Comparative Evaluation of Compressive Strength and Film Thickness of a Multifunctional Restorative Material with Established Core Build-Up and Luting Systems: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Background: Restoration of endodontically treated teeth often requires separate materials for core build-up and luting procedures. ParaCore is widely used by clinicians as a core build-up material because of its favorable mechanical properties, whereas RelyX U200 is a commonly used self-adhesive resin cement for luting procedures due to its optimal handling characteristics and minimal film thickness. Recently introduced multifunctional restorative materials that is Wonder Edge DC by pidilite claim to combine the properties of post cementation, core build-up, and luting into a single material system. However, limited evidence exists regarding their mechanical performance in comparison with established materials. Aim: To evaluate the compressive strength of Wonder Edge DC in comparison with ParaCore and to assess and compare the film thickness of Wonder Edge DC and ParaCore in comparison to RelyX U200. Materials and Methods: An in vitro experimental study was conducted in which Compressive strength was evaluated for Wonder Edge DC and ParaCore using cylindrical specimens measuring 4 × 6 mm, prepared according to ISO 4049 standards and were tested using a Universal Testing Machine at a cross-head speed of 0.75 mm/min. Film thickness was evaluated for Wonder Edge DC, ParaCore, and RelyX U200 using two optically flat glass plates under a standardized load of 150 ± 2 N under a petrological microscope at 10X magnification. Results: ParaCore demonstrated higher compressive strength (136.05 ± 20 MPa) compared with Wonder Edge DC (115.32± 15 MPa). Film thickness values were 15.3 ± 1.8 µm for RelyX U200, 18.4 ± 1.3 µm for ParaCore, and 25.2 ± 2.1 µm for Wonder Edge DC. Conclusion: ParaCore demonstrated superior compressive strength, confirming its suitability as a core build-up material. RelyX U200 exhibited the lowest film thickness among the tested materials. Wonder Edge DC demonstrated acceptable mechanical properties and film thickness within ISO limits, suggesting its potential as a multifunctional restorative material.