Primary versus trauma-induced Gorham-Stout disease.

Gorham-Stout disease - also known as "disappearing bone disease" is currently considered a single entity with varying clinical manifestations. We reviewed the existent literature from the earliest historic description(Jackson in 1838) and Gorham and Stout's original series of patients, multiple case reports and series since. After analyzing 212 reported cases, we identified 76 cases with details that recorded either a history of multifocal disease or an identifiable history of preceding trauma. From this review, we have defined two distinct Gorham-Stout entities - those characteristically associated with lymphangiomatosis [a form of GLA (generalized lymphangiomatosis) questionably distinguishable by bone biopsy and radiologic appearance] with multifocal distributed bone lesions, and those others, usually self-limited, first appearing after a traumatic event and always confined to a single bone or closely adjacent one. Multifocal disease is more likely to have chylothorax as a complication. These two Gorham-Stout entities differ in their demographic distribution, clinical history and manifestations, and they follow divergent clinical courses. The prognosis differs, and so should approaches to monitoring as well as acute and long-term treatment. Further research should seek to identify and define the differences in pathology and molecular mechanisms.

Predictors of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea severity and oral appliance therapy efficacy by using lateral cephalometric analysis.

Obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea (OSAH) is a common disorder characterised by repetitive complete or partial closure of the upper airway during sleep, which results in sleep fragmentation and oxygen desaturation. There is growing interest in the use of oral appliances (OAs) to treat OSAH. The purpose of this study was to clarify the cephalometric factors that are associated with OSAH severity and that predict the outcome of OA therapy. Two hundred nine patients with OSAH were recruited and analysed retrospectively. They had a polysomnographically documented apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) of more than five respiratory events per hour. Lateral skull radiographs were used for cephalometric analysis. Only 67 of the 209 recruited patients underwent a second polysomnography (PSG) to evaluate the efficacy of OA therapy. In all recruited patients, the angle formed by the subspinal point (A) to the nasion (N) to the supramental point (B) (i.e. ANB angle) and the distance between the mandibular plane and hyoid bone (MP-H) were predictive factors of OSAH severity. In only 67 patients underwent PSG with an OA, the mean rate of decrease in the AHI was 47·8 ± 29·1%. OA therapy effectively treated OSAH in some patients with a very severe form of OSAH. However, patients who had a high position of the hyoid bone had a poor response to OA therapy. This study suggested that cephalometric analysis is useful for predicting OSAH severity and OA therapy efficacy.

One-year clinical evaluation of two composite materials used for anterior class V restorations.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the clinical performance of two composite materials used for filling anterior cavity preparations. A total of 100 class V cavities of anterior tooth were restored with two different composite materials (Palfique Estelite and Palfique Toughwell, 50 cavities each, respectively) in combination with the same bonding agent (Mac Bond II). Colour match, cavosurface marginal discolouration, recurrent caries, wear, marginal integrity and surface texture were evaluated clinically for all restorations on the basis of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria immediately after insertion (baseline), after 6 months and after 1 year. In the comparison of baseline to 1-year evaluation, the Palfique Toughwell material showed significant changes in all factors except recurrent caries. The Palfique Estelite material, however, showed neither significant cavosurface marginal discolouration nor recurrent caries. No significant difference (P > 0b05) was observed between the two materials in clinical performance after 1 year, with the exception of caries rate, which was found to be significantly lower in the Palfique Estelite material. It was concluded that both composites were clinically reliable materials when used for anterior class V restorations.

Effectiveness of two-liquid silane primers on bonding sintered feldspathic porcelain with a dual-cured composite luting agent.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of two-component ceramic primers on the bond strength of a composite material joined to a sintered porcelain material. Two sizes of porcelain discs (VMK 68; 10 and 8 mm in diameter by 2.5 mm thick) were ground (No. 1000 SiC), and surface-conditioned using one of the following systems: (i) unprimed, (ii) Liquid A of the Porcelain Liner M material (PLM-A), (iii) Liquid B of Porcelain Liner M (PLM-B), (iv) Liquids A and B of Porcelain Liner M (PLM-AB), (v) Liquid A of the Tokuso Ceramics Primer material (TCP-A), (vi) Liquid B of Tokuso Ceramics Primer (TCP-B) and (vii) Liquids A and B of Tokuso Ceramics Primer (TCP-AB). All specimens were bonded with the Bistite II dual-cured composite luting agent, and shear bond strengths were determined both after 24 h immersion in water and after subsequent thermocycling (4-60 degrees C, 1 min each, 20,000 cycles). Of the seven groups assessed, two groups (PLM-AB and TCP-AB) showed the greatest bond strength both before (30.7 MPa for PLM-AB and 29.7 MPa for TCP-AB) and after (19.7 MPa for PLM-AB and 22.4 MPa for TCP-AB) thermocycling (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the PLM-AB and TCP-AB groups regardless of the application of thermocycling (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that both of the acid-catalysed two-liquid ceramic primers showed superior bonding to the unhydrolysed single-liquid silane agents (PLM-B and TCP-A) when the feldspathic porcelain was bonded with the Bistite II luting composite.

Comparative strength of metal-ceramic and metal-composite bonds after extended thermocycling.

The relative strengths of ceramic-to-metal and composite-to-metal bonds were compared after prolonged thermocycling. A total of 104 cast discs were produced from a gold alloy (Pontor LFC). A ceramic material (Duceragold) was fused to 24 discs to assess the strength of the metal-ceramic bond. An indirect composite material (New Metacolor Infis) was bonded to the remaining discs after surface preparation by Rocatec tribochemical coating, tin plating and priming with a phosphate conditioner [10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP), Cesead II], priming with a thione conditioner (V-Primer) or no treatment (unprimed control). Shear bond strengths were determined before and after thermocycling at 20,000 and 100,000 cycles. Pre-thermocycling bond strengths were ranked in the order: metal-ceramic (40.5 MPa); Rocatec treatment (33.1 MPa) and tin plating-MDP (31.0 MPa); V-Primer (20.9 MPa); and control (11.9 MPa). The bond strengths of the first three groups were not significantly different after 20,000 thermocycles, whereas those of the V-Primer and control groups were significantly reduced. After extended thermocycling (100,000 cycles) the metal-ceramic group had the highest mean shear bond strength (28.5 MPa; P < 0.05), followed by the Rocatec (23.9 MPa) and tin plating-MDP (22.1 MPa) groups. The metal-ceramic bond was the most durable, although its strength was reduced by 29.6% after extended thermocycling. On the basis of these results, we recommend the Rocatec and tin plating-MDP systems for composite-to-metal bonding. Metal-ceramic bonding, however, is superior to metal-composite bonding within the limitation of the current experiment.

Properties of dual-curable luting composites polymerized with single and dual curing modes.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of visible-light exposure on water absorption, solubility and colour stability of dual-curable luting composites. Using eight dual-curable luting composites (2bond2, Bistite II, G-CERA Cosmotech II, Imperva Dual, Linkmax, Lute-It, Panavia Fluoro Cement and Variolink II), disk specimens were prepared by the following two methods: (i) dual-cured specimens; exposed with visible-light from a light-curing unit, and (ii) chemical-cured specimens; chemically polymerized without exposure. Five specimens were produced for each material and curing mode. Water absorption and solubility were determined according to standardized testing methods, and the data were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and contrasts. With regard to colour stability, the colour difference (DeltaE*) values between 24 h and the other immersion periods (1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks) were calculated and then analysed by repeated measure ANOVA. The dual-cured specimens exhibited significantly lower solubility values than the chemical-cured specimens except for the Lute-It material. The dual-cured Linkmax material exhibited the lowest solubility (0.51 +/- 0.01 microg mm(-3)) and the lowest DeltaE* value after 24 weeks (2.64 +/- 0.39). The dual-curable luting composites should be light-exposed after seating of restorations in order to reduce water absorption and solubility, and to improve colour stability.

Properties of a new photo-activated composite polymerized with three different laboratory photo-curing units.

