Effect of different polymerization devices on the degree of conversion and the physical properties of an indirect resin composite

Polymerization of indirect resin composites (IRC) is carried out in the 'laboratories using special photo-polymerization devices to achieve a higher degree of conversion (DC). Such devices present variation in chambers and light output which may have consequences on the chemical and physical properties of IRCs. This study evaluated the effect of different polymerization devices on the flexural strength, Vickers microhardness and DC of an IRC. Specimens were prepared from an IRC material, Sinfony (3M ESPE), using special molds for flexural strength test (N=30) (25 x 2 x 2 mm, ISO 4049), Vickers microhardness test (N=30) (5 x 4 mm) and for DC (N=30) utilizing Micro-raman Spectroscopy. All specimens were submitted to initial polymerization with a Visio Alpha unit (3M ESPE) and then randomly divided into three groups (n=10/ group). Specimens in Group 1 (control) received additional polymerizations using a Visio Beta Vario device (3M ESPE), and those in Group 2 and Group 3 using Powerlux (EDG) and Strobolux (EDG) devices, respectively. DC and mechanical tests were then conducted. For the mechanical tests, the data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05) and for DC, one-way ANOVA was used. Polymerization in Strobolux (Group 3) resulted in significantly lower flexural strength (MPa) values (134 +/- 27) compared to Visio Beta Vario (165 +/- 20) (Group 1) (p < 0.05). The lowest microhardness values (Kg/mm2) were obtained in Group 3 (30 +/- 1) (p < 0.05). DC was similar in all groups (75 +/- 1, 91 +/- 5, 85 +/- 7% for Visio Beta Vario, Powerlux and Strobolux, respectively) (p = 0.1205). The type of polymerization device may affect the flexural strength and Vickers hardness of the IRC tested. DC also seems to be affected by the type of polymerization device but the results were not significant.