Effect of titania content and biomimetic coating on the mechanical properties of the Y-TZP/TiO2 composite.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of titania addition (0, 10 and 30mol%) on the microstructure, relative density, Young's modulus (E), Poisson's ratio (υ), mechanical properties (flexural strength, σf, and Weibull modulus, m) of a Y-TZP/TiO2 composite. The effect of the presence of a biomimetic coating on the microstructure and mechanical properties was also evaluated. METHODS: Y-TZP (3mol% of yttria) and Y-TZP/TiO2 composite (10 or 30mol% of titania) were synthesized by co-precipitation. The powders were pressed and sintered at 1400°C/2h. The surfaces, with and without biomimetic coating, were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The relative density was measured by the Archimedes' principle. E and υ were measured by ultrasonic pulse-echo method. For the mechanical properties the specimens (n=30 for each group) were tested in a universal testing machine. RESULTS: Titania addition increased the grain size of the composite and caused a significant decrease in the flexural strength (in MPa, control 815.4a; T10 455.7b and T30 336.0c), E (in GPa, control 213.4a; T10 155.8b and T30 134.0c) and relative density (control 99.0%a; T10 94.4%c and T30 96.3%b) of the Y-TZP/TiO2 composite. The presence of 30% titania caused substantial increase in m and υ. Biomimetic coating did not affect the mechanical properties of the composite. SIGNIFICANCE: The Y-TZP/TiO2 composite coated with a layer of CaP has great potential to be used as implant material. Although addition of titania affected the properties of the composite, the application of a biomimetic coating did not jeopardize its reliability.

Evaluation of the adaptation of zirconia-based fixed partial dentures using micro-CT technology.

The objective of the study was to measure the marginal and internal fit of zirconia-based all-ceramic three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) (Y-TZP - LAVA, 3M-ESPE), using a novel methodology based on micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) technology. Stainless steel models of prepared abutments were fabricated to design FPDs. Ten frameworks were produced with 9 mm2 connector cross-sections using a LAVATM CAD-CAM system. All FPDs were veneered with a compatible porcelain. Each FPD was seated on the original model and scanned using micro-CT. Files were processed using NRecon and CTAn software. Adobe Photoshop and Image J software were used to analyze the cross-sectional images. Five measuring points were selected, as follows: MG - marginal gap; CA - chamfer area; AW - axial wall; AOT - axio-occlusal transition area; OA - occlusal area. Results were statistically analyzed by Kruskall-Wallis and Tukey's post hoc test (α= 0.05). There were significant differences for the gap width between the measurement points evaluated. MG showed the smallest median gap width (42 µm). OA had the highest median gap dimension (125 µm), followed by the AOT point (105 µm). CA and AW gap width values were statistically similar, 66 and 65 µm respectively. Thus, it was possible to conclude that different levels of adaptation were observed within the FPD, at the different measuring points. In addition, the micro-CT technology seems to be a reliable tool to evaluate the fit of dental restorations.

Influence of restorative techniques on marginal adaptation and dye penetration around Class V restorations.

The aim of this study was to observe the influence of restorative techniques on marginal adaptation and dye penetration around Class V restorations simulating abfraction lesions. Sixty mandibular premolars were divided into six groups (n = 10) using different restorative materials. Cavity preparation presented the gingival wall localized in dentin and the incisal wall in enamel. Replicas of abfraction lesions were obtained and viewed under a stereomicroscope for adaptation assessment. All teeth were subjected to thermocycling and mechanical load cycling and immersed in 0.5% methylene blue dye (pH 7.2) for four hours. The results were tabulated and submitted to Kruskal-Wallis tests, which were significant for the dentin margin with lower microleakage values for primer/Vitremer, followed by Clearfil SE Bond/Durafill VS and Clearfil SE Bond/Z100 in qualitative and quantitative methods (P < 0.05). The enamel margin had no significant difference for microleakage values for all groups. There was no statistically significant difference among the substrates for marginal adaptation. The Spearman coefficient illustrated a direct relation between enamel and dentin for microleakage evaluation (P < 0.0001). The data demonstrated no difference for marginal fit by chi-square test. It can be concluded that all groups had microleakage in different degrees, with the lowest values for resin-modified glass ionomer.

Determination of the slow crack growth susceptibility coefficient of dental ceramics using different methods.