This study determined the hardness, solubility and curing depth of a new photo-activated composite polymerized with three different laboratory photo-curing units for the purpose of evaluating the post-curing properties of the material. A new photo-activated composite material for both direct and indirect applications (DiamondCrown) was polymerized with three photo-curing units equipped with the following light sources: (i) two halogen lamps (DiamondLite-VL. Halogen Light Curing Booth); (ii) two metal halide lamps (Hyper LII) and (iii) two xenon stroboscopic tubes (UniXS II). Knoop hardness, water solubility and curing depth were determined for groups of five specimens according to standardized testing methods. All data were compared using analysis of variance (anova) and Scheffe's S intervals (P < 0.05). The Knoop hardness number (KHN) generated with the metal halide unit (63.3 +/- 2.4 KHN) was statistically (P < 0.05) greater than those produced by the other two curing units. Water solubility values for both the halogen unit (2.5 +/- 0.5 microg mm(-3)) and the metal halide unit (2.5 +/- 0.5 microg mm(-3)) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than for the xenon unit (3.8 +/- 0.5 microg mm(-3)). Of the three photo-curing units, the metal halide curing-unit consistently exhibited the greatest depth of cure. The composite material appears to be reliable, although its post-curing properties were found to be influenced by the type of curing unit.

Adhesive bonding of super-elastic titanium-nickel alloy castings with a phosphate metal conditioner and an acrylic adhesive.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the bonding characteristics of super-elastic titanium-nickel (Ti-Ni) alloy castings. Disk specimens were cast from a Ti-Ni alloy (Ti-50.85Ni mol%) using an arc centrifugal casting machine. High-purity titanium and nickel specimens were also prepared as experimental references. The specimens were air-abraded with alumina, and bonded with an adhesive resin (Super-Bond C & B). A metal conditioner containing a phosphate monomer (Cesead II Opaque Primer) was also used for priming the specimens. Post-thermocycling average bond strengths (MPa) of the primed groups were 41.5 for Ti-Ni, 30.4 for Ti and 19.5 for Ni, whereas those of the unprimed groups were 21.6 for Ti, 19.3 for Ti-Ni and 9.3 for Ni. Application of the phosphate conditioner elevated the bond strengths of all alloy/metals (P < 0.05). X-ray fluorescence analysis revealed that nickel was attached to the debonded resin surface of the resin-to-nickel bonded specimen, indicating that corrosion of high-purity nickel occurred at the resin-nickel interface. Durable bonding to super-elastic Ti-Ni alloy castings can be achieved with a combination of a phosphate metal conditioner and a tri-n-butylborane-initiated adhesive resin.

Evaluation of two thione primers and composite luting agents used for bonding a silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the bond strength and durability of two metal adhesive systems bonded to a silver-palladium-copper-gold (Ag-Pd) alloy. Disk specimens were cast from an Ag-Pd alloy (Castwell M.C. 12), air-abraded with 50 micro m grain-sized alumina, and they were bonded with two primer-cement bonding systems (Alloy Primer and Panavia Fluoro Cement; Metaltite and Bistite II). For each cement, unprimed specimens were also prepared as experimental controls. Shear bond strengths were determined both before and after thermocycling (4-60 degrees C, 1 min each, 100 000 cycles). The average post-thermocycling bond strengths in MPa (n=8) were: 39.0 for the Metaltite-Bistite II system, 32.2 for the Alloy Primer-Panavia Fluoro Cement system, 23.1 for the Bistite II material and 21.0 for the Panavia Fluoro Cement material. The use of proprietary primers, both of which contain thione functional monomer, enhanced the post-thermocycling bond strengths of both cements (P < 0.05). After thermocycling, however, the difference in bond strength between the two cements was not significant regardless of the use of the primers (P > 0.05). It is concluded that the combined use of the thione primer and the luting agent is necessary for bonding the Ag-Pd alloy examined.

Influence of visible-light exposure on colour stability of current dual-curable luting composites.

This study was conducted to evaluate influence of visible-light exposure on colour stability of dual-curable luting composite. Using six dual-curable luting composites [Bistite II (BI), Clapearl DC (CL), Dicor Light Activated Cement (DI), G-Cera Cosmotech II (GC), Lute-It (LU) and Variolink II (VA), disk specimens were prepared with the following two methods: (i) dual-cured specimens, exposure with visible-light from a photo-curing unit for 120 s and (ii) chemical-cured specimens, chemically cured without exposure. Five specimens were produced for each material and curing mode. After 24 h, all specimens were immersed in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 weeks, during which colour accuracy was measured with a dental colorimeter. The colours characterized in the Commission Internationale d'Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* colour space were first determined 24 h after preparation (baseline colour evaluation), and again after 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24 weeks. The colour difference (Delta E*) values between 24 h and the other immersion periods were calculated, and then analysed by repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). In addition, the Delta E* values after 24 weeks for dual-cured specimens were compared with those for chemical-cured specimens by one-way ANOVA and by contrasts for each composite (P < 0.05). The Delta E* values were influenced by the material and curing mode as well as immersion period (P=0.0001). After 24 weeks the dual-cured specimens showed significantly lower Delta E* values than the chemical-cured specimens, except for the VA material. The CL material exhibited the least colour change (1.9 +/- 0.2) among the dual-cured specimens, and the VA material showed the least (4.5 +/- 0.9) among the chemical-cured specimens after 24 weeks. Dual-curable luting composites should be polymerized with the dual modes to ensure colour stability.

