Evaluation of Marginal Adaptation of Direct and Semi-direct Resin Restorations Using Stereomicroscopy: An In Vitro Study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the marginal adaptation at the tooth-restoration interface of Class II box-type cavities restored using direct and semi-direct techniques with two different types of composite materials. Materials and Methods: Class II box-shaped cavities were prepared in 28 extracted maxillary premolar teeth, which were randomly divided into two experimental groups, each consisting of 14 samples. • Group I: Direct composite restorations • Group II: Semi-direct composite restorations Each group was further subdivided into two subgroups (A and B), comprising 7 samples each based on the type of composite material employed, specifically Nova Compo C and Estelite Sigma Quick, along with their corresponding adhesive systems. Following restoration, all samples were longitudinally sectioned in a mesiodistal direction to create two halves (buccal and lingual). Marginal adaptation was assessed by measuring gaps at the toothrestoration interface under a 40X stereomicroscope, supplemented by a 10X digital camera and specialized software. The gingival floor was analyzed at four distinct points on the buccal and lingual halves, with gap measurements taken at each site. Th