In vitro assessment of activated charcoal-based dental products.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the effects of activated charcoal-based products on whitening and changes on dental enamel surface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-two blocks of bovine dental enamel were randomly distributed in four groups (n = 13): brushing with activated charcoal-based powder (PW); brushing with activated charcoal-based dentifrice (AC); brushing with a conventional dentifrice containing 1450 ppm of fluoride (CD); and whitening with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP). Color, microhardness, and surface alteration were analyzed at baseline and after 14 days of treatment. Three samples per group were randomly selected and examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the morphology. RESULTS: PW exhibited greater color change for the ΔE00 , ΔWID, Δb* and ΔL* parameters than other groups (p < 0.05). After treatment, microhardness decreased in AC and CP groups (p < 0.05). Also, PW and AC groups showed more surface alteration than CD and CP (p < 0.001). Changes in the morphology of dental enamel were observed by SEM in PW and AC groups. CONCLUSION: Activated charcoal-based products showed a lower whitening effect than 10% carbamide peroxide. These products also influenced dental enamel microhardness, resulting in greater surface alteration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Activated charcoal-based products promoted minimum whitening effects with significant enamel surface alteration. The 10% carbamide peroxide was more effective for whitening and caused slight enamel surface alteration.

Evaluation of bond strength durability on bleached human dentin.

This study evaluated the effect of aging on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) between composite resin and human dentin bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) or 10% carbamide peroxide (CP). Thirty intact extracted third molars were selected for the study. After the dentin surface was exposed, the smear layer was abraded with silicon carbide paper to ensure standardization. The teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1 (G1), no treatment (control); 2 (G2), dentin bleached with CP (at-home bleaching); and 3 (G3), dentin bleached with HP (in-office bleaching). G2 and G3 were bleached according to the manufacturers' instructions and stored in distilled water for 21 days. The teeth in all 3 groups were then bonded with a dental bonding agent and nanohybrid composite resin. Each tooth was sectioned and divided into groups to allow evaluations at 3 time periods: 24 hours, 6 months, and 12 months. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C ± 1°C until use. The µTBS of the specimens was tested on a universal testing machine. Fracture mode analysis was performed with a stereoscopic loupe. The data were analyzed statistically by 2-way analyses of variance and Tukey tests. After 24 hours, G3 had a significantly lower mean [SD] µTBS value (20.00 [5.67] MPa) than G1 (31.14 [8.83] MPa), but their means were statistically similar at 6 months (29.42 [7.72] MPa vs 22.97 [7.48] MPa, respectively). Tukey tests revealed that there was no statistically significant change in µTBS over time for G2 or G3. After 12 months of aging, only G1 specimens showed statistically lower µTBS values compared with the 24-hour time period (P < 0.05). Based on the results, the durability of the bond between composite resin and dentin is not affected by the choice of bleaching treatment.

Effects of green tea on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets after in-office vital bleaching.

The application of bleaching agents before placement of resin-bonded fixed appliances significantly, but temporarily, reduces bond strength to tooth structure. Antioxidants have been studied as a means to remove residual oxygen that compromises bonding to bleached enamel. This in vitro study evaluated whether green tea (GT) could restore the shear bond strength between bonded orthodontic brackets and bleached enamel. Six experimental groups were compared: group 1, no bleaching plus bracket bonding (positive control); group 2, bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) plus bracket bonding (negative control); group 3, 35% HP plus 10% sodium ascorbate (SA) plus bracket bonding; group 4, 35% HP plus 10% GT plus bracket bonding; group 5, no bleaching plus 10% SA plus bracket bonding; group 6, no bleaching plus 10% GT plus bracket bonding. Results suggested that GT, like SA, may be beneficial for bracket bonding immediately after bleaching.

Push-Out Bond Strength of Restorations with Bulk-Fill, Flow, and Conventional Resin Composites.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bond strengths of composite restorations made with different filler amounts and resin composites that were photoactivated using a light-emitting diode (LED). Thirty bovine incisors were selected, and a conical cavity was prepared in the facial surface of each tooth. All preparations were etched with Scotchbond Etching Gel, the Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus adhesive system was applied followed by photoactivation, and the cavities were filled with a single increment of Filtek Z350 XT, Filtek Z350 XT Flow, or bulk-fill X-tra fil resin composite (n = 10) followed by photoactivation. A push-out test to determine bond strength was conducted using a universal testing machine. Data (MPa) were submitted to Student's t-test at a 5% significance level. After the test, the fractured specimens were examined using an optical microscope under magnification (10x). Although all three composites demonstrated a high prevalence of adhesive failures, the bond strength values of the different resin composites photoactivated by LED showed that the X-tra fil resin composite had a lower bond strength than the Filtek Z350 XT and Filtek Z350 XT Flow resin composites.

