title: Effects of uncontrolled outdoor storage on the polymerization, manipulation, and appearance of visible light-cured composite resin and resin-modified glass ionomer materials.
abstract: Four light-cured composite resins (Z100, Heliomolar RO, Herculite XRV, and Prisma APH) and two resin-modified glass ionomer restorative materials (Fuji II LC and VariGlas VLC) were placed in an uncooled, unheated outdoor storage shed for 12 months. Maximum and minimum ambient temperatures were recorded every 24 hours. Each month, samples were polymerized with a visible light source and alterations in polymerization were assessed using a scratch test. Problems with manipulation or changes in appearance were also monitored. Samples stored outdoors were compared to control samples maintained at room temperature [68-74 degrees F (20-23.3 degrees C)]. Results showed that polymerization of all materials tested was apparently unaffected to any significant clinical degree by outdoor storage at temperatures ranging from 20 to 112 degrees F (-6.6-44.4 degrees C) over 12 months. Eight months into the study, the VariGlas VLC liquid had separated into a viscous gel and watery component. None of the other remaining materials demonstrated any changes in manipulation or appearance. All materials tested except VariGlas VLC appear suitable for use during military deployment or field training exercises under similar environmental conditions.
authors.affiliation: USA DENTAC, Fort Benning, GA 31905-6100, USA.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Fallo
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Wakefield
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Czerw
mesh_terms: D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004356:Drug Storage / Q000379:methods; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008027:Light; D008885:Military Dentistry; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements