Implant functionalization with mesoporous silica: A promising antibacterial strategy, but does such an implant osseointegrate?

OBJECTIVES: New strategies for implant surface functionalization in the prevention of peri-implantitis while not compromising osseointegration are currently explored. The aim of this in vivo study was to assess the osseointegration of a titanium-silica composite implant, previously shown to enable controlled release of therapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine, in the Göttingen mini-pig oral model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three implant groups were designed: macroporous titanium implants (Ti-Porous); macroporous titanium implants infiltrated with mesoporous silica (Ti-Porous + SiO2 ); and conventional titanium implants (Ti-control). Mandibular last premolar and first molar teeth were extracted bilaterally and implants were installed. After 1 month healing, the bone in contact with the implant and the bone regeneration in the peri-implant gap was evaluated histomorphometrically. RESULTS: Bone-to-implant contact and peri-implant bone volume for Ti-Porous versus Ti-Porous + SiO2 implants did not differ significantly, but were significantly higher in the Ti-Control group compared with Ti-Porous + SiO2 implants. Functionalization of titanium implants via infiltration of a SiO2 phase into the titanium macropores does not seem to inhibit implant osseointegration. Yet, the importance of the implant macro-design, in particular the screw thread design in a marginal gap implant surgery set-up, was emphasized by the outstanding results of the Ti-Control implant. CONCLUSIONS: Next-generation implants made of macroporous Ti infiltrated with mesoporous SiO2 do not seem to compromise the osseointegration process. Such implant functionalization may be promising for the prevention and treatment of peri-implantitis given the evidenced potential of mesoporous SiO2 for controlled drug release.

Influence of Cross-Section Design and Vertical Misfit on Stress Distribution in Overdenture Retaining System: 3-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate by 3-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis the stress generated on overdenture-retaining bar system with different cross sections (round, ovoid, or Hader) and misfit levels (50, 100, and 200 µm) manufactured with different metallic alloys (Au type IV, Ag-Pd, Ti cp, and Co-Cr). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional finite element models were modeled using specific 3-D software (SolidWorks) and imported into mechanical simulation software (ANSYS). A displacement simulating the settlement of the screw was performed until the infrastructure was settled properly on the prosthetic platform. RESULTS: Higher misfit levels caused higher stress on the overdenture-retaining bar system components, where (1) Hader bar presented the highest values (bar = 730.71; screw = 59.66, and periimplant bone tissue = 42.96, in megapascal) and (2) round bars made with type IV Au alloy presented lower stress values on the bar framework (193.99 MPa) and screw (10.27 MPa). CONCLUSIONS: Higher vertical misfit increased the stress values on the overdenture-retaining bar system; complex cross-sectional designs increased stress values on the bar framework, prosthetic screw, and periimplant bone tissue; stiffer alloys caused higher stress values on all the studied conditions.

Effect of Disinfection on the Bond Strength between Denture Teeth and Microwave-Cured Acrylic Resin Denture Base.

PURPOSE: Denture tooth debonding is a common complication for denture wearers; however, the effect of complete denture disinfection on bonding between denture teeth and acrylic resin remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of disinfection methods on the bond strength between denture teeth and microwave-cured acrylic resin denture base. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three commercial brands of denture teeth (Trilux, Biolux, Vipi Dent Plus) and one microwave-cured acrylic resin denture base were tested. Each brand of denture teeth was divided into seven groups (n = 6; estimated by partial Eta squared). The specimenss of groups H and Cl were immersed in 1% sodium hypochlorite and 4% chlorhexidine digluconate for 7 days, respectively. In group Br, the specimens were subjected to toothbrush simulation under 200 g of force for 20,000 cycles. In groups Br-H and Br-Cl, the specimens were brushed and further disinfected with 1% sodium hypochlorite and 4% chlorhexidine digluconate, respectively. In control groups 1 (Co1) and 2 (Co2), the specimens were stored in distilled water for 50 ± 2 hours and 7 days, respectively. Shear bond strength testing was performed at the resin/tooth interface in a universal testing machine at a 1 mm/min crosshead speed. The failure pattern was quantified and classified into adhesive, cohesive, or mixed. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Disinfection with 1% sodium hypochlorite (p = 0.031), brushing (p < 0.0001), and association of brushing with either 1% sodium hypochlorite (p < 0.0001) or 4% chlorhexidine digluconate (p = 0.01) reduced the bond strength between denture teeth and microwave-cured acrylic resin denture base. All commercial brands of denture teeth presented a similar bond strength (p > 0.05). The failure pattern was predominantly adhesive independent of the disinfection method and denture tooth brand. CONCLUSIONS: Disinfection with sodium hypochlorite, brushing, and the association of mechanical and chemical methods reduced the bond strength between denture tooth and microwave-cured acrylic resin denture base.

