Preheating may improve handling and adaptation of dental composite resins

The aim of this scoping review was to analyze the available evidence on the preheating process and its effects on physicochemical properties of composite resins.

• In total, 104 studies were found from which 39 were included.

• The most used composite resin was Filtek Z350 XT (3 M/ESPE), preheated at 68°C in a Calset device (AdDent Inc., Danbury, CT, USA) for 5 or 15 min.

• Most studies showed decreased viscosity, increased conversion degree and microhardness of composite resins, and better marginal adaptation of direct and indirect restorations.

• Also, flexural strength was not affected, and data about bond strength were inconclusive due to heterogeneity among studies.

  The parameters used for preheating composite resins are heterogeneous. Preheating decreased viscosity, increased the conversion degree and microhardness of composite resins, and improved the marginal adaptation of direct and indirect restorations. The analysis of evidence showed a high heterogeneity among preheating protocols. Preheating may benefit the handling and physicochemical properties of composite resins.

Patussi, AFC, Ramacciato, JC, da Silva, JGR, et al. Preheating of dental composite resins: A scoping review. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2022; 1- 11. doi:10.1111/jerd.12991

dental composite resins, Preheating, handling, adaptation, Amanda F. C. Patussi, Juliana C. Ramacciato, João G. R. da Silva, Victória R. P. Nascimento, Débora e Silva Campos, Isis de Araújo Ferreira Muniz, Grace M. de Souza, Renally B. W. Lima , Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry