Linear polymerization shrinkage (LPS), flexural strength (FS) and modulus of elasticity (ME) of low-viscosity resin composites (Admira Flow™, Grandio Flow™/VOCO; Filtek Z350 Flow™/3M ESPE; Tetric Flow™/Ivoclar-Vivadent) was evaluated using a well-established conventional micro-hybrid composite as a standard (Filtek Z250™/3M ESPE). For the measurement of LPS, composites were applied to a cylindrical metallic mould and polymerized (n = 8). The gap formed at the resin/mould interface was observed using SEM (1500×). For FS and ME, specimens were prepared according to the ISO 4049 specifications (n = 10). Statistical analysis of the data was performed with one-way ANOVA and the Tukey test. The conventional resin presented significantly lower LPS associated with high FS and ME, but only the ME values of the conventional resin differed significantly from the low-viscosity composites. The relationship between ME and LPS of low-viscosity resin composites when used as restorative material is a critical factor in contraction stress relief and marginal leakage.

Linear polymerization shrinkage (LPS), flexural strength (FS) and modulus of elasticity (ME) of 7 dental composites (Filtek Z350™, Filtek Z250™/3M ESPE; Grandio™, Polofil Supra™/VOCO; TPH Spectrum™, TPH3™, Esthet-X™/Denstply) were measured. For the measurement of LPS, composites were applied to a cylindrical metallic mold and polymerized (n = 8). The gap formed at the resin/mold interface was observed using scanning electron microscopy (1500×). For FS and ME, specimens were prepared according to the ISO 4049 specifications (n = 10). Statistical analysis of the data was performed with one-way ANOVA and the Tukey test. TPH Spectrum presented significantly higher LPS values (29.45 µm). Grandio had significantly higher mean values for FS (141.07 MPa) and ME (13.91 GPa). The relationship between modulus of elasticity and polymerization shrinkage is the main challenge for maintenance of the adhesive interface, thus composites presenting high shrinkage values, associated with a high modulus of elasticity tend to disrupt the adhesive interface under polymerization.

This study investigated the alteration of surface roughness of the nanofill composite Filtek Z350 3M/ESPE®, caused by simulated brushing associated with the use of mouthrinses with or without alcohol. Sixty specimens were prepared and distributed into six groups: distilled water, ethylic alcohol, Listerine® Vanilla Mint, Plax® without alcohol, Oral B® without alcohol and a control group. Each group was submitted to two intercalary 5,000 simulated brushing cycles. At the end of each cycle, the specimens were washed in tap water and immersed for two cycles of six hours equivalent to one year of daily use of the solution for 2 minutes. It was possible to verify significant alteration in surface roughness of the composite influenced by ethylic alcohol. It was not significant for distilled water and the mouthrinses.