Titanium implant functionalization with phosphate-containing polymers may favour in vivo osseointegration.

AIM: Osseointegration of titanium implants is predictable, but can be improved via surface functionalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty implants were installed in parietal bone of 12 domestic pigs and left to heal for 1 or 3 months. Five groups were defined according surface treatments: immersion in water (H2 O), 10% polyphosphoric acid (PPA10), 1% phosphorylated pullulan (PPL1), 10% phosphorylated pullulan (PPL10) or 10% phosphorylated pullulan + 1 µg bone morphogenetic protein-2 (PPL10 BMP). As primary outcome, implant osseointegration was evaluated by quantitative histology, namely peri-implant bone formation (B/T in %) and bone-to-implant contact (BIC in %) for each healing period. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U-test with α = 0.05 were performed. RESULTS: PPL10 and PPA10 groups showed significantly higher B/T and BIC results than the control (H2 O) group at 1-month (p < .05). No significant difference was found between PPL1 and H2 O or between PPL10 BMP and H2 O, irrespective of healing time (1 or 3 months) or investigated parameter (B/T and BIC; p > .05). After 3 months, no experimental group showed a significant difference compared to the control group (H2 O) for both investigated parameters (B/T and BIC; p > .05). CONCLUSION: Functionalizing titanium implants with inorganic or organic phosphate-containing polymers at 10 wt% concentration may stimulate peri-implant bone formation and implant osseointegration at early healing times.

Effect of Polymerization Cycles on Gloss, Roughness, Hardness and Impact Strength of Acrylic Resins.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the conventional and boiled polymerization cycles on gloss, roughness, hardness and impact strength of acrylic resins. Samples were made for each Classico and QC-20 materials (n=10) in dental stone molds obtained from rectangular metallic matrices embedded in metallic flasks. The powder-liquid ratio and manipulation of the acrylic resins' were accomplished according to manufacturers' instructions and the resins were conventionally packed in metallic flasks. After polymerization by (1) conventional: 74 °C for 9 h (Classico) and (2) boiled: 20 min (QC-20) cycles, the samples were deflasked after cooling at room temperature and conventionally finished and polished. The properties were evaluated after storage in water at 37 °C for 24 h. Gloss was verified with Multi Gloss 268 meter (Konica Minolta), surface roughness was measured with Surfcorder SE 1700 rugosimeter (Kosaka), Knoop hardness number was obtained with HMV-200 microdurometer, and impact strength was measured in an Otto Wolpert-Werke device by Charpy system (40 kpcm). Data were subjected to Student's t-test (at α=0.05). The results were: Gloss: 67.7 and 62.2 for Classico and QC-20 resins, respectively; Surface roughness: 0.874 and 1.469 Ra-µm for Classico and QC-20, respectively; Knoop hardness: 27.4 and 26.9 for Classico and QC-20, respectively; and Impact strength: 37.6 and 33.6 kgf/cm2 for Classico and QC-20, respectively. No statistically significant difference (p>0.05)were found between the resins for the evaluated properties. In conclusion, conventional and boiled polymerization cycles had similar effects on gloss, roughness, hardness and impact strength of both Classico and QC-20 resins.

Effect of Polymerization Cycles on Gloss, Roughness, Hardness and Impact Strength of Acrylic Resins

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the conventional and boiled polymerization cycles on gloss, roughness, hardness and impact strength of acrylic resins. Samples were made for each Classico and QC-20 materials (n=10) in dental stone molds obtained from rectangular metallic matrices embedded in metallic flasks. The powder-liquid ratio and manipulation of the acrylic resins' were accomplished according to manufacturers' instructions and the resins were conventionally packed in metallic flasks. After polymerization by (1) conventional: 74 °C for 9 h (Classico) and (2) boiled: 20 min (QC-20) cycles, the samples were deflasked after cooling at room temperature and conventionally finished and polished. The properties were evaluated after storage in water at 37 °C for 24 h. Gloss was verified with Multi Gloss 268 meter (Konica Minolta), surface roughness was measured with Surfcorder SE 1700 rugosimeter (Kosaka), Knoop hardness number was obtained with HMV-200 microdurometer, and impact strength was measured in an Otto Wolpert-Werke device by Charpy system (40 kpcm). Data were subjected to Student's t-test (at α=0.05). The results were: Gloss: 67.7 and 62.2 for Classico and QC-20 resins, respectively; Surface roughness: 0.874 and 1.469 Ra-µm for Classico and QC-20, respectively; Knoop hardness: 27.4 and 26.9 for Classico and QC-20, respectively; and Impact strength: 37.6 and 33.6 kgf/cm2 for Classico and QC-20, respectively. No statistically significant difference (p>0.05)were found between the resins for the evaluated properties. In conclusion, conventional and boiled polymerization cycles had similar effects on gloss, roughness, hardness and impact strength of both Classico and QC-20 resins.

Resumo O propósito neste estudo foi avaliar os ciclos de polimerização convencional e por fervura sobre o brilho, rugosidade, dureza e resistência ao impacto de resinas acrílicas. Amostras foram confeccionadas para cada resina Clássico ou QC-20 (n=20) em moldes de gesso obtidos de matrizes metálicas retangulares incluídas em muflas metálicas. A proporção monômero/polímero das resinas e manipulação foram de acordo com as recomendações dos fabricantes e a massa convencionalmente incluída em muflas metálicas. Após polimerização nos ciclos (1) convencional: 74 °C por 9 horas (Clássico) e (2) fervura: 20 min (QC-20), as amostras foram demufladas após esfriadas em temperatura ambiente e convencionalmente acabadas e polidas. As propriedades foram avaliadas após armazenagem das amostras em água a 37 °C por 24 h. O brilho foi verificado com medidor Multi Gloss 268 (Konica Minolta), a rugosidade avaliada com rugosímetro Surfcorder SE 1700 (Kosaka), a dureza Knoop foi obtida com microdurômetro HMV-200 (Shimadzu) e a resistência ao impacto determinada pelo sistema Charpy (Otto Wolpert Werke). Os dados submetidos ao teste t de Student (α=0.05) mostraram que Os resultados foram: brilho: 67,7 e 62,2 para Clássico e QC-20, respectivamente; rugosidade: 0,874 e 1,469 Ra-µm para Clássico e QC-20, respectivamente; dureza: 27,4 e 26,9 para Clássico e QC-20, respectivamente; e resistência ao impacto: 37,6 e 33,6 kgf/cm2 para Clássico e QC-20, respectivamente. Não houve diference estatisticamente significante entre as resinas para as propriedades avaliadas. Conclui-se que os ciclos de polimerização convencional e por fervura promoveram similares efeitos sobre o brilho, rugosidade, dureza e resistência ao impacto para ambas as resinas Clássico e QC-20.

Surface treatment influences electrochemical stability of cpTi exposed to mouthwashes.

The role of surface treatment on the electrochemical behavior of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) exposed to mouthwashes was tested. Seventy-five disks were divided into 15 groups according to surface treatment (machined, sand blasted with Al2O3, and acid etched) and electrolyte solution (artificial saliva ­ control, 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride, 0.2% sodium fluoride, and 1.5% hydrogen peroxide) (n = 5). Open-circuit-potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were conducted at baseline and after 7 and 14 days of immersion in each solution. Potentiodynamic test and total weight loss of disks were performed after 14 days of immersion. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, white light interferometry and profilometry were conducted for surface characterization before and after the electrochemical tests. Sandblasting promoted the lowest polarization resistance (Rp) (P b .0001) and the highest capacitance (CPE) (P b .006), corrosion current density (Icorr) and corrosion rate (P b .0001). In contrast, acid etching increased Rp and reduced CPE, independent to the mouthwash; while hydrogen peroxide reduced Rp (P b .008) and increased Icorr and corrosion rate (P b .0001). The highest CPE values were found for hydrogen peroxide and 0.2% sodium fluoride. Immersion for longer period improved the electrochemical stability of cpTi (P b .05). In conclusion, acid etching enhanced the electrochemical stability of cpTi. Hydrogen peroxide and sodium fluoride reduced the resistance to corrosion of cpTi, independent to the surface treatment. Chlorhexidine gluconate and cetylpyridinium chloride did not alter the corrosive behavior of cpTi.

Stress on external hexagon and Morse taper implants submitted to immediate loading.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution around external hexagon (EH) and Morse taper (MT) implants with different prosthetic systems of immediate loading (distal bar (DB), casting technique (CT), and laser welding (LW)) by using photoelastic method. METHODS: Three infrastructures were manufactured on a model simulating an edentulous lower jaw. All models were composed by five implants (4.1 mm × 13.0 mm) simulating a conventional lower protocol. The samples were divided into six groups. G1: EH implants with DB and acrylic resin; G2: EH implants with titanium infrastructure CT; G3: EH implants with titanium infrastructure attached using LW; G4: MT implants with DB and acrylic resin; G5: MT implants with titanium infrastructure CT; G6: MT implants with titanium infrastructure attached using LW. After the infrastructures construction, the photoelastic models were manufactured and a loading of 4.9 N was applied in the cantilever. Five pre-determined points were analyzed by Fringes software. RESULTS: Data showed significant differences between the connection types (p < 0.0001), and there was no significant difference among the techniques used for infrastructure. CONCLUSION: The reduction of the stress levels was more influenced by MT connection (except for CT). Different bar types submitted to immediate loading not influenced stress concentration.

Teeth movement in denture and implant-supported prosthesis influenced by microwave flask systems.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study evaluated the teeth movement in maxillary dentures and mandibular implantsupported prostheses processed by microwave flasks. METHODS: A model mounted on articulator was used to manufacture Co-Cr frameworks. Pins were placed for measurements on the incisal edge of upper and lower central incisors (I), buccal cusp of first upper and lower premolars (PM), and mesiobuccal cusps of upper and lower second molars (M). Distances I-I (incisor to incisor), PM-PM (premolar to premolar), M-M (molar to molar), RI-RM (right incisor to right molar), and LI-LM (left incisor to left molar) were measured before and after processing using a microscope (0.0005 mm). Vertical misfit between abutment and implant platform was evaluated for regions A (left distal implant), B (left median implant), C (medial implant), D (right median implant), and E (right distal implant) in predetermined labial and lingual sites. Prostheses were divided into groups G1 - conventional flask, and G2 - experimental HH flask. Acrylic resin was microwaved at 1400 W (30% for 3 min, 0% for 3 min, and 60% for 3 min). Horizontal teeth displacement and vertical misfit between abutment and implant platform were considered before and after procedures. Data were submitted to three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Except for M-M distance, the teeth showed displacements without statistical difference for prosthesis and flask factors. There was no significant difference for vertical misfit values for both flasks. CONCLUSION: Diferente flasks did not cause significant changes in the teeth displacement, except for M-M. Vertical misfit values were not influenced by the flasks.

The role of nicotine, cotinine and caffeine on the electrochemical behavior and bacterial colonization to cp-Ti.

Although smoking promotes deleterious effect to bone healing, there is a lack of study investigating its role on the implant structure and biofilm growth. We hypothesized that nicotine, cotinine and caffeine would impair the corrosion resistance of commercially-pure titanium (cp-Ti) and would enhance Streptococcus sanguinis biofilm growth. Neither the smoking products nor the caffeine affected the corrosion tendency (P>.05) and the oxide layer resistance (P=.762) of cp-Ti. Lower capacitance values were noted in the presence of nicotine (P=.001) and cotinine (P=.0006). SEM showed no pitting corrosion, and the EDS spectra did not differ among groups. Nicotine (300µg/mL) induced higher surface roughness (P=.03) and greater surface change of cp-Ti. Nicotine at 3µg/mL, and cotinine at 0.3 and 3µg/mL increased the number of viable cells (P<.05). Biofilm exposed to nicotine (0.3, 3 and 30µg/mL) (P=.025, .030, .040, respectively) and cotinine (3 and 30µg/mL) (P=.027, .049, respectively) enhanced carbohydrate content. Biofilm biomass and protein content were similar among groups (P>.05). These findings suggest a greater biofilm accumulation in smokers, a risk factor that may lead to peri-implantitis.

Photoelastic analysis of stresses transmitted by complete dentures lined with hard or soft liners.

Stresses transmitted on the alveolar bone ridge by lined conventional complete mandibular dentures can decrease the bone absorption level. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the stresses induced on the alveolar bone ridge of lined conventional complete mandibular dentures by using photoelastic analysis. One maxillary and three mandibular conventional dentures were developed for the following treatments: 1 - Unlined denture (control), 2 - Denture lined with resin-based material, and 3 - Denture lined with silicone-based material. The photoelastic analysis took place with the dentures in the position of maximum intercuspation, and the mandibular photoelastic models were axially loaded with 10 kgf (98 N). Unlined denture (control) presented stresses along the model, especially on the anterior and left lateral sides with less stresses on the right side. On the left lateral side, the denture base lined with resin-based material demonstrated similar stresses to that of the control; however, lower stresses occurred in the premolar and retromolar regions. Denture bases lined with silicone-based material showed decreased fringe orders and homogeneous distribution of induced stresses. Both lined dentures exhibited lower stresses when compared to unlined dentures. Silicone-based material provided a more homogeneous distribution of stresses.

Stress distribution in fixed-partial prosthesis and peri-implant bone tissue with different framework materials and vertical misfit levels: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of superstructure material and vertical misfits on the stresses created in an implant-supported partial prosthesis. A three-dimensional (3-D) finite element model was prepared based on common clinical data. The posterior part of a severely resorbed jaw with two osseointegrated implants at the second premolar and second molar regions was modeled using specific modeling software (SolidWorks 2010). Finite element models were created by importing the solid model into mechanical simulation software (ANSYS Workbench 11). The models were divided into groups according to the prosthesis framework material (type IV gold alloy, silver-palladium alloy, commercially pure titanium, cobalt-chromium alloy, or zirconia) and vertical misfit level (10 µm, 50 µm, and 100 µm) created at one implant-prosthesis interface. The gap of the vertical misfit was set to be closed and the stress values were measured in the framework, porcelain veneer, retention screw, and bone tissue. Stiffer materials led to higher stress concentration in the framework and increased stress values in the retention screw, while in the same circumstances, the porcelain veneer showed lower stress values, and there was no significant difference in stress in the peri-implant bone tissue. A considerable increase in stress concentration was observed in all the structures evaluated within the misfit amplification. The framework material influenced the stress concentration in the prosthetic structures and retention screw, but not that in bone tissue. All the structures were significantly influenced by the increase in the misfit levels.

Direct restorative treatment of anterior weared teeth after re-establishment of occlusal vertical dimension: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: The loss of posterior teeth resulting in a lack of stability may lead to excessive mandibular load on some points of occlusion of the remaining teeth, causing wear. The rehabilitation of these cases must be carefully planned and the treatment requires a period of adaptation with a new vertical dimension. BACKGROUND: This case report describes the treatment of a patient with a loss of almost all posterior inferior teeth and a consequential loss of occlusal vertical dimension and accentuated wear of anterior elements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Provisional removable partial dentures were manufactured and the patient used them for a period of adaptation prior to restoration of the anterior teeth. After the patient's adaptation with the new occlusal dimension, anterior restorations were made using a mycrohibrid resin composite with different color aspects for an optimal stratification. RESULTS: The restorations achieved an aesthetic configuration with ideal function as the final result and the occlusion showed a satisfactory stability for a provisional removable partial dentures. CONCLUSION: This article presents an anterior direct rehabilitation approach not only as an alternative option, but also as viable and less expensive treatment option with an optimally aesthetic and functional result.

Influence of different mucosal resiliency and denture reline on stress distribution in peri-implant bone tissue during osseointegration. A three-dimensional finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of mucosal properties and relining material on the stress distribution in peri-implant bone tissue during masticatory function with a conventional complete denture during the healing period through finite element analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional models of a severely resorbed mandible with two recently placed implants in the anterior region were created and divided into the following situations: (i) conventional complete denture and (ii) relined denture with soft lining material. The mucosal tissue properties were divided into soft, resilient and hard. The models were exported to mechanical simulation software; two simulations were carried out with a load at the lower right canine (35 N) and the lower right first molar (50 N). Data were qualitatively evaluated using Maximum Principal Stress, in MPa, given by the software. RESULTS: All models showed stress concentrations in the cortical bone corresponding to the cervical part of the implant. The mucosal properties influenced the stress in peri-implant bone tissue showing a different performance according to the denture base material. The simulations with relined dentures showed lower values of stress concentration than conventional ones. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the mucosal properties and denture reline have a high influence on the stress distribution in the peri-implant bone during the healing period.

Effect of toothbrushing, chemical disinfection and thermocycling procedures on the surface microroughness of denture base acrylic resins.

OBJECTIVE: This study verified the surface microroughness of denture acrylic resins submitted to toothbrushing, chemical disinfection and thermocycling procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples were prepared according to conventional, microwaved and boiled resins and submitted to microroughness measurements before and after procedures using a profilometer (Ra). Data were subjected to anova and Tukey's test (5%). RESULTS: Before thermocycling, a difference was found among treatments for microwaved and boiled resins, with greater values for toothbrushing and lower values for Efferdent and hypochlorite; control was intermediate. Differences among resins were observed for treatments, with higher values for boiled resin and lower values for conventional and microwaved resins. After thermocycling, differences were found for microwaved resin, with a higher value for toothbrushing and a lower value for Efferdent and hypochlorite; control was intermediate. Tooth-brushed boiled resin presented higher values and hypochlorite lower values; control and Efferdent were intermediates. Differences among resins were seen for treatments, with higher values for boiled resin and lower values for conventional and microwaved resins. Boiled resin presented differences for toothbrushing and hypochlorite, before and after thermocycling procedures were compared. CONCLUSIONS: For microwaved and boiled resins, toothbrushing and chemical disinfection promoted different levels of surface microroughness when associated or not with thermocycling.

Fatigue strength: effect of welding type and joint design executed in Ti-6Al-4V structures.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the fatigue strength of Ti-6Al-4V-machined structures submitted to laser (L)-welding and TIG (TIG)-welding procedures, varying the joint designs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy dumbbell rods were machined in Ti-6Al-4V alloy with central diameters of 3.5 mm. The specimens were sectioned and welded using TIG or L and three joint designs {'I' design, varying welding distances [0.0 mm (I00) or 0.6 mm (I06)], or 'X' [X] design}. The combinations of variables created six groups, which, when added to the intact group, made a total of seven groups (n = 10). L was executed as follows: 360 V/8 ms (X) and 390 V/9 ms (I00 and I06), with focus and frequency regulated to zero. TIG was executed using 2:2 (X) and 3:2 (I00 and I06) as welding parameters. Joints were finished, polished and submitted to radiographic examination to be analysed visually for the presence of porosity. The specimens were then subjected to mechanical cyclic tests, and the number of cycles completed until failure was recorded. The fracture surface was examined using a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn test (α = 0.05) indicated that the number of cycles resisted for fracture was higher to X for both welding procedures. To L, I06 was as resistant as X. The Mann-Whitney U-test (α = 0.05) indicated that L joints were more resistant than TIG to I00 and I06. Spearman's correlation coefficient (α = 0.05) indicated a negative correlation between the number of cycles and presence of porosity. CONCLUSION: Thus, to weld Ti-6Al-4V structures, the best condition is X, independent of the welding method employed.

Effect of repeated microwave disinfections on bonding of different commercial teeth to resin denture base.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the influence of repeated microwave disinfections on the shear bond strength of two commercial types of teeth to acrylic resin, when the ridge lap surfaces were unmodified, bur abraded, bur grooved or etched by monomer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty specimens (n = 10) were adhered to the tooth ridge lap surface, polymerised in a water bath at 74°C for 9 h. Microwaved specimens were individually immersed in 150 ml of water and submitted to five simulated disinfections in a microwave oven calibrated at 650 W for 3 min. Control specimens were not microwave treated. Shear bond strength tests were performed in an Instron machine with a cross-speed of 1 mm/min. The fracture load values were transformed into shear bond strength as a function of the bonding area (0.28 cm(2)). Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Fractured areas were classified as adhesive, cohesive (resin or tooth) or mixed failures. RESULTS: Repeated microwave disinfections increased the shear strength of the tooth/resin bond. Mechanical retention in microwaved and non-microwaved procedures improved the shear bond strength. CONCLUSIONS: The different commercial types of teeth influenced shear bond strength values, with Biotone teeth showing the lower values.

Effects of horizontal misfit and bar framework material on the stress distribution of an overdenture-retaining bar system: a 3D finite element analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of horizontal misfit change and bar framework material on the distribution of static stresses in an overdenture-retaining bar system using finite element (FE) analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 3D FE model was created including two titanium implants and a bar framework placed in the anterior part of a severely resorbed jaw. The model set was exported to mechanical simulation software, where horizontal displacement (10, 50, 100, and 200 µm) was applied simulating the settling of the framework, which suffered shrinkage during laboratory procedures. Four bar materials (gold alloy, silver-palladium alloy, commercially pure titanium, and cobalt-chromium alloy) were also simulated in the analysis using 50 µm as the horizontal misfit. Data were qualitatively evaluated using von Mises stress, given by the software. RESULTS: The misfit amplification presented a great increase in the stress levels in the inferior region of the bar, screw-retaining neck, cervical and medium third of the implant, and cortical bone tissue surrounding the implant. The higher stiffness of the bar presented a considerable increase in the stress levels in the bar framework only. CONCLUSION: The levels of static stresses seem to be closely linked with horizontal misfit, such that its amplification caused increased levels of stress in the structures of the overdenture-retaining bar system. On the other hand, the stiffness of the bar framework presented a lower effect on the static stress levels.