Effect of curing protocol on the polymerization of dual-cured resin cements

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate how curing protocol affects the extent of polymerization of dual-cured resin cements.MethodsFour commercial resin cements were used (DuoLink, Panavia F 2.0, Variolink II and Enforce). The extent of polymerization of the resin cements cured under different conditions was measured using a 1H Stray-Field MRI method, which also enabled to probe molecular mobility in the kHz frequency range.ResultsResin cements show well distinct behaviours concerning chemical cure. Immediate photo-activation appears to be the best choice for higher filler loaded resin cements (Panavia F 2.0 and Variolink). A photo-activation delay (5 min) did not induce any significant difference in the extent of polymerization of all cements.SignificanceThe extent of polymerization of dual-cured resin cements considerably changed among products under various curing protocols. Clinicians should optimize the materials choice taking into account the curing characteristics of the cements.