This study compared three methods for the determination of the slow crack growth susceptibility coefficient (n) of two veneering ceramics (VM7 and d.Sign), two glass-ceramics (Empress and Empress 2) and a glass-infiltrated alumina composite (In-Ceram Alumina). Discs (n = 10) were prepared according to manufacturers' recommendations and polished. The constant stress-rate test was performed at five constant stress rates to calculate n(d) . For the indentation fracture test to determine n(IF) , Vickers indentations were performed and the crack lengths were measured under an optical microscope. For the constant stress test (performed only for d.Sign for the determination of n(s) ) four constant stresses were applied and held constant until the specimens' fracture and the time to failure was recorded. All tests were performed in artificial saliva at 37°C. The n(d) values were 17.2 for Empress 2, followed by d.Sign (20.5), VM7 (26.5), Empress (30.2), and In-Ceram Alumina (31.1). In-Ceram Alumina and Empress 2 showed the highest n(IF) values, 66.0 and 40.2, respectively. The n(IF) values determined for Empress (25.2), d.Sign (25.6), and VM7 (20.1) were similar. The n(s) value determined for d.Sign was 31.4. It can be concluded that the n values determined for the dental ceramics evaluated were significantly influenced by the test method used.

Slow crack growth and reliability of dental ceramics.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the slow crack growth (SCG) and Weibull parameters of five dental ceramics: a vitreous porcelain (V), a leucite-based porcelain (D), a leucite-based glass-ceramic (E1), a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (E2) and a glass-infiltrated alumina composite (IC). METHODS: Eighty disks (Ø 12 mm × 1.1mm thick) of each material were constructed according to manufacturers' recommendations and polished. The stress corrosion susceptibility coefficient (n) was obtained by dynamic fatigue test, and specimens were tested in biaxial flexure at five stress rates immersed in artificial saliva at 37 °C. Weibull parameters were calculated for the 30 specimens tested at 1 MPa/s in artificial saliva at 37 °C. The 80 specimens were distributed as follows: 10 for each stress rate (10(-2), 10(-1), 10(1), 10(2)MPa/s), 10 for inert strength (10(2)MPa/s, silicon oil) and 30 for 10(0)MPa/s. Fractographic analysis was also performed to investigate the fracture origin. RESULTS: E2 showed the lowest slow crack growth susceptibility coefficient (17.2), followed by D (20.4) and V (26.3). E1 and IC presented the highest n values (30.1 and 31.1, respectively). Porcelain V presented the lowest Weibull modulus (5.2). All other materials showed similar Weibull modulus values, ranging from 9.4 to 11.7. Fractographic analysis indicated that for porcelain D, glass-ceramics E1 and E2, and composite IC crack deflection was the main toughening mechanism. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides a detailed microstructural and slow crack growth characterization of widely used dental ceramics. This is important from a clinical standpoint to assist the clinician in choosing the best ceramic material for each situation as well as predicting its clinical longevity. It also can be helpful in developing new materials for dental prostheses.

Are flowable resin-based composites a reliable material for metal orthodontic bracket bonding?

AIM: To compare the tensile bond strength (TBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of three flowable resin-based composites and three orthodontic adhesive systems for metal bracket bonding. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Sixty bovine incisors were randomly divided into six groups. Enamel surfaces were etched with 37 percent phosphoric acid for 30 seconds and stainless steel orthodontic brackets were bonded using either flowable resin-based composites (3M Flow, FL; Tetric Flow, TF; and Wave, WA) or orthodontic bonding systems (Transbond XT, TX; Concise Orthodontic, CO; Fill Magic Ortodôntico, FM). All specimens were thermal cycled and stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours, after which they were subsequently tested for TBS using a universal testing machine. ARI scores were determined after the failure of brackets. TBS and ARI data were submitted to ANOVA, Tukey, and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p=0.05), respectively. RESULTS: Rankings of the resin-based composites based on TBS means (MPa) were TX (6.4 ± 2.1), followed by CO (4.5 ± 2.7), FM (3.7 ± 1.2), FL (3.6 ± 1.2), TF (3.3 ± 1.2), and WA (2.4 ± 0.6). CO exhibited the lowest ARI mean score (0.9 ± 1.2) which was significantly different from the other five materials: TX (2.8 ± 0.42), FM (2.8 ± 0.42), FL (2.9 ± 0.32), TF (2.9 ± 0.32), and WA (3.0 ± 0.01). However, there were no statistically significant differences among the other groups with mean scores of 2.8-3.0. A score of 3.0 indicated that all the resin remained bonded to the tooth surface. CONCLUSION: The flowable resin-based composites tested (Fl, TF, and WA) used to bond metal orthodontic brackets to bovine enamel had low mean TBS values but acceptable ARI mean scores. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Flowable composites may not be appropriate for bracket bonding, unless the teeth to be bonded are not subjected to higher orthodontic stresses, such as those without an antagonist.