In situ antimicrobial activity and inhibition of secondary caries of self-etching adhesives containing an antibacterial agent and/or fluoride.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the in situ effect of fluoride and MDPB-containing adhesives on antibacterial activity around restorations in conditions of high caries risk. METHODS: Bovine enamel and dentin blocks were restored with a fluoride-containing (One-up Bond F Plus - OP) or a MDPB and fluoride-containing adhesive (Clearfil Protect Bond - PB). Volunteers (n = 17) wore an intra-oral appliance containing three enamel and three dentin blocks, aligned side-by-side and restored with OP or PB and one enamel and dentin block (controls). The cariogenic challenge was carried out in two phases of 14 days each. The counts of total streptococci (TM), mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LB) were analyzed in the biofilm formed. Cross-sectional microhardness (CSM) and polarized light microscopy (PLM) evaluated caries lesions around the restorations and the demineralization extension. Data obtained by CSM testing was analyzed by Split-Split Plot ANOVA (P < 0.05). PLM and microbiota results were analyzed by Wilcoxon test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: TM and MS counts were highest for the OP enamel restorations, and these presented higher lesion depths than PB in both the enamel and dentin. The CSM in dentin was the lowest at 60 µm from the restoration wall. None of the adhesives prevented demineralization and bacteria growth, but PB reduced the amount of oral pathogens in enamel and demineralization around restorations in enamel and dentin.

In-vivo evaluation of the surface roughness and morphology of enamel after bracket removal and polishing by different techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness and morphology of enamel with a surface roughness tester and scanning electron microscopy after the removal of metal brackets and polishing. METHODS: Ten orthodontic patients were selected for the study. At the conclusion of orthodontic treatment, their metal brackets were removed. For each patient, teeth on one side of the mouth were randomly chosen for finishing and polishing with aluminum oxide discs (n = 10). Teeth on the other side were finished with multilaminated carbide burs (n = 10). Dental replicas (before and after tooth polishing) were obtained with epoxy resin. Three surface roughness measurements were made in different directions with an angle of 120° among them, and a mean for each dental replica was calculated. The roughness data were statistically evaluated by repeated-measurements analysis of variance. Three specimens from each group were also used for scanning electron microscopy analysis. RESULTS: After resin removal, the average roughness in the carbide bur group (0.31 µm) was significantly greater than that in the aluminum oxide disc group (0.25 µm). CONCLUSIONS: The aluminum oxide disc polishing system resulted in less enamel roughness than did the multilaminated carbide bur system.

Effect of bleaching agents on the flexural strength of bovine dentin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bleaching on the flexural strength of bovine dentin, using bleaching agents containing calcium (Whiteness HP Blue and Whiteness Class) and not containing calcium (Whiteness HP and Whiteness Perfect). Sixty bovine incisor tooth slices were obtained and divided into fve experimental groups (n = 12), such as G1, untreated control group; G2, Whiteness HP Max [35% hydrogen peroxide (HP)]; G3, Whiteness HP Blue (35% HP); G4, Whiteness Class (7.5% HP) and G5, Whiteness Perfect (22% carbamide peroxide). Samples were submitted to bleaching treatment according to the manufacturers' instructions. The control group remained in artificial saliva during bleaching. After bleaching, the enamel was removed and dentin specimens (7 mm length × 1.7 mm width × 0.5 mm thickness) were prepared. Samples were tested in a universal testing machine (EMIC). Data were analyzed by analysis variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test. Differences between the groups were identified by ANOVA. The mean values (± standard deviation) for the experimental groups, such as (in MPa) G1 = 19.05 ± 2.68 a; G2 = 12.69 ± 4.52 b; G3 = 16.39 ± 3.74 ab; G4 = 14.90 ± 5.60 ab; and G5 = 12.71 ± 2.25 b. Groups with the same lowercase letter were significantly different from each other. The presence of calcium in bleaching agents appeared to influence the flexural strength of bovine dentin after bleaching treatment, for both office bleaching (35% HP) and home bleaching (7.5% HP).

Comparative study of physical-chemical properties of bioactive glass ionomer cement.

