Influence of erosive components on the microhardness of composite materials

Currently, composite resins are used in many restorative procedures. Previous studies showed that drinking beverages may affect the physical properties like microhardness of dental composite resins. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of common beverages on the Vickers microhardness of composite resins. Samples of the materials were prepared according to the ISO 4049:2010 standard and producer’s recommendations. As many as 400 disc-shaped samples, 5x2 mm in size, were prepared using a steel matrix. The samples were next conditioned in tested fluids: distilled water, sparkling water, Coke, Red Bull and orange juice for 7 days. Vickers microhardness testing was performed after 7 days. Performed statistic tests confirmed the significance of microhardness changes of the tested materials in terms of both different conditioning of the samples and different composite materials. The effects of interaction between analyzed factors were also shown. The results of these tests should be taken into consideration by a dentist preparing recommendations for the patients after filling cavities with composite material or after rendering composite prosthetic work.