Do bulk‐fill resins decrease the restorative time in posterior teeth? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of in vitro studies

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the restorative time for filling cavities in posterior teeth using bulk‐fill and conventional resin composites through a systematic review and meta‐analysis. A search for clinical trials and laboratory studies was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature database, the Brazilian Library in Dentistry, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials, and ReBEC (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos) databases without publication year or language restriction. Two reviewers identified eligible studies according to the inclusion criteria: bulk‐fill compared to conventional resin in class I or II, and the restorative time as an outcome. A meta‐analysis of the restorative time mean difference between composites was performed (inverse variance method, random effects model; Z‐test, P ≤ .05). From the 662 eligible studies, 133 were selected for full‐text analysis; three were included in the systematic review and in the meta‐analysis. Overall, the restorative time was lower when bulk‐fill was used (P = .0007, Z = 3.37), as the subgroup full‐body bulk‐fill (P < .00001, Z = 21.00). There was no difference in restorative time between flowable bulk‐fill and conventional resins (P = .08, Z = 1.76). Moderate‐to‐substantial heterogeneity was detected. Full‐body bulk‐fill composites decrease the restorative time in posterior teeth compared to conventional resins. Full‐body bulk‐fill resins require a shorter restorative time to perform restorations in posterior teeth than conventional resins, but the same is not valid for flowable bulk‐fill resin composites.

Microleakage of Direct Restorations-Comparisonbetween Bulk-Fill and Traditional Composite Resins:Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…We might assume that bulk-fill resins are not a therapeutic balance, but a good solution for directly rehabilitating, further they enable decreasing operative time, as literature greatly reports, 42 43 not affecting clinical results.…”

Effects of flowable liners on the shrinkage vectors of bulk-fill composites

“…Bulk-fill composites have become increasingly popular as a quick or time-saving alternative to the incrementally applied composite restoration materials. However, a shorter restoration time only applies to full-body bulk-fill composites for posterior teeth compared with conventional composites, not flowable bulk-fill composites [24]. Moreover, bulk-fill composites are expected to become an alternative for dental amalgam restorations in preparation for the phase-out of amalgam in Europe by 2030, in accordance with the Minamata Convention on Mercury [25].…”

Evaluation of Physical-Mechanical properties of different Bulk-Fill composites / Avaliação das propriedades Físico-Mecânicas de diferentes compósitos Bulk-Fill

“…Bulk-fill resin composites present an attractive alternative for posterior restorations, since they can be placed into teeth cavities in a single increment of 4-5 mm depth associated to low polymerization shrinkage (6). In addition, these composites require shorter restorative time compared to conventional resin composites (7).…”