An investigation of the adequacy of interproximal matrices commonly used with posterior composite restoratives.
Abstract The adequacy of six interproximal matrix systems commonly used during the placement of Class II composites has been assessed in vitro . The results indicate that none of the matrix systems investigated can be considered to be ideal.
A comparison of methods for contouring the occlusal surfaces of posterior composite restorations.
Abstract Four different techniques considered appropriate for contouring the occlusal portions of Class II composites have been evaluated and compared in terms of ability to restore occlusal morphologies and to leave the occlusal portions of Class II restorations of three different types of composite restoratives with acceptable marginal adaptation. The results indicate that none of the contouring techniques tested can be considered ideal. The type of composite restorative used was not found to significantly influence the adequacy of the techniques investigated It is suggested that for most posterior composites a free-hand anatomical contouring/counter-die contouring technique may be shown to be simpler and more effective than any of the techniques tested in the present study.
The surface finish of a visible light-cured composite.
Abstract Scanning electron microscopy has been used to assess and compare the quality of the surfaces of 50 restorations of two commercially available composite restorative materials — one a visible light-cured system (Fotofil) and the other a two paste system (Adaptic). The effects of six different finishing techniques have been investigated. For the restorations of both types of composite resin the most satisfactory finish was obtained with a series of finishing discs (Soflex). The quality of the surface finish achieved on the restorations of the visible light-cured composite was superior to that found in the comparable restorations of the two paste system. The large size and hardness of the filler particles used in the two paste system and the inclusion of air during the mixing of this material are probably responsible for its relatively poor performance.