reasons were selected for this study. The teeth were randomly assigned into two groups of 10 teeth each (groups A and B). Class II cavities were prepared as uniformly as possible in the mesial and distal aspects of each tooth. The gingival margin extended apically approximately 0.5 mm beyond the cemento-enamel junction, in the dentin. Cavities in group A were restored with packable composite and Alert/Flow-it flowable composite, while groups B cavities were restored with Pyramid/Aeliteflo. The control cavities in groups A1 and B1 were restored with only packable composite. The teeth were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution for 24 h to allow dye penetration into possible existing gaps between the tooth substance and the restorative material. All teeth were subjected to thermocycling. RESULTS: The dye penetration ranged between 6.6 and 7.2 mm. No significant difference was found between the control and the experimental groups. CONCLUSION: The use of flowable composite resin as intermediate material does not reduce microleakage.     

Effect of different application and polymerization techniques on the microleakage of proximal resin composite restorations in vitro

This in vitro study investigated cervical microleakage of proximal resin composite restorations placed with three application and polymerization techniques. Uniform mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) preparations featuring cervical margins above (mesial) and below (distal) the CEJ suitable for restoration with resin composite were copy milled into 33 recently extracted permanent molars. The teeth were divided randomly into three groups of 11 teeth and restored using a conventional incremental technique (Group A) and two novel curing devices (Groups B and C). After 24 hours, a dye penetration test was used to assess microleakage. Conventional placement in preparations with cervical margins in enamel had significantly lower interfacial leakage scores than those recorded for placement in preparations with margins in cementum regardless of the technique used to place the restorative material. Use of the two novel curing devices conferred no advantage in reducing microleakage irrespective of where preparation margins were placed.     

Gingival microleakage of Class II resin composite restorations with fiber inserts

PURPOSE: This investigation evaluated the effect of glass and polyethylene fiber inserts on the microleakage of Class II composite restorations with gingival margins on root surfaces. METHODS: Fifty-four intact molars were sterilized with Gamma irradiation and mounted in acrylic bases. Class II slot cavities were made on both proximal sides of each tooth (3 mm wide, 1.5 mm deep) with the gingival margin on the root surface. The teeth were divided into nine groups, according to the technique of restoration and type of bonding agent. Filtek P-60 (3M/ESPE) was used to restore all cavities. Two types of fiber inserts were used: glass fiber (Ever Stick, StickTech) and polyethylene (Ribbond-THM), with three bonding agents being employed: Scotch Bond Multipurpose (3M/ESPE), Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray) and Xeno IV (Dentsply). In the experimental groups, 3 mm long fiber inserts were inserted into restorations at the gingival seat. The control groups had no fiber inserts. The restorations were made incrementally and cured with LED light (UltraLume5, Ultradent). The restored teeth were stored in water for two weeks, then thermocycled for 3000 cycles (5 degrees C and 55 degrees C). The tooth surfaces were sealed with nail polish, except at the restoration margins. The teeth were immersed in 2% procion red dye solution, sectioned and dye penetration was assessed to determine the extent of microleakage according to a six-point scale. RESULTS: The fiber groups generally showed reduced microleakage scores compared to the control groups. The Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray)/Filtek P-60 (3M/ESPE) combination produced the lowest degree of microleakage, irrespective of fiber type. However, the glass fiber groups were more consistent in reducing microleakage than the polyethylene groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of fiber inserts significantly reduced gingival microleakage in Class II composite restorations with gingival margins in dentin, irrespective of the adhesive used. Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray)/Filtek P60 (3M/ESPE) produced the lowest microleakage scores.     

