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Effect of light-curing modes on degree of conversion and color stability of flowable bulk-fill composites: an in vitro experimental study
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Eda Karaaslan, Sultan Aktuğ Karademir
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J Korean Acad Conserv Dent ;Published online July 9, 2026
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5395/rde.2026.51.e35
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 Abstract
 PubReader ePub
- Objectives
This study aims to evaluate the impact of light-curing modes on the degree of conversion (DC) and color change (CIEDE2000 color difference, ΔE00) of different flowable composite resins.
Methods
A total of 120 specimens (n = 10 per group) were prepared from four materials: G-aenial Universal Injectable (GUI; GC), Estelite Bulk Fill Flow (EBF; Tokuyama Dental), Tetric N-Flow Bulk Fill (TNF; Ivoclar Vivadent), and Filtek Bulk Fill Flowable (FBF; 3M ESPE). The specimens were polymerized using an LED light-curing unit under three light-curing modes: standard (1,000 mW/cm², 20 seconds), high-power (1,400 mW/cm², 3 × 4 seconds), and extra-power (3,200 mW/cm², 2 × 3 seconds). The DC was quantified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Color measurements were performed at baseline, and on the 7th and 14th days after immersion in coffee, using a spectrophotometer. The ΔE₀₀ was calculated using the CIEDE2000 formula. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software (α = 0.05).
Results
Material type and light-curing mode significantly affected both the DC and ΔE00 (p < 0.05). All composites exhibited lower DC in the extra-power mode compared to the high-power mode. On day 14, the extra-power mode resulted in significantly greater discoloration in TNF, FBF, and EBF compared to the high-power mode (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Although curing with the extra-power mode saves time, it may result in a lower DC and an increase in ΔE00 in flowable composite resin.
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KACD
