Compositional dependence of the apatite formation ability of Ti-Zr alloys designed for hard tissue reconstruction.

Ti-Zr alloys are expected to be novel biomaterials with low stress shielding owing to their lower Young's moduli than pure Ti. The drawback of metallic biomaterials is that their bone-bonding abilities are relatively low. NaOH and heat treatments have been performed to provide Ti-50Zr with apatite-forming ability in the body environment, which is essential for bone bonding. However, the systematic compositional dependence of apatite formation has not been revealed. In the present study, NaOH treatment of Ti-Zr alloys with various compositions and bone-bonding abilities was assessed in vitro by apatite formation in simulated body fluid (SBF). The corrosion current density in NaOH aqueous solution and the amount of Na incorporated into the surface tended to decrease with increasing Zr content. The apatite-forming ability of the treated alloy significantly decreased when the Zr content was ≥60 atom%. This phenomenon is attributed to the (1) low OH content on the surface, (2) low Na incorporation into the treated alloy surface, which enhances apatite formation, and (3) low ability of P adsorption to the Ti-Zr alloy in SBF following Ca adsorption to trigger apatite nucleation. Although the adhesion of the titanate/zirconate layer formed on the surfaces to the substrates increased as Zr content increased, the adhesion between the apatite and the substrate was still low.

Modification of resin modified glass ionomer cement by addition of bioactive glass nanoparticles.

In the present study, sol-gel derived nanoparticle calcium silicate bioactive glass was added to the resin-modified light cure glass-ionomer cement to assess the influence of additional bioactive glass nanoparticles on the mechanical and biological properties of resin-modified glass-ionomer cement. The fabricated bioactive glass nanoparticles added resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (GICs) were immersed in the phosphate buffer solution for 28 days to mimic real condition for the mechanical properties. Resin-modified GICs containing 3, 5 and 10 % bioactive glass nanoparticles improved the flexural strength compared to the resin-modified glass-ionomer cement and the samples containing 15 and 20 % bioactive glass nanoparticles before and after immersing in the phosphate buffer solution. Characterization of the samples successfully expressed the cause of the critical condition for mechanical properties. Cell study clarified that resin-modified glass-ionomer cement with high concentrations of bioactive glass nanoparticles has higher cell viability and better cell morphology compare to control groups. The results for mechanical properties and toxicity approved that the considering in selection of an optimum condition would have been a more satisfying conclusion for this study.

Effects of polishing on surface roughness and gloss of S-PRG filled flowable resin composite.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of polishing on surface roughness (Ra, microm) and gloss of different shades of a surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filled flowable resin composite. METHODS: Resin disks of 15 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness and final polish with 3000-grit SiC paper (#3000), super fine cut diamond point (FG) and Super-Snap mini-disk red (SNAP) were made with Beautifil Flow Plus (shades: A2, A20, Inc). The surface roughness and gloss were measured 1-week after curing. Data was analyzed with ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD with alpha=0.05. RESULTS: The order of Ra differed among the composite shades. For all shades in all polishing groups, the Ra was over 0.5 microm. For all shades, the gloss of the #3000 group was significantly higher than that of the FG and SNAP groups with no significant difference between the FG and SNAP groups except for the A20 shade. For A20 shade, the gloss of the SNAP group was significantly higher than that of the FG group.

Effects of polishing on surface roughness, gloss and color of surface reaction type pre-reacted glass-ionomer filled resin composite.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of polishing on surface roughness, gloss and color of different shades of surface reaction type pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filled nano-hybrid resin composite. METHODS: Resin disks of 15 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness and final polish with 1000-grit SiC paper, super fine cut diamond (FG) point, silicon (MFR) point and Super-Snap mini-disk red (SNAP) were made with Beautifil II shades: A2, A20, Inc). One week after curing, the surface roughness, gloss and color were measured. Data was analyzed with ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD with alpha= 0.05 RESULTS: For all shades, the order of roughness (Ra) ranked according to groups of 1000-grit SiC > FG > MFR > SNAP with significant differences among all groups. For all shades, the order of gloss ranked according to groups of SNAP > MFR > FG > 1000-grit SiC with significant differences among the groups except for between MFR and FG without significant difference. The influence of the surface roughness on color differed among the polishing groups and shades. However, the values of the color differences (deltaE*ab) between the polishing groups of all shades were imperceptible to the naked eye.

