Degree of conversion of a flowable composite light-activated through ceramics of different shades and thicknesses

The cementation of thin ceramic veneers employing fluid light-activated resin-based materials is a common procedure in the dental practice. Aim: To evaluate the influence of ceramic thickness and shade on the degree of conversion (DC) of a flowable light-activated material. Methods: flowable resin composite (Tetric N-Flow – shade A1) was light-activated through ceramic discs of two shades (IPS Classic - A1 and A3) in three thicknesses (0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm). For control, the resin composite was light-activated without ceramic interposition. DC was evaluated by FTIR (n=5). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s T3 test (α=0.05). Results: Statistically significant differences between groups were observed (p<0.001). Control group (without the interposition of ceramic) showed the highest mean for DC (71.9± 1.7). Considering the interposed ceramic disc groups, the highest DC values were obtained when 0.5 and 0.7 mm A1 ceramics were used (64.6±1.2 and 64.4 5.0, respectively) and the lowest DC values were obtained for 0.7 and 1 mm A3 ceramics (61.74±0.9 and 62.0±1.9, respectively). Conclusions: No flowable resin composite group with interposing ceramics reached a DC similar to the control group.