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.

Cementation of fiber post: influence of the cement insertion techniques on the bond strength of the fiber post-root dentin and the quality of the cement layer.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of resin cement insertion methods on the bond strength of a fiber post to root dentin and quality of the cement layer. Forty bovine single-roots (length =16 mm) were randomly allocated into four groups, according to the cement insertion methods (N.=10): Gr1- Lentulo drill #40, Gr2- Centrix syringe, Gr3- Explorer #5, Gr4- fiber post. The root canals were prepared at 12 mm, using preparation bur # 3 of a cylinder quartz-FRC post (Aesthet post-plus, Bisco). The fiber posts were cemented using a multi-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system (All Bond 2®, Bisco) and a dual-cured resin cement (Duolink, Bisco). Each root was cut into seven samples: four samples of 1.8 mm thickness for push-out testing, and three with 0.5 mm for cement layer quality analyzing. One-way ANOVA was used for the push-out test values and the One-Way Kruskal-Wallis (P<0.05) and Dunn (10%) tests for the cement layer analyzes. ANOVA showed that the cement layer quality was affected by the cement insertion methods (P=0.0044): Gr1 (3.8 ± 1.3a), Gr2 (3.2 ± 1.3a), Gr3 (5.2 ± 1.5a,b) and Gr4 (5.2 ± 1.5b) (Dunn test), whereas the bond strength (MPa) was not affected by cement insertion methods: G1 (4.2 ± 1.3), G2 (3.2 ± 1.8), G3 (4.5 ± 0.9), G4 (3.1 ± 1.3). The fiber posts should be cemented with the assistance of the lentulo drill or centrix syringe to promote the best cement layer results.

Dimensional alterations and solubility of new endodontic sealers

This study evaluated the dimensional alterations and the solubility of two experimental endodontic sealers based on Copaifera multijuga oil-resin (Biosealer) and castor oil bean cement (Poliquil), maintained in different storage solutions. Twenty specimens (3 mm diameter and 2 mm height) of each sealer were assigned to 2 groups (n=10) according to the storage solution: simulated tissue fluid (STF) or distilled water (DW). The specimens were stored in these solutions during 90 days, being removed every 30 days for weighting. The solutions were renewed every 15 days. The results were subjected to statistical analysis by Dunn's and Mann-Whitney tests (α=0.05). The solubility of Poliquil was higher in STF (38.4 ± 36.0) than in DW (28.4 ± 15.0), while Biosealer showed higher solubility in DW (34.61 ± 6.0) than in STF (18.59 ± 8.0). The storage solution influenced the behavior of sealers in relation to the weight variation (p=0.0001). Poliquil presented higher variation of weight independent of the solution (p=0.239). Biosealer also presented higher variation of weight regardless of the solution (p=0.0001). The solubility of Biosealer was different from that of Poliquil, but both sealers showed low solubility in STF. Under the tested conditions, neither of the materials were according to the ADA'S specification.

Enamel remineralization by fluoride-releasing materials: Proposal of a pH-cycling model

This study proposes a pH-cycling model for verifying the dose-response relationship in fluoride-releasing materials on remineralization in vitro. Sixty bovine enamel blocks were selected for the surface microhardness test (SMH 1). Artificial caries lesions were induced and surface microhardness test (SMH 2) was performed. Forty-eight specimens were prepared with Z 100, Fluroshield, Vitremer and Vitremer 1/4 diluted - powder/liquid, and subjected to a pH-cycling model to promote remineralization. After pH-cycling, final surface microhardness (SMH 3) was assessed to calculate percent recovery of surface microhardness (%SMH R). Fluoride present in enamel (μg F/mm 3) and in the pH-cycling solutions (μg F) was measured. Cross-sectional microhardness was used to calculate mineral content (ΔZ). There was no significant difference between Z 100 and control groups on analysis performed on - %SMH R, ΔZ, μ F and μ F/mm 3 (p>0.05). Results showed a positive correlation between %SMH R and μg F/mm 3 (r=0.9770; p=0.004), %SMH R and μg F (r=0.9939; p=0.0000001), DZ and μg F/mm 3 (r=0.9853; p=0.0002), ΔZ and μg F (r=0.9975; p=0.0000001) and between μg F/mm 3 and μg F (r=0.9819; p=0.001). The pH-cycling model proposed was able to verify in vitro dose-response relationship of fluoride-releasing materials on remineralization.

Evaluating the bonding of two adhesive systems to enamel submitted to whitening dentifrices.

The aim of this study was to evaluate by micro-shear bond strength test, the bond strength of composite resin restoration to enamel submitted to whitening dentifrices. Forty bovine teeth were embedded in polystyrene resin and polished. The specimens were randomly divided into eight groups (n=5), according to the dentifrice (carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide and conventional dentifrice) and the adhesive system (Prime & Bond 2.1 and Adper Single Bond 2). Dentifrice was applied for 15 minutes a day, for 21 days. Thirty minutes after the last exposure to dentifrice, the samples were submitted to a bonding procedure with the respective adhesive system. After that, four buttons of resin were bonded in each sample using transparent cylindrical molds. After 24 hours, the teeth were submitted to the micro-shear bond strength test and subsequent analysis of the fracture mode. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and Fisher's PLSD test (alpha = 0.05). The micro-shear bond strength showed no difference between adhesives systems but a significant reduction was found between the control and carbamide groups (p = 0.0145) and the control and hydrogen groups (p = 0.0370). The evaluation of the failures modes showed that adhesive failures were predominant. Cohesive failures were predominant in group IV The use of dentifrice with peroxides can decrease bonding strength in enamel.