This study analyzed the physical-chemical properties of bioactive ionomer materials. Cention N bioactive materials were evaluated chemically activated (CN) and light-cured (CN-LC), Equia Forte Fill (EQUI); conventional resin composite Filtek Z350 XT (Z350); resin glass ionomer cement Riva light Cure (RIVA) and flowable resin composite Filtek Bulk Fill Flow (BULK-F) were evaluated. Sixty specimens (n=10) were prepared for sorption (SR), solubility (SL), flexural strength (FS), shrinkage stress (SS), conversion degree (CD), microhardness (MI), and surface roughness (SR) tests. Non-cured and light-cured materials were assessed on FTIR. 30 human molar teeth were used in the bond strength test (BS). Data were subjected to ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's test (5% of significance). EQUI showed more sorption in SR and no statistical difference from RIVA and CN-LC. CN group showed more solubility and EQUI presented less (p<0.05). BULK-F showed higher FS (MPa), without differences from CN and Z350, whereas EQUI presented the lowest FS not differing from RIVA. BULK-F and CN-LC showed more shrinkage stress differing from EQUI. CN-LC and CN showed higher CD differing from the other which showed no differences (p>0.05) between them. EQUI showed the highest hardness (p<0.05) in MI. There were no differences (p>0.05) in SR (µm). Z350 and BULK-F presented higher BS, whereas CN-LC showed the lowest, although not differing from EQUI and RIVA. Equia Forte's solubility and microhardness make it a good alternative as a restorative material. Cention N degree of conversion and flexural strength making it an esthetic option to amalgam.

Whitening efficacy of activated charcoal-based products: A single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the whitening efficacy, tooth sensitivity (TS), and volunteers' satisfaction following the use of activated charcoal powder and toothpaste. METHODS: Fifty-six volunteers were randomly allocated into 4 groups (n = 14) according to a 14-day toothbrushing or whitening treatment with activated charcoal powder (ACPW), activated charcoal toothpaste (ACT), regular fluoridated toothpaste (RT), and 10 % carbamide peroxide (CP). Objective (ΔE00) and subjective (ΔSGU) color and whiteness index (ΔWID) changes were calculated. Patients self-reported the risk and intensity of TS using a visual analogue scale and the volunteer's satisfaction was determined by a questionnaire. Color assessments were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dwas-Steel-Crithlow-Fligner, and absolute TS risk and volunteer's satisfaction by Fisher exact test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: ACPW and ACT promoted similar effects in ΔE00, ΔSGU, and ΔWID to that observed for RT. No significant difference was found in terms of TS risk intensity. TS risk became high after 7 and 14 days, with higher TS prevalence in CP. Volunteers reported that ACPW exhibited the lowest ease-of-use, comfort, and whitening satisfaction among groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Activated charcoal-based products presented a minor and unsatisfactory whitening effect while CP resulted in optimal tooth whitening and the highest level of satisfaction among volunteers. Risk was higher from 7 days onwards and was more pronounced in the CP. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on the whitening effect and patient satisfaction, this controlled-randomized clinical evidence supports that the use of activated charcoal-based products should be discouraged.

Shelf life effects on the bond strength and microhardness of self-adhesive resin cements.

Background: Among the main advantages of self-adhesive resin cements comprise good aesthetics, strong restoration-tooth bond and biocompatibility. However, some disadvantages, such as high viscosity level, color limitation and short shelf life should be mentioned. Thus, the aim of the current study was to assess bond strength between fiberglass post and root dentin in teeth subjected to self-adhesive resin cements with expired shelf life and hardness. Material and Methods: Sixty (60) single-rooted human teeth were sectioned and divided into 2 groups of different cements: U200 3M and MaxCem Elite Kerr. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups, based on self-adhesive resin cements' shelf life, namely: Within the use-time recommended by the manufacturer or no expiration date; 6 months after opening the aluminum blister; 12 months after opening the aluminum blister. Bond strength was measured through push-out test conducted in universal testing machine; fracture pattern was analyzed, and microhardness was investigated through Knoop test, based on hardness readings. Data were subjected to Shapiro-Wilk normality test; nonparametric test was applied to hardness data, whereas parametric test was applied to bond strength data. Hardness data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis test, whereas bond strength data were subjected to analysis of variance, which was followed by Tukey test; both tests were conducted at 5% significance level (α = 0.05). Results: There was no statistically significant difference in knoop hardness values recorded for the material / time / root thirds combination (p=0.483). There was no statistically significant difference in bond strength values recorded for the Material / Time / Thirds combination (p=0.237). Conclusions: It was possible concluding that shelf life did not influence material's hardness and bond strength. Key words:Dental cements, Resin Cements, Shelf Life of Products.

Hydrogen peroