Table 3.

Factors to be considered in future studies and opportunities for research on the simulation of the mechanical degradation of resin composite restorations.

Items for improved reporting practices and reproducibility
Restorative procedures:
Detailed direct, semi-direct, or indirect techniques used to prepare the restorations Complete information on adhesive procedures Specifics for all surface treatments and photoactivation methods Details on procedures for finishing and polishing of restorations
Mechanical loading method:
Load (force), frequency, and method of load application Antagonist material, size, and shape Contacts (number, area) and inclination between the antagonist and restoration Test medium, pH, and temperature
Other associated aging approaches:
Storage time before and/or during mehanical loading Type, volume, pH, and temperature of storage medium Frequency of renewal of the storage medium Number of other cycles (e.g. thermal cycles) and dwell times
Opportunities for future research on the topic
Mechanical degradation in anterior teeth restored with resin composites Comparability across different loading devices Correspondence between the number of mechanical cycles and clinical service time Clinical validation of in vitro methods for simulating the mechanical degradation of restorations Translational approaches including laboratory and clinical data