This study analyzed the relationship between the degree of conversion (DC), solubility, and salivary sorption of a hybrid (Filtek P 60) and a nanofilled resin composite (Filtek Supreme), and evaluated the influence of the light-activation mode on these properties. Two light-activation modes were used: Conventional (C; 850 mW/cm2 for 20 s) and Soft-start (SS; 100-1,000 mW/cm2 for 10 s + 1,000 mW/cm2 for 10 s). The DC (%) was evaluated by FT-Raman spectroscopy. The solubility and salivary sorption were measured after immersion in artificial saliva for 7 days. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls' test and linear regression analysis (α = 0.05). The DC varied from 50.52% (nanofilled composite) to 57.15% (hybrid composite), and was influenced by the light-activation mode: C > SS. The solubility (0.45 μg/mm3) and salivary sorption (8.04 μg/mm3) of the nanofilled composite were greater than those of the hybrid composite (0.40 μg/mm3/ 6.87 μg/mm3), and were influenced by the light-activation mode: SS > C. Correlation was found between DC and solubility (r = - 0.89, p<0.05), as well as between solubility and salivary sorption (r = 0.95). These findings suggest that nanofilled composites may present higher degradation in the oral environment than hybrid ones. Soft-start light-activation mode may increase the solubility of resin composites.

SUMMARY: This in vitro study evaluated the effect of mouth rinses on salivary sorption (Sp), solubility (Sl) and surface degradation of a nanofilled (Z350) and hybrid (P60) resin composite. Specimens (6 mm in diameter and 1 mm thick) of a nanofilled and hybrid resin composite were immersed in artificial saliva at 37°C for seven days. Twice a day, the samples (n=5) were immersed in 20 ml of three mouth rinses: Listerine, Plax Mint and Plax. A control group was maintained in artificial saliva. Sp and Sl were evaluated based on ISO 4049:2000(E) and surface degradation by scanning electron microscopy–SEM. The degree of conversion (DC%) of resin composites was obtained by using an FT-IR spectrometer equipped with an attenuated total reflectance crystal (ATR). The data were analyzed using the Student's t-test, ANOVA and Tukey test for multiple comparisons. No significant difference in DC% was found between the two resin composites (p<0.05). The highest sorption rate was presented by the nanofilled composite exposed to Listerine (p<0.05). The hybrid composite in the control group (artificial saliva) and Plax presented the lowest sorption (p<0.05). The highest solubility was presented by the two resin composites exposed to Listerine (p<0.05). SEM analysis showed that mouth rinses produced more severe surface degradation in the nanofilled composite.

Clinical Relevance: The nanofilled composite presented a lower degree of conversion, flexural modulus and flexural strength than the hybrid composite. On the other hand, the two materials had a similar hardness. The light polymerization mode influenced only the degree of conversion and the hardness of composites.