The effects of food simulating liquids on surface roughness, hardness, and solubility of bulk fill composites
Abstract BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of food simulating liquids (FSLs) on the surface roughness, surface hardness and solubility of bulk fill composites. MethodsTwo-hundred samples were prepared from four high viscosity bulk fill composites (SonicFillTM, Tetric® EvoCeram Bulk Fill, Beautifil-Bulk Restorative, FiltekTM Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative) and a microhybrid composite (FiltekTM Z250). After the initial weights of the samples were recorded (m1), surface roughness measurements were evaluated with a profilometer. The samples were stored in 4 different FSLs for 7 days, then the second surface roughness values were recorded. Then the samples were stored in a desiccator to reach the constant mass and the values were recorded as m2. The solubility levels were calculated according to the ISO 4049: 2009 specification. The surface hardness values of the samples were determined by using the Vickers microhardness measuring device. Twenty specimens from each group were evaluated in terms of surface morphology with scanning electron microscope (SEM).ResultsBeautifil Bulk Restorative was the most affected group in terms of surface roughness after storage in FSLs and citric acid caused the highest values in this group (p<0,005). Beautifil Bulk Restorative and Filtek Z250 groups showed the highest surface hardness values, while the Tetric EvoCeram group had the lowest. The highest solubility values were detected in Beautifil Bulk Restorative group, and citric acid and ethanol caused the highest solubility values on all the tested composites. ConclusionsBeautifil Bulk Restorative group showed significant differences from the other groups in all tested parameters.