Relationship between the degree of conversion, solubility and salivary sorption of a hybrid and a nanofilled resin composite

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/cm(2) for 20 s) and Soft-start (SS; 100-1,000 mW/cm(2) for 10 s + 1,000 mW/cm(2) 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 (a = 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 microg/mm(3)) and salivary sorption (8.04 microg/mm(3)) of the nanofilled composite were greater than those of the hybrid composite (0.40 microg/mm(3) / 6.87 microg/mm(3)), 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.