Colour reproducibility of a photo-activated prosthetic composite with different thicknesses.

This study determined the colour accuracy of a photo-activated prosthetic composite with various thicknesses and shades for the purpose of evaluating the relationship between material thickness variation and colour reproducibility. Four light shades (A1, B1, C1 and D2) and four dark shades (A4, B4, C4 and D4) of a representative photo-activated prosthetic composite (Artglass) for body paste were assessed. The specimens were prepared with thicknesses of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 mm. The L*a*b* colour parameter of each shade was measured using a dental colorimeter (ShadeEye) connected to a computer. The overall colour accuracy of groups of five specimens was compared by means of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe's S multiple range test (P=0;05). In addition, L*a*b* colour difference (Delta E*) values between the 3.0 mm thickness and the other thicknesses were calculated. Three-factor ANOVA revealed that all colour parameters were influenced by the thickness as well as by the shade letter and shade tab (P < 0.05). The L* value consistently decreased for all shades as thickness increased, although there was no obvious correlation between the thickness of the material and either the a* or b* values. Among the Delta E* values, the values between the 2.5 and 3.0 mm thicknesses were the lowest, and values were found to be lower than 2.0 for all shades. The colour accuracy of the photo-activated prosthetic composite was related to the thickness of the material regardless of the shade. For acceptable colour reproducibility, a composite material thickness of at least 2.5 mm was found to be required.

Shear bond strength of resin composite veneering material to gold alloy with varying metal surface preparations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although adequate surface preparation is indispensable to achieve a consistent and durable bond between resin composite materials and the metal substructures of veneered restorations, information on the bonding performance of current metal adhesive systems is limited. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface preparation effects of 4 metal conditioners and 1 adhesive system on bonding between a prosthetic resin composite veneering material and a gold casting alloy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four primers containing sulfur derivative monomer and designed for conditioning noble metal alloys (Alloy Primer, Infis Opaque Primer, Metal Primer II, and Metaltite) and a surface modification technique (Siloc) were assessed. Cast disk specimens made of gold alloy (Pontor LFC) were either primed with 1 of the 4 primers or treated with the Siloc system and bonded with a light-activated prosthetic resin composite material (New Metacolor Infis). Control specimens were also prepared without the use of a bonding agent. Shear bond strengths were determined before and after thermocycling (20,000 cycles) for evaluation of bond durability. RESULTS: All of the primed and Siloc-treated groups showed improved 24-hour shear bond strengths compared with the control group. After thermocycling, the groups either primed with the Metaltite conditioner or treated with the Siloc system exhibited the highest mean shear bond strengths. CONCLUSION: The Metaltite conditioner and Siloc system each represent a useful method for improving the bond between the gold alloy and resin composite material tested.

Excretion into gastrointestinal tract of irinotecan lactone and carboxylate forms and their pharmacodynamics in rodents.

PURPOSE: To investigate the excretion of irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) and its active metabolite, SN-38, into the gastrointestinal lumen via the biliary and/or intestinal membrane route after dosing with lactone and carboxylate forms of CPT-11, and to evaluate the toxic and antitumor effects of the two forms. METHODS: The excretions of CPT-11 and SN-38 were investigated by the in situ perfusion technique using rats. The incidence of delayed diarrhea was evaluated after i.v. dosing (60 mg/kg) with CPT-11 lactone and carboxylate forms for 4 days. Antitumor activity and changes in body weight were investigated in mice with Meth A tumors. RESULTS: The excretion of CPT-11 into bile was greater in dosing with CPT-11 carboxylate than that with its lactone form, whereas the exsorption across intestinal membrane was greater in dosing with CPT-11 lactone than that with its carboxylate form. Dosing with CPT-11 lactone dose-dependently inhibited the increase in tumor weights in Meth A tumor mice, whereas the dosing with its carboxylate form reduced the antitumor effect. CONCLUSIONS: The decreased antitumor effect caused by dosing with the CPT-11 carboxylate form could be due to less accumulation in the tissue including tumor cells resulting from the rapid elimination of the form in the body.

