Effect of three common hot beverages on the force decay of orthodontic elastomeric chain within a 28-day period: An in vitro study.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of commonly consumed hot drinks on the force decay of orthodontic elastomeric chains. Methods: This in vitro experimental study evaluated 375 pieces of elastomeric chains with six rings placed on a jig. Four rings were stretched by 23.5 mm corresponding to the approximate distance between the canine and the second premolar. Fifteen pieces served as reference samples at time zero, and 360 pieces were randomized into four groups: control, hot water, hot tea, and hot coffee. Each group was further divided into six subgroups (n = 15) according to the different exposure periods. The specimens in the experimental groups were exposed to the respective solutions at 65.5°C four times per day for 90 seconds at 5-second intervals. The control group was exposed to artificial saliva at 37°C. The force decay of the samples was measured at 1, 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Maximum force decay occurred on day 1 in all groups. The minimum force was recorded in the control group, followed by the tea, coffee, and hot water groups on day 1. At the other time points, the minimum force was observed in the tea group, followed by the control, coffee, and hot water groups. Conclusions: Patients can consume hot drinks without concern about any adverse effect on force decay of the orthodontic elastomeric chains.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Induced Osteogenic Differentiation Effect of Collagen Membranes Functionalized by Polydopamine/Graphene Oxide for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Collagen is one of the most common natural absorbable polymers, which is widely used as a barrier membrane in biomedical fields due to its many desirable biological properties. However, absorbable membranes such as collagen have their own disadvantages such as unpredictable degradation rates, poor rigidity leading to tissue collapse, and limited osteogenic properties and cell adhesion. In this study, a modified collagen membrane with a polydopamine-graphene oxide (PDA/GO) complex was synthesized to improve the characteristics of collagen for bone tissue engineering. The successful synthesis of PDA/GO on collagen membranes was verified using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The wettability of PDA/GO-modified collagen membranes was considerably improved based on the characterization by water contact angle compared to the uncoated membranes and surface coatings solely by either PDA or GO. The modified PDA/GO coating also enhanced the mechanical properties such as tensile strength and biodegradation rate of collagen membranes. In addition, the PDA/GO coating effectively enhanced the biocompatibility of collagen membranes as verified by the enhanced proliferation and adhesion of human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs). Additionally, the effects of PDA/GO coating on the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs on collagen membranes were investigated through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The PDA/GO coating on collagen membranes resulted in a significant increase in osteogenic properties compared with the uncoated collagen membranes. According to the results of the current study, the combination of PDA and GO-modified collagen membranes could be used for bone tissue engineering and biomedical applications.

Synthesis and characterization of a dental cement based on bioactive glass/zinc oxide modified with organic resin as a novel pulp capping agent.

This study aimed to synthesize and characterize a novel dental pulp capping cement containing bioactive glass (BG)/zinc oxide modified with an organic resin. BG (45S5) with or without ZnO (Zn) and hemaphosphate (HP) combined with a liquid consisting of polyacrylic and itaconic acids (AA) were synthesized and the structural, physical, and mechanical properties were assessed. Hydroxyapatite formation was evaluated by immersion in simulated body fluid. Biological analysis including methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and gene expression of odontogenic markers were performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect and biomineralization potential of the cements on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). A commercial mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) served as control. The highest compressive strength value and the shortest setting time were belonged to the BG + HP + AA and BG + AA groups, respectively. The shear bond strength to dentin was the highest for the BG + HP + AA cement. Scanning electron microscope showed only scarce deposits of calcium phosphate formation on the surface of the synthesized cements. BG + HP + AA and BG + HP + Zn + AA groups had significantly lower cytotoxicity than MTA. The mineralization potential of hDPSCs after stimulation by the novel cements increased. Quantitative reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed higher odontogenic marker expression in hDPSCs exposed to the BG + HP + Zn + AA cement compared to other synthesized cements, although it was higher in MTA group. Based on the obtained results, the novel synthesized cements can be used as appropriate capping agents in the treatment of dental pulp.

Effect of Plasma Radiation and Other Surface Preparation Methods on Microtensile Bond Strength of Repaired Aged Resin Composite.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of plasma irradiation and other surface preparation methods on the microtensile bond strength of repaired resin composites. Materials and Methods: Twenty molds of a universal nanohybrid composite were prepared, aged and subjected to thermocycling. The specimens were divided into 5 groups for surface preparations including, C (Control): application of GC G-Premio Bond (GP) only; SB: sandblasting with alumina and GP; SI: application of phosphoric acid etching, silane, and unfilled resin; RB: roughening by diamond bur, phosphoric acid etching and GP; PL: application of argon and atmosphere plasma and then GP. The specimens were repaired with the new resin composite, cut to 1mm2 beam, and then subjected to thermocycling. The microtensile bond strengths were measured using a universal testing machine. The failure modes were assessed with a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. The level of significance was α=0.05. Results: The highest mean bond strength was found for the application of universal bonding GC GP in controls (26.62MPa) and the lowest average bond strength belonged to the SI groups (9.06MPa). The difference in the mean bond strength between the SI group and other groups was significant (P<0.05). The failure mode of specimens in all groups was predominantly adhesive. Conclusion: The application of GP as an intermediate universal adhesive established a proper bond between the old and new resin composite. In addition, the plasma application and other surface preparation methods did not significantly improve the bond strength.

Effect of Hemostatic Agents on Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Eyelets Bonded with Conventional and Self-etch Adhesives.

Statement of the Problem: The risk of debonding of the orthodontic eyelets due to blood contamination from the impacted tooth is a clinical problem that orthodontists face routinely. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effect of hemostatic agents (Viscostat clear and Astringedent X) on shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic eyelets bonded with conventional (Transbond XT) and universal adhesive (GC-G Premio bond) adhesives. Materials and Method: In this experimental study, 84 freshly extracted bovine lower incisors were randomly divided into 7 groups namely TBXT, Blood, SEP, VISCO + TBXT, VISCO + SEP, ASTX + TBXT, and ASTX + SEP groups. In the TBXT group, teeth were etched with phosphoric acid gel, and then, the Transbond XT primer was applied and eyelets were bonded with Transbond XT. In the blood group, first, contamination with blood was done followed by the same procedure as TBXT. In other groups, the teeth were etched with phosphoric acid and based on their group allocation, Transbond XT primer (in TBXT groups), GC-G Premio Bond (in SEP groups), ViscoStat Clear gel (in VISCO groups), or Astringedent X (in ASTX groups) were applied. The SBS was measured for each group and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) was determined. Results: The mean SBS was 20.79 MPa in VISCO+SEP group, 19.2 MPa in the TBXT group, 16.06 MPa in the SEP group, 15.43 MPa in VISCO+TBXT group, 9.39 MPa in AST-X+TBXT group, and 1.62 MPa in the blood group. The SBS of ASTX+SEP, blood and TBXT+ASTX groups had significant differences from the SBS of the control group (p< 0.05). The ARI score of 0 had the highest frequency in the blood group. Conclusion: Due to the high coagulative effect of Astringedent X and acceptable SBS of Astringedent X in combination with GC-G Premio bond, this combination can be recommended for exposure of impacted teeth that are at high risk of blood contamination.

Design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel dual cross-linked gelatin-based bioadhesive for hard and soft tissues adhesion capability.

