Adhesives with different pHs: Effect on the MTBS of chemically activated and light-activated composites to human dentin

Purpose: To evaluate the bond strength between human dentin and composites, using two light-activated single-bottle total-etch adhesive systems with different pHs combined with chemically activated and light-activated-composites. The tested hypothesis was that the dentin bond strength is not influenced by an adhesive system of low pH, combined with chemically activated or light-activated composites. Material and Method: Flat dentin surfaces of twenty-eight human third molars were allocated in 4 groups (n=7), depending on the adhesive system: (One Step Plus-OS and Prime & Bond NT-PB) and composite (light-activated Filtek Z-100 [Z100] and chemically activated Bisfil 2B [B2B]). Each adhesive system was applied on acid-etched dentin and then one of the composites was added to form a 5 mm-high resin block. The specimens were stored in tap water (37 degrees C/24 h) and sectioned into two axes, x and y. This was done with a diamond disk under coolant irrigation to obtain beams with a cross-section area of approximately 0.8 mm(2). Each specimen was then attached to a custom-made device and submitted to the microtensile test (1 mm.min(-1)). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p<0.05). Results: the anticipated hypothesis was not confirmed (p<0.0001). The bond strengths (MPa) were not statistically different between the two adhesive systems when light-activated composite was used (OS+Z100 = 24.7 +/- 7.1(a); PB+Z100 = 23.8 +/- 5.7(a)). However, with use of the chemically activated composite (B2B), PB (7.8 +/- 3.6(b) MPa) showed significantly lower dentin bond strengths than OS (32.2 +/- 7.6(a)). Conclusion: the low pH of the adhesive system can affect the bond of chemically activated composite to dentin. on the other hand, under the present conditions, the low pH did not seem to affect the bond of light-activated composites to dentin significantly.

Effectiveness of surface protection for resin-modified glass-ionomer materials

Objective: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of various surface treatments for resin-modified glass-ionomer restorative materials by determining dye uptake spectrophotometrically. Method and materials: Two hundred twenty-four specimens, 4.1 mm in diameter and 2.0 mm thick, were made of 3 materials: Vitremer, Fuji II LC, and Photac-Fil Aplicap. Specimens were divided into 15 groups. The positive and negative control specimens remained unprotected, while the experimental specimens were protected with Heliobond light-activated bonding resin, Colorama nail varnish, or surface coatings indicated by the manufacturers of the glass-ionomer materials. Finishing Gloss for Vitremer, Fuji Varnish for Fuji II LC, and Ketac Glaze for Photac-Fil. The disks were immersed in 0.05% methylene blue for 24 hours except for the negative control group, which was immersed in deionized water. After 24 hours, the disks were removed, washed, and individually placed in 1 mL of 65% nitric acid for 24 hours. The solutions were centrifuged and the spectrophotometric absorbance was determined at 606 nm. The dye uptake was expressed in micrograms of dye per milliliter, and the results were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: There were no differences in dye uptake among the 3 resin-modified glass-ionomer restorative materials, however, all of them required surface protection. Conclusion: the best surface protection for the 3 evaluated materials was obtained with Heliobond light-activated bonding resin.

Effect of Surface Treatments on the Bond Strength between Composite Resin and Acrylic Resin Denture Teeth

Purpose: This investigation studied the effects of 3 surface treatments on the shear bond strength of a light-activated composite resin bonded to acrylic resin denture teeth. Materials and Methods: The occlusal surfaces of 30 acrylic resin denture teeth were ground flat with up to 400-grit silicon carbide paper. Three different surface treatments were evaluated: (1) the flat ground surfaces were primed with methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer for 180 seconds; (2) light-cured adhesive resin was applied and light polymerized according to the manufacturer's instructions; and (3) treatment 1 followed by treatment 2. The composite resin was packed on the prepared surfaces using a split mold. The interface between tooth and composite was loaded at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min until failure. Results: Analysis of variance indicated significant differences between the surface treatments. Results of mean comparisons using Tukey's test showed that significantly higher shear bond strengths were developed by bonding composite resin to the surfaces that were previously treated with MMA and then with the bonding agent when compared to the other treatments. Conclusion: Combined surface treatment of MMA monomer followed by application of light-cured adhesive resin provided the highest shear bond strength between composite resin and acrylic resin denture teeth.

