Research AppraisalRandomised Controlled Trial

Clinical performance of alkasite and glass-hybrid restorations compared with resin composite in class II cavities: a randomized clinical trial

Clinical oral investigationsIşıklı, Kemal, Koc Vural, Uzay, Yalcin Cakir, Filiz2 May 2026DOI

Clinical Snapshot

70CEBM
Evidence: ModerateRandomised Controlled Trial

PICO Framework

P — Population50 patients requiring at least three Class II restorations in premolar and molar teeth
I — InterventionAlkasite restorations (Cention N, Ivoclar Vivadent) and glass-hybrid restorations (Equia Forte HT, GC Corp.)
C — ComparatorResin composite restorations (Gradia Direct Posterior, GC Corp.)
O — OutcomesClinical performance assessed using FDI criteria for esthetic, functional, and biological properties at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months

Bottom Line

This randomized clinical trial demonstrates that alkasite and glass-hybrid materials perform comparably to resin composite in Class II posterior restorations over 18 months. All three materials achieved excellent functional and biological outcomes with success rates above 92%. While resin composite maintained 100% esthetic success, alkasite (96%) and glass-hybrid (92%) showed minor but clinically acceptable esthetic changes. The study supports the use of alternative materials to traditional composites, potentially offering advantages in handling, cost, or specific clinical situations. However, the study's limitations include lack of blinding, unclear dropout rates, and absence of confidence intervals. Longer-term follow-up would strengthen the evidence base for these newer materials in posterior restorations.

Evidence: Moderate

Key Findings

  • P Value: > 0.05 for all comparisons

  • Effect Size: No significant differences between groups (p > 0.05)

  • Primary Outcome: Clinical performance using FDI criteria at 18 months

  • Nnt Or Sensitivity: Success rates: Resin composite 100%, Alkasite 96%, Glass-hybrid 92% at 18 months

  • Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

High feasibility as all materials are commercially available with established clinical protocols All tested materials are available in Australia through dental suppliers. Results support evidence-based material selection for posterior restorations, potentially relevant for private practice and public dental services Adult patients requiring Class II posterior restorations in premolar and molar teeth

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the 18-month clinical performance of alkasite and glass-hybrid restorations compared with resin composite in Class II restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients requiring at least three Class II restorations in premolar and molar teeth were recruited. Each patient received three restorations, which were randomly assigned to one of the following materials: an alkasite (Cention N, Ivoclar Vivadent), a glass-hybrid (Equia Forte HT, GC Corp.), or a resin composite (Gradia Direct Posterior, GC Corp.). Alkasite and glass-hybrid served as test groups while resin composite served as the control group. During the 18-month follow-up, restorations were scored at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months using the FDI criteria. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square and Cochran's Q tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: No significant differences were detected among the groups for esthetic, functional, or biological criteria over 18 months (p > 0.05). Regarding esthetic properties, the control group showed 100% success for all esthetic criteria at all recall visits, while the alkasite group maintained a 96% success rate at all time points, and glass-hybrid showed 98% success at 6 and 12 months and 92% at 18 months. Minor score-2 changes in color match and gloss were detected in the glass-hybrid and alkasite groups but were not significant (p > 0.05). For functional and biological outcomes, all groups achieved 100% success rates for all evaluated parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Alkasite and glass-hybrid groups exhibited clinical performance comparable to resin composite over the 18-month follow-up in Class II cavities. All materials demonstrated excellent functional and biological stability while achieving clinically acceptable aesthetic results.

References

  1. 1.Işıklı, K., Koc Vural, U., & Yalcin Cakir, F. (2026). Clinical performance of alkasite and glass-hybrid restorations compared with resin composite in class II cavities: a randomized clinical trial. Clinical Oral Investigations. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13102313
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