The influence of simulated clinical handling on the flexural and compressive strength of posterior composite restorative materials.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of clinical handling on the flexural and compressive strengths of two commercially available posterior composites. METHODS: Since the manufacturing of test specimens in a truly clinical situation presents many problems, an in vitro model was developed, consisting of a phantom-head set-up in a clinical operatory. Two composite materials, recommended for use in posterior teeth, were used: P50 APC (3M Dental Products) and Herculite XRV (Kerr, Dental Manufacturing). Beam specimens for 3-point bending tests of both materials and cylindrical specimens for compression test of P50 were made both under ideal laboratory circumstances and under simulated clinical circumstances. RESULTS: The difference in mean flexural strength between laboratory prepared and the quasi-clinically prepared specimens was highly significant for both the specimens handled in a clinical manner was 15% of the flexural strength of the P50 specimens made under laboratory conditions, and the difference for Herculite XRV was 29%. No difference in compressive strength could be shown between the laboratory-fabricated and the quasi-clinically made specimens of P50. SIGNIFICANCE: The relative flexural strength of composite materials in a clinical situation may differ significantly from that predicted from mechanical properties measured in vitro.