Curing depth of different shades of a photo-activated prosthetic composite material.

This study determined the depth of cure of different shades of a prosthetic composite material with the aim of evaluating the influence of shade variation on post-curing material properties. Four light shades having small tabs (A1, B1, C1 and D2) and four dark shades having higher tabs (A4, B4, C4 and D4) of a prosthetic composite (Artglass) for body paste based on the Vita Lumin Shade guide were selected. Specimens of each shade were exposed with the proprietary photo-curing unit (UniXS) for periods 20, 30, 60 and 90 s. The curing depth of the material for each shade was determined with a scraping technique described by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 4049), and average values of groups of five specimens were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe's S intervals (P < 0.05). The L*a*b* colour parameters of five specimens after 90 s exposure were measured using a small-area dental colorimeter (ShadeEye) in order to determine the colorimetric differences. Three-factor ANOVA revealed that the depth of cure was influenced by shade letter (A, B, C or D) and shade tab (1 and 2, or 4) as well as by the exposure period (P=0.05). Curing depth of the light shades was consistently greater than that of the dark shades. Among the eight shades selected, B1 shade demonstrated the greatest curing depth, while A4 shade exhibited the lowest curing depth. For all shades, longer exposure increased the depth of cure. All of the light shades exhibited higher L* values than any of the four dark shades. Curing depth of the composite material was found to be related to the Vita shade variation and the exposure period.

Clinical evaluation of a chemically cured hard denture relining material.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a chemically cured denture relining material after 1-year service period. A powder-liquid material designed for denture base relining (Tokuso Rebase Normal-set, Tokuyama Corp., Tokyo, Japan.) was assessed. Fifty adult patients, who required denture reline treatment, participated in the current project. Adaptation of each denture was examined with a silicone elastomeric material, and the surface to be relined was reduced by means of a rotary cutting instrument, then conditioned with dichloromethane. The relining material was spatulated, poured into the relining area, inserted and adjusted after setting. Each relined denture was subjected to base line evaluation immediately after relining and end evaluation after 1 year. Standardized criteria were used for direct evaluation of the material. After an observation period of 1 year, the rate of the relining cases considered to be in clinically ideal condition (Alfa) was 90% for staining, 90% for discoloration, 94% for peeling, 96% for adaptation and 100% for irritation to oral tissue. Only one case was judged as clinically unacceptable (Charlie), and this was for staining. On the basis of a 1-year observation, the Tokuso Rebase material is considered to be a clinically reliable hard denture relining agent.

Clinical evaluation of an urethane tetramethacrylate-based composite material as a prosthetic veneering agent.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a hybrid composite material used as a prosthetic veneering agent after servicing for more than 4 years. A photo-curable composite material (Cesead) was selected as the veneering agent. Composite resin veneered restorations made with the composite and a noble metal alloy were inserted into 110 teeth of 40 patients. Modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria were used for direct evaluation of colour matching ability, veneer-metal interfacial staining, veneer surface texture, staining of the metal casting, and wear of the veneer-metal interface. After an average observation period of 5 years and 3 months, the rate of restorations considered to be clinically ideal (Alfa) was 75.5% for colour match, 93.6% for veneer-metal interfacial staining, 82.7% for veneer surface texture, 97.3% for staining of the metal casting, and 95.5% for wear. The restorations judged as clinically unacceptable (Charlie) consisted of only one case for colour match and three cases for veneer surface texture. Although the Alfa rate decreased with increasing length of service, the Cesead composite is considered to be a clinically reliable material as a prosthetic veneering agent.

