Clinical evaluation of 2 flowable composites.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of 2 flowable resin composites used to restore occlusal carious lesions. Tetric Flow (Vivadent) and Esthet-X Flow (Dentsply/Caulk) are resin composites with decreased filler loading and lower viscosity compared to conventional resin composites.


METHODS
Sixty occlusal restorations (30 of each material) were placed. After tooth preparation and caries removal, each material was inserted with rubber dam isolation. Prime & Bond NT (Dentsply/Caulk) was used to bond both flowable composites, which were incrementally placed and light-cured for 20 seconds. Each restoration was evaluated at baseline (1 week after restoration placement), 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year for marginal discoloration, secondary caries, anatomic form, retention, polishability, marginal adaptation, and color match. Groups were compared at 1 year and the data analyzed statistically with a .05 level of significance.


RESULTS
A marginally significant difference in color match was observed at 1 year (favoring Esthet-X Flow). No other differences were observed between materials. Marginal discoloration significantly worsened for all restorations at 6 months and 1 year, and marginal adaptation significantly worsened at 1 year for all restorations. A positive association between preparation size and sensitivity was detected at 3 months; no association was found at 6 months and 1 year. At 1 year, restoration size was positively associated with marginal adaptation. Despite some changes from baseline, all restorations were clinically acceptable at 1 year.


CONCLUSIONS
Although flowable resin composites are advocated for occlusal restorations, it is recommended that they be limited to small and moderate-sized restorations.
Department of Operative Dentistry and Biomaterials, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Dentistry, New Orleans 70119, USA. jgallo@lsuhsc.edu
John R
JR
Gallo
John O
JO
Burgess
Alan H
AH
Ripps
Richard S
RS
Walker
Mary J
MJ
Bell
J Suzanne
JS
Turpin-Mair
Donald E
DE
Mercante
Jessica M
JM
Davidson
D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy; D018772:Dental Marginal Adaptation; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D013997:Time Factors; D014075:Tooth Discoloration
D003188:Composite Resins; C466112:Esthet-X; C111840:flowable hybrid composite; C452226:tetric flow composite resin