Objective: The emergence of new resin composites (RCs) incorporating bioactive ingredients and/or used as bulk-fill materials aims to enhance restorative potential beyond just the mechanical properties. However, this innovation may affect their performance under clinically simulated conditions, such as erosive challenges (EC). This study evaluated the impact of different technologies on the hygroscopic properties of RCs.
Materials and methods: The evaluated materials were: Gold Label - GL (resin-modified glass-ionomer cement - control); Filtek Z350 - FZ (no bioactive control); Filtek One Bulk - FO (bulk-fill); Beautifil II - BII (bioactive/S-PRG); Beautifil Bulk - BB (bioactive/S-PRG + bulk-fill). Disk-shaped specimens (10 mm x1 mm) were prepared and evaluated by: 1) water sorption - WS and solubility - WSB (n = 10); 2) wettability - W (n = 6); 3) surface microhardness - SM (n = 6); 4) qualitative surface analysis by SEM (n = 3). Except for WS and WSB, tests were performed before and after EC. Data were analyzed by two-factor ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05).
Results: Positive WS and negative WSB were observed for all materials. In terms of W, GL>BII>FZ>BB>FO. GL and BB exhibited similar/lower SM. EC hampered SM for all materials.
Conclusions: It may be concluded that the composition and proportion of monomers have a greater influence on the hygroscopic profile of resin composites than the incorporation of bioactive components.
Clinical significance: While renewed technologies have introduced components to enhance the performance and practicality of resin composites, actual clinical longevity depends on challenges such as erosive conditions. Bioactive ingredients seem to be beneficial without impairing the hygroscopic profile, whereas the monomers can interfere.
Keywords: Composite resins; Erosive tooth wear; Hydrophilic interaction; Surface properties; Wettability.
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