Subcritical crack growth in porcelains, glass-ceramics, and glass-infiltrated alumina composite for dental restorations.

The objective was to compare fracture toughness (K(Ic)), stress corrosion susceptibility coefficient (n), and stress intensity factor threshold for crack propagation (K(I0)) of two porcelains [VM7/Vita (V) and d.Sign/Ivoclar (D)], two glass-ceramics [Empress/Ivolcar (E1) and Empress2/Ivlocar (E2)] and a glass-infiltrated alumina composite [In-Ceram Alumina/Vita (IC)]. Disks were constructed according to each manufacturer's processing method, and polished before induction of cracks by a Vickers indenter. Crack lengths were measured under optical microscopy at times between 0.1 and 100 h. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37 degrees C during the whole experiment. K(Ic) and n were determined using indentation fracture method. K(I0) was determined by plotting log crack velocity versus log K(I). Microstructure characterization was carried out under SEM, EDS, X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. IC and E2 presented higher K(Ic) and K(I0) compared to E1, V, and D. IC presented the highest n value, followed by E2, D, E1, and V in a decreasing order. V and D presented similar K(Ic), but porcelain V showed higher K(I0) and lower n compared to D. Microstructure features (volume fraction, size, aspect ratio of crystalline phases and chemical composition of glassy matrix) determined K(Ic). The increase of K(Ic) value favored the increases of n and K(I0).

Effect of ion exchange on hardness and fracture toughness of dental porcelains.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ion exchange, IE, on fracture toughness K(Ic) and hardness H of five dental porcelains with different microstructures: B, Ceramco II/Dentstply; C, Finesse/Dentsply; Cb, Cerabien/Noritake; D, d.Sign/Ivoclar; V, Vitadur Alpha/Vita. Specimens were sintered according to manufacturers' instructions, n = 10. Vickers indentations were made on specimens' surfaces before and after IE to calculate H and K(Ic). IE treatment consisted in coating the surface of the specimen with slurry of KNO(3) and distilled water, with subsequent drying for 20 min at 150 degrees C and heating for 30 min at 450 degrees C. Microstructural analysis was also performed. The measured leucite contents were 22, 15, 6, 0, and 0% for porcelains B, D, C, Cb, and V, respectively. Porcelains C, Cb, D, and V showed a significant increase in hardness after IE. Hardness of porcelain B was not affected by IE. Materials with lower leucite content tended to present higher increases in hardness after ion exchange. Ion exchange significantly increased K(Ic) between 64 and 156% of 4 out of 5 porcelains studied. Porcelain B was the only one to present a decrease in fracture toughness after ion exchange.

Relationship between fracture toughness and flexural strength in dental porcelains.

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between fracture toughness (K(Ic)) and flexural strength (FS) in dental porcelains. Porcelains with different leucite contents and clinical indications were used (A, B, C, D, and E). K(Ic) was determined by surface crack in flexure method (SCF) and FS was determined by four-point-bending test. Microstructural characterization was also carried out. The leucite contents of porcelains A, B, C, D, and E were, respectively, 22, 22, 6, 15, and 0%. Materials with higher leucite content (A and B) presented significantly higher K(Ic) values compared to materials with lower leucite content (C and E). The Weibull moduli (m) of porcelains A and B were statistically higher than those of the other three materials. Regarding characteristic strength (sigma(0)), porcelains D and E showed similar values and statistically higher than those of the other materials which were statistically different from each other. According to the regression analysis, sigma(0) increased with the increase of K(Ic) until approximately 0.75 MPa m(1/2). After that, the increase in K(Ic) was accompanied by a decrease in sigma(0). However, the Weibull modulus increased with the increase in K(Ic), especially for values greater than 0.80 MPa m(1/2).