Flexural strength of parckable composites: influence of materials and packng force

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the influence of packing forces on the flexural strength of three packable and one hybrid composite. A metallic stardard mold was used to prepare 12 specimens from each packable composite (ALERT, Solitaire and Surefil) and a hybrid composite (Filtek Z250), divided in two packing forces (7.4 N and 17.2 N). The specimens were light cured for 40 seconds, being immersed in distilled water for seven days. Flexural strength was measured on a testing machine; at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minutes. Data were analyzed using parametric statistical tests. Materials exhibited statistically significant differences (p<0.05) Surefil = Filtek Z250 > ALERT > Solitaire. No statistical differences in flexural strength were found between the packing forces and the interaction. It was conclued that packing forces do not affect flexural strength of tested composites, and packable composites had similar or lower flexural strength than a hybrid composite.