Clinical Performance of Novel Alkasite Restorative Material "Cention Forte" in Class II Restorations

Background \& Rationale The development of self-adhesive restorative materials has significantly improved clinical workflows by eliminating the need for separate adhesive protocols. In addition, the bulk-fill technique, which allows restorations to be completed in a single increment, provides a more efficient and user-friendly approach for posterior restorations. Glass ionomer cements (GICs) have been widely used due to their fluoride release, remineralization capability, moisture tolerance, and cariostatic effects. However, they have notable limitations, such as inferior aesthetics, lower mechanical strength, and reduced wear resistance, which restrict their use as definitive restorative materials. Over the years, modifications have been made to improve GIC performance, including adding resins, altering the powder-to-liquid ratio, and incorporating metal reinforcements. To address these limitations, hybrid restorative materials that combine the advantages of GICs (fluoride release, remineralization) with composite resin durability have been introduced. Among these materials is Cention Forte (Ivoclar), a capsulated alkasite restorative material designed for durability, ease of use, and bioactivity. Cention Forte offers: * High flexural strength (\>100 MPa), exceeding the threshold for conventional posterior restorations. * Remineralization properties, which prevent demineralization and enhance long-term restoration integrity. * Aesthetic tooth-colored properties, overcoming the traditional drawback of GICs. * Capsule formulation, improving handling compared to its predecessor, Cention N, which required manual mixing. Given that composite resin restorations have lower success rates in patients with challenges such as isolation difficulties, limited mouth opening, or parafunctional habits, the Minamata Convention's restriction on dental amalgam use has further emphasized the need for an alternative restorative material. This study aims to compare the clinical performance of Cention Forte with a universal composite resin (G-aenial Achord, GC) in Class II restorations over a 12-month follow-up period. Study Objective The primary objective is to evaluate and compare the clinical performance of Cention Forte and G-aenial Achord (GC) in Class II posterior restorations using the FDI World Dental Federation criteria over 12 months. Study Hypothesis Null Hypothesis (H₀): There will be no significant difference between Cention Forte and the universal composite resin based on FDI criteria at the end of 18 months. Primary Endpoint: At least 90% of restorations remain intact after 18 months, with no significant differences in clinical performance. Study Design This study is designed as a randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial. Participants will undergo a split-mouth design, where each individual receives two restorations: one with Cention Forte and the other with G-aenial Achord. Study Center: Hacettepe University Faculty of Dentistry Study Duration: 18 months Sample Size: 38 volunteers (18-35 years old), each receiving two Class II restorations (total: 76 restorations) Randomization: The Research Randomizer Program will be used to allocate teeth into three restorative groups. Eligibility Criteria Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy individuals aged 18-35 years * Brushing twice daily and maintaining good oral hygiene * At least two interproximal Class II carious lesions in molar teeth * At least 20 teeth in occlusion with antagonist contacts * Signed informed consent and completion of initial periodontal therapy Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or lactation * Advanced periodontal disease * Bruxism or malocclusion * Allergy to resin-based materials or local anesthesia * Endodontically treated teeth or those requiring pulp capping Restorative Procedures 1. Cavity Preparation Standardized Class II cavities will be prepared with dimensions ensuring the lesions remain within enamel and dentin. Bite-wing radiographs will be taken before treatment to assess lesion depth and proximity to the pulp. Rubber dam or cotton roll isolation will be used to control moisture. 2. Study Group (Cention Forte): Self-etch primer will be applied. Cention Forte capsule will be activated, mixed, and directly applied. Light curing will be performed to accelerate polymerization. 3. Control Group (G-aenial Achord, GC): Selective enamel etching with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds. G-Premio Universal Adhesive application. Incremental layering with light curing after each 2 mm layer. Clinical Evaluations Restorations will be assessed immediately after placement, at 6 months, and at 18 months using the FDI criteria, which include: 1. Aesthetic Properties: Color match and stability Marginal discoloration Anatomical form 2. Functional Properties: Fracture resistance Marginal adaptation Occlusal wear Proximal contact integrity 3. Biological Properties: Postoperative sensitivity Secondary caries development Periodontal response Restorations will be photographed and scored from 1 (excellent) to 5 (unacceptable). Statistical Analysis Chi-square or Fisher's Exact Test: Compare clinical performance of both materials. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test: Evaluate time-based changes in FDI scores. Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis: Assess restoration longevity. p \< 0.05 will indicate statistical significance. Ethical Considerations \& Data Management Ethical approval from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Hacettepe University. Study registration on ClinicalTrials.gov to ensure transparency and compliance with ethical guidelines. Patient data and photographs will be securely stored in an encrypted system, accessible only to authorized personnel. Expected Impact This study aims to determine whether Cention Forte can serve as a viable alternative to composite resins for posterior Class II restorations, particularly in challenging clinical scenarios. If successful, Cention Forte could provide a more durable, bioactive, and easy-to-use restorative option, reducing failures in cases with limited isolation or high caries risk.