PURPOSE: Compomers are widely used in primary teeth and are manufactured in different colors in order to make dental treatment acceptable in children. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) of different colored compomers and of compomers with various curing times. METHODS: Sixty three cylindrical samples were prepared from a colored compomer (Twinky Star). These samples were of 7 different color groups, with 9 samples of each color. Each group was divided into 3 sub-groups, according to the curing time (20-30-40 seconds) with a light emitting diode light curing unit. The DC values from 3 different regions and depths were evaluated with a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer before and after curing procedures for all groups. Data were calculated by using the baseline values; statistical analyses were done by using ANOVA test. RESULTS: Significant differences in DC results before and after curing were found among the groups (P<0.05). For all curing times, the silver colored samples showed the poorest DC results, which ranged from 13% to 18%. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that DC values of different colors were variable. The material properties could be improved by defining the proper polymerization time for each color.
PURPOSE: Compomers are widely used in primary teeth and are manufactured in different colors in order to make dental treatment acceptable in children. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) of different colored compomers and of compomers with various curing times. METHODS: Sixty three cylindrical samples were prepared from a colored compomer (Twinky Star). These samples were of 7 different color groups, with 9 samples of each color. Each group was divided into 3 sub-groups, according to the curing time (20-30-40 seconds) with a light emitting diode light curing unit. The DC values from 3 different regions and depths were evaluated with a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer before and after curing procedures for all groups. Data were calculated by using the baseline values; statistical analyses were done by using ANOVA test. RESULTS: Significant differences in DC results before and after curing were found among the groups (P<0.05). For all curing times, the silver colored samples showed the poorest DC results, which ranged from 13% to 18%. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that DC values of different colors were variable. The material properties could be improved by defining the proper polymerization time for each color.