This study compared nanofilled and microhybrid composites polymerized by different light polymerization modes, and the effects these modes had on the mechanical properties of the composites. The following mechanical properties were measured: Vickers microhardness numbers, diametral tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus. The filler content (Wt%) present in the resins was investigated. Data were treated statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test (P ≤ 0.05) and the interaction of the inorganic content with the mechanical properties was analyzed by Pearson's correlation (P ≤ 0.05). The nanofilled material showed a higher percentage of inorganic filler and better mechanical properties when compared to the microhybrid composite. The correlation of Wt% with the tested properties was positive for all but the flexural strength test. Different light polymerization modes were shown not to have a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the composites in this study.
Keywords: filler content; light polymerization mode; mechanical properties; resin composite.