Tarnish resistance evaluation of experimental Pd-free Ag-Au-Pt-Cu dental alloys.

This study evaluated the tarnish resistance of eight experimental Pd-free Ag-Au-Pt-Cu dental alloys in a 0.1% Na(2)S aqueous solution at 37 degrees C. Color measurements of the plate samples were made using a computerized spectrophotometer before and after immersion in the test solution for up to 72 hours. Tarnish discoloration was evaluated using the color difference vector, DeltaE*, in the CIELAB color space. Microstructural observation of each sample through an optical microscope revealed the matrix phase as the major constituent and second-phase small grains in the matrix phase. Selective tarnish discoloration occurred in the matrix, and fractional area of the matrix to the whole surface area was influenced by the sum of Au and Ag concentrations. The DeltaE* value significantly decreased with increasing Au/(Au+Ag) atomic ratio. In conclusion, the Au/(Au+Ag) ratio in an alloy and the fractional area of the matrix were found to be primary and auxiliary factors affecting the tarnish resistance of the experimental alloys.

Color characteristics of resin composites in different color modes and geometries.

Color characteristics of the shades for different filler type resin composites were compared in the reflectance and transmittance modes, and specular component included (SCI) and specular component excluded (SCE) geometries for reflectance mode. Resin composites and shades used in this study were submicron filled Estelite Sigma (Sigma: Inc, A2, A3, B3, C2, OA2, OA3) and nanofilled Filtek(TM) Supreme XT (XT: Clear, A2E, A2B, A3B, C2B, A2D, A3D). Resin disks of 2 mm in thickness and final polish with 2,400-grit silicon carbide paper were kept in 100% humidity. One week after curing, color of the resin disks were measured with a spectrophotometer. Both for Sigma and XT, reflectance of each of all shades measured with SCI were significantly higher than those with SCE. Compared to the values with SCI and SCE, the L with SCI were significantly higher for all shades of Sigma and XT, however, a and b were depended with brands and shades. Different filler type resin composites showed different color characteristics, reflectance, transmittance and L a b distribution. In some shades, color difference between the measurement with SCI and SCE was visually perceptible level. It would be concluded that the color of resin composite measured with the SCI and SCE geometries differed.

Spectral reflectance and color of dentin ceramics for all-ceramic restorations.

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to observe the spectral reflectance curves, and evaluate the color coordinates (CIELAB) of VM7 dentin ceramics (VITA, Germany) across the whole 3D-MASTER shade system. METHODS: Three disc samples, 13 mm in diameter and 1.4mm in thickness, were produced for each shade by firing following the manufacturer's instructions. Each fired disc was ground to a thickness of 1.0 mm and both faces were polished. Spectral reflectance data in the visible spectrum under the standard illuminant D65 were collected at 1 nm intervals by using a computer-controlled spectrophotometer. Color coordinates, L*, a*, b*, C*, h, in the three-dimensional CIELAB color space were obtained. RESULTS: (1) Spectral reflectance in the short-wavelength range systematically decreased with increasing chroma number (M1, M2, and M3) when compared within the same value (lightness) group (1M, 2M, 3M, 4M, and 5M). (2) Spectral reflectance decreased systematically across the whole visible spectrum with increasing value group when compared within the same chroma group. (3) A negative relationship was recognized between lightness (L*) and chromaticity index a* (red-green direction). That is, a* coordinate increases from approximately 1 for the 1M1 sample to approximately 13 for the 5M3 sample, the corresponding lightness systematically decreased from 87 to 69. (4) With increasing a* coordinate, hue angle (h) significantly decreased from 85 degrees for the 1M1 sample to 69 degrees for the 5M3 sample. (5) Lightness apparently increased with increasing hue angle (h) throughout the whole range of the 3D-MASTER shade system. (6) A strong positive relationship between chroma (C*) and chromaticity index b* (yellow-blue direction) was found, demonstrating that the chroma of the present ceramic is mainly controlled by the b* coordinate. SIGNIFICANCE: Systematic variations in spectral reflectance and color coordinates of VM7 dentin were observed throughout the 3D-MASTER shade system and were suggested to be caused by the fine structure of the sample which can interfere with shorter wavelengths in the visible spectrum.