Effect of posterior resin composite placement technique on the resin-dentin interface formed in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology of the resin-dentin interface formed in vivo with two posterior resin composite placement techniques (incremental and bulk). METHOD AND MATERIALS: After approval from the patients, 12 Class II cavities with margins in enamel (2.5 x 2.5 x 4.5 mm) were prepared in caries-free premolars scheduled to be extracted for orthodontic reasons (n = 6). The cavities were restored with Single Bond + Filtek P60 as a bulk condensable technique or Single Bond + Filtek Z250 as an oblique incremental technique. After 1 week, the teeth were extracted with minimal trauma to the restored area. After the teeth were sectioned, a polyvinyl siloxane impression was taken from the resin-dentin interface to control for artifacts created during preparation for scanning electron microscopy. The specimens were subsequently processed for and observed under a scanning electron microscope to assess gap formation. RESULTS: The mean percentage of gap formation was 6.1% for teeth restored with the incremental placement technique and 18.7% for teeth restored with the bulk placement technique. The difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The incremental placement of posterior resin composites may still provide better seal than the new bulk condensable technique.     

Microleakage evaluation of a new low-shrinkage composite restorative material

PURPOSE: This study compared the microleakage of an experimental low-shrinkage resin composite (Hermes), a nanofilled resin composite material (Filtek Supreme) and a hybrid resin composite (Tetric Ceram) using a dye penetration method. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Class I cavities prepared in 60 human molars were randomly divided into 3 groups according to the restorative material used. The preparations were restored using a bulk or an incremental technique. Half of the specimens from each group were subjected to 200,000 cycles of loading at 50 N, while the other half were stored in distilled water for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. All specimens were immersed in 1% methylene blue (pH = 7.0) for 24 hours and sectioned into 3 slabs. The margins were evaluated for microleakage using an ordinal scoring system (0-4) under a stereomicroscope at 40x magnification. Data were subjected to the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney test (p<0.05). Data were expressed as median leakage scores and mean ranks. RESULTS: All of the restorative systems had microleakage, regardless of the insertion technique and mechanical load cycling. Incremental placement significantly reduced microleakage as compared to the bulk technique, regardless of the restorative system used. Load cycling significantly affected incrementally placed restorations, except for the Hermes system.     

Effect of insertion technique and adhesive system on microleakage of Class V resin composite restorations

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different insertion techniques and adhesive systems on microleakage of Class V composite resin restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight human molars were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 12). Standardized mixed Class V cavities (enamel and dentin margins) were prepared at the CEJ. A total-etch (Adper Scotchbond MultiPurpose) and a self-etching (iBond) adhesive system were evaluated using either an incremental or single-step (bulk) insertion technique. The preparations were restored with Esthet*X micromatrix hybrid composite. The teeth were thermocycled 1000 cycles, immersed in 1% methylene blue dye for 24 h, and invested in acrylic resin. The specimen blocks were then sectioned longitudinally, with dye penetration (microleakage) examined with a 20X binocular microscope. Enamel and dentin margins were scored separately for microleakage using an ordinal ranking system. Results were analyzed using non-parametric tests at a p < 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: Significance was exhibited between the groups (adhesive material/insertion technique) at the coronal and apical margins. At the coronal margin, the total-etch adhesive/incremental insertion group exhibited significantly less leakage than the other groups, while at the apical margin, the total-etch adhesive/incremental insertion group showed significantly less leakage than the self-etching adhesive/bulk insertion group. Significantly less leakage was found at the coronal margins compared to the apical margins of the material/technique groups. CONCLUSION: The use of a total-etch adhesive system and incremental insertion of composite significantly reduced microleakage at the coronal and apical margins of Class V composite restorations.     