Influence of microwave polymerization method and thickness on porosity of acrylic resin

Purpose: This study evaluated the influence of polymerization cycle and thickness of maxillary complete denture bases on the porosity of acrylic resin. Materials and Methods: Two heat-activated denture base resins - one conventional (Clássico) and one designed for microwave polymerization (Onda-Cryl) - were used. Four groups were established, according to polymerization cycles: A (Onda-Cryl, short microwave cycle), B (Onda-Cryl, long microwave cycle), C (Onda-Cryl, manufacturing microwave cycle), and T (Clássico, water bath). Porosity was evaluated for different thicknesses (2.0, 3.5, and 5.0 mm; thicknesses I, II, and III, respectively) by measurement of the specimen volume before and after its immersion in water. The percent porosity data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis for comparison among the groups. Results: The Kruskal-Wallis test detected that the combinations of the different cycles and thicknesses showed significant differences, and the mean ranks of percent porosity showed differences only in the thinnest (2.0 mm) microwave-polymerized specimens (A = 53.55, B = 40.80, and C = 90.70). Thickness did not affect the results for cycle T (I = 96.15, II = 70.20, and III = 82.70), because porosity values were similar in the three thicknesses. Conclusions: Microwave polymerization cycles and the specimen thickness of acrylic resin influenced porosity. Porosity differences were not observed in the polymerized resin bases in the water bath cycle for any thickness. © 2007 by The American College of Prosthodontists.

Influence of pre-heat treatment and different light-curing units on Vickers hardness of a microhybrid composite resin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hardness of a dental composite resin submitted to temperature changes before photo-activation with two light-curing unite (LCUs). Five samples (4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) for each group were made with pre-cure temperatures of 37, 54, and 60°C. The samples were photo-activated with a conventional quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) and blue LED LCUs during 40 s. The hardness Vickers test (VHN) was performed on the top and bottom surfaces of the samples. According to the interaction between light-curing unit and different pre-heating temperatures of composite resin, only the light-curing unit provided influences on the mean values of initial Vickers hardness. The light-curing unit based on blue LED showed hardness mean values more homogeneous between the top and bottom surfaces. The hardness mean values were not statistically significant difference for the pre-cure temperature used. According to these results, the pre-heating of the composite resin provide no influence on Vickers hardness mean values, however the blue LED showed a cure more homogeneous than QTH LCU. © 2009 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.

Effect of light-curing method and indirect veneering materials on the Knoop hardness of a resin cement

This study evaluated the Knoop hardness of a dual-cured resin cement (Rely-X ARC) activated solely by chemical reaction (control group) or by chemical / physical mode, light-cured through a 1.5 mm thick ceramic (HeraCeram) or composite (Artglass) disc. Light curing was carried out using conventional halogen light (XL2500) for 40 s (QTH); light emitting diodes (Ultrablue Is) for 40 s (LED); and Xenon plasma arc (Apollo 95E) for 3 s (PAC). Bovine incisors had their buccal face flattened and hybridized. On this surface a rubber mold (5 mm in diameter and 1 mm in height) was bulk filled with the resin cement. A polyester strip was seated for direct light curing or through the discs of veneering materials. After dry storage in the dark (24 h 37°C), the samples (n = 5) were sectioned for hardness (KHN) measurements, taken in a microhardness tester (50 gF load 15 s). The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). The cement presented higher Knoop hardness values with Artglass for QTH and LED, compared to HeraCeram. The control group and the PAC/Artglass group showed lower hardness values compared to the groups light-cured with QTH and LED. PAC/HeraCeram resulted in the worst combination for cement hardness values. © 2009 Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Odontológica.