The effect of magnesium oxide supplementation to aluminum oxide slip on the jointing of aluminum oxide bars.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of modifying aluminum oxide slips with magnesium oxide (MgO) to create a jointing material for In-Ceram Alumina. Jointed In-Ceram Alumina bars with In-Ceram Alumina slips containing 0-1.0 mass% MgO were examined by a three-point bending test. Joint-free bars were also tested as controls. Fracture surfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, linear shrinkage and fracture toughness were assessed. The 0.3 mass% MgO group showed the highest flexural strength among the jointed groups, and there were no statistical differences between the joint-free control groups. The fracture surface of 0.3 mass% MgO group showed increased sintering densification with reduced micropore size. No linear shrinkage was observed with the addition of MgO to the alumina slip. Added MgO was also effective in boosting fracture toughness. The present findings indicate that the MgO-supplemented binding material is useful for clinical applications.

Development of hafnium metal and titanium-hafnium alloys having apatite-forming ability by chemical surface modification.

Hafnium (Hf) has attracted considerable attention as a component of biomedical titanium (Ti) alloys with low Young's moduli and/or shape-memory functionalities, because its cytotoxicity is as low as that of Ti. The drawback of metals is that their bone-bonding ability is generally low. It is known that apatite formation in the body is a prerequisite for bone-bonding. Although several chemical treatments have been proposed for preparing Ti for bone-bonding, there have been no similar investigations for Hf. In the present study, NaOH- and heat-treatments were applied to pure Hf and Ti-Hf alloys and their bone-bonding ability was assessed in vitro with the use of simulated body fluid (SBF). After NaOH- and heat-treatments, anatase formed on alloys with low Hf content (20-40% (atom%) Hf); mixtures of sodium titanate and hafnium titanate formed on alloys with similar Ti and Hf content (60% Hf); and hafnium oxide formed on alloys with high Hf content (80% Hf and pure Hf). Precipitates of apatite were observed on all the metals in SBF, except for the alloy with 60% Hf. We speculated that the hafnium titanate formed on this alloy had a low apatite-forming ability owing to its high negative surface charge, which inhibited P adsorption. The apatite-forming abilities of the Ti-Hf alloys strongly depended on their Hf content. The present results indicate that Hf-based materials have good potential for bone-bonding. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2519-2523, 2018.

Thickness dependence of light transmittance, translucency and opalescence of a ceria-stabilized zirconia/alumina nanocomposite for dental applications.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate thickness dependence of light transmittance, translucency and opalescence of a commercially available fully-sintered ceria-stabilized zirconia/alumina nanocomposite for dental all-ceramic restorations. METHODS: Three disk samples of 16 mm in diameter and thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 mm with 0.1 mm increment each were cut from a fully-sintered rod-shaped Ce-TZP/alumina nanocomposite (NANOZR, Panasonic Healthcare, Japan) and polished flat by using diamond slurry. Spectral light transmittance data under the CIE standard illuminant D65 were recorded at 10nm intervals from 360 to 740 nm using a computer-controlled spectrophotometer. Average transmittance, translucency and opalescence parameters were determined as a function of sample thickness. Optical properties of a fully-sintered yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Cercon(®) base, DeguDent GmbH, Germany) were also investigated as a reference. Two-way ANOVA was performed to determine the significant differences in various optical parameters among types of ceramic and thicknesses at α=0.05. RESULTS: Results of the two-way ANOVA showed that the average transmittance, translucency and opalescence parameters of both ceramic materials were significantly influenced by the type of ceramic and thickness (p<0.001). Light transmittance of the NANOZR was significantly lower than that of the Cercon(®) base. For both ceramic materials, average transmittance of light and translucency parameter decreased with sample thickness following exponential functions. The NANOZR showed substantially higher opalescence parameters exceeding 20 CIE units when the sample thickness was nearly 0.3 mm. The prominent characteristics of high opalescence and low transmittance of light in the NANOZR was considered to be caused by its specific very fine interpenetrated intragranular microstructure and by a large difference of refractive indices of Ce-TZP and alumina components. SIGNIFICANCE: High opalescence and low transmittance of light of the ceria-stabilized zirconia/alumina nanocomposite (NANOZR) are attractive properties for use as a substructure in fabricating porcelain-veneering-type esthetic all-ceramic restorations.

High resolution transmission electron microscopy of age-hardenable Au-Cu-Zn alloys for dental applications.

Microstructures of age-hardenable AuCu-Zn pseudobinary alloys for dental applications were studied by means of high resolution transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM) observation and X-ray diffraction study. HRTEM study revealed that the appearance frequency of antiphase boundaries (APBs) per unit volume of the AuCu II superstructure effectively increased by Zn addition to AuCu, which may be the reason for that high hardness was maintained for a long time in AuCu-Zn alloys. The disordered APBs zone in the AuCu II superstructure had wavy characteristics and fluctuated within regular range. With increasing Zn content in AuCu-Zn alloys, the fluctuation range of APBs' width became narrower, thus random APBs' spacing and irregular APBs' shape of AuCu II superstructure changed to comparatively regular APBs' spacing and shape. Due to the APBs' wavy characteristics, spacing between successive APBs, M, was not constant but scattered, and the magnitude of the scattering of M value decreased with increasing Zn content. By Zn addition to AuCu, phase transformation from a disordered alpha phase to AuCu II phase was greatly accelerated, which made it possible for the AuCu-Zn alloy to have excellent age-hardenability at relatively low temperature like intraoral temperature.

Ordering behaviors and age-hardening in experimental AuCu-Zn pseudobinary alloys for dental applications.

Age-hardening mechanisms and related ordering behaviors of the experimental (AuCu)(1-x)Zn(x) alloys with x < or = 0.2 were investigated for dental applications. The addition of Zn to equiatomic AuCu greatly increased the age-hardening rate and delayed overaging. It was suggested that the quenched-in excess vacancies were greatly related to the age-hardening rate in the AuCu-Zn pseudobinary alloys. In these alloys, the hardness became maximum during the very initial stage of ordering, and with the development of ordered phase, the hardness began to decrease. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the age-hardening of AuCu-Zn pseudobinary alloys is caused by lattice distortion that occurred during the very early stage of atomic ordering. The addition of Zn to AuCu effectively increased the density of antiphase boundaries per unit volume of the AuCu II superstructure. This is suggested to be the main cause for the retardation of the overaging in the alloys containing Zn of 5 at% or more. This pronounced effect of Zn addition to AuCu alloy on its age-hardening characteristics may be advantageous for obtaining stable mechanical properties of dental casting gold alloys.

Precipitation hardening in a dental low-gold alloy.

Age-hardening characteristics in a dental low-gold alloy composed of 40.0 wt% Au-35.0 wt% Ag-7.9 wt% Pd-7.0 wt% Cu-5.0 wt% In-3.5 wt% Zn-1.5 wt% Sn, were investigated by means of the hardness test, XRD study, SEM observations and EPMA. The following results were obtained. The age-hardening was characterized by a precipitation of Cu-rich alpha2 phase in the a phase. The softening that occurred following prolonged ageing was due to the heterogeneous formation of the fine nodular precipitates composed of the Ag-rich alpha1 phase and the Cu-rich alpha2 phase at the grain boundaries of the a phase.

Influence of composition and powder/liquid ratio on setting characteristics and mechanical properties of autopolymerized hard direct denture reline resins based on methyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate.