Many surgical treatments require a suitable tissue adhesive that maintains its performance in wet conditions and can be applied simultaneously for hard and soft tissues. In the present study, a dual cross-linked tissue adhesive was synthesized by mixing the gelatin methacryloyl (Gel-MA) and gelatin-dopamine conjugate (Gel-Dopa). The setting reaction was based on a photopolymerization process in the presence of a combination of riboflavin and triethanolamine and a chemical cross-linking process attributed to the genipin as a natural cross-linker. Modified gelatin macromolecules were characterized and the best wavelength for free radical generation in the presence of riboflavin was obtained. Tissue adhesives were prepared with 30% hydrogels of Gel-MA and Gel-Dopa with different ratios in distilled water. The gelation occurred in a short time after light irradiation. The chemical, mechanical, physical, and cytotoxicity properties of the tissue adhesives were evaluated. The results showed that despite photopolymerization, chemical crosslinking with genipin played a more critical role in the setting process. Water uptake, degradation behavior, cytotoxicity, and adhesion properties of the adhesives were correlated with the ratio of the components. The SEM images showed a porous structure that could ensure the entry of cells and nutrients into the surgical area. While acceptable properties in most experiments were observed, all features were improved as the Gel-Dopa ratio increased. Also, the obtained hydrogels revealed excellent adhesive properties, particularly with bone even after wet incubation, and it was attributed to the amount of gelatin-dopamine conjugate. From the obtained results, it was concluded that a dual adhesive hydrogel based on gelatin macromolecules could be a good candidate as a tissue adhesive in wet condition.

Effect of Helium Plasma Exposure on Wettability and Shear Bond Strength between the Zirconia Core and Feldspathic Veneering Ceramic: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of helium plasma treatment on the wettability of zirconia surface and on the shear bond strength between the dental zirconia core and feldspathic veneering ceramic. Methods: 128 zirconia specimens were prepared, polished, and then divided into four groups: control, Zr, FC, and Zr/FC. In Zr and Zr/FC groups, the zirconia blocks were treated by helium plasma for 60 s. In FC and Zr/FC, the feldspathic ceramic powder received 60 s of plasma treatment. Then, the feldspathic powder was applied on the zirconia blocks. Half of the specimens in each group were sintered in a tube furnace, and the contact angle between the zirconia core and feldspathic ceramic was measured at different time intervals. The other half were sintered in a ceramic furnace and then subjected to thermocycling. The shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. The failure mode was assessed using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA test, and the statistical significance was considered less than 0.05. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean contact angle and the shear bond strength values of the experimental groups (P > 0.05). The mean contact angle decreased significantly in all groups over time (P < 0.001). The modes of failure were predominantly mixed in all groups. Conclusion: The helium plasma applied on either dental zirconia core or feldspathic ceramic powder could not improve the zirconia surface wettability and the shear bond strength between the two ceramics.

Effect of different surface treatments on surface roughness, phase transformation, and biaxial flexural strength of dental zirconia.

Background. Interfacial failures at the cement‒restoration interface highlights the importance of effective surface treatment with no adverse effect on the zirconia's mechanical properties. This study aimed to determine the effect of different surface treatments on dental graded zirconia's surface roughness and certain mechanical properties. Methods. Forty sintered zirconia specimens were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): control (no surface treatment), sandblasting (SA), grinding with diamond bur (GB), and Er,Cr:YSGG laser (LS). Following surface treatment, the surface roughness and surface topography of the specimens were examined. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was conducted. In addition, the biaxial flexural strengths of specimens were evaluated. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey tests; the Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated between either volumetric percentage of monoclinic phase or roughness and flexural strength of specimens (α=0.05). Results. The GB group exhibited significantly greater surface roughness compared to the other groups (P < 0.005). The LS and control groups exhibited a significantly lower volumetric percentage of the monoclinic phase (P < 0.001) than the GB and SA treatments. The SA group exhibited significantly higher flexural strength than the control (P = 0.02) and GB groups (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the Weibull analysis for the LS showed higher reliability for the flexural strength than other treatments. Conclusion. Er,Cr:YSGG laser treatment, with the lowest extent of phase transformation and reliable flexural strength, can be a promising choice for surface treatment of zirconia.

Surface characterization and frictional force between stainless steel brackets and archwires in orthodontic patients using chlorhexidine- and Persica-containing mouthrinses: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of chlorhexidine- and Persica-containing mouthrinses on the surface characterization of orthodontic appliance and friction between the orthodontic stainless steel wires and brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 75 orthodontic patients (aged 13-30) were allocated (n = 25) into two experimental groups (prescribed by Persica- or chlorhexidine-containing mouthrinse) and one control group (no prescription). The ovoid stainless steel archwires were placed, and the maxillary first premolar stainless steel edgewise brackets were ligated to wires by elastomeric rings. The patients were recalled after 2 weeks, and then, the archwires were removed and replaced. The surface analysis of archwires and brackets was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The frictional forces between the archwires and brackets were measured using a universal testing machine. The data for surface roughness were analyzed by the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. The frictional forces data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test using SPSS software. The level of significance was P < 0.05. RESULTS: The retrieved brackets showed minor changes in their surface topography. The surface roughness of archwires after the intervention was significantly greater for the chlorhexidine than that of Persica (P < 0.05). The friction force between the archwires and brackets was also significantly higher for the chlorhexidine than that of Persica (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Persica-containing mouthrinse from the biomechanical and biochemical standpoints may be a better option for oral hygiene in orthodontic patients compared with the chlorhexidine.

Degree of conversion and microhardness of bulk-fill dental composites polymerized by LED and QTH light curing units.

OBJECTIVES: The degree of monomer conversion is crucial in determining the mechanical and clinical performance of dental resin composites. This study investigated the polymerization adequacy of two bulk-fill resin composites polymerized by Quartz-Tungsten-Halogen (QTH) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) light curing units at different depths. METHODS: Two bulk-fill resin composites (X-tra Fil; Voco and Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-fill; Ivoclar-Vivadent) with diameters of 7 mm and thicknesses of 1-4 mm were prepared and light-cured by LED or QTH. Then, the degree of conversion (DC) and microhardness of the two bulk-fill composites were evaluated. RESULTS: The microhardness of X-tra fill was significantly higher than that of Tetric N-Ceram polymerized by LED or QTH. The microhardness and DC of X-tra fil exhibited no significant difference among the increments regardless of type of light source. The DC, however, significantly decreased in deep increments for Tetric N-Ceram polymerized by QTH. CONCLUSIONS: The polymerization efficacies of the two bulk-fill composites were different in terms of the depth of cure and type of light source. The DC and microhardness of the X-tra fill bulk-fill composite polymerized by either QTH or LED did not decrease up to a thickness of 4 mm. Thus, new generations of LED light sources are better options for polymerizing the bulk-fill resin composites than QTH.

Effect of 0.05% Sodium Fluoride Mouthwash on Surface Roughness and Friction between Ceramic Brackets and Rhodium-Coated and Uncoated Stainless Steel Wires.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effect of 0.05% sodium fluoride (NaF) mouthwash on the surface roughness and friction between ceramic brackets and rhodium-coated (RC) and uncoated stainless steel (SS) wires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental study was performed on 48 maxillary premolar ceramic brackets. Twenty-four pieces of RC-SS wires were used. Samples were divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 were immersed in artificial saliva, and groups 3 and 4 were immersed in a solution consisting of artificial saliva (9%) and mouthwash (91%). To assess surface roughness, images were obtained from the surface of wires and brackets with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after the intervention. To assess friction, the wires were ligated into brackets, and friction was measured at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: Friction during sliding in RC wires was significantly less than that in SS wires (P<0.05). Increase in the friction in SS wires by mouthwash was significantly greater compared to RC wires (P<0.05). Surface roughness coefficients of the wires before the intervention were not significantly different. The surface roughness of the wires significantly increased after the intervention and it was greater in SS wires than in RC wires (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering the lower friction and surface roughness of SS-RC wires compared to SS wires, SS-RC wires may be a better alternative for use with ceramic brackets.

Interfacial fracture toughness of self-adhesive and conventional flowable composites to dentin using different dentin pretreatments.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different dentin pretreatments on the interfacial fracture toughness of a self-adhesive flowable composite to dentin compared with that of a conventional flowable composite. METHODS: Caries-free human molars were sectioned to expose the underlying dentin and were randomly divided into seven groups (N = 12) of dentin pretreatments bonded to a self-adhesive flowable composite (Vetise Flow, VF) or a conventional flowable composite (Clearfil Magesty Flow, CM). For VF; Control group (group C-VF), there was no pretreatment, self-etching primer (SP), oxalate dentin desensitizer (OX), and chlorhexidine gluconate (CH) were used. For CM; SP (group SP-CM), OX followed by SP (OX-CM), and CH followed by SP (CH-CM) were used. The interfacial fracture toughness was measured using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test and analysis of variance. RESULTS: For VF, the fracture toughness of SP-VF was significantly higher than that of other groups. For CM, a significantly higher fracture toughness for SP-CM than that of OX-CM was found. For all dentin pretreatments, the fracture toughness values were significantly higher for CM compared with the VF. CONCLUSIONS: The self-adhesive flowable composite had reduced bonding efficacy to dentin compared with that of the conventional flowable composite, regardless of the type of dentin pretreatment.

Shear Bond Strength of Molar Tubes to Enamel Using an Orthodontic Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement Modified with Amorphous Calcium Phosphate.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the shear bond strength (SBS) of molar tubes to the enamel surface of molar teeth using a resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) cement modified with amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in-vitro study, 60 extracted human third molars were randomly divided into four groups for bonding of molar tubes to the enamel surface. Fuji Ortho LC and Fuji Ortho LC modified with ACP (1.55 wt%) were used in groups 1 and 2, respectively. In group 3, the enamel surface was sandblasted, and bonding was then performed using Fuji Ortho LC glass ionomer modified with ACP. In group 4, molar tubes were conventionally bonded using Transbond XT composite. The SBS was measured using a universal testing machine. RESULTS: The mean SBS of groups 1 to 4 was 10.22, 6.88, 9.4, and 13.68 MPa, respectively. Only the SBS of group 1 was not significantly different from that of groups 3 and 4 (P>0.05). Comparison of adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores of the groups revealed significant differences only between groups 1 and 4 (P<0.001) and between groups 1 and 2 (P=0.002). CONCLUSION: The results revealed that the addition of ACP to Fuji Ortho LC significantly decreased the SBS of molar tubes bonded to enamel compared to the conventional resin bonding system. Sandblasting of the enamel surface significantly increased the bond strength. Fuji Ortho LC modified with ACP is recommended for bonding of molar tubes to posterior teeth considering its cariostatic property.

Evaluation of immunophenotyping, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potential of SSEA-4 positive stem cells derived from pulp of deciduous teeth.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the increased interest in stem cells isolated from remnant pulp of deciduous teeth, no specific marker has been yet established for them. The present study aimed to investigate whether SSEA-4 (stage-specific embryonic antigen) would be a suitable marker to isolate stem cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth (SHEDs) in order to increase its differentiation potential toward osseous tissue. DESIGN: The SHEDs were isolated and the expression patterns of mesenchymal, hematopoietic and embryonic stem cell markers were assessed. The cells were then divided into two groups of SSEA-4(+) and unsorted SHEDs and the cell proliferation rate and population-doubling-time (PDT) were calculated. Subsequently, the differentiation potentials were examined through alizarin-red staining and Quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Isolated cells were spindle-shaped with a high expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers and weak expression of hematopoietic markers. The mean expression of Oct-4 was 68.77%±1.28. Despite similar proliferation rates between SSEA-4(+) and unsorted SHEDs, because of differences in the shape of the growth curves, PDT was lower in unsorted SHEDs (P = 0.2 × 10-4). Alizarin-red staining showed similar calcium deposition in both groups. Upon differentiation, the expression of osteocalcin was higher in unsorted SHEDs (P = 0.043), while, the expression of alkaline phosphatase was lower (P<0.001). The parathyroid hormone receptor (PTHR) expression was not significantly different (P = 0.0625). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study revealed that SHEDs have high differentiation potentials even in the unsorted cells. Although the SSEA-4-positive SHEDs showed slightly better osteogenic potential, the differences were not abundant to link SSEA-4 expression with superior differentiation potency.

Effect of Different Cavity Lining Techniques on Marginal Sealing of Class II Resin Composite Restorations In Vitro.

This study investigated the effect of different cavity lining techniques on the marginal sealing of Class II composite restorations. A total of 36 human molar teeth, free of caries and fillings, were each prepared with two proximal Class II boxes mesially and distally. In mesial boxes, cavity liners were applied as follows: in group 1, separately cured flowable composite; in group 2, co-cured flowable composite; and in group 3, resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI). The remaining cavities were filled incrementally with a universal restorative composite. The distal boxes were filled with no liner as controls. After thermocycling, the specimens were immersed in a silver nitrate solution and the microleakage was evaluated. Analysis of variance showed that the degree of microleakage for group 3 was significantly lower than that of the other groups. Based on the results, it was concluded that the use of RMGI as a cavity liner under composite restorations showed the least microleakage. Flowable composites, whether co-cured or separately cured, had no influence on the marginal sealing.

Synthesis, Characterization, and in Vitro Biological Evaluation of Copper-Containing Magnetic Bioactive Glasses for Hyperthermia in Bone Defect Treatment.

Hyperthermia treatment induced by magnetic mesoporous glasses has been applied as a potential therapeutic approach for bone defects due to malignant tumors. The objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize the structural and biological properties of magnetic bioactive glasses (BGs) for producing multifunctional materials. The effect of the addition of copper (Cu) to the bioactive glass composition was also evaluated. Fe BG and FeCu BG as magnetic mesoporous BGs, and Cu BG as mesoporous BG were synthesized and dried by template sol-gel method. Then the synthesized bioglasses were characterized and analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive electron disperse spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). In addition, the antibacterial behavior, cytotoxicity assay (MTT test), proliferation assay of HUVEC cell assay, and bioactivity (ALP activity test) of the synthesized BGs were evaluated. The characterization results exhibited that the synthesized powders formed mesoporous glasses with nanoparticle morphology, good surface area, and magnetic properties. The synthesized BGs also demonstrated suitable biological behavior. The magnetic saturation of bioactive glasses was increased by the addition of copper oxide. A two-phase structure was observed for the magnetic glasses compared to the copper-containing glasses, thus making them suitable for drug delivery systems. The antibacterial behavior was found to be better for the Cu BG and Fe BG compared to the FeCu BG. However, the least amount of cytotoxicity was observed for the Fe BG and FeCu BG, compared to the Cu BG. In addition, the Fe-containing BGs compared with the control group showed a lack of HUVEC cell proliferation and angiogenesis motivation. From the ALP assay, higher bioactivity for the magnetic bioglasses in the presence of mesenchymal cells was found. From the results of this in vitro study, the Cu-containing magnetic bioglass (FeCu BG) could be considered as a new generation of magnetic glasses for inducing hyperthermia in treatment of bone defects due to malignant tumors. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to confirm their applications in healing of bone defects and tissue engineering.

Analytical methods for the measurement of polymerization kinetics and stresses of dental resin-based composites: A review.

Resin-based composites are commonly used restorative materials in dentistry. Such tooth-colored restorations can adhere to the dental tissues. One drawback is that the polymerization shrinkage and induced stresses during the curing procedure is an inherent property of resin composite materials that might impair their performance. This review focuses on the significant developments of laboratory tools in the measurement of polymerization shrinkage and stresses of dental resin-based materials during polymerization. An electronic search of publications from January 1977 to July 2016 was made using ScienceDirect, PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases. The search included only English-language articles. Only studies that performed laboratory methods to evaluate the amount of the polymerization shrinkage and/or stresses of dental resin-based materials during polymerization were selected. The results indicated that various techniques have been introduced with different mechanical/physical bases. Besides, there are factors that may contribute the differences between the various methods in measuring the amount of shrinkages and stresses of resin composites. The search for an ideal and standard apparatus for measuring shrinkage stress and volumetric polymerization shrinkage of resin-based materials in dentistry is still required. Researchers and clinicians must be aware of differences between analytical methods to make proper interpretation and indications of each technique relevant to a clinical situation.

Retentive Strength of Orthodontic Bands Cemented with Amorphous Calcium Phosphate-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement: An In-Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the retentive strength of orthodontic bands cemented with amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)-containing and conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred-and-twenty mandibular third molars were embedded in acrylic resin blocks with the buccal surface of crowns perpendicular to the base of the mold. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups containing 30 teeth each. Groups 1 and 3 were cemented using conventional GIC and groups 2 and 4 were cemented using ACP-containing orthodontic cement. Groups 1 and 2 without thermocycling, and groups 3 and 4 after thermocycling (5000 cycles, 5° to 55°C) were tested for retentive strength using a universal testing machine (crosshead speed of 1mm/minute). Two-way ANOVA was performed to compare the retentive strength of the groups. RESULTS: The highest retentive strength belonged to group 1, and it was significantly higher than that of group 2 (P<0.001) and group 3 (P=0.02). The mean strength for group 2 was significantly lower than that of group 1 (P<0.001) and group 4 (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Although retentive strength decreased when ACP was added to GIC, the retentive strength of the samples cemented by ACP-containing GIC was remarkably high after thermocycling. It seems that in the oral cavity, ACP-containing GIC provides sufficient strength to endure forces applied on posterior teeth.

Effect of Sodium Fluoride Mouthwash on the Frictional Resistance of Orthodontic Wires.

OBJECTIVES: The friction between the brackets and orthodontic wire during sliding mechanics inflicts difficulties such as decreasing the applied force and tooth movement and also the loss of anchorage. Therefore, many studies have focused on the factors that affect the friction. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of 0.05% sodium fluoride mouthwash on the friction between orthodontic brackets and wire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four types of orthodontic wires including rectangular standard stainless steel (SS), titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA), nickel-titanium (NiTi) and copper-nickel-titanium (Cu-NiTi) were selected. In each group, half of the samples were immersed in 0.05% sodium fluoride mouthwash and the others were immersed in artificial saliva for 10 hours. An elastomeric ligature was used for ligating the wires to brackets. The frictional test was performed in a universal testing machine at the speed of 10 mm/minute. Two-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis of the friction rate. RESULTS: The friction rate was significantly higher after immersion in 0.05% sodium fluoride mouthwash in comparison with artificial saliva (P=0.00). Cu-NiTi wire showed the highest friction value followed by TMA, NiTi and SS wires. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the current study, 0.05% sodium fluoride mouthwash increased the frictional characteristics of all the evaluated orthodontic wires.

Effect of Different Types of Toothpaste on the Frictional Resistance Between Orthodontic Stainless Steel Brackets and Wires.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different types of toothpaste on the frictional resistance between stainless steel brackets and archwires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety stainless steel orthodontic brackets with stainless steel wires were bonded to bovine teeth and were divided into 6 groups for application of the following toothpastes: Colgate® Total® Advanced Whitening, Colgate® Total® Pro Gum Health, Colgate® Anticavity, Ortho.Kin®, and Sunstar GUM® Ortho toothpastes. No toothpaste was applied in the control group. Each group was brushed by a brushing machine with the use of the designated solution for 4.5 minutes. The frictional force was measured in a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 10 mm/minute over a 5-mm archwire. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: The frictional resistance values of Ortho.Kin® and GUM® Ortho toothpastes and the control group were not significantly different (P>0.05). However, there were significant differences between the frictional resistance values of Colgate® Total® Pro Gum Health and Colgate® Anticavity toothpastes with that of the control group (P<0.05). The highest and lowest frictional resistance values were related to Colgate® Total® Pro Gum Health toothpaste and the control group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among the evaluated toothpastes, the orthodontic toothpastes did not increase the frictional resistance between the orthodontic stainless steel brackets and wires.