The effect of acidic drinks on the solubility and water absorption properties of composite resins with different structures

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this in-vitro study was to examine the changes occurring over time in water absorption and solubility values in acidic solution environments of composite materials with different structures.

Methods: A total of 90 disc-shaped samples (8mm diameter, 2mm thickness) were prepared using three different composite resins: Kaiser Bulk Fill Composite (Dr. Müller Dental, Germany), Nano Composite (Dr. Müller Dental, Germany), and GC Flowable Composite (GC Corp., Tokyo, Japan). After leaving the samples in an incubator for 24 hours, baseline weights were recorded. The samples were then placed in cola, energy drink, and distilled water solutions for 7 and 15 days. From the measurements taken at the end of these periods, the water absorption and solubility values were calculated. In the statistical analyses of the study, the Shapiro-Wilk test, ANOVA test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunn-Bonferroni test, and Wilcoxon test were used.

Results: At the end of 7 and 15 days, the solubility values of Nano Composite were determined to be significantly lower than those of GC Flowable Composite and Kaiser Bulk Fill Composite (p<0.05). In the comparisons of the water absorption values, no statistically significant difference was determined between the materials (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Differences in the structural properties of restorative materials can significantly affect the water absorption and solubility in water behaviours of these materials depending on time and the environment.