We evaluated the influence of composition and powder/liquid (P/L) ratio on the setting characteristics and mechanical properties of autopolymerized hard direct denture reline resins composed of methyl methacrylate (MMA, monomethacrylate) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate [EGDMA, dimethacrylate (cross-linking agent)], with poly (ethyl methacrylate) used as the powder, and a mixture of MMA and EGDMA containing p-tolyldiethanolamine as the monomer. Setting times were determined using an oscillating rheometer and mechanical properties were based on ISO specifications. Setting time increased exponentially with an increase in the ratio of EGDMA to MMA and decrease in P/L ratio. Materials with a liquid component of approximately 75-85 wt% EGDMA and a higher P/L ratio showed higher ultimate flexural strength and flexural modulus. Our results suggest that setting characteristics are more influenced by the ratio of monomethacrylate and cross-linking agent, whereas mechanical properties are more influenced by P/L ratio.

Timing for composite resin placement on mineral trioxide aggregate.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the proper time to restore composite resin over mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). METHODS: Thirty-five samples of MTA blocks were divided into 7 groups with 3 different times (10 minutes, 1 day, and 7 days) selected for restoring the composite resin over MTA with and without bonding resin, and a control group was included for comparison. After 21 days, the distances between MTA and the composite resin or between MTA and the bonding agent on sectioned planes along the long axis were measured using a scanning electron microscope (×2,000 magnification). The hardness of the MTA near the composite resin was presented as the Vickers microhardness. RESULTS: There were no gaps at the interface in the 10-minute groups, the 1-day group with a bonding agent, and the 7-day group with a bonding agent. The groups without a bonding agent at 1 and 7 days presented a separation or gap at the interface. The value of the Vickers microhardness in the 1-day groups was significantly decreased compared with those of the other groups regardless of the presence or absence of a bonding agent. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that composite resin with a bonding agent over MTA can be restored almost immediately after MTA mixing during a single visit.

Characterization of the mineral trioxide aggregate-resin modified glass ionomer cement interface in different setting conditions.

INTRODUCTION: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been used successfully for perforation repair, vital pulpotomies, and direct pulp capping. However, little is known about the interactions between MTA and glass ionomer cement (GIC) in final restorations. In this study, 2 null hypotheses were tested: (1) GIC placement time does not affect the MTA-GIC structural interface and hardness and (2) moisture does not affect the MTA-GIC structural interface and hardness. METHODS: Fifty cylinders were half filled with MTA and divided into 5 groups. The other half was filled with resin-modified GIC either immediately after MTA placement or after 1 or 7 days of temporization in the presence or absence of a wet cotton pellet. The specimens were then sectioned, carbon coated, and examined using a scanning electron microscope and an electron probe microanalyzer (SEM-EPMA) for interfacial adaptation, gap formation, and elemental analysis. The Vickers hardness numbers of the interfacial MTA were recorded 24 hours after GIC placement and 8 days after MTA placement and analyzed using the analysis of variance test. RESULTS: Hardness testing 24 hours after GIC placement revealed a significant increase in hardness with an increase of temporization time but not with a change of moisture conditions (P < .05). Hardness testing 8 days after MTA placement indicated no significant differences among groups. SEM-EPMA showed interfacial adaptation to improve with temporization time and moisture. Observed changes were limited to the outermost layer of MTA. The 2 null hypotheses were not rejected. CONCLUSIONS: GIC can be applied over freshly mixed MTA with minimal effects on the MTA, which seemed to decrease with time.

Corrosion resistance evaluation of Pd-free Ag-Au-Pt-Cu dental alloys.

The corrosion resistance of nine experimental Pd-free Ag-Au-Pt-Cu dental alloys in a 0.9% NaCl solution was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). CV measurements revealed that the breakdown potential (E(bd)) and zero current potential (E(zc)) increased with increasing Au/(Au+Ag) atomic ratio. Thus, the Au/(Au+Ag) atomic ratio, but not the Cu content, influenced the corrosion resistance of Ag-Au-Pt-Cu alloys. After the forward scan of CV, both optical and scanning electron microscope images showed that in all the experimental alloys, the matrix phase was corroded but not the second phase. From corrosion resistance viewpoint, the Ag-Au-Pt-Cu alloys seemed to be suitable for clinical application.

