Comparative Evaluation of Solubility of a Single Shade Resin Composite with Conventional Composite: An In-vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Resin composites have been commonly used in restorative dentistry over the years. The longevity of restorations depends upon various physical properties like as solubility. Composite solubility can lead to deleterious effects on the polymer structure. Aim: To evaluate and compare the solubility of a single shade resin composite in comparison to a conventional resin composite in artificial saliva. Materials and Methods: In the present in-vitro study, 44 pellets (10 mm × 1 mm) were prepared from each material. The pellets were divided into two groups (n=22) based on the immersion period of two days and seven days. They were incubated, weighed using an analytical balance, and then immersed in artificial saliva. Weighing was done again after the completion of the immersion period, and solubility was calculated. Paired and independent sample t-tests were used to compare the solubility of both materials after two days and seven days. Results: The differences of solubility values for the single shade composite and conventional composite at two and seven-day intervals were (p=0.031) and (p=0.019), respectively, which were statistically significant. On inter-group comparison, the difference in solubility of the single shade composite at two days was significantly lower compared to conventional composites (p=0.024). Whereas, no significant difference was observed in solubility values between both groups at seven days (p=0.102). Conclusion: The performance of the single shade composite in terms of solubility was better in comparison with conventional composite.

Keywords

• aesthetics
• incubator
• resin composite
• solubility