A Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage among Newer Composite Materials: An in vitro Study

BACKGROUND: Good adhesive bonding of restorative materials to cavity walls minimizing microleakage is an important criterion for the performance and longevity of a restoration in the oral cavity. The present study is aimed to compare the microleakage among newer composite materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five extracted healthy premolars were collected; standard Class II cavities were prepared. They were randomly divided into three groups of 15 teeth each. The groups were made based on the different composite restorative materials used for restoration. Group A consisted of conventional microfilled composite resin restorations, and Group B was posterior nanocomposite resin. Group C was restored using ORMOCER – Admira. After completion of restorations, all teeth were subjected to thermocycling at 5° C, 37° C, and 55° C for 250 cycles. Later, all samples were immersed into 50% silver nitrate dye group wise for for 4 hours (h), and teeth were sectioned buccolingually. Sectioned teeth were observed under a stereomicroscope for the evaluation of microleakage. ANOVA and unpaired t-tests were used for statistical analysis. The significance level was at set P < 0.001. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that Group C (ORMOCER – Admira) presented with the least microleakage followed by Group B (Tetric N-Ceram) followed by Group A (Tetric Ceram). CONCLUSIONS: Overall ORMOCER – Admira performed better than the other two composite materials with the least microleakage.