Wear and surface roughness of current prosthetic composites after toothbrush/dentifrice abrasion.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Surface changes of prosthetic composites caused by toothbrushing are known, although composite materials have been improved and are now widely used for various kinds of prosthetic restorations. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the influence of toothbrushing on abrasive wear and surface roughness of current prosthetic composites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven composite materials (Artglass, Axis, Cesead II, Conquest Sculpture, Estenia, Infis, and Targis) were assessed, and a machinable ceramic material (Cerec 2 Vitablocs) was used as a reference. Composite specimens polymerized with their proprietary curing units and sectioned ceramic specimens were stored in water for 14 days, and subsequently subjected to toothbrush-dentifrice abrasion. The amount of vertical loss and the surface roughness of each specimen after 20,000 strokes were determined with a profilometer. Average values of groups of 5 specimens were compared with ANOVA and Duncan new multiple range test. RESULT: Significantly (P < .05) less wear was observed with respect to the Targis (10.01 microm; SD = 0.53 microm) and Estenia (13.04 microm; 1.95 microm) materials than for the other composites assessed, whereas Artglass (34.08 microm; 3.66 microm) and Conquest Sculpture (31.78 microm; 4.67 microm) materials demonstrated the most wear. The least surface roughness was exhibited by Conquest Sculpture (Ra, 0.54 microm; 0.07 microm) material, and the greatest by Cesead II (1.10 microm; 0.13 microm). Ceramic material showed a more wear-resistant (4.54 microm; 0.79 microm) and smoother (0.26 microm; 0.02 microm) surface than any of the composite materials. CONCLUSION: Abrasion and surface roughness of the prosthetic composites caused by toothbrushing varied in accordance with the material. Type of prosthetic composite significantly influenced the surface condition after toothbrushing.

Comparative evaluation of secondary heat treatment and a high intensity light source for the improvement of properties of prosthetic composites.

This study determined the hardness and water solubility of two prosthetic composites polymerized with three curing modes for the purpose of evaluating the influence of secondary heating and a high intensity light source on resulting material properties. Two prosthetic composite materials (Artglass and Dentacolor) were cured with the following methods: (1) exposure by means of a photo-curing unit with a xenon stroboscopic light source (Dentacolor XS) for 120 s; (2) exposure with the xenon unit for 120 s, followed by heating in an oven (KL 100) at 100 degrees C for 15 min; and (3) exposure by means of a photo-curing unit with two metal halide lamps (Hyper LII) for 120 s. Knoop hardness and water solubility were determined according to standardized testing methods. Although post-cure heat treatment considerably elevated the Knoop hardness number for both materials, the greatest hardness number was generated with the use of the metal halide unit. Water solubility of the Dentacolor material was lowest when the material was cured with the metal halide unit, followed by the secondary heated group, whereas, solubility of the Artglass material was unaffected by the curing modes. This suggests that the use of a high intensity light source is more effective than the application of secondary heating for improving the post-curing properties of composites.

Analysis of composite type and different sources of polymerization light on in vitro toothbrush/dentifrice abrasion resistance.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined toothbrush/dentifrice abrasion of a photo-activated prosthetic composite (dentin and enamel variations) for the purpose of evaluating the influence of polymerization sources on abrasive wear. METHODS: A photo-activated prosthetic composite material (Artglass) was assessed. Dentin and enamel variations were polymerized using a proprietary photo-curing unit with two xenon stroboscopic lamps (UniXS), and other enamel specimens were polymerized either with a laboratory photo-curing unit with three fluorescent tubes or with a high intensity unit with two metal halide lamps. All specimens were stored in water for 14days and subjected to toothbrush/dentifrice abrasion (350g vertical load) using an abrasive slurry (Colgate Fluoriguard) and a toothbrush (Oral-B 40). The amount of vertical loss and the surface roughness of the specimens after 20,000 strokes were determined by profilometer. Average values of groups of five specimens were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Sheffe's S intervals (p<0.05). RESULTS: When polymerizing with the proprietary unit, the abrasion and surface roughness of the enamel material required respective means of 34.08microm (+/-3.66) and 1.00microm (+/-0.08), and the those of the dentin material required means of 42.02microm (+/-5.62) and 1.23microm (+/-0.20). Both abrasion and surface roughness after toothbrushing of the enamel material were significantly smaller than were those of the dentin material. The abrasion of specimens polymerized with the metal halide unit required a mean of 23.89microm (+/-6.17) and demonstrated minimal wear. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a high intensity metal halide photo-curing unit effectively enhanced the abrasion resistance of the composite. Surfaces of restorations should be covered with the enamel material in order to achieve smoothness and wear resistance.