Changes in occlusal vertical dimension in microwave processing of complete dentures.

This study investigated the effect of different microwave curing cycles on the changes in occlusal vertical dimension of complete dentures. Four test groups with 12 maxillary dentures each were evaluated. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were polymerized with different cycles by microwave radiation and Group 4 was the control and cured by water bath. The average pin opening for all groups was less than 0.5 mm. There was no significant difference between the groups polymerized by the microwave method and the control group. However, analyses of the vertical dimension changes showed statistically significant differences between groups 2 (0.276 +/- 0.141 mm) and 3 (0.496 +/- 0.220 mm).

Evaluation of transfer impressions for osseointegrated implants at various angulations

The accuracy of impressions that transfer the relationship of the implant to the metal framework of the prosthesis continues to be a problem. This study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of the transfer process under variable conditions with regard to implant analog angulations, impression materials, and techniques. Replicas (n = 60) of a metal matrix (control) containing four implants at 90°, 80°, 75°, and 65° in relation to the horizontal surface were obtained by using three impression techniques: T1 - indirect technique with conical copings in closed trays; T2 - direct technique with square copings in open trays; and T3 - square copings splinted with autopolymerizing acrylic resin; and four elastomers: P-polysulfide; I-polyether; A-addition silicone; and Z-condensation silicone. The values of the implant analog annulations were assessed by a profilometer to the nearest 0.017°, then submitted to analysis of variance for comparisons at significance of 5% (P < .05). For implant analog at 90°, the material A associated with T2 and material Z with T3 behaved differently (P < .05) from all groups. At 80°, all materials behaved differently (P < .01) with T1. At 75°, when T1 was associated, materials P and A showed similar behavior, as well as materials I and Z; however, P and A were different from I and Z (P < .01). When T3 was associated, all experimental groups behaved differently among them (P < .01). At 65°, the materials P and Z behaved differently (P < .01) from the control group with T1, T2, and T3; the materials I and A behaved differently from the control group (P < .01) when T1 and T2, respectively, were associated. The more perpendicular the implant analog annulation is in relation to the horizontal surface, the more accurate the impression. The best materials were material I and A and the most satisfactory technique was technique 3.

Cytotoxicity of hard chairside reline resins: Effect of microwave irradiation and water bath postpolymerization treatments

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of water bath and microwave postpolymerization treatments on the cytotoxicity of 6 hard reline acrylic resins. Materials and Methods: The materials tested were Tokuso Rebase Fast (TR), Ufi Gel Hard (UGH), Duraliner II (D), Kooliner (K), New Truliner (NT), and Light Liner (LL). LL resin was additionally tested with an air-barrier coating (LLABC). Nine disks of each material (10 × 1 mm) were made and divided into 3 groups: group 1 (no postpolymerization treatment); group 2 (postpolymerization in microwave oven); group 3 (postpolymerization in water bath at 55°C for 10 minutes). L929 cells were cultured in 96-well plates and incubated for 24 hours in Eagle's medium. Eluates prepared from the disks or medium without disks (control) replaced the medium. Cytotoxicity was assessed by both dehydrogenase succinic activity (MTT) assay and incorporation of radioactive 3H-thymidine assay. Tests were carried out in quadruplicate and repeated twice. Differences between groups were determined by analysis of variance with Tukey multiple-comparison intervals (α = .05). Results: For MTT assay, the postpolymerization treatments had no effect on the cytotoxicity of all materials (P > .05). For 3H-thymidine assay, the postpolymerization treatments significantly decreased the cytotoxicity of UGH (P < .05). The cytotoxicity of K, NT, LL, and LLABC increased after microwave irradiation (P < .05). TR, NT, and LLABC showed an increase in cytotoxicity after water bath (P < .05). Conclusion: When assessed by MTT assay, the cytotoxicity of the materials was not affected by postpolymerization treatments. 3H-Thymidine assay showed that the cytotoxicity of the resins was not improved by the postpolymerization treatments, with the exception of UGH.

