Abstract
The energy dissipation capacity and damping ability of restorative materials used to restore deciduous teeth were assessed compared to common mechanical properties. Mechanical properties (flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, modulus of toughness) for Compoglass F, Dyract eXtra, SDR flow, Tetric Evo Ceram, Tetric Evo Ceram Bulk Fill, and Venus Diamond were determined using a 4-point bending test. Vickers hardness and Martens hardness, together with its plastic index (η(ITdis)), were recorded using instrumented indentation testing. Leeb hardness (HLD) and its deduced energy dissipation data (HLD(dis)) were likewise determined. The reliability of materials was assessed using Weibull analysis. For common mechanical properties, Venus Diamond always exhibited the significantly highest results and SDR flow the lowest, except for flexural strength. Independently determined damping parameters (modulus of toughness, HLD(dis), η(ITdis)) invariably disclosed the highest values for SDR flow. Composite materials, including SDR flow, showed markedly higher reliabilities (Weibull modulus) than Compoglass F and Dyract eXtra. SDR flow showed pronounced energy dissipation and damping characteristics, making it the most promising material for a biomimetic restoration of viscoelastic dentin structures in deciduous teeth. Future developments in composite technology should implement improved resin structures that facilitate damping effects in artificial restorative materials.