This study observed alteration in the radiopacity and microhardness of expired resin-based materials compared to non-expired materials and the operating characteristics of the X-ray source used. Five 2 mm-thick cured specimens were prepared for each material: composite resins (P60®, Z100®), and a compomer (Dyract AP®). Radiopacity of the specimens was evaluated comparing the density of the resin-based material to an equivalent (mm) density of a 99.5% pure aluminum step wedge using a transmission densitometer. Surface microhardness measurements were carried out using a calibrated Vickers indenter on three different points of the same surface. ANOVA and Tukey tests (pre-set alpha = 0.05) revealed that expired materials showed no significant change in radiopacity. One material (Filtek P60) demonstrated lower radiopacity with lower KVp. Change in microhardness wa s statistically significant for Z100: for this material, the microhardness after expiration was significantly lower than before the expiration date.

A utilização de novos materiais, especialmente aqueles metálicos, tem sido uma constante na odontologia. Graças às necessidades da indústria no desenvolvimento de produtos cada vez com maior resistência, principalmente à corrosão, a prótese tem-se beneficiado com um número elevado de ligas metálicas excelentes. Para atender a necessidade de conformar as ligas em restaurações ou aparelhos próprios à nossa profissão, devem ser desenvolvidos refratários para estas ligas. Este é o caso da proposta de usar uma lama refratária como molde para confecção da fundição. A lama proposta, além de servir aos propósitos, tem-se mostrado capaz de oferecer melhor acabamento da liga.

The use of new materials, particularly metal alloys, has been a constant trend in Dentistry. The industrial need to develop products with greater resistance to corrosion has benefited prosthodontics with a large number of excellent metallic alloys. In order to adapt such alloys to dental restorations or devices, refractory materials ought to be developed. That is the aim of using slurry as a mold in the casting process, which also makes it possible to obtain surfaces with improved finish.