Effect of thickness of indirect restoration and distance from the light-curing unit tip on the hardness of a dual-cured resin cement

This study evaluated the Knoop hardness and polymerization depth of a dual-cured resin cement, light-activated at different distances through different thicknesses of composite resin. One bovine incisor was embedded in resin and its buccal surface was flattened. Dentin was covered with PVC film where a mold (0.8-mm-thick and 5 mm diameter) was filled with cement and covered with another PVC film. Light curing (40 s) was carried out through resin discs (2, 3, 4 or 5 mm) with a halogen light positioned 0, 1, 2 or 3 mm from the resin surface. After storage, specimens were sectioned for hardness measurements (top, center, and bottom). Data were subjected to split-plot ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The increase in resin disc thickness decreased cement hardness. The increase in the distance of the light curing tip decreased hardness at the top region. Specimens showed the lowest hardness values at the bottom, and the highest at the center. Resin cement hardness was influenced by the thickness of the indirect restoration and by the distance between the light-curing unit tip and the resin cement surface.

Effects of five carbamide peroxide bleaching gels on composite resin microhardness.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of five home bleaching products containing 15-16% carbamide peroxide on the microhardness of microhybrid composite resin Z-250 (3M/Espe). A total of 72 specimens were fabricated in cylindrical acrylic matrices (4 x 2 mm), filled with composite resin and photo-activated for 40 seconds. They were divided in 6 study groups (n = 12), according to the bleaching product: Review (SS White), Magic Bleaching (Vigodent), Opalescence (Ultradent), Whiteness Perfect (FGM), Claridex (Biodinâmica), and a control group (not bleached). Specimens were exposed to 1 cc of bleaching gel for 6 hours daily for 2 weeks. The control group specimens were kept in artificial saliva throughout this time. All the specimens were then analyzed in a microhardness tester. Knoop hardness measurements were performed, and the results were submitted to parametric statistical analysis (analysis of variance and Tukey's test). Mean Knoop values and standard deviation were: baseline, 68.52a (4.28); control, 63.42b (7.16); Whiteness Perfect, 57.57c (1.81); Magic Bleaching, 57.22c (3.84); Opalescence, 57.03cd (4.00); Claridex, 53.64de (3.33); Review 51.45e (2.82). Identical letters mean statistical equality according to Tukey's test at the 5% significance level. The products significantly decreased Z-250 (3M/Espe) microhardness.

Compressive strength of dental composites photo-activated with different light tips

The aim of this study was to evaluate the compressive strength of microhybrid (Filtek™ Z250) and nanofilled (Filtek™ Supreme XT) composite resins photo-activated with two different light guide tips, fiber optic and polymer, coupled with one LED. The power density was 653 mW cm -2 when using the fiber optic light tip and 596 mW cm-2 with the polymer. After storage in distilled water at 37 ± 2 °C for seven days, the samples were subjected to mechanical testing of compressive strength in an EMIC universal mechanical testing machine with a load cell of 5 kN and speed of 0.5 mm min-1. The statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with a confidence interval of 95% and Tamhane's test. The results showed that the mean values of compressive strength were not influenced by the different light tips (p > 0.05). However, a statistical difference was observed (p < 0.001) between the microhybrid composite resin photo-activated with the fiber optic light tip and the nanofilled composite resin. Based on these results, it can be concluded that microhybrid composite resin photo-activated with the fiber optic light tip showed better results than nanofilled, regardless of the tip used, and the type of the light tip did not influence the compressive strength of either composite. Thus, the presented results suggest that both the fiber optic and polymer light guide tips provide adequate compressive strength to be used to make restorations. However, the fiber optic light tip associated with microhybrid composite resin may be an interesting option for restorations mainly in posterior teeth. © 2013 Astro Ltd.

Evaluation of bond strength and thickness of adhesive layer according to the techniques of applying adhesives in composite resin restorations

