Effect of Thickness of Resin Matrix Ceramics on Polymerization of Resin Cements

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess how the thickness of resin matrix ceramics (RMC) impacted the microhardness of the underlying resin cement.

Methods: Three types of RMC were analyzed: polymer infiltrated ceramic, resin nano ceramic, and nano ceramic. Every ceramic block had sections 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mm thick and 8 mm in diameter. Nine groups, each containing 10 RMC discs (n = 10), were produced by combining all the parameters. Central-holed stainless steel that was 6 mm in diameter and 0.5 mm deep was used for applying translucent light-cured luting resin. The resin cement underwent polymerization in direct contact with the RMC. Under a 50 g load and a 15-second indentation duration, Vickers measurements were taken from the underside of the resin cement specimens using 3 distinct indentation locations. The average of the 3 measurements for each specimen was utilized to determine the Vickers hardness value. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests.

Results: In the case of resin cements with underlying thicknesses of 0.5 mm and 1 mm, the groups GC Cerasmart and Vita Enamic demonstrated significantly higher average microhardness in comparison to the Lava Ultimate group (P < .05). Compared to the GC Cerasmart and Vita Enamic groups, the Lava Ultimate group’s mean microhardness of the resin cements for a thickness of 1.5 mm was significantly lower (P < .05).

Conclusion: Resin matrix ceramics thickness and type had a significant effect on microhardness values in all kinds of RMC.

Cite this article as: Göktepe B, Çelik E, Gönüldaş F. Effect of thickness of resin matrix ceramics on polymerization of resin cements. Essent Dent. 2025, 4, 0052, doi: 10.5152/EssentDent.2025.25052.