Is thermography an effective screening tool for differentiating benign and malignant skin lesions in the head and neck? A systematic review.

The aim of this study was to assess, through a systematic review, the status of infrared thermography (IRT) as a diagnostic tool for skin neoplasms of the head and neck region and in order to validate its effectiveness in differentiating benign and malignant lesions. A search was carried out in the LILACS, PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science and EMBASE databases including studies published between 2004 and 2024, written in the Latin-Roman alphabet. Accuracy studies with patients aged 18 years or over presenting benign and malignant lesions in the head and neck region that evaluated the performance of IRT in differentiating these lesions were included. Lesions of mesenchymal origin and studies that did not mention histopathological diagnosis were excluded. The systematic review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023416079). Reviewers independently analyzed titles, abstracts, and full-texts. After extracting data, the risk of bias of the selected studies was assessed using the QUADAS - 2 tool. Results were narratively synthesized and the certainty of evidence was measured using the GRADE approach. The search resulted in 1,587 records and three studies were included. Only one of the assessed studies used static IRT, while the other two studies used cold thermal stress. All studies had an uncertain risk of bias. In general, studies have shown wide variation in the accuracy of IRT for differentiating between malignant and benign lesions, with a low level of certainty in the evidence for both specificity and sensitivity.

The potential use of glycosyl-transferase inhibitors for targeted reduction of S. mutans biofilms in dental materials.

Streptococcus mutans is the primary oral caries-forming bacteria, adept at producing "sticky" biofilms via the synthesis of insoluble extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), catalyzed by glucosyltransferases (GTFs). To circumvent the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics to combat these bacteria, this study sought to modify existing EPS-targeting small molecules with the ultimate goal of producing anti-biofilm polymer surfaces specifically targeting S. mutans. To achieve this, a known GTF inhibitor (G43) was modified with methoxy or tetraethyleneglycol substitutions in different positions (nine derivatives, tested at 50-µM) to pinpoint potential sites for future methacrylate functionalization, and then assessed against single-species S. mutans biofilms. As expected, the compounds did not diminish the bacterial viability. In general, the compounds with methoxy substitution were not effective in reducing EPS formation, whereas the tetraethyleneglycol substitution (G43-C3-TEG) led to a decrease in the concentration of insoluble EPS, although the effect is less pronounced than for the parent G43. This aligns with the reduced GTF-C activity observed at different concentrations of G43-C3-TEG, as well as the consequent decrease in EPS formation, and notable structural changes. In summary, this study determined that G43-C3-TEG is non-bactericidal and can selectively reduce the biofilm formation, by decreasing the production of EPS. This molecule will serve to functionalize surfaces of materials to be tested in future research.

Toughening and polymerization stress control in composites using thiourethane-treated fillers.

Filler particle functionalization with thiourethane oligomers has been shown to increase fracture toughness and decrease polymerization stress in dental composites, though the mechanism is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to systematically characterize the effect of the type of filler surface functionalization on the physicochemical properties of experimental resin composites containing fillers of different size and volume fraction. Barium glass fillers (1, 3 and 10 µm) were functionalized with 2 wt% thiourethane-silane (TU-Sil) synthesized de novo and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis. Fillers treated with 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MA-Sil) and with no surface treatment (No-Sil) served as controls. Fillers (50, 60 and 70 wt%) were incorporated into BisGMA-UDMA-TEGDMA (5:3:2) containing camphorquinone/ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (0.2/0.8 wt%) and 0.2 wt% di-tert-butyl hydroxytoluene. The functionalized particles were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and a representative group was tagged with methacrylated rhodamine B and analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Polymerization kinetics were assessed by near-IR spectroscopy. Polymerization stress was tested in a cantilever system, and fracture toughness was assessed with single edge-notched beams. Fracture surfaces were characterized by SEM. Data were analyzed with ANOVA/Tukey's test (α = 0.05). The grafting of thiourethane oligomer onto the surface of the filler particles led to reductions in polymerization stress ranging between 41 and 54%, without affecting the viscosity of the composite. Fracture toughness increased on average by 35% for composites with the experimental fillers compared with the traditional methacrylate-silanized groups. SEM and confocal analyses demonstrate that the coverage of the filler surface was not homogeneous and varied with the size of the filler. The average silane layer for the 1 µm particle functionalized with the thiourethane was 206 nm, much thicker than reported for traditional silanes. In summary, this study systematically characterized the silane layer and established structure-property relationships for methacrylate and thiourethane silane-containing materials. The results demonstrate that significant stress reductions and fracture toughness increases are obtained by judiciously tailoring the organic-inorganic interface in dental composites.

