In vitro tests to evaluate some dental composites

The mechanical properties of some composites for tooth restoration, SILUX PLUS (3M), ELIOMOLAR (Vivadent), PRISMA APH (Dentsply), HERCULITE XRV (Kerr), were evaluated by mechanical testing and scanning electron microscopy. A computerised material testing machine was used to subject Dumbbell-shaped specimens to tension tests, and cylindric specimens to compression tests. Tensile strength at break was calculated for each composite, for each composite repaired with itself, for amalgam and composite, for different composites in various combinations. Compression strength at break was calculated for each composite. The ultrastructural observations made on specimens tested for tensile strength revealed different fracture patterns, depending on composite combination. Those surfaces presenting the detatchement of large material particles are more susceptible to bacterial plaque adhesion.