COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF EFFECT OF TWO LIGHT CURING UNITS ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF FILTEK BULK FILL COMPOSITE

Context:The quality of light curing units can profoundly influence mechanical properties of dental composite materials. Aim: To compare effect of Woodpecker RTA Mini-S and Elipar Deep Cure-L curing units onmechanical properties (compressive strength, diametral tensile strength and microhardness) of Filtek Bulk-Fill. Methods and Materials: A total of 32 samples of Filtek Bulk Fill composite were divided into 2 equal groups (n=16). 12 samples in each group were fabricated using a tooth shaped mold and 4 in circular rings to test compressive strength, microhardness and diametral tensile strength, respectively. Theblocks were evaluated for the above parameters using Universal Testing Machine and Vickers Microhardness Tester.Independent sample-t test was used in this study (p< 0.05). Results: The results of this study showed that the group of composites cured using Elipar Deep Cure-L curing unit showed better mechanical properties and the difference between the groups was statistically significant for compressive strength and diametral tensile strength (p < 0.05) Conclusion: It was concluded that a curing unit of higher intensity and quality of output used in conjugation with bulk fill composites are likely to give better results.