Longevity of new hybrid restorative materials in class III cavities

The aim of this study was to evaluate the durability of two new tooth-color ed restorative materials, a polyacid-modified resin composite (compomer) an d a resin-modified glass ionomer cement. In an intra-individual comparison with a resin composite, the materials were studied during a 5-yr period. In 50 patients, 154 large class III restorations were placed. Most patients r eceived one of each of the three materials. The restorations were evaluated by modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Of the 1 44 restorations evaluated, 15 were found unacceptable. No significant diffe rences were seen between the materials concerning recurrent caries incidenc e. The resin composite showed a significantly better color match. No differ ence was found between resin composite fillings in enamel- or total-etched cavities. Significantly higher surface roughness was found in the aged resi n-modified glass ionomer cement restorations. Fracture of the incisal ename l corner was observed adjacent to 10 restorations. None of the three total- etch techniques resulted in postoperative sensitivity or loss of vitality. All the restorative techniques showed a low failure rate during the 5-yr fo llow-up.