Residual stresses in glass crowns generated by polymerization and water sorption of resin cements

Abstract

This study investigated residual stresses in glass crowns cemented with resin cements. Glass caps were cemented to cylindrical cores using a conventional resin composite cement, a self-adhesive resin cement, or a methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based cement in dual-cure or self-cure mode. The cemented caps were stored in 37°C water for 28 days, and stresses on the cap surface were repeatedly measured. The water sorption, water solubility, and elastic modulus of the cements were also measured. Polymerization of the cements initially generated compressive stresses on the surfaces. Dual-curing or a greater modulus yielded greater initial stress. The stresses gradually decreased over time and lingered on the surfaces at 28 days with all the cements. Greater sorption tended to lead to greater stress reduction; however, the MMA-based cement exhibited less stress reduction despite exhibiting the greatest sorption. The use of a resin composite cement or dual-curing is recommended to reinforce crown restorations.