No abstract

Increasing the number of increments and high post-gel shrinkage and/or elastic modulus values caused higher stresses in the remaining tooth structure and tooth/restoration interface. Cuspal deformation measured with the strain gauge method validated the finite element analyses.

Type of composite and filling technique affected the CS, μTBS, UTS, and mechanical properties of large Class II restorations. The eight-increments filling technique resulted in generally less CS with the same μTBS and UTS than was obtained with 16 increments, without affecting E and VH through the depth of the composites.

The PBS of fiber posts to root dentin, E, and VHN values were affected by the root canal region, photoactivation timing, and resin cement type. Shrinkage stress values decreased gradually with delayed photoactivation for all the cements.

Mouthguards are efficient at decreasing the stress and strain values on the tooth in front of an impact reaching more than 90% of shock absorption. A mouthguard with balanced occlusion and maximum number of contacts with mandibular anterior teeth should be considered because it reduces mouthguard displacement.