Comparative Evaluation of Depth of Cure of Bulk-fill Composite Resin and Alkasite Restorative Material by Vicker’s Hardness Test

Abstract

Background: This study evaluates depth of cure (hardness ratio) of a bulk-fill resin composite and an alkasite material in self cure and dual cure mode and compares and evaluates the Vicker’s hardness and depth of cure of a bulk-fill resin composite and an alkasite material in self cure and dual cure mode. Materials and Method: A dual-cure alkasite material and a bulk-fill composite resin were divided into three parts: Group A- bulk-fill resin composite, Group B- self-cured alkasite material and Group C- lightcured alkasite material. The samples were prepared in a stainless steel split mould of 6mm height and 4mm diameter. Vicker’s hardness testing was performed to evaluate depth of cure of 4mm at three levels of 0mm, 2mm and 4mm. Results: The statistics were analyzed using SPSS Software and One- way ANOVA and Post Hoc tests. The data obtained revealed that Cention N showed the greatest depth of cure in dual cure mode. Conclusion: Most dual cure restorative materials exhibit better strength post light-curing compared to only the self-cure mode.