In vitro biocompatibility of novel Au-Pt-based metal-ceramic alloys.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of individual metallic elements within experimental Au-Pt-based metal-ceramic alloys on in vitro biocompatibility. A binary Au-10 at.% Pt alloy (AP10) was designed as a parent alloy. Six ternary AP10-X (X = In/Fe/Sn/Zn) alloys and four quaternary (AP10-In2)-Y (Y = Fe/Sn/Zn) with different compositions were cast into square plates with size 10X10X0.5 mm(3) and subjected to porcelain-firing thermal cycling. A commercial alloy was used as a control. In vitro biocompatibility was investigated using L929 murine aneuploid fibrosarcoma cell line. The test samples and cells were incubated at 37°C in a 5% CO(2) atmosphere for 72 h. Alamar™ Blue Assay was carried out to determine the respiratory viability of cultures maintained in the presence of the different materials. The cell only control showed significantly higher levels of cell viability than all six of the ternary alloys and two of the four quaternary alloys, (AP10-In2)-Zn2.1 and (AP10-In2)-Sn1.0 (P < 0.05). The quaternary alloys showed slightly higher levels of cell viability than the ternary alloys, with the exception of AP10-Sn0.9. No statistical differences were seen between the ternary and quaternary alloy groups. Acceptable cell viability was observed on the surfaces of all the alloys.

Effects of acidulated phosphate fluoride gel application on surface roughness, gloss and colour of different type resin composites.

OBJECTIVE: Application of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel has been reported to cause deterioration of resin composites. This study investigated the effects of APF gel application on surface roughness, gloss and colour of resin composites. METHODS: A2-shade resin disks of 2mm thickness polished with 180-grit and 3000-grit SiC papers were made with Estelite Σ Quick (EQ), Clearfil Majesty (CM) and Beautifil II (B2). Six disks were prepared for each group. APF gel was applied in a 3mm thickness on the top surface of resin disks and left for 30min followed by rinsing and ultrasonic washing. This procedure was repeated 4 times. The L*a*b* values, colour difference (ΔE*ab), opacity, surface gloss and roughness of specimens before and after APF application were compared. Data were analysed ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD test with α=0.05. RESULTS: For the 3000-grit polishing groups, the order of influence of APF gel application on colour of resin composites was CM>B2>EQ. Both in the 180- and 3000-grit polishing groups, colour difference before and after APF gel application was hard to detect (CM and B2) or impossible to detect (EQ) by naked eye. On the other hand, for all the resin composites, the gloss was significantly decreased by APF gel application. APF gel appeared to cause deterioration and dissolution of resin composites used in this study. SIGNIFICANCE: In this limited study, supra-nano spherical filled Estelite Σ Quick showed the least change on colour, gloss and surface roughness by APF gel application.

Optical properties of base dentin ceramics for all-ceramic restorations.

OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to compare the optical parameters of VM7(®) M-shade base dentin ceramics (VITA, Germany) for all ceramic restorations to the chemical composition across the 3D-MASTER(®) shade system. METHODS: Three disc samples, 13 mm diameter and 1.4 mm thickness, were produced for each M-shade following the manufacturer's instructions. Each disc was ground and polished to a thickness of 1.0 mm. Spectral light transmittance and reflectance data were recorded in the visible spectrum under the standard illuminant D65 and 2° observer at 10 nm intervals by using a computer-controlled spectrophotometer. Opacity, translucency and opalescence parameters were determined for each sample. RESULTS: (1) Spectral transmittance and reflectance in the short-wavelength range systematically decreased with increasing chroma number (M1, M2, M3) when compared within the same value (lightness) group. (2) Spectral transmittance and reflectance decreased systematically across the whole visible spectrum with increasing value group number when compared within the same chroma group. (3) Analysis of relationship between chemical composition and various optical parameters for all the samples showed the significant contribution of ZrO2 and Y2O3 substances to optical properties of the present material. SIGNIFICANCE: Systematic variations in optical properties of VM7(®) M-shade base dentin ceramics were observed throughout the 3D-MASTER(®) shade system and were suggested to be caused by the fine structure of the sample which can interfere with shorter wavelengths in the visible spectrum.