Assessment of marginal leakage around Class II composite restorations in retrieved primary molars

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate, by means of dye penetration, the microleakage around Class II composite restorations, in retrieved primary molars that functioned in the mouth for at least one year. The experimental material consisted of 13 exfoliated primary molars that had been restored with Herculite (Kerr Corporation, Romulus, Michigan 48174 USA) at least one year previously, utilizing an incremental or a bulk filling technique. The retrieved teeth were insulated with utility wax and nail polish, immersed in 2% basic fuchsin, embedded in acrylic resin, and ground off to various depths. The marginal leakage was assessed according the degree of dye penetration at the occlusal and cervical margins. No difference was observed between the two filling techniques. In most teeth, no leakage at the occlusal margins was observed; minimal leakage, limited to the enamel, was observed at the occlusal margins of two teeth, one of each filling technique. Severe penetration was evident at the cervical margin of three restorations, two of them filled incrementally and the third using the bulk technique. Mild to moderate penetration was observed at the cervical margin in the majority of the other restorations. It was concluded that an incremental filling technique could not eliminate microleakage at the cervical margins of Class II composite restorations.     

Factors associated with microleakage in Class II resin composite restorations

This in vitro study investigated the correlation between factors related to cavosurface marginal adaptation and microleakage in Class II cavities restored with a light- or chemical-activated resin composite. Standardized cavities were prepared in 40 molars that were randomly divided between both materials. Each of the groups was, in turn, divided, so that the restorations were placed by incremental and bulk techniques. The resultant four groups (n = 10), each with material/technique variations, had their marginal gaps measured by environmental scanning electron microscopy at randomly selected facial and lingual points of the proximal box of each restoration. After sectioning the teeth, interfacial dye penetration was assessed by light stereomicroscopy according to an ordinal scale at the same locations as for the marginal gaps. In a general linear model with microleakage as a dependent variable, no correlation between marginal gap size and microleakage was found (p = 0.802), although the interaction of the material and placement technique (p = 0.028) and material alone (p = 0.063) influenced microleakage. The model explained 63% of the variation in microleakage. It was concluded that, irrespective of the possible role of marginal gap in the occurrence of microleakage, the choice of material and placement technique are important determining factors in microleakage.     

Clinical, radiographic, SEM evaluation and assessment of microleakage of Class II composite restorations

The influence of incremental or bulk filling techniques, and reapplication of unfilled resin (impregnation) to the margins with an enamel bonding agent, on marginal adaptation was evaluated in Class II composite restorations by clinical, radiographic, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dye penetration techniques. Cavities were prepared in 80 extracted permanent posterior teeth. All cavity walls were treated with polyacrylic acid for 10 seconds. The enamel was etched for 1 minute, rinsed, dried, and lined with Scotchbond. Forty cavities were filled by increments of P30 and 40 cavities in bulk. The margins of the restorations of 20 teeth in each group were re-etched for 30 seconds and Concise Enamel Bond reapplied. The clinical scores were excellent for all restorations. Radiographic examination showed twice as many bubbles in the incrementally filled restoration than in the group filled in bulk. In 53 teeth, a radiolucent area between the dentin and the restorative material was found. After sectioning, this area was found to correspond to a hard material. The SEM revealed excellent margins in the groups of teeth that were impregnated with an unfilled resin, whereas 13 teeth without impregnation showed defective margins. The dye penetration, as a test for marginal leakage, was minimal at the occlusal surface of all teeth. At the cervical surface, 10.5% of the impregnated teeth showed severe dye penetration compared to 18% of the nonimpregnated teeth. No correlation was found between dye penetration at the cervical surface and the thickness of the residual enamel in this area.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Gingival seal of deep Class II direct and indirect composite restorations

