Evaluation of the Microhardness of Six Different Colored Flowable Composites Cured at Different Times with LED Light Device

Abstract

Objectives: The study’s objective of this study was to evaluate the surface microhardness of different colored flowable composites cured at 20 and 40 seconds with an LED light unit. Materials and Methods: In present study, flowable composites (Rainbow Flow, PPH CERKAMED, Poland) in purple, blue, orange, pink, green, and yellow were used, and the samples were cured in 5x2 mm disc moulds using a VALO™ LED unit (Ultradent, U.S.A) for 20 and 40 seconds. A load of 100 grams was applied to the samples for 10 seconds using a microhardness tester (Shimadzu Micro Hardness Tester HMV-2, Japan).The average Vickers hardness values was calculated.The findings were analysed statistically (IBM SPSS®, U.S.A). Results: A statistically significant difference was found in the microhardness of composites with two curing times according to their colors (p < 0.001). The microhardness of the purple flowable composite was found to be numerically higher than the other colors when cured for both 20 and 40 seconds.At a curing time of 40 seconds,the microharness value of the purple and blue compositews were found to be statistically higher than that of the pink and orange composites (p < 0.05).When comparing microhardness values according to curing times,the microhardness values of all colors in the groups cured for 40 seconds were found to be statistically higher than those in the groups cured for 20 seconds (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In summary, it was determined that the microhardness exhibited an increase with an increase in curing time for all colors. However, the microhardness values of the dark-colored flowable composites were higher irrespective of curing time.Further studies are necessary to investigate the physical properties of colored flowable composites. Such studies will allow for the accurate recommendation of curing times for colored composites.