Fatigue behavior of packable composites

The aim of this study was to investigate the flexural fatigue behavior of 11 packable composites. Of each material 30 rectangular samples (1.2 x 5 x 35 mm) for flexural fatigue test were prepared. The clamped fracture strength and flexural fatigue limit (FFL) of each material were determined using a custom-made fatigue machine, after storage of the samples for one month in water at 37degreesC. All data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni/Dunn's test for multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). Regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between elastic modulus (Abe et al., 2001), clamped fracture strength or FFL and inorganic filler fraction (vol%). The fracture strengths of all but two materials were in between those of the compact-filled densified composites and the microfine ones. The FFL of the packable composites tested were significantly lower than those of the compact-filled densified composites. Three of the tested materials showed even significantly lower FFL than did the microfine composites. There were statistically significant relationships between both the elastic modulus and the volumetric filler fraction (R-2 = 0.974, p = 1.990 x 10(-7)). The great diversity in packable composites makes clinical assessment necessary with regard to a justified use in posterior teeth. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.