A 24-Month Evaluation of Self-Adhering Flowable Composite Compared to Conventional Flowable Composite in Conservative Simple Occlusal Restorations: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND: Self-adhering flowable composite (SAFC) simplified restorative procedures, especially when compared to conventional techniques. Self-adhering composite revolutionized restorative dentistry by merging advances of adhesive and restorative materials to generate the so-called “eighth generation.” AIMS: The objective of this clinical trial was to assess the clinical performance of SAFC compared to conventional flowable composite in minimally invasive occlusal cavities. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 18 patients with conservative occlusal cavities received randomly two types of restorations in a split-mouth design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vertise™ Flow or Filtek™ Z350XT Flowable was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. All restorations were evaluated at baseline and after 24 months, respectively, by two blinded assessors using modified USPHS criteria. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test was used for intragroup comparison between time points and intergroup comparison within each time point. A value of P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Relative risk was used to determine the clinical significance. RESULTS: The results of the current study have revealed no statistically significant difference between both materials for all tested outcomes at baseline and after 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: SAFC revealed satisfactory clinical performance in restoration of minimally invasive occlusal cavities after 24-month follow-up.