The Effect of Polymerization and Preparation Techniques on the Microleakage of Composite Laminate Veneers

BACKGROUND: Marginal leakage is the important factor influencing the maintenance of dental esthetic. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the preparation techniques and type of polymerization techniques on microleakage of composite laminate veneers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-one same sized, caries-free human maxillary central incisors were randomly assigned to 13 groups (n = 7) and were designed with four different preparation techniques (window type, feather type, bevel type, and incisal overlap type). One group determined as control group and any preparation was applied. Nanohybrid resin composite was used for restoration. Composite laminate veneers polymerized with three different techniques (direct light curing, indirect polymerization with a combination of pressure, light and heat using a light cup and heat cup, direct polymerization, and additionally heat cured in an oven). The specimens were thermocycled, and then immersed in 5% basic fuchsine solution. Following 24 h, all specimens were immersed in 65% nitric acid solutions for volumetric dye extraction test. Samples diluted with distilled water and centrifuged and microleakage determined by a spectrophotometer. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey honest significant difference post hoc multiple comparisons test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: For comparing the microleakage value of preparation and polymerization techniques, Window type preparation showed a significant difference in direct polymerization + additional cured group (P < 0.05). Control group was statistically different from the other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Window type laminate preparation can be preferred in indirect polymerization technique because it caused less leakage in this present study.