Polymerization capacity of orthodontic composites analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

IntroductionThe aim of this in-vitro study was to analyze the polymerization capacity of 5 orthodontic composites by determining the degree of monomer conversion (DC).MethodsFourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the DC of the orthodontic composites immediately after polymerization and after storage in artificial saliva at 37°C ± 1°C for 30 days. The resin-based adhesive composites investigated were Bisco Ortho (Bisco, Schaumburg, Ill), Heliosit Orthodontics (Ivoclar, Schaan, Liechtenstein), Kurasper F (Kuraray, Okayama, Japan), Light Bond (Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, Ill), and Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif), cured with Elipar FreeLight 2 (3M ESPE, St Paul, Minn) for the testing of the DC values. Fifty cylindrical specimens were manufactured in molds. The data were analyzed by 2-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD test.ResultsAccording to 2-way ANOVA, the DC was significantly influenced by composite type (P <0.05); after 30 days, there were no differences among the composite types for the DC. The interaction of orthodontic composites and time played a statistically significant role in the DC (P <0.05), but there was no statistically significant influence of time for the DC (P >0.05).ConclusionsThe DC was found to change according to composite materials used, and Bisco Ortho showed the most DC performance. The DC of orthodontic composites is a complex process that is affected not only by inorganic filler content of the composite but also the monomer type and many other factors. Sufficient DC values of 5 commercially available orthodontic composites can be achieved with a new-generation light-emitting diode curing light.