Marginal adaptation of BIS-GMA-based composites containing various diluents.

The aim of this study was to determine how otherwise acceptable diluent monomers affect the marginal adaptation of BIS-GMA-based composites. Based on the results of the investigation, the following conclusions can be drawn: 1. Addition to dimethacrylate diluents containing (CH2) recurring units generally yields composites having better marginal adaptation than do those containing (CH2 CH2 O) groups. Best marginal adaptation for a single diluent is obtained for compositions using 1, 4 and 1, 10-polymethylene glycol dimethacrylate as diluent. 2. Marginal adaptation is improved on lowering the diluent concentration. Optimum adaptation will be obtained for a formulation containing a minimum percentage of diluent with clinically acceptable working properties. 3. Volume changes on temperature cycling resulting from differences in thermal expansion coefficients of composites do not effect the marginal integrity as much as does curing shrinkage.