Effect of maintenance therapy with or without the use of chlorhexidine in teeth restored with composite resin in patients with diabetes mellitus

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of maintenance therapy with or without the use of 0.12% chlorhexidine in the periodontal tissues of patients with diabetes mellitus who had carious lesions restored with composed resin. Twenty patients were selected, all of whom had diabetes mellitus in addition to carious cervical lesions in previously treated teeth. After 90 days, improvement in plaque and gingival indices and probing depth were noticed among patients in the group that received 0.12% chlorhexidine.

Effects evaluation of remaining resin removal (three modes) on enamel surface after bracket debonding

Introduction: An appropriate selection of instruments is essential to perform a correct debonding technique, by properly removing orthodontic brackets and the remaining resin. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate three methods of remaining resin removal on enamel surface after bracket debonding, by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Methods: Eighteen bovine incisors were selected and divided into three groups (A, B and C) of six teeth each. Before bracket bonding, epoxy resin casts were obtained by impression of the teeth with addition silicon, in order to register baseline enamel characteristics and representing the control group. The methods for remaining resin removal were: Group A - gross and medium granulation Soflex discs; Group B - carbide bur in low-speed; Group C - carbide bur in high-speed. Soflex polishing system fine and ultrafine granulation discs were used for Group A, rubber tips for Groups B and C, and polishing paste for all groups. After polishing, impression of teeth were taken and casts were analyzed by means of SEM. The baseline enamel characteristics (Control Group) were compared to the final aspect of enamel to determine the method that generated less enamel abrasion. Results and Conclusion: The remaining resin removal by carbide bur in low-rotation, and enamel polished with rubber tips followed by polishing paste produced the smaller damage to the enamel.

Fracture resistance of composite resin cores with or without prefabricated posts over different substrates

The fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth has been an obstacle to the durability of the remaining teeth and restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically treated bovine and human teeth that were restored with either prefabricated metal posts, glass fiber posts, or composite resin cores. Statistical analysis revealed significant difference between different substrates, but there was no statistically significant difference between different types of intraradicular posts or in the interaction between substrate and post types. The intraradicular posts do not increase the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth. The metal posts presented more unfavorable fracture modes when compared to glass fiber posts and composite resin cores.

Microhardness of dual-polymerized resin cement around a translucent fiber post in the intraradicular environment

Aim: In this study, we evaluated the effect of photopolymerization on Vickers microhardness of dual-polymerized resin cement at three locations when a translucent quartz fiber post was used. Materials and Methods: Single-rooted bovine teeth received quartz fiber post systems (length: 12 mm) using a dual-polymerized resin cement. In Group 1, the posts were cemented but not photopolymerized, and in Group 2, the posts were both cemented and photopolymerized. After cementation, approximately 1.5-mm thick sections were obtained (two cervical, two middle, and two apical) for regional microhardness evaluations. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software (ver. 11.0 for Windows; SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Microhardness (kg/mm 2 ) data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) and repeated measures with microhardness values as the dependent variable and polymerization status (two levels: with and without) and root region (three levels: cervical, middle, and apical) as independent variables. Multiple comparisons were made using Dunnett's T3 post-hoc test. P values of <0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance in all tests. Results: Photopolymerization did not significantly change the microhardness values when compared with no photopolymerization. Microhardness values also showed no significant difference between the three regions in the root canals in both groups. Conclusions: The mode of polymerization of the cement tested in combination with the translucent quartz fiber post system did not affect the microhardness of the cement at the cervical, middle, or apical regions of the root.

Bonding all-ceramic restorations with two resins cement techniques: A clinical report of three-year follow-up

Ceramics have been widely used for esthetic and functional improvements. The resin cement is the material of choice for bonding ceramics to dental substrate and it can also dictate the final esthetic appearance and strength of the restoration. The correct use of the wide spectrum of resin luting agents available depends on the dental tooth substrate. This article presents three-year clinical results of a 41 years old female patient B.H.C complaining about her unattractive smile. Two all-ceramic crowns and two laminates veneers were placed in the maxillary incisors and cemented with a self-adhesive resin luting cement and conventional resin luting cement, respectively. After a three-year follow-up, the restorations and cement/teeth interface were clinically perfect with no chipping, fractures or discoloration. Proper use of different resin luting cements shows clinical appropriate behavior after a three-year follow-up. Self-adhesive resin luting cement may be used for cementing all-ceramic crowns with high predictability of success, mainly if there is a large dentin surface available for bonding and no enamel at the finish line. Otherwise, conventional resin luting agent should be used for achieving an adequate bonding strength to enamel.