Strategies for Potential Toughening of Acrylic Denture Bases Polymerized With Microwave Energy.

Thiourethane additives have been shown to improve properties in several dental polymer applications. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of the addition of thiourethane oligomers and acrylamide or isobornyl-based plasticizers on the physical properties of the denture base acrylic resin polymerized with microwaves. Thiourethane oligomer (TU) was synthetized and added to microwaved acrylic resin in proportions varying between 3 and 14 wt%. Separate experimental groups included the addition of dimethyl acrylamide (DMAM) and isobornyl methacrylate as plasticizers, at concentrations varying from 5 to 20 wt%. Samples were polymerized using microwave energy at 500 Watts for 3 min, deflasked at room temperature, stored in water at 37 °C for 24 h, and evaluated for: linear dimensional change, gloss, Knoop hardness, surface roughness, impact strength, yield strength, elastic modulus, toughness, yield strength, viscosity, glass transition temperature and network heterogeneity, and water sorption/solubility. Data were analyzed with ANOVA/Tukey's post-hoc test (a=5%). The addition of TU led to properties that were similar or worse than the materials to which it was not added, except for dimensional stability. The impact on properties was statistically significant for all materials above 20% addition of TU. The addition of DMAM at 5 wt% or isobornyl methacrylate at 10 wt% improved yield strength and modulus, but increased water sorption and solubility. Except for dimensional stability, the addition of thiourethane oligomers to acrylic denture base materials compromised most tested properties. The use of DMAM and isobornyl methacrylate improved properties for selected compositions.

Effect of the addition of functionalized TiO2 nanotubes and nanoparticles on properties of experimental resin composites.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the addition of functionalized and non-functionalized TiO2 nanostructures on properties of a resin composite. METHODS: TiO2 nanostructures were synthesized and functionalized, using 3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTMS) and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TSMPM). Characterizations were performed with XRD, EDS, TEM, and TGA. Resin composites containing Bis-GMA/TEGDMA, CQ, DABE, and barium-aluminum silicate glass were produced according to TiO2 nanostructure (nanotube or nanoparticle), concentration (0.3 or 0.9 wt%), and functionalization (APTMS or TSMPM). The resin composite without nanostructures was used as control. The amount of fillers was kept constant at 78.3 wt% for all materials. The degree of conversion (DC - at 0 h and 24 h), maximum polymerization rate (Rpmax), and Knoop microhardness (KHN before and after ethanol softening) were evaluated. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and Tukey's HSD (α = 0.05). RESULTS: TGA results demonstrated that functionalizations were effective for both nanostructures. For DC, resin composites, time and interaction effect were significant (p < 0.001). Higher DC was found for 0.3-wt%-functionalized-nanotubes at 24 h. For nanoparticles, only 0.9-wt%-non-functionalized and 0.3-wt%-APTMS-functionalized showed DC similar to the control and all other groups showed higher DC (p < 0.05). Rpmax was higher for 0.3-wt%-APTMS-nanotubes, which corresponded to higher DC after 24 h. The lowest Rpmax occurred for 0.9-wt%-TSMPM-nanotubes, which showed smaller DC at 0 h. For KHN, resin composites, ethanol softening and interaction effect were significant (p < 0.001). KHN decreased after ethanol softening all groups, except for 0.3-wt%-TSMPM-nanotubes, 0.9-wt%-TSMPM-nanotubes, and 0.3-wt%-non-functionalized-nanoparticles. CONCLUSION: The resin with 0.3-wt%-TSMPM-nanotubes showed higher DC after 24 h, while being the most stable material after the ethanol softening. SIGNIFICANCE: The addition of functionalized TiO2 nanostructures in resin-based materials may improve the properties of the material.

Strategies for potential toughening of acrylic denture bases polymerized with microwave energy

Abstract Thiourethane additives have been shown to improve properties in several dental polymer applications. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of the addition of thiourethane oligomers and acrylamide or isobornyl-based plasticizers on the physical properties of the denture base acrylic resin polymerized with microwaves. Thiourethane oligomer (TU) was synthetized and added to microwaved acrylic resin in proportions varying between 3 and 14 wt%. Separate experimental groups included the addition of dimethyl acrylamide (DMAM) and isobornyl methacrylate as plasticizers, at concentrations varying from 5 to 20 wt%. Samples were polymerized using microwave energy at 500 Watts for 3 min, deflasked at room temperature, stored in water at 37 °C for 24 h, and evaluated for: linear dimensional change, gloss, Knoop hardness, surface roughness, impact strength, yield strength, elastic modulus, toughness, yield strength, viscosity, glass transition temperature and network heterogeneity, and water sorption/solubility. Data were analyzed with ANOVA/Tukey's post-hoc test (a=5%). The addition of TU led to properties that were similar or worse than the materials to which it was not added, except for dimensional stability. The impact on properties was statistically significant for all materials above 20% addition of TU. The addition of DMAM at 5 wt% or isobornyl methacrylate at 10 wt% improved yield strength and modulus, but increased water sorption and solubility. Except for dimensional stability, the addition of thiourethane oligomers to acrylic denture base materials compromised most tested properties. The use of DMAM and isobornyl methacrylate improved properties for selected compositions.

Resumo Aditivos de tiouretano demonstraram melhorar propriedades de polímeros em diversas aplicações. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito da adição de oligômeros de tiouretano, monômeros de acrilamida ou baseados em funcionalidade isobornil na propriedades físicas de bases de dentadura de acrílico polimerizadas em micro-ondas. O oligômero de tiouretano (TU) foi sintetizado e adicionado à resina acrílica em proporções variando de 3 a 14% em peso. Dimetil acrilamida (DMAM) e isobornil metacrilato (IBMA) foram adicionados em formulações separadas como plastificantes em concentrações variando de 5 a 20% em peso. As amostras foram polimerizadas usando energia de micro-ondas (500 Watts oor 3 min), desincluídas da mufla a temperature ambiente, armazenadas em água a 37°C por 24 h, e submetidas aos testes de: alteração dimensional linear, brilho, dureza Knoop, rugosidade superficial, resistência ao impacto, tensão normal de escoamento, módulo de elasticidade, tenacidade, viscosidade, temperatura de transição vítrea e heterogeneidade da rede polimérica, além de sorção de água e solubilidade. Os dados foram analisados com ANOVA e teste de Tukey (a=5%). A adição de TU não afetou ou diminuiu todas as propriedades, exceto pela estabilidade dimensional. O impacto nas propriedades foi estatisticamente significante para todos os materiais em concentrações acima de 20% de TU. Isso pode ser explicado por um encurtamento das cadeias e diminuição do empacotamento das cadeias lineares do PMMA. A adição de 5% de DMAM ou 10% de isobornil metacrilato melhoraram a tensão de escoamento e o módulo, mas aumentaram a sorção de água e solubilidade. Exceto pela estabilidade dimensional, a adição de oligômeros de tiouretano à bases de dentatura compostas por resina acrílica prejudicou todas a propriedades testadas. O uso de DMAM e isobornil metacrilato melhorou as propriedades para composições selecionadas.

Microtensile Bond Strength and Microhardness of Composite Resin Restorations Using a Sonic-Resin Placement System.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of applying sonic energy on microtensile bond strength and microhardness after the restoration process. A total of 40 human third molars were extracted. Class II cavities were prepared and restored with composite SonicFill or Filtek Z350 XT with and without the application of sonic energy. After the teeth were stored in water for 24 h, the teeth were sectioned into sticks (1.0 mm2) and subjected to tensile testing. For a depth Knoop hardness test, the samples were cut and indentations were made sequentially from the surface of the samples to the bottom of the samples in three intervals of 1 mm each. The samples were then subjected to a load of 50 g for 10 s. The results from the tensile (factors: placement system and composite) and hardness (factors: placement system, composite and depth) tests were subjected to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, followed by analysis of variance and Tukey's test (5% significance). For the placement system factor, higher bond strength was observed for the cavities that were restored with sonic energy (p < 0.001). For depth Knoop hardness, the hardness at 1 mm depth was significantly greater than that at 3 mm depth just for the restorations with Filtek Z350 XT composite without the application of sonic energy. Therefore, the use of sonic energy during the restorative process improved bonding, yet it did not markedly affect the depth hardness for both composites.

Microtensile Bond Strength and Microhardness of Composite Resin Restorations Using a Sonic-Resin Placement System

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of applying sonic energy on microtensile bond strength and microhardness after the restoration process. A total of 40 human third molars were extracted. Class II cavities were prepared and restored with composite SonicFill or Filtek Z350 XT with and without the application of sonic energy. After the teeth were stored in water for 24 h, the teeth were sectioned into sticks (1.0 mm2) and subjected to tensile testing. For a depth Knoop hardness test, the samples were cut and indentations were made sequentially from the surface of the samples to the bottom of the samples in three intervals of 1 mm each. The samples were then subjected to a load of 50 g for 10 s. The results from the tensile (factors: placement system and composite) and hardness (factors: placement system, composite and depth) tests were subjected to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, followed by analysis of variance and Tukey's test (5% significance). For the placement system factor, higher bond strength was observed for the cavities that were restored with sonic energy (p < 0.001). For depth Knoop hardness, the hardness at 1 mm depth was significantly greater than that at 3 mm depth just for the restorations with Filtek Z350 XT composite without the application of sonic energy. Therefore, the use of sonic energy during the restorative process improved bonding, yet it did not markedly affect the depth hardness for both composites.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da aplicação de energia sônica sobre a resistência de união à microtração e a microdureza após o processo de restauração. Um total de 40 terceiros molares humanos foram extraídos. Cavidades Classe II foram preparadas e restauradas com os compósitos SonicFill ou Filtek Z350 XT com e sem a aplicação de energia sônica. Após os dentes serem armazenados em água durante 24 h, foram seccionados em palitos (1,0 mm2) e submetidos a ensaio de tração. Para um ensaio de dureza Knoop de profundidade, as amostras foram cortadas e as penetrações foram feitas sequencialmente a partir da superfície para o fundo das amostras em três intervalos de 1 mm cada. As amostras foram então submetidas a uma carga de 50 g durante 10 s. Os resultados dos testes de tração (fatores: sistema de inserção e compósito) e dureza (fatores: sistema de inserção x compósito x profundidade) foram submetidos ao teste de normalidade Kolmogorov-Smirnov, seguido da análise de variância e do teste de Tukey (significância de 5%). Para o fator sistema de inserção, observou-se maior resistência de união para as cavidades que foram restauradas com energia sônica (p < 0,001). Para a dureza Knoop de profundidade, a dureza a 1 mm de profundidade foi significativamente maior do que a profundidade de 3 mm apenas para as restaurações com o compósito Filtek Z350 XT sem a aplicação de energia sônica. Portanto, o uso de energia sônica durante o processo restaurador melhorou a união, mas não afetou acentuadamente a dureza de profundidade para ambos os compósitos.

Influence of Surface Treatments and Adhesive Systems on Lithium Disilicate Microshear Bond Strength.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microshear bond strength of ceramic prosthetic structures reinforced by lithium disilicate cemented with resin cement under conditions of different surface treatments and adhesive systems. Seventy-two rectangular blocks of lithium disilicate (6.5 mm long × 5 mm wide × 1 mm thick) were fabricated, air abraded with 50-µm Al2O3 particles and divided into six groups (n=12) depending on the surface pretreatments. The groups were as follows: 10HF/S/SBM: 10% hydrofluoric acid etched for 20 s (10HF) + silane (S) + Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBM); 10HF/S/SB: 10HF + S + Single Bond Universal (SB); 10HF/SBM; 10HF/SB; S/SBM and S/SB. Two 1-mm-long plastic tubes were placed on the specimens, filled with RelyX ARC resin cement and cured for 20 s per tube. The plastic tube was removed, and the microshear bond strength was tested. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey's tests (α=0.05). Fractured specimens were observed under optical microscopy. For both adhesives, the bond strengths (MPa) of groups treated with acid-etching and silane (10HF/S/SB: 24.82, 10HF/S/SBM: 24.90) were higher (p<0.001) than those of groups treated with acid-etching (10HF/SB: 16.47, 10HF/SBM: 19.94) only or only silane (S/SB: 18.42, S/SBM: 13.24). All groups showed a predominance of failure adhesive. The silanization should be a clinical step in cementing ceramic structures reinforced by lithium disilicate, even with the application of universal adhesive that contains silane in its formulation.

Influence of Surface Treatments and Adhesive Systems on Lithium Disilicate Microshear Bond Strength

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microshear bond strength of ceramic prosthetic structures reinforced by lithium disilicate cemented with resin cement under conditions of different surface treatments and adhesive systems. Seventy-two rectangular blocks of lithium disilicate (6.5 mm long × 5 mm wide × 1 mm thick) were fabricated, air abraded with 50-μm Al2O3 particles and divided into six groups (n=12) depending on the surface pretreatments. The groups were as follows: 10HF/S/SBM: 10% hydrofluoric acid etched for 20 s (10HF) + silane (S) + Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBM); 10HF/S/SB: 10HF + S + Single Bond Universal (SB); 10HF/SBM; 10HF/SB; S/SBM and S/SB. Two 1-mm-long plastic tubes were placed on the specimens, filled with RelyX ARC resin cement and cured for 20 s per tube. The plastic tube was removed, and the microshear bond strength was tested. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey's tests (α=0.05). Fractured specimens were observed under optical microscopy. For both adhesives, the bond strengths (MPa) of groups treated with acid-etching and silane (10HF/S/SB: 24.82, 10HF/S/SBM: 24.90) were higher (p<0.001) than those of groups treated with acid-etching (10HF/SB: 16.47, 10HF/SBM: 19.94) only or only silane (S/SB: 18.42, S/SBM: 13.24). All groups showed a predominance of failure adhesive. The silanization should be a clinical step in cementing ceramic structures reinforced by lithium disilicate, even with the application of universal adhesive that contains silane in its formulation.

Resumo O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar a resistência de união ao microcisalhamento de estruturas protéticas cerâmicas reforçadas por dissilicato de lítio cimentadas com cimento resinoso sob diferentes tratamentos de superfície e sistemas adesivos. Setenta e duas barras retangulares de dissilicato de lítio (6,5 mm de comprimento × 5 mm de largura × 1 mm de espessura) foram fabricadas, tratados com partículas de Al2O3 (50 μm) e dividido em seis grupos (n=12) dependendo dos pré-tratamentos de superfície. Os grupos foram como se segue: 10HF/S/SBM: condicionamento com ácido fluorídrico 10% durante 20 s (10HF) + silano (S) + Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBM); 10HF/S/SB: 10HF + S + Single Bond Universal (SB); 10HF/SBM; 10HF/SB; S/SBM; e S/SB. Dois tubos plásticos cilíndricos de 1 mm de comprimento foram colocados sobre os espécimes, preenchidos com cimento RelyX ARC e fotoativado durante 20 s por tubo. Os tubos plásticos foram removidos e a resistência de união ao microcisalhamento foi testada. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey (α=0,05). Espécimes fraturados foram observados sob microscopia óptica. Para ambos os adesivos, a resistência de união (MPa) dos grupos tratados com condicionamento ácido e silano (10HF/S/SB: 24,82, 10HF/S/SBM: 24,90) foram superiores (p<0.001) aos grupos tratados com condicionamento ácido apenas (10HF/SB: 16,47, 10HF/SBM: 19,94) ou apenas silano (S/SB: 18,42, S/SBM: 13,24). Todos os grupos apresentaram uma predominância de falha adesiva. A silanização deve ser um passo clínico em cimentação de estruturas cerâmicas reforçadas por dissilicato de lítio, mesmo com a aplicação do adesivo universal que contém em sua formulação um silano.

Influence of irradiance on Knoop hardness, degree of conversion, and polymerization shrinkage of nanofilled and microhybrid composite resins.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the irradiance emitted by a light-curing unit on microhardness, degree of conversion (DC), and gaps resulting from shrinkage of 2 dental composite resins. Cylinders of nanofilled and microhybrid composites were fabricated and light cured. After 24 hours, the tops and bottoms of the specimens were evaluated via indentation testing and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine Knoop hardness number (KHN) and DC, respectively. Gap width (representing polymerization shrinkage) was measured under a scanning electron microscope. The nanofilled composite specimens presented significantly greater KHNs than did the microhybrid specimens (P < 0.05). The microhybrid composite resin exhibited significantly greater DC and gap width than the nanofilled material (P < 0.05). Irradiance had a mostly material-dependent influence on the hardness and DC, but not the polymerization shrinkage, of composite resins.

Evaluation of contraction stress, conversion degree, and cross-link density in low-shrinkage composites.

OBJECTIVE: The contraction stress, degree of conversion, and cross-link density (CLD) of the Venus Diamond (low-shrinkage), Filtek P90 (low-shrinkage) and Filtek Z350 XT composites were evaluated after photopolymerization by quartz tungsten halogen or light-emitting diode light curing units. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contraction stress measurements were performed on 60 samples fabricated in rings of photoelastic resin. The adhesive was applied and photoactivated, followed by insertion and photoactivation of the composites. The contraction stress (MPa) was measured using a polariscope. The measurements of degree of conversion (%DC) were determined from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the top and bottom surfaces on 60 specimens. Cross-link density was estimated from hardness measurements performed at the top and bottom surfaces on 60 specimens. The Knoop hardness number was measured, and the specimens were placed in absolute ethanol for 24 h. The hardness was again determined and the CLD was estimated from the percentage decrease in hardness (PD) occurring during ethanol exposure for each surface. The contraction stress and PD data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). The DC data were subjected to one way analysis of variance on ranks followed by pairwise multiple comparisons using Tukey's test (5%). RESULTS: The Venus Diamond composite exhibited lower contraction stress than other composites, with degrees of conversion similar to those of Filtek Z350 XT at both surfaces, and independent of the light curing unit. The PD value of Venus Diamond was also lower than that for the other composites. CONCLUSIONS: The low-shrinkage Venus Diamond composite may potentially reduce stress at the restoration/tooth interface.

Effects of different photo-polymerization protocols on resin-dentine µTBS, mechanical properties and cross-link density of a nano-filled resin composite.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of four different light-curing protocols on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), Knoop micro-hardness (KH) and cross-link density (CLD) of a nano-filled resin composite. METHODS: Filtek Supreme XT (3M-ESPE) was used for the entire experiments following four light-curing approaches: ST, standard irradiance; HI, high irradiance; PD, pulse delay; SS, soft start. The specimens were submitted to different storage periods (24h or 6 months), cut into match-sticks and subsequently submitted to µTBS testing. Hourglass specimens were also prepared for UTS and KH. Cylindrical specimens were prepared for the CLD evaluation after absolute ethanol challenge. The results were statistically analyzed with a two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). RESULTS: For UTS and KH, continuous irradiance (PD and SS) induced statistically higher results (p<0.05) both after 24h and 6 months of water storage compared to ST and HI groups. However, a drop in UTS and KH was obtained after 6 months in all groups. The µTBS was not affected by the different light-curing approaches and, no statistical differences (p>0.05) were observed between 24h and 6 months storage. The CLD evaluation showed a statistical drop in KH after 24h of ethanol storage for PD and SS (step-curing protocols) compared to those attained in continuous mode (ST and HI). CONCLUSION: The soft-start mode may improve the UTS and KH of nano-filled resin composites without compromising the resin-dentine µTBS. However, both the step-curing protocols may reduce the cross-link density of the composite polymeric network. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: High irradiances photo-polymerization may be adequate for direct aesthetic restorations such as veneers and onlays. Meanwhile, the soft start protocol would seem more appropriate for the photo-polymerization of high c-factors class I and II restorations.

Evaluation of the light energy transmission and bottom/top rate in silorane and methacrylate-based composites with different photoactivation protocols.

AIM: This study investigated the influence of different composite resin organic matrix (methacrylate - Filtek Z350 XT and silorane - Filtek P90) on light energy transmission through the composite and bottom/top rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A light-emitting diode (New Blue Phase), light-curing unit was used with different photoactivation protocols (high-continuous mode - HCM, 1400 mW/cm2 for 20 seconds; low-continuous mode - LCM , 700 mW/cm2 for 40 seconds; and soft-start mode - SSM, 140 mW/cm2 for 5s followed by 39 seconds for 700 mW/cm2). Twenty specimens were prepared for each composite. The light energy transmission through the composite was calculated (n=10). The bottom/top rate of the same specimen was calculated (n=10). The data were compared by Tukey's test in different tests (light energy transmission through the composite and bottom/top rate). RESULTS: The light energy transmission through the Filtek Z350 XT composite (HCM - 576 mW/cm2, LCM - 238 mW/cm2, SSM - 232 mW/cm2) did not show statistical difference when compared with Filtek P90 composite (HCM - 572 mW/cm2, LCM - 233 mW/cm2, SSM - 230 mW/cm2). The bottom/top rate of the Filtek Z350 XT composite (HCM - 88.98%, LCM - 90.94%, SSM - 89.92%) was statistically higher than that of the Filtek P90 composite (HCM-77.29%, LCM-77.51%, SSM- 77.79%). CONCLUSION: Light energy transmission through the composite was not influenced by the use of different dental composite restoratives. However, the bottom/top rate of the composites was influenced by the use of different dental composite restoratives. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Insufficiently polymerized composite resin may present a large number of problems. For this reason, dental composite resins should have the similar deep surface polymerization as the top surface in dental restorations.