PURPOSE: To evaluate in vitro the gingival microleakage of Class II direct and indirect composite restorations with cervical margins 0.5 mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). METHODS: Mesial-occusal (MO) preparations of similar size were made in 10 homologous pairs of caries-free extracted human third molars. One specimen for each pair was prepared for a direct composite restoration and the other for an indirect composite restoration. Direct preparations were restored per manufacturer's instructions. Indirect preparations were impressed, and composite restorations were fabricated and cemented with a dual-cure cement. A total-etch technique was used for all restorations. Restorations were finished, polished, stored for 1 week in distilled water at 37 degrees C, thermocycled (5 degrees-55 degrees C x 1000), sealed with fingernail polish (leaving a 1.5 mm open periphery adjacent to the gingival margin), and placed in 0.5% basic fuchsin dye for 24 hours. Teeth were sectioned longitudinally (mesio-distally) within the restoration in two cuts and the four resulting surfaces (two inner cut surfaces, two outer cut surfaces) were evaluated for dye penetration with a x10 stereoscope using a scale of 0 (no penetration) to 4 (dye penetration involving more than half the axial wall). RESULTS: All 20 specimens had at least one score of three (dye penetration involving less than half of the axial wall) or four. Statistical analysis (Wilcoxon paired-sample test) disclosed a significant decrease in the indirect composite microleakage scores for the two outer cuts (P = 0.006, P = 0.002). No significant differences in microleakage scores were found between materials for the inner cut surfaces of the specimens. Overall, the results of die penetration showed no statistical difference between Class II direct and indirect composite restorations for microleakage.     

Fracture strength of Class I versus Class II restored premolars tested at the marginal ridge. I. Standard preparations

Two groups of maxillary premolars with Class I cavities were prepared with one marginal ridge thickness to a width of 1.0 mm. One group was restored with amalgam and the other group with composite resin. Two groups of Class II cavities also were prepared and restored with amalgam and composite resin. The teeth in the four treatment groups were subjected to a centric load at the marginal ridge until fracture occurred. A two-factor analysis of variance revealed a statistically significant difference between the class of preparation (Class I preparations were weaker than were Class II preparations) but differences in strength between restorative materials (composite resin versus amalgam) and the interaction effect (class of preparation x restorative materials) were not found to be statistically significant (alpha = .05). A Newman-Keuls sequential range test found no statistically significant differences in strength between groups (alpha = .05). Fracture patterns were observed under scanning electron microscope. Fractures extended into the enamel and into the material in the Class I composite resin, Class I amalgam, and Class II composite resin restorations. Fractures extended only into the material in Class II amalgam restorations.     

The effect of fiber placement or flowable resin lining on microleakage in Class II adhesive restorations

PURPOSE: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of two fibers (polyethylene or glass) and a flowable resin liner on microleakage in Class II adhesive restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class II adhesive cavities were prepared on mesial and distal surfaces of 40 extracted sound human molars. The cavity margins were below or above the CEJ. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups according to the restoration technique: group 1: restored with a resin composite (AP-X, Kuraray) in bulk after SE Bond (Kuraray) treatment; group 2: flowable resin liner (Protect Liner F, Kuraray) was used before composite restoration; in group 3, a polyethylene fiber (Ribbond) and in group 4, a glass fiber (everStick NET, StickTech) was placed into the bed of flowable resin before composite restoration. Samples were finished, stored in distilled water for 7 days at room temperature, and then thermocycled for 300 cycles between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C. After sealing the apices, the teeth were varnished within 1 mm of the margins and placed in 0.5% basic fuchsin dye for 24 h at 37 degrees C. After rinsing, the teeth were sectioned longitudinally through the restorations and microleakage was evaluated with a stereomicroscope. Marginal penetration was scored on a 0 to 4 scale, and the data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Flowable resin, everStick NET, and Ribbond THM used in combination with flowable resin significantly reduced leakage at occlusal margins in cavities with enamel margins (p < 0.05). When the leakage values on cervical dentin margins were evaluated, there was no statistically significant difference among the tested groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Use of flowable composite alone or in combination with polyethylene or glass fibers reduces occlusal leakage in Class II adhesive cavities with enamel margins.     

