Marginal integrity of restorations produced with a model composite based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)

UNLABELLED Marginal integrity is one of the most crucial aspects involved in the clinical longevity of resin composite restorations. OBJECTIVE To analyze the marginal integrity of restorations produced with a model composite based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). MATERIAL AND METHODS A base composite (B) was produced with an organic matrix with UDMA/TEGDMA and 70 wt.% of barium borosilicate glass particles. To produce the model composite, 25 wt.% of UDMA were replaced by POSS (P25). The composites P90 and TPH3 (TP3) were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Marginal integrity (%MI) was analyzed in bonded class I cavities. The volumetric polymerization shrinkage (%VS) and the polymerization shrinkage stress (Pss - MPa) were also evaluated. RESULTS The values for %MI were as follows: P90 (100%) = TP3 (98.3%) = B (96.9%) > P25 (93.2%), (p<0.05). The %VS ranged from 1.4% (P90) to 4.9% (P25), while Pss ranged from 2.3 MPa (P90) to 3.9 MPa (B). For both properties, the composite P25 presented the worst results (4.9% and 3.6 MPa). Linear regression analysis showed a strong positive correlation between %VS and Pss (r=0.97), whereas the correlation between Pss and %MI was found to be moderate (r=0.76). CONCLUSIONS The addition of 25 wt.% of POSS in methacrylate organic matrix did not improve the marginal integrity of class I restorations. Filtek P90 showed lower polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress when compared to the experimental and commercial methacrylate composite.