The effect of the curing time and the distance from the light source on hardness of Methacrylate and Silorane resin-based dental composite materials

Purpose: The aim of the work was to test hardness of composite dental materials with different resins in relation to different light-curing parameters. Design/methodology/approach: The following article provides and insight into factors influencing hardness of composite materials. Standardized samples made of Herculite XRV based on a methacrylate resin and Filtek Silorane based on silorane resin were tested using two types of Light Curing Units (LCUs) – halogen and LED. The distance of light source and time of curing differed between samples. Findings: Filtek Silorane composite compared to Herculite XRV composite guarantees higher hardness, regardless of the used LCU type. Using LED LCU compared to halogen LCU allows to obtain higher hardness both for Herculite XRV and Filtek Silorane composite. The lower the distance of light source the higher the hardness of composite material. Research limitations/implications: Further studies will provide additional information on other properties such as compressive strength, wear resistance and light transmission. Practical implications: This article presents important comparison between older and newer composite technology. It provides practical information on polymerization methods. Originality/value: Article shows broad spectrum of different curing methods, important to the composite use in dentistry.