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.

Effect of different disinfectants on the microhardness and roughness of acrylic resins for ocular prosthesis

Background: Ocular prosthesis materials should have specific properties for their indication and durability; therefore, it is important to investigate their physical behaviour when affected by several disinfectants. Objectives: This study evaluated the influence of different disinfecting solutions on the microhardness and surface roughness of acrylic resins for ocular prosthesis. Materials and Methods: Fifty samples simulating ocular prostheses were fabricated with N1 resin and colourless resin and divided (n = 10) according to the disinfectant used: neutral soap, Opti-free, Efferdent, 1% hypochlorite (HYC) and 4% chlorhexidine (CHX). Samples were stored in saline solution at 37°C and disinfected during 120 days. Both microhardness and roughness were investigated before, after 60 days and 120 days of disinfection and storage. Microhardness was measured using a microhardner and the roughness with a roughness device. Results: N1 resin showed lower microhardness when compared with colourless resin (p < 0.05). HYC and CHX groups exhibited the highest change of microhardness and roughness values (p < 0.05). An increase in roughness and reduction in microhardness of ocular acrylic resins were observed after both periods of disinfection and storage (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both disinfection/storage periods affected the microhardness and roughness values of the samples. © 2012 The Gerodontology Society and John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Effect of thermal cycling and disinfection on microhardness of acrylic resin denture base

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of thermal cycling and disinfection on the microhardness of acrylic resins denture base. Four different brands of acrylic resins were evaluated: Onda Cryl, QC 20, Classico and Lucitone. Each brand of acrylic resin was divided into four groups (n = 7) according to the disinfection method (microwave, Efferdent, 4% chlorhexidine and 1% hypochlorite). Samples were disinfected during 60 days. Before and after disinfection, samples were thermal cycled between 5-55 °C with 30-s dwell times for 1000 cycles. The microhardness was measured using a microhardener, at baseline (B), after first thermal cycling (T1), after disinfection (D) and after second thermal cycling (T2). The microhardness values of all groups reduced over time. QC-20 acrylic resin exhibited the lowest microhardness values. At B and T1 periods, the acrylic resins exhibited statistically greater microhardness values when compared to D and T2 periods. It can be concluded that the microhardness values of the acrylic resins denture base were affected by the thermal cycling and disinfection procedures. However, all microhardness values obtained herein are within acceptable clinical limits for the acrylic resins. © 2013 Informa UK Ltd.

Effect of carbamide peroxide bleaching gel on composite resin flexural strength and microhardness

This study investigated the effect of 16% carbamide peroxide (Whiteness Perfect/FGM) on the Vickers microhardness and flexural strength of the restorative composites Filtek Z100 (hybrid), Filtek Z350 (nanofill), Brilliant (micro-hybrid) and Opallis (micro-hybrid). Discshaped (4×2 mm; n=5) and bar-shaped (12×2×1 mm; n=10) specimens of each restorative material were randomly divided into 2 groups: (G1) 16 weeks stored in distilled water; (G2) 16 weeks stored in distilled water, with 16% carbamide peroxide application during 6 h per day for the last 4 weeks. The mechanical properties were evaluated using a Vickers microhardness tester and a mechanical testing machine. Data were analyzed by twoway ANOVA and Tukey's (HSD) post-hoc test (α=0.05). Filtek Z100 presented the highest microhardness value, followed by Filtek Z350 and finally by Brilliant and Opallis (p=0.00). Filtek Z100 and Brilliant exhibited the highest flexural strength value, followed by Filtek Z350 and Opallis (p=0.00). Bleaching treatment decreased significantly microhardness of Brilliant and Opallis (p=0.00). The flexural strength of all studied materials was not affected by the home bleaching (p=0.28).

Effect of final irrigation protocols on microhardness and erosion of root canal dentin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of final irrigation protocols (17% EDTA, BioPure MTAD, SmearClear, and QMiX) on microhardness and erosion of root canal dentin. Fifty roots were sectioned transversely at the cement-enamel junction and each root was sectioned horizontally into 4-mm-thick slices. The samples were divided into five groups (n=10) according to the final irrigation protocol: G1: distilled water (control group); G2: 17% EDTA; G3: BioPure MTAD; G4: SmearClear; and G5: QMiX. The dentin microhardness was then measured with a load of 25 g for 10 s. Initially, the reference microhardness values were obtained for the samples without any etching. The same samples were then submitted to the final irrigation protocols. A new measure was realized and the difference between before and after the procedures was the dentin microhardness reduction. In sequence, the specimens were submitted to SEM analysis to verify the dentinal erosion. The Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests (α=5%) were used to compare the results. The dentin microhardness decreased for all final irrigation protocols. There was no significant difference between groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 (P>0.05), but this groups presented significant dentin microhardness reduction than G1 (P<0.05). In G2, occurred the highest incidence of dentinal erosion (P<0.05). 17% EDTA, BioPure MTAD, SmearClear, and QMiX promoted significant dentin microhardness reduction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Time reduction of light curing: Influence on conversion degree and microhardness of orthodontic composites

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of curing time and power on the degree of conversion and surface microhardness of 3 orthodontic composites. Methods: One hundred eighty discs, 6 mm in diameter, were divided into 3 groups of 60 samples according to the composite used-Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif), Opal Bond MV (Ultradent, South Jordan, Utah), and Transbond Plus Color Change (3M Unitek)-and each group was further divided into 3 subgroups (n = 20). Five samples were used to measure conversion, and 15 were used to measure microhardness. A light-emitting diode curing unit with multiwavelength emission of broad light was used for curing at 3 power levels (530, 760, and 1520 mW) and 3 times (8.5, 6, and 3 seconds), always totaling 4.56 joules. Five specimens from each subgroup were ground and mixed with potassium bromide to produce 8-mm tablets to be compared with 5 others made similarly with the respective noncured composite. These were placed into a spectrometer, and software was used for analysis. A microhardness tester was used to take Knoop hardness (KHN) measurements in 15 discs of each subgroup. The data were analyzed with 2 analysis of variance tests at 2 levels. Results: Differences were found in the conversion degree of the composites cured at different times and powers (P < 0.01). The composites showed similar degrees of conversion when light cured at 8.5 seconds (80.7%) and 6 seconds (79.0%), but not at 3 seconds (75.0%). The conversion degrees of the composites were different, with group 3 (87.2%) higher than group 2 (83.5%), which was higher than group 1 (64.0%). Differences in microhardness were also found (P < 0.01), with lower microhardness at 8.5 seconds (35.2 KHN), but no difference was observed between 6 seconds (41.6 KHN) and 3 seconds (42.8 KHN). Group 3 had the highest surface microhardness (35.9 KHN) compared with group 2 (33.7 KHN) and group 1 (30.0 KHN). Conclusions: Curing time can be reduced up to 6 seconds by increasing the power, with a slight decrease in the degree of conversion at 3 seconds; the decrease has a positive effect on the surface microhardness.

Influence of nanoparticles on color stability, microhardness, and flexural strength of acrylic resins specific for ocular prosthesis

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Dentin microhardness during and after whitening treatments

Objective: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of bleaching agents on dentin microhardness during and after bleaching. Method and materials: Specimens were randomly assigned to seven groups (n = 15): Nite White Excel 2 Z [NW] 10% and 22%; Rembrandt [REM] 10% and 22%; Opalescence [OPA] 10% and 20%; and a placebo agent. The 42-day whitening treatment consisted of daily application of the agents to the dentin surfaces for 8 hours, followed by immersion in artificial saliva for 16 hours. After the bleaching treatment, specimens were kept immersed in artificial saliva for 14 days. Microhardness was measured at baseline, 8 hours, and 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days of bleaching and during the posttreatment period (7 and 14 days). Results: The analysis of variance for split-plot showed a significant effect on the interaction between bleaching agent and time. Tukey's test and regression analyses revealed that during the bleaching period, the agents NW 10%, NW 22%, and OPA 20%, which did not differ from each other, did not alter dentin microhardness, showing constant microhardness values. There were no differences among REM 10%, REM 22%, and OPA 10%, which showed significant reductions in microhardness after day 14 compared to other agents. After bleaching procedures, there was an increase in dentin microhardness for all groups. Conclusion: Throughout the bleaching treatment, depending on the agent applied, dentin showed a transitory decrease in microhardness values. In the posttreatment period, artificial saliva presented a remineralizing effect on the bleached surfaces.

Microhardness of the enamel exposed to whitening dentifrices

The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of three different types of dentifrices on the superficial microhardness of bovine enamel. Methods: Forty-eight 4x4mm dental fragments were polished and randomly divided into 4 groups: GI, conventional silica-based dentifrice; GII, hydrogen peroxide-based dentifrice; GIII, carbamide peroxide-based dentifrice; and GIV, immersion in artificial saliva. After polished, the specimens received five indentations of 25g static load, for 5 seconds. Subsequently, specimens from groups GI, GII and GIII were immersed in solution containing dentifrice and distilled water, in weight proportion of 1:2, for 15 minutes daily. After this period, fragments were rinsed in tap water and stored in artificial saliva at 37oC. This procedure was repeated for 21 days and then a new analysis of the microhardness was performed. Results and conclusion: The results were submitted to ANOVA and Fisher’s test at 5%. It was concluded that all samples treated with dentifrices showed hardness decrease, being most pronounced in dentifrices containing peroxide.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite under several formulations on root canal dentin microhardness

Aim The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of three different formulations of sodium hypochlorite on the microhardness of root canal dentin in cervical and apical segments. Methods Twenty-four extracted human teeth had their roots sectioned along their long axes in a buccolingual direction. One half of each root was selected, and transversely sectioned resulting in two segments, cervical and apical, with similar lengths. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 16), according to the sodium hypochlorite formulation used: (a) group 1, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite; (b) group 2, Chlor-XTRA; and (c) group 3, 5.5% sodium hypochlorite gel. These groups were subdivided in two subgroups (n = 8): cervical and apical root segments. Before testing the substances, dentin microhardness was measured on each section, 100 μm from the root canal with a Knoop tester. After 15 min of application, a new measurement was performed on each segment. Data were collected and registered for statistical treatment. Results In both segments, the substances reduced dentin microhardness. No differences were observed between the groups, independent of the analyzed segment (P > 0.05). Conclusions All substances reduced dentin microhardness. Chlor-XTRA and 5.5% sodium hypochlorite gel promoted a reduction similar to the 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution.

Impact of chemical agents for surface treatments on microhardness and flexural strength of root dentin

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Different bacterial models for in vitro induction of non-cavitated enamel caries-like lesions: microhardness and polarized light miscroscopy analyses

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of hydrogen peroxide concentration on enamel color and microhardness

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydrogen peroxide gels with different concentrations (20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%) on enamel Knoop microhardness (KNIT) as well as on changes in dental color (C).Methods: Cylindrical specimens of enamel/dentin (3-nun diameter and 2-nun thickness) were obtained from bovine incisors and randomly divided into six groups (n=20), according to the concentration of the whitening gel (20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, control, thickener). After polishing, initial values of KNH0 and color measurement, assessed by spectrophotometry using the CIE L*a*b* system, were taken from the enamel surface. The gels were applied on the enamel surface for 30 minutes, and immediate values of KNHi were taken. After seven days of being stored in artificial saliva, new measures of KNH7 and color (L-7* a(7)* b(7)*, for calculating Delta E, Delta L, and Delta b) were made. Data were submitted to statistical analysis of variance, followed by Tukey test (p<0.05).Results: Differences in gel concentration and time did not influence the microhardness (p=0.54 and p=0.29, respectively). In relation to color changes, Delta E data showed that the 35% gel presented a higher color alteration than the 20% gel did (p=0.006).Conclusion: Bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide gel was more effective than with the 20% gel, without promoting significant adverse effects on enamel surface microhardness.

A comparison of microhardness of indirect composite restorative materials

The purpose of this study was to compare the microhardness of four indirect composite resins. Forty cylindrical samples were prepared according to the manufacturer s recommendations using a Teflon mold. Ten specimens were produced from each tested material, constituting four groups (n=10) as follows: G1 - Artglass; G2 - Sinfony; G3 - Solidex; G4 - Targis. Microhardness was determined by the Vickers indentation technique with a load of 300g for 10 seconds. Four indentations were made on each sample, determining the mean microhardness values for each specimen. Descriptive statistics data for the experimental conditions were: G1 - Artglass (mean ±standard deviation: 55.26 ± 1.15HVN; median: 52.6); G2 - Sinfony (31.22 ± 0.65HVN; 31.30); G3 - Solidex (52.25 ± 1.55HVN; 52.60); G4 - Targis (72.14 ± 2.82HVN; 73.30). An exploratory data analysis was performed to determine the most appropriate statistical test through: (I) Levene's for homogeneity of variances; (II) ANOVA on ranks (Kruskal-Wallis); (III) Dunn's multiple comparison test (0.05). Targis presented the highest microhardness values while Sinfony presented the lowest. Artglass and Solidex were found as intermediate materials. These results indicate that distinct mechanical properties may be observed at specific materials. The composition of each material as well as variations on polymerization methods are possibly responsibles for the difference found in microhardness. Therefore, indirect composite resin materials that guarantee both good esthetics and adequate mechanical properties may be considered as substitutes of natural teeth.

Effect of incorporation of remineralizing agents into bleaching gels on the microhardness of bovine enamel in situ

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)