Physical properties of two new crown and bridge veneering resins.
The degree of conversion and physical properties of two contemporary resin veneers based on light-cured microfilled composite formulations and employing proprietary curing systems were evaluated. Visio-gem (V) and Dentacolor (D) were polymerized using the appropriate curing systems. Polymer structure and degree of conversion were determined by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) techniques. Physical properties, including depth of cure, compressive and diametral tensile strengths, hardness, thermal expansion and colour stability were determined by standard test modalities. Both materials appear to have the properties of typical microfilled resins including low compressive yield strengths and high thermal expansion coefficients. The curing system for V produced an increased depth of cure compared to conventional light curing techniques and the D system, but no clinically significant increase in the physical properties.