Weight loss and surface roughness of hard chairside reline resins after toothbrushing: Influence of postpolymerization treatments

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of 2 postpolymerization treatments on toothbrushing wear (weight loss) and surface roughness of 3 autopolymerized reline resins-Duraliner II (D) (Reliance Dental), Kooliner (K) (Coe Laboratories), and Tokuso Rebase Fast (T) (Tokuyama Dental)-and 1 heat-polymerized resin, Lucitone 550 (L) (Dentsply International). Materials and Methods: Specimens (40 x 10 x 2mm) of each material (n = 24) were prepared and divided into 3 groups: control (no postpolymerization treatment); water bath (immersion in water at 55°C); and microwave (microwave irradiation). Specimens were dried until constant weight was achieved and the surface roughness (Ra) was measured. Tests were performed in a toothbrush machine using 20,000 strokes of brushing at a weight of 200 g, with the specimens immersed in 1:1 dentifrice/water slurry. Specimens were reconditioned to constant weight and the weight loss (mg) and surface roughness were evaluated. Data were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance and followed by Tukey test (α = .05). Results: In the control group, the weight loss of materials D and T was lower (P < .05) than that of L. No differences among materials were found after postpolymerization treatments (P > .05). The weight loss of material T (control = 0.5 mg) was significantly increased (P < .05) after postpolymerization treatments (water bath = 1.9 mg; microwave = 1.8 mg). For materials K and T, the toothbrushed surface roughness was higher (P < .05) after microwave and waterbath postpolymerization treatments. Material L showed increased surface roughness after microwave postpolymerization treatment. Conclusion: The toothbrushing wear resistance of L was not superior to the reline resins. The postpolymerization treatments did not improve the toothbrushing wear resistance of the materials and produced an increased surface roughness for materials L, K, and T.

Effect of microwave disinfection procedures on torsional bond strengths of two hard chairside denture reline materials

Purpose: This study evaluated the potential effects of denture base resin water storage time and an effective denture disinfection method (microwave irradiation at 650 W for 6 minutes) on the torsional bond strength between two hard chairside reline resins (GC Reline and New Truliner) and one heat-polymerizing denture base acrylic resin (Lucitone 199). Materials and Methods: Cylindrical (30 x 3.9 mm) denture base specimens (n = 160) were stored in water at 37°C (2 or 30 days) before bonding. A section (3.0 mm) was removed from the center of the specimens, surfaces prepared, and the reline materials packed into the space. After polymerization, specimens were divided into four groups (n = 10): Group 1 (G1) - tests performed after bonding; Group 2 (G2) - specimens immersed in water (200 ml) and irradiated twice (650 W for 6 minutes); Group 3 (G3) - specimens irradiated daily until seven cycles of disinfection; Group 4 (G4) - specimens immersed in water (37°C) for 7 days. Specimens were submitted to a torsional test (0.1 Nm/min), and the torsional strengths (MPa) and the mode of failure were recorded. Data from each reline material were analyzed by a two-way analysis of variance, followed by Neuman-Keuls test (p = 0.05). Results: For both Lucitone 199 water storage periods, before bonding to GC Reline resin, the mean torsional strengths of G2 (2 days - 138 MPa; 30 days - 132 MPa), G3 (2 days - 126 MPa; 30 days - 130 MPa), and G4 (2 days - 130 MPa; 30 days - 137 MPa) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than G1 (2 days - 108 MPa; 30 days - 115 MPa). Similar results were found for Lucitone 199 specimens bonded to New Truliner resin, with G1 specimens (2 days - 73 MPa; 30 days - 71 MPa) exhibiting significantly lower mean torsional bond strength (p < 0.05) than G2 (2 day - 86 MPa; 30 days - 90 MPa), G3 (2 days - 82 MPa; 30 days - 82 MPa), and G4 specimens (2 days - 78 MPa; 30 days - 79 MPa). The adhesion of both materials was not affected by water storage time of Lucitone 199 (p > 0.05). GC reline showed a mixed mode of failure (adhesive/cohesive) and New Truliner failed adhesively. Conclusions: Up to seven microwave disinfection cycles did not decrease the torsional bond strengths between the hard reline resins, GC Reline and New Truliner to the denture base resin Lucitone 199. The effect of additional disinfection cycles on reline material may be clinically significant and requires further study. Copyright © 2006 by The American College of Prosthodontists.

Bond strength of adhesive systems to human tooth enamel

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro three adhesive systems: a total etching single-component system (G1 Prime & Bond 2.1), a self-etching primer (G2 Clearfil SE Bond), and a self-etching adhesive (G3 One Up Bond F), through shear bond strength to enamel of human teeth, evaluating the type of fracture through stereomicroscopy, following the ISO guidance on adhesive testing. Thirty sound premolars were bisected mesiodistally and the buccal and lingual surfaces were embedded in acrylic resin, polished up to 600-grit sandpapers, and randomly assigned to three experimental groups (n = 20). Composite resin cylinders were added to the tested surfaces. The specimens were kept in distilled water (37°C/24 h), thermocycled for 500 cycles (5°C-55°C) and submitted to shear testing at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The type of fracture was analyzed under stereomicroscopy and the data were submitted to Anova, Tukey and Chi-squared (5%) statistical analyses. The mean adhesive strengths were G1: 18.13 ± 6.49 MPa, (55% of resin cohesive fractures); G2: 17.12 ± 5.80 MPa (90% of adhesive fractures); and G3: 10.47 ± 3.14 MPa (85% of adhesive fractures). In terms of bond strength, there were no significant differences between G1 and G2, and G3 was significantly different from the other groups. G1 presented a different type of fracture from that of G2 and G3. In conclusion, although the total etching and self-etching systems presented similar shear bond strength values, the types of fracture presented by them were different, which can have clinical implications.

Influence of cavity preparation and curing method on the marginal seal of resin composite restorations: an in vitro evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of cavity design and photocuring method on the marginal seal of resin composite restorations. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Seventy-two bovine teeth were divided into 2 groups: group 1 received box-type cavity preparations, and group 2 received plate-type preparations. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups. After etching and bonding, Z250 resin composite (3M Espe) was applied in 2 equal increments and cured with 1 of 3 techniques: (1) conventional curing for 30 seconds at 650 mW/cm2; (2) 2-step photocuring, in which the first step was performed 14 mm from the restoration for 10 seconds at 180 mW/cm2 and the second step was performed in direct contact for 20 seconds at 650 mW/cm2; or (3) progressive curing using Jetlite 4000 (J. Morita) for 8 seconds at 125 mW/cm2 and then 22 seconds at 125 mW/cm2 up to 500 mW/cm2. The specimens were thermocycled for 500 cycles and then submitted to dye penetration with a 50% silver nitrate solution. Microleakage was assessed using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey test (5% level of significance). RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between groups when a double interaction between photocuring and cavity preparation was considered (P = .029). CONCLUSIONS: No one type of cavity preparation or photocuring method prevented micro-leakage. The plate-type preparation showed the worst dye penetration when conventional and progressive photocuring methods were used. The best results were found using the 2-step photocuring with the plate-type preparation.

In vitro evaluation of surface roughness of 4 resin composites after the toothbrushing process and methods to recover superficial smoothness.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficiency of repolishing, sealing with surface sealant, and the joining of both in decreasing the surface roughness of resin-based composites after a toothbrushing process. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Ten specimens of each composite (Alert, Z100, Definite, and Prodigy Condensable), measuring 2 mm in thickness and 4 mm in diameter, were made and submitted to finishing and polishing processes on both sides of the specimens using the Sof-Lex system. The specimens were then subjected to toothbrushing (30,000 cycles), and surface roughness (Ra) was analyzed with a Surfcorder SE 1700 profilometer. The upper surface of each composite was etched with 37% phosphoric acid, and the surface-penetrating sealant Protect-it was applied on 1 surface. The roughness of these surfaces was again measured. On the other side, the surface of the specimen was repolished, and the efficiency of this procedure was measured using the profilometer. The surface roughness resulting from the joining of the 2 methods was verified by applying, in the final stage, the surface-penetrating sealant on the repolished surface. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance and Tukey test (P <.05). RESULTS: Results showed that the lowest surface roughness values were obtained for Definite, Z100, and Prodigy Condensable after the repolishing process and after the repolishing plus sealing. For Alert, the joining of repolishing plus sealing promoted the lowest values of surface roughness. CONCLUSION: Of the resin-based composites, Alert demonstrated the highest values of surface roughness in all the techniques tested.

Fatigue resistance of bovine teeth restored with resin-bonded fiber posts: Effect of post surface conditioning

This study evaluated the effect of post surface conditioning on the fatigue resistance of bovine teeth restored with resin-bonded fiber-reinforced composite (FRC). Root canals of 20 single-rooted bovine teeth (16 mm long) were prepared to 12 mm using a preparation drill of a double-tapered fiber post system. Using acrylic resin, each specimen was embedded (up to 3.0 mm from the cervical part of the specimen) in a PVC cylinder and allocated into one of two groups (n = 10) based on the post surface conditioning method: acid etching plus silanization or tribochemical silica coating (30 μm SiOx + silanization). The root canal dentin was etched (H2PO3 for 30 seconds), rinsed, and dried. A multi-step adhesive system was applied to the root dentin and the fiber posts were cemented with resin cement. The specimens were submitted to one million fatigue cycles. After fatigue testing, a score was given based on the number of fatigue cycles until fracture. All of the specimens were resistant to fatigue. No fracture of the root or the post and no loss of retention of the post were observed. The methodology and the results of this study indicate that tribochemical silica coating and acid etching performed equally well when dynamic mechanical loading was used.

Effect of different exposure times on microwave irradiation on the disinfection of a hard chairside reline resin

Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of different exposure times of microwave irradiation on the disinfection of a hard chairside reline resin. Materials and Methods: Sterile specimens were individually inoculated with one of the tested microorganisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Bacillus subtilis) and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. For each microorganism, 10 specimens were not microwaved (control), and 50 specimens were microwaved. Control specimens were individually immersed in sterile saline, and replicate aliquots of serial dilutions were plated on selective media appropriate for each organism. Irradiated specimens were immersed in water and microwaved at 650 W for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 minutes before serial dilutions and platings. After 48 hours of incubation, colonies on plates were counted. Irradiated specimens were also incubated for 7 days. Some specimens were prepared for scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. Results: Specimens irradiated for 3, 4, and 5 minutes showed sterilization. After 2 minutes of irradiation, specimens inoculated with C. albicans were sterilized, whereas those inoculated with bacteria were disinfected. One minute of irradiation resulted in growth of all microorganisms. SEM examination indicated alteration in cell morphology of sterilized specimens. The effectiveness of microwave irradiation was improved as the exposure time increased. Conclusion: This study suggests that 3 minutes of microwave irradiation can be used for acrylic resin sterilization, thus preventing cross-contamination. © 2008 by The American College of Prosthodontists.

A scanning electronic microscopy study of the action of different desensitizing agents on bovine dentin

This study sought to use scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the dentinal tubule occlusion potential of different desensitizing agents. Ten slices of bovine dentin were divided into six fragments, cleaned (using ultrasound), and etched for 15 seconds with a 35% phosphoric acid solution. All but one of the groups received a different desensitizing agent; the sixth group served as a control and received no additional treatment. After the agents were applied, the dentin specimens were analyzed by SEM and scores were assigned based on the extent of tubular obliteration. Only three agents demonstrated tubular sealing that was significantly different from that of the control group.

Accuracy of impression techniques for implants. Part 1 - Influence of transfer copings surface abrasion

Purpose: This study evaluated the influence of surface abrasion of transfer copings to obtain a precise master cast for a partially edentulous restoration with different inclinations. Materials and Methods: Replicas (N = 30) of a metal matrix (control group) containing two implants at 90° and 65° in relation to the benchtop were obtained using a polyether impression material and three impression techniques: square impression copings splint with dental floss and autopolymerizing acrylic resin (TRS), square impression copings abraded with aluminum oxide (TA), and square impression copings abraded with aluminum oxide and adhesive-coated (TAA). The replicas obtained in type V stone were digitalized, and the images were exported to AutoCAD software to perform the readings of possible degree alterations in implant inclinations. The results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test (α < 0.05). Results: Comparing the techniques with regard to the 90° implant inclination, no statistical difference was observed between the three techniques and the control group. Analyzing the three techniques with regard to the 65° implant inclination, no significant difference was seen between technique TA and the control group. Conclusions: Technique TA presented more accurate master casts than TRS and TAA techniques. The angulated implant (65°) tended to generate more imprecise master casts than implants perpendicular to the surface. © 2008 by The American College of Prosthodontists.

A modified method of immediate occlusal loading using a reinforced framework denture: A case report

The technique presented in this article presents a protocol for treatment that reduces the time required for the fabrication and placement of an implant supported prosthesis. It also offers improved patient comfort at a lower cost when compared to conventional technology.