Effect of photo-polymerization mode on the degree of conversion of resin cement under different ceramic materials.

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the effect of different polymerization modes and duration on the degree of conversion (DC) of resin cement under different types of ceramics. METHODS Ceramic materials were divided into 3 groups (n=60): Group 1; CERASMART, Group 2; Vita Enamic and Group 3; Vita MARK II. Each group was then divided into three subgroups (n=20) according to the polymerization mode (A; low-intensity, B; high-intensity, and C; soft-start). Subgroups were then divided into two further groups according to the polymerization time (I; 10 s and II; 20 s). DC of light-cured resin cement beneath different kinds of ceramics was tested using FTIR spectroscopy. Results were compared to a control group cured without overlying ceramic. RESULTS While the type of ceramic and mode of polymerization showed a significant effect on the DC of resin cement, polymerization duration did not. Vita Mark II group showed significantly the highest DC of resin cement, followed by Vita Enamic and Cerasmart. High and low intensity polymerization modes did not show significant difference but both showed significantly lower DC when compared to soft start mode. CONCLUSIONS Type of ceramic and polymerization mode showed a direct effect on the DC of resin cement.