17th International Conference on Experimental Mechanics (ICEM 17)

July 3-7, 2016, Rhodes, Greece

DENTAL RESINS SHRINKAGE ASSESSMENT WITH LASER SPECKLE

INTERFEROMETRY TECHNIQUES

L.M.P. Campos*, J.M. Monteiro1**, D.F. Parra*, M.R. Vasconcelos***, M.A.P. Vaz**
* Institute of Nuclear and Energy Research, University of Sao Paulo (IPEN/USP), Brasil
** Institute of Science and Innovation ins Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (INEGI), Portugal
*** School of Dental Medicine, University of Porto (FMDUP), Portugal

Abstract: Light-activated resin-based composites are widely used in dental restorations, as they are
mercury-free and aesthetically pleasing to the patient. These composites are directly bonded
into teeth hard tissues restoring most of its original strength structure. The purpose of this
study was to compare the dimensional changes due to polymerization shrinkage of two se-
ries of new composites with the same resin matrix. To assess the contraction was selected
the Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) technique, which is based on laser in-
terferometry. With this technique is possible to obtain, without contact, the displacement
field on the surface of diffuse objects with a resolution which can go down to 0,01 microme-
ters.

1. Introduction
Due to the aesthetics benefits and easy to use technique, resin composites are the main mate-
rials used for dental restorations. However, dimethacrylate-based composites present some
disadvantages, such as, polymerization shrinkage during the cure which leads to residual
stresses [1].
Holographic interferometric techniques, proved to be well adapted to assess the resin shrink-
age through an indirect measurement [2, 3, 4].
In this study, Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI), technique which is based on
laser interferometry, was used to evaluate those effects under light-induced polymerization
(wavelengths at about 470nm). Two series of experimental composites were formulated, both
with the same resin matrix (1 BisGMA: 1 TEGDMA, in wt%). The first series used MMT
Cloisite 30B nanoparticles, while in the second group the reinforcing phase was constituted
by silanized barium glass particles (2m). The experimental composites were prepared in
three distinct formulations, varying according to the type and the concentration (in percentage
of 30, 40 and 50%) of inorganic filler. According to a specific protocol, natural teeth were
used (human mandible premolars). A class I cavity was drilled and restored with experi-
mental composite material, according to Black principles.

2. Results
The experimental composites were applied on natural teeth and exposed to blue light which
will originate shrinkage phenomena due to cure reactions. The recommended clinical proto-
col was followed in all the tests performed.
All teeth were submitted to the technique of dental adhesive system and the polymerization of
the experimental composites was real time monitored by ESPI (Figure 1), during the cure
reaction of the restoration. The results obtained showed the entire tooth surface (wall) de-
forming during the resin polymerization shrinkage, and the obtained displacements are pre-
sented in real time as a fringe pattern (Figure 2). The entire tooth wall moves, being the re-
sults presented in pseudo color showing the zones of high and lower intensity of shrinkage
1
Corresponding author
E-mail address: jmont@fe.up.pt (J.M. Monteiro)
which can be quantitatively interpreted knowing that each fringe represents a 0,3 micrometer
displacement in the direction of the sensitivity vector of the optical setup.
Two series of experimental composites were tested, maintaining the same resin matrix doped
with three different concentrations of two inorganic fillers (Figure 2).

LASER

Beam spliter
Reference beam

Object beam Spatial filter

CCD

BS
Lens +
aperture
Object

Figure 1. Schematic presentation of the ESPI setup and picture of the optical table with the
experimental setup used.

Figure 2. Displacement field obtained for two teeth filled with different resins.

3. Conclusions
The obtained results proved the suitability of these techniques to resin shrinkage assessment
through an indirect measurement of the teeth surface deformation. The technique showed that
the entire tooth surface (wall) deforms in the shrinkage during the polymerization process.
The measurements can be easily performed with gentle preparation of the surface.

References
[1] R.R. Braga, J.L. Ferracane. Alternatives in polymerization contraction stress management. Crit Rev
Oral Biol Med., 2004, 15,176-84.
[2] J.C.R. Campos, A. Correia, M.A.P. Vaz, Branco, F.M.B.. Holographic Stress Analysis in a Distal
Extesion Removable Partial Denture. Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent., 2009, 17(3), 111-115.
[3] L.M.P. Campos, D.F. Parra, J.M. Monteiro, M.A.P. Vaz, M. Vasconcelos, J.C.R. Campos. Me-
chanical behavior of dental composite filling materials using digital holography. International Nu-
clear Atlantic Conference - INAC 2011. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, October 24-28, 2011.
[4] L.M.P. Campos, D.F. Parra, M.R. Vasconcelos, M.A.P. Vaz, J.M. Monteiro. DH and ESPI laser
interferometry applied to the restoration shrinkage assessment. Radiation Physics and Chemistry 94
(2014) 190193.