Effects of post-curing by heat on the mechanical properties of visible-light cured inlay composites.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of post-curing by heat on the mechanical properties of visible-light (V-L) cured three inlay composites and three posterior filling composites. One group was only photo-cured according to the manufacturers' recommended methods, while the other group was heat-treated at 100 degrees C for 15 min following initial cure by V-L. Knoop hardness, diametral tensile strength and compressive strength were measured to evaluate the mechanical properties. Cure performance was checked out by the solvent immersion test. Upon secondary-curing by heat, it was confirmed that the mechanical properties of the composites were increased moderately and the cure performance of the composites was also improved.