A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial of one nano-hybrid and one high-viscosity bulk-fill composite restorative systems in class II cavities: 12 months results

Abstract

Background: Recently, manufacturers have introduced bulk‑fill composite resins that reportedly can be placed in increments of 4 mm or greater.

Objective: The purpose of this article was to report the results of 12 months prospective randomized clinical trial that evaluated the clinical performance of one high‑viscosity bulk‑fill composite resin in Class II cavities of posterior teeth.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-four participantshad at least two Class II cavities included the study. Class II cavities restored with either a Tetric EvoCeram bulk-fi fill or universal nano-hybrid resin composite (Tetric EvoCeram). A total of 74 restorations (37 with each material) on 34 patients were placed according to the manufacturers’ instructions by one calibrated operator.

Results: Seventy restorations were evaluated after 12 months evaluation period. No postoperative sensitivity, anatomic form, retention, and secondary caries were observed after 6 and 12 months. Regarding the items color match, marginal discoloration, and marginal adaptation, the statistical analysis did not detect any statistical significance between two materials (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: After 12 months of clinical service, all restorations evaluated for both materials were classified as ideal, receiving predominantly Alfa scores for all parameters analyzed.

Clinical Relevance: This study presents that high‑viscosity bulk‑fill resin composites (RCs) perform just as well as nano‑hybrid RCs with the 2 mm RC layering technique, therefore could be alternative to conventional nano‑hybrid RCs.

Keywords: Bulk‑fill composite, Class II restorations, clinical trial