Microleakage and cusp fracture resistance of heat-treated composite resin inlays

The purpose of this study was to examine the microleakage and cusp fracture resistance of heat-treated composite resin inlays. One hundred and twenty extracted human bicuspid teeth were prepared with MOD Class II preparations and divided into 12 experimental groups. Ten extracted human teeth were kept sound as positive controls and 10 of the prepared teeth were left unrestored as negative controls for the cusp fracture resistance experiment. The remaining prepared teeth were grouped and restored with the following restorations: bulk or incremental placement, light-cured inlays, heat-treated inlays "cemented" with enamel bonding agent, enamel bonding agent/glass ionomer "sandwich", or a dentinal bonding agent. Heat-treated inlays showed significantly (P less than 0.05) less microleakage than all other groups. The cusp fracture resistance of the heat-treated inlays was in the same magnitude as that of the traditionally placed composite resin restoration. All restorations were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in cusp fracture resistance than sound non-carious teeth.     

Microleakage at the cervical margin of composite Class II cavities with different restorative techniques

This study evaluated the microleakage at the cervical margins of Class II composite resin restorations restored with different techniques. Slot cavities were prepared on both proximals of 40 unerupted third molars with one cervical margin located above and the other below the cementoenamel junction. The prepared teeth were randomly assigned to four groups and restored using the following techniques: (I) 3-Sited, (II) Directed-Shrinkage, (III) Resin-Modified Glass-Ionomer Cement or a (IV) Flowable Composite as the gingival increment. All restorations were placed with the same bonding agent and composite resin. The difference among the groups was on the first increment and on its insertion and polymerization techniques. After restoration, the teeth were thermocycled and exposed to a dye. Results showed that all the techniques worked well for enamel, with almost no leakage. However, on cementum, all techniques demonstrated moderate to severe leakage.     

The effect of composite resin application and radiation techniques on dye penetration in Class II direct composite resin restorations

This study examined the effect of the application of resin composite and radiation techniques on dye penetration in class II direct composite resin restorations. For the restorative procedure, the light-cone and the incremental layering techniques were used. The null hypothesis of this experiment was, that both techniques have the same influence on dye penetration. Evaluation of dye penetration in the restoration/tooth interface was performed in 20 extracted premolars and molars. On each tooth, two class II cavities were prepared. The cervical margin of the proximal boxes were located in dentin or in enamel. When the gingival margin of the cavity was located in enamel, a significant lower level of dye penetration of the the test group was found (Wilcoxon rank test, P = 0.0102). This study showed that the application of a transparent cone seems to be more effective than the three increments technique in the mechanical separation of the first composite increment. Transmitting the curing light into the proximal box, seems to have no positive effect on dye penetration in class II direct composite resin restorations.     

A study of microleakage in Class II composite restorations using four different curing techniques

There are several incremental techniques for the placement of posterior composites in Class II cavities that were introduced to overcome clinical failures associated with these restorations. This study evaluated microleakage in Class II cavities restored with four different curing techniques. On 40 non-carious, freshly extracted human premolars, Class II cavities were prepared following a standard pattern in which the mesial cavities had a cervical margin 1.0 mm above the CEJ, and for distal cavities, 1.0 mm below the CEJ. The specimens were randomly divided into four groups. Each cavity surface was conditioned with 35% phosphoric acid and rinsed to remove the excess water, followed by a dental bonding agent (PQ1) being used for all the cavities. The teeth were then restored with a fiber reinforced resin-based composite (Neulite F), using four different techniques: Group 1, metal matrix with wooden wedge; Group 2, transparent matrix with reflective wedge; Group 3, metal matrix with wooden wedge and light tip and Group 4, metal matrix with wooden wedge and bio-glass cylinder. Then, the restorations were finished and polished, rebonded, thermocycled (2000 times, 5 degrees C to 55 degrees C, 30 second dwell time), stained, sectioned vertically and viewed under a stereomicroscope (40x). They were then scored on a 0-4 scale based on microleakage at the gingival margins. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. The results showed that Group 1 demonstrated the most leakage, while the other three groups showed less leakage than Group 1. There was no significant difference between the enamel and dentin gingival margin groups. As a result of these findings, the authors concluded that restoration with metal matrices, using light conducting instruments, results in significantly less microleakage at the gingival margins of Class II resin composite restorations.