In vivo comparison of a microfilled and a hybrid minifilled composite resin in Class III restorations: 2-year follow-up.

An in vivo comparison was made of two different types of restorative resins over a 2-year period: a microfilled resin (-1158262462Silux Plus, 3M-1158262462, USA) and a hybrid minifilled composite resin (-1158262461Herculite XRV, Kerr-1158262461, USA); 56 restorations were placed in 28 patients by one experienced dentist and examined by two independent evaluators using the United States Public Health Service (UPSHS) rating system for marginal adaptation, marginal discoloration, surface roughness, anatomic form and modified criteria for color match (direct and indirect evaluation). Modified criteria divided the classic A score into A1 for "not detectable" filling and A2 for "slightly discernible filling". Restorations were evaluated at baseline, 1 week, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years later. After 2 years, all materials were considered satisfactory for marginal adaptation, anatomic form and surface roughness (no "Charlie", or "Delta" ratings). No recurrent caries was observed. Clinical evaluation showed a significantly higher rate of marginal discoloration for the microfilled composite resin than the other resin. Hybrid composite resin materials may be expected to perform well as an anterior restorative material. Photographic ratings confirmed the clinical evaluation. The modified evaluation for color match demonstrated differences, which are not discernible with the USPHS system and showed, more rapidly, differences that appear later with the USPHS system.