CONSISTENCY OF RESIN COMPOSITES FOR POSTERIOR USE

Objectives. The aim of this study was to compare a large set of resin composites suitable for application in stress-bearing areas on the bas is of their consistency. Methods. A variety of posterior resin composi tes were tested using an apparatus that was originally designed for de termination of the consistency of elastomeric impression materials (IS O 4823, 1992). The consistency of a standardized volume of resin compo site was tested in a dark room at 23 degrees C by loading the samples during 60 s with 1625 g. After loading, the circumference of each samp le was determined by a digitizer. Results were analyzed using Tukey-HS D multiple comparisons test and Student's t-tests. Results. The consis tency of different brands of composites varied considerably. P50 was t he material with the thinnest consistency. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in consistency were found between the same brands of material which were applied directly out of the syringe or out of a preloaded t ip. Loading a Centrix tip with one composite out of a syringe resulted in a thinner consistency of the material than when taken directly fro m the syringe. Significance. A ranking of posterior resin composites i s presented to enable a material selection based on consistency.