Influences of short-fibre-reinforced resin composite thickness and curing time on its hardness and depth of cure

Short-fibre-reinforced resin composite has been recently proposed as a potential substructure in restorative dentistry. This study aimed to analyze the effect of short-fibre-reinforced resin composite (SFRC) thickness and curing time on its hardness and depth of cure (DoC). Twenty-four specimens of SFRC (EverX Posterior™) were prepared in cylindrical molds of 6 mm diameter and two different thicknesses (4 and 5 mm; n = 12 each). Each thickness group was cured with 2-mm light-curing distance at an irradiance of 800 mW/cm² for 25 and 30 s (n = 6 each). Hardness was measured by Vickers hardness test, and DoC was obtained by calculating the hardness ratio of the bottom-to-top surface (%). Data were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. In conclusion, the thickness and curing time had significant effect on the hardness and DoC of SFRC as a substructure. (paper)