Microhardness of esthetic restorative materials at different depths

The aim of this study was to analyze the microhardness of two resin-modified glass ionomer cements (Vitremer; Fuji II LC); two polyacid-modified composite resins (Freedom; F2000) and a hybrid composite resin (Prodigy), at different depths from the upper surface. Six hemi-cylinders (3 mm height; 3 mm radius) per tested material were obtained. Vickers Hardness was determined using a micro-indentation tester. For each hemi-cylinder, three indentations were taken at one of the following depths: 0.4, 1.0, 2.0 and 2.6 mm. For each material, microhardness average was calculated. Statistical analysis ...