Dispersing carbon nanotubes in phenolic resin using an aqueous solution

The ability to control the carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersion in polymers is considered the key to most applications of nanotube/polymer composites. The carbon nanotube dispersion into water with different surfactants, as well as its incorporation into phenolic resins, was investigated. Ultrasonication of liquid suspensions was used to prepare stable dispersions. In order to evaluate the best surfactant to be used, light scattering and UV-Visible spectroscopy were employed. The structure of CNT reinforced of phenolic resin was analyzed in function of the concentration and type of surfactant, sonication power and time. It was also evaluated the influence in the dispersion by using the glass temperature transition properties being obtained by dynamic mechanical analyses and impact energy. © 2011 Sociedade Brasileira de Química.

Effect of thermal cycling and disinfection on colour stability of denture base acrylic resin

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of thermal cycling and disinfection on the colour change of denture base acrylic resin. Materials and Methods: Four different brands of acrylic resins were evaluated (Onda Cryl, QC 20, Classico and Lucitone). All brands were divided into four groups (n=7) determined according to the disinfection procedure (microwave, Efferdent, 4% chlorhexidine or 1% hypochlorite). The treatments were conducted three times a week for 60days. All specimens were thermal cycled between 5 and 55°C with 30-s dwell times for 1000 cycles before and after disinfection. The specimens' colour was measured with a spectrophotometer using the CIE L*a*b* system. The evaluations were conducted at baseline (B), after first thermal cycling (T 1), after disinfection (D) and after second thermal cycling (T 2). Colour differences (ΔE) were calculated between T 1 and B (T 1B), D and B (DB), and T 2 and B (T 2B) time-points. Results: The samples submitted to disinfection by microwave and Efferdent exhibited the highest values of colour change. There were significant differences on colour change between the time-points, except for the Lucitone acrylic resin. Conclusions: The thermal cycling and disinfection procedures significantly affected the colour stability of the samples. However, all values obtained for the acrylic resins are within acceptable clinical parameters. © 2012 The Gerodontology Society and John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Optical characterization of one dental composite resin using bovine enamel as reinforcing filler

The use of composite resins for restorative procedure in anterior and posterior cavities is highly common in Dentistry due to its mechanical and aesthetic properties that are compatible with the remaining dental structure. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the optical characterization of one dental composite resin using bovine enamel as reinforcing filler. The same organic matrix of the commercially available resins was used for this experimental resin. The reinforcing filler was obtained after the gridding of bovine enamel fragments and a superficial treatment was performed to allow the adhesion of the filler particles with the organic matrix. Different optical images as fluorescence and reflectance were performed to compare the experimental composite with the human teeth. The present experimental resin shows similar optical properties compared with human teeth. © 2012 SPIE.

Candida albicans adherence to an acrylic resin modified by experimental photopolymerised coatings: An in vitro study

Purpose: This study evaluated whether photopolymerised coatings containing zwitterion or hydrophilic monomers would reduce the adhesion of Candida albicans to an acrylic resin. Materials and methods: Disc-shaped samples (n = 468) were fabricated with rough or smooth surfaces. The samples did not receive any surface treatment (control) or were coated with one of the following experimental coatings (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate - HE; 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate - HP; and 2-trimethylammonium ethyl methacrylate chloride - T; and sulfobetaine methacrylate - S). The concentrations of the constituent monomers were 25, 30 or 35%. The water contact angles of the samples were measured, and half of the samples were exposed to saliva. The adherent yeast cells were counted after crystal violet staining. Results: For the smooth samples, the groups S35, HP35 and HE35 showed significantly lower number of adhered Candida than control, in the absence of saliva. There were no significant differences among the experimental and control groups for the rough samples, but the saliva decreased the cell numbers for groups S25, S30 and HP30. The photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the changes in the chemical compositions of the experimental samples. Conclusions: The experimental photopolymerised coatings changed the chemical composition and decreased C. albicans adhesion in the groups S35, HP35 and HE35, suggesting that they should be further investigated. © 2012 The Gerodontology Society and John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Effect of ceramic surface treatment on the shear bond strength of a resin cement to different ceramic systems

This study evaluated three surface treatments and their effects on the shear bond strength between a resin cement and one of three ceramics. The ceramic surfaces were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM ) as well. Specimens were treated with 50 μm aluminum oxide airborne particles, 10% hydrofluoric acid etching, or a combination of the two. Using a matrix with a center hole (5.0 mm × 3.0 mm), the ceramic bonding areas were filled with resin cement following treatment. The specimens were submitted to thermal cycling (1,000 cycles) and the shear bond strength was tested (0.5 mm/minute). The failure mode and the effect of surface treatment were analyzed under SEM . Data were submitted to ANOVA and a Tukey test (α = 0.05). Duceram Plus and IPS Empress 2 composite specimens produced similar shear bond strength results (p > 0.05), regardless of the treatment method used. Hydrofluoric acid decreased the shear bond strength of In-Ceram Alumina specimens. For all materials, surface treatments changed the morphological surface. All treatments influenced the shear bond strength and failure mode of the ceramic/resin cement composites.