Adhesive restorations have increasingly been used in dentistry, and the adhesive system application technique may determine the success of the restorative procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the application technique of two adhesive systems (Clearfil SE Bond and Adper Scotchbond MultiPurpose) on the bond strength and adhesive layer of composite resin restorations. Eight human third molars were selected and prepared with Class I occlusal cavities. The teeth were restored with composite using various application techniques for both adhesives, according to the following groups (n = 10): group 1 (control), systems were applied and adhesive was immediately light activated for 20 seconds without removing excesses; group 2, excess adhesive was removed with a gentle jet of air for 5 seconds; group 3, excess was removed with a dry microbrush-type device; and group 4, a gentle jet of air was applied after the microbrush and then light activation was performed. After this, the teeth were submitted to microtensile testing. For the two systems tested, no statistical differences were observed between groups 1 and 2. Groups 3 and 4 presented higher bond strength values compared with the other studied groups, allowing the conclusion that excess adhesive removal with a dry micro-brush could improve bond strength in composite restorations. Predominance of adhesive fracture and thicker adhesive layer were observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in groups 1 and 2. For groups 3 and 4, a mixed failure pattern and thinner adhesive layer were verified. Clinicians should be aware that excess adhesive may negatively affect bond strength, whereas a thin, uniform adhesive layer appears to be favorable. (Quintessence Int 2013;44:9-15)

Polymerization kinetics and reactivity of alternative initiators systems for use in light-activated dental resins

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reactivity and polymerization kinetics behavior of a model dental adhesive resin with water-soluble initiator systems. Methods. A monomer blend based on Bis-GMA, TEGDMA and HEMA was used as a model dental adhesive resin, which was polymerized using a thioxanthone type (QTX) as a photoinitiator. Binary and ternary photoinitiator systems were formulated using 1 mol% of each initiator. The co-initiators used in this study were ethyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDAB), diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (DPIHFP), 1,3-diethyl-2-thiobarbituric acid (BARB), p-toluenesulfinic acid and sodium salt hydrate (SULF). Absorption spectra of the initiators were measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and the photon absorption energy (PAE) was calculated. The binary system camphorquinone (CQ)/amine was used as a reference group (control). Twelve groups were tested in triplicate. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to investigate the polymerization reaction during the photoactivation period to obtain the degree of conversion (DC) and maximum polymerization rate (R-p(max)) profile of the model resin. Results. In the analyzed absorption profiles, the absorption spectrum of QTX is almost entirely localized in the UV region, whereas that of CQ is in the visible range. With respect to binary systems, CQ + EDAB exhibited higher DC and R-p(max) values. In formulations that contained ternary initiator systems, the group CQ + QTX + EDAB was the only one of the investigated experimental groups that exhibited an R-p(max) value greater than that of CQ + EDAB. The groups QTX + EDAB + DPIHFP and QTX + DPIHFP + SULF exhibited values similar to those of CQ + EDAB with respect to the final DC; however, they also exhibited lower reactivity. Significance. Water-soluble initiator systems should be considered as alternatives to the widely used CQ/amine system in dentin adhesive formulations. (C) 2012 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Degree of conversion of nanofilled and microhybrid composite resins photo-activated by different generations of LEDs

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the degree of conversion (DC) of four composite resins, being one nanofilled and 3 microhybrid resins, photo-activated with second- and third-generation light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Material and methods: Filtek (TM) Z350 nanofilled composite resins and Amelogen (R) Plus, Vit-l-escence (TM) and Opallis microhybrid resins were photo-activated with two second-generation LEDs (Radii-cal and Elipar Free Light (TM) 2) and one third-generation LED (Ultra-Lume LED 5) by continuous light mode, and a quartz halogen-tungsten bulb (QHT, control). After 24 h of storage, the samples were pulverized into fine powder and 5 mg of each material were mixed with 100 mg of potassium bromide (KBr). After homogenization, they were pressed, which resulted in a pellet that was evaluated using an infrared spectromer (Nexus 470, Thermo Nicolet) equipped with TGS detector using diffuse reflectance (32 scans, resolution of 4 cm(-1)) coupled to a computer. The percentage of unreacted carbon-carbon double bonds (% C=C) was determined from the ratio of absorbance intensities of aliphatic C=C (peak at 1637 cm-1) against internal standard before and after curing of the specimen: aromatic C-C (peak at 1610 cm-1). Results: The ANOVA showed a significant effect on the interaction between the light-curing units (LCUs) and the composite resins (p<0.001). The Tukey's test showed that the nanofilled resin (Filtek (TM) Z350) and Opallis when photo-activated by the halogen lamp (QTH) had the lowest DC compared with the other microhybrid composite resins. The DC of the nanofilled resin (Filtek (TM) Z350) was also lower using LEDs. The highest degrees of conversion were obtained using the third-generation LED and one of second-generation LEDs (Elipar Free Light (TM) 2). Conclusions: The nanofilled resin showed the lowest DC, and the Vit-l-escence (TM) microhybrid composite resin showed the highest DC. Among the LCUs, it was not possible to establish an order, even though the second-generation LED Radii-cal provided the lowest DC.

Microhardness of a dental restorative composite resin containing nanoparticles polymerized with argon ion laser

The objective of this study was to compare the microhardness of two resin composites (microhybrid and nanoparticles). Light activation was performed with argon ion laser 1.56J (L) and halogen light 2.6J (H) was used as control. Measurements were taken on the irradiated surfaces and those opposite them, at thicknesses of 1, 2 and 3 mm. To evaluate the quality of polymerization, the percentages of maximum hardness were calculated (PMH). For statistical analysis the ANOVA and Tukey tests were used (p <= 0.05). To microhybrid was shown that the hardness with laser was inferior to the hardness achieved with halogen light, for both the 1 mm and 2 mm. The nanoparticles polymerized with laser, presented lower hardness even on the irradiated surface, than the same surface light activated with halogen light. The microhybrid attained a minimum PMH of 80% up to the thickness of 2 mm with halogen light, and with laser, only up to 1 mm. The nanoparticles attained a minimum PMH of 80% up to 3 mm thickness with halogen light and with laser this minimum was not obtained at any thickness. Based on these results, it could be concluded that light activation with argon ion laser is contra-indicated for the studied nanoparticles. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Compressive strength of dental composites photo-activated with different light tips

The aim of this study was to evaluate the compressive strength of microhybrid (FiltekTM Z250) and nanofilled (FiltekTM Supreme XT) composite resins photo-activated with two different light guide tips, fiber optic and polymer, coupled with one LED. The power density was 653 mW cm-2 when using the fiber optic light tip and 596 mW cm-2 with the polymer. After storage in distilled water at 37± 2 °C for seven days, the samples were subjected to mechanical testing of compressive strength in an EMIC universal mechanical testing machine with a load cell of 5 kN and speed of 0.5 mm min-1. The statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with a confidence interval of 95% and Tamhane’s test. The results showed that the mean values of compressive strength were not influenced by the different light tips (p > 0.05). However, a statistical difference was observed (p < 0.001) between the microhybrid composite resin photo-activated with the fiber optic light tip and the nanofilled composite resin. Based on these results, it can be concluded that microhybrid composite resin photo-activated with the fiber optic light tip showed better results than nanofilled, regardless of the tip used, and the type of the light tip did not influence the compressive strength of either composite. Thus, the presented results suggest that both the fiber optic and polymer light guide tips provide adequate compressive strength to be used to make restorations. However, the fiber optic light tip associated with microhybrid composite resin may be an interesting option for restorations mainly in posterior teeth.

Halogen lamp and led activation of resin-modified glass ionomer restorative material. In vitro microhardness after long term storage

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the activation of resin-modified glass ionomer restorative material (RMGI, Vitremer-3M-ESPE, A3) by halogen lamp (QTH) or light-emitting diode (LED) by Knoop microhardness (KHN) in two storage conditions: 24hrs and 6 months and in two depths (0 and 2 mm). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups (n=10) according to activation form and evaluated in depth after 24h and after 6 months of storage. Activation was performed with QTH for 40s (700 mW/cm2) and for 40 or 20 s with LED (1,200 mW/scm2). After 24 hrs and 6 months of storage at 37°C in relative humidity in lightproof container, the Knoop microhardness test was performed. Statistics Data were analysed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey post-tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: All evaluated factors showed significant differences (p<0.05). After 24 hrs there were no differences within the experimental groups. KHN at 0 mm was significantly higher than 2 mm. After 6 months, there was an increase of microhardness values for all groups, being the ones activated by LED higher than the ones activated by QTH. CONCLUSION: Light-activation with LED positively influenced the KHN for RMGI evaluated after 6 months.