Proximal contact tightness evaluation of the teeth restored using zirconomer improved and cention n- an in vitro study

Introduction: The ultimate aim while placing class II restorations is obtaining precise proximal contacts and creating exact proximal contours. Proximal contact tightness is important to protect the periodontium from damage due to food impaction. Stronger proximal contacts are obtained when Class II restorations are placed using sectional matrices and high viscosity or ‘packable’ restorative materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate proximal contact tightness between Cention N and Zirconomer Improved. Method: Eighty Nissin typodont posterior teeth with mesio-occlusal cavity preparation were used in this study. They were divided into two groups (n=40), where group 1 were restored using Cention N (ivoclarvivadent) and group 2 using Zirconomer Improved (Shofu). Proximal contact tightness was evaluated using dental floss, under the FDI criteria. Result: Chi square test was used to test the significance of difference between the two restorative material groups. The difference was statistically significant (p= 0.015) between the two groups. Conclusion: Cention N showed better proximal contact tightness than Zirconomer Improved. However, both Cention N and Zirconomer Improved were mostly within the clinically acceptable score categories.