Marginal adaptation of a restorative resin polymerized at reduced rate

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of reduced rate of polymerization on the marginal adaptation of a composite resin inserted in dentin cavities treated with a simplified Gluma system. The effect on bonding strength to dentin and compressive strength was also investigated. The light intensity of the polymerization unit was lowered by the use of a transformer, and thus the rate of polymerization of the composite resin. When the resin was irradiated for 30 s at 110 V followed by 30 s at 220 V, the marginal adaptation was significantly improved. This condition resulted in acceptable values of bonding strength to dentin and diametral compressive strength. It is suggested that the reduced rate of polymerization may allow for increased flow of the material, decreasing the contraction stress in the filling.