Comparison of the fracture toughness and wear resistance of indirect composites cured by conventional post curing methods and electron beam irradiation

AIM: To compare the fracture toughness and wear resistance of indirect composites cured by conventional post curing methods and electron beam irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty specimens were randomly assigned into four groups of ten each and were subjected to various post curing methods. Fracture toughness and wear resistance tests were performed and the results were tabulated and analyzed statistically using Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: It was found that Inlay system showed higher values followed by electron beam irradiation. CONCLUSION: Electron beam irradiation of dental composites gives comparable mechanical properties to other post curing systems. It can be concluded that further studies with increased radiation dose should be performed to improve the mechanical properties of indirect composites.