Comparing

Composites
Filtek Nano Hybrid Universal
and Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior
By: Cambria Curran and
Mariah Godinez

Filtek Nano Hybrid Universal by

3M ESPE
Composition

Zirconia/silica with a median particle size of

approximately 3 microns or less
Non-agglomerated/non-aggregated 20
nanometer silica particles
The filler loading is 82% by weight (68% by
volume)

Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior by 3M

ESPE

Composition

Non-agglomerated/non-aggregated 20 nm
silica filler
Non-agglomerated/non-aggregated 4 to 11
nm zirconia filler
Aggregated zirconia/silica cluster filler
(comprised of 20 nm silica and 4 to 11 nm
zirconia particles)
Ytterbium trifluoride filler consisting of
agglomerate 100 nm particles
The inorganic filler loading is about 76.5% by
weight (58.4% by volume)

Bulk Fill Composition Cont.

Contains two methacrylate monomers that act

together to lower polymerization stress
Aromatic dimethacrylate (AUDMA), decreases the
number of reactive groups in the resin

Moderates the volumetric shrinkage as well as the

stiffness of the developing and final polymer matrix

Addition-fragmentation monomers (AFM) contains

a third reactive site that cleaves through a
fragmentation process during polymerization

Provides a mechanism for the relaxation of the

developing network and subsequent stress relief

Indications For Use

Nano

Hybrid

Direct anterior and posterior restorations

including occlusal surfaces
Core build-ups
Splinting
Indirect restorations including inlays, onlays
and veneers

Indications For Use

Bulk

Fill

Direct anterior and posterior restorations

including occlusal surfaces
Base/liner under direct restorations
Core build-ups
Splinting
Indirect restorations including inlays, onlays and
veneers
Restorations of deciduous teeth
Extended fissure sealing in molars and premolars
Repair of defects in porcelain restorations,
enamel and temporaries

Shades Available
Nano

A1, A2, A3, A3.5, A4, B1, B2, B3, C2 and D3,
with two dentin-like shades, OA2, OA3

Bulk

Hybrid

Fill

A1, A2, A3, B1, C2

All shades are semi-translucent and
radiopaque

Physical Properties
Ability to retain polish at 6,000 brush cycles
Nano

Hybrid
~35.0 gloss units

Bulk

Fill
~58.0 gloss units

Fracture Toughness
Energy required to create a crack
Nano Hybrid

~2.3 MN m-3/2

Bulk

Fill

~ 1.8 MN m-3/2

Compressive Strength
Resistance to chewing forces
Nano

Hybrid
~390 MPa
Bulk Fill
~150 MPa

Wear
Determined using an in-vitro 3-body wear
test in which abrasive slurry is dragged
against the materials
Nano Hybrid

1.0 three-body wear

Bulk

Fill

~0.9 three-body wear

Very

Similar wear!

Cusp Deflection
Cusp

deflection is a 3M test method that

was designed to provide a relative
estimate of polymerization shrinkage stress
Both Filtek Nano Hybrid Universal and
Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Composite have a
cusp deflection of ~11 microns

Depth of Cure
Polymerization

must occur in order for the

composite to harden and be functional
Light cured materials have a depth in mm
in which it is recommended to place and
cure them in order to achieve optimal
results

Depth of Cure
Nano

Like most traditional composite materials,

has to be cured in 1-2mm increments

Bulk

Hybrid

Fill

5mm depth of cure

Meant to fill to occlusal in one increment
Takes out the time involved in incremental
curing

 Whether

you go the traditional route with

a composite like Filtek Nano Hybrid or
want to save time with a bulk fill
composite, it is important to know the
properties and characteristics of the
materials you are working with so that you
get the most functional and esthetic
restoration possible for each patient!

References
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/9

76634O/filtek-bulk-fill-posterior-restorativetechnical-product-profile.pdf

http://solutions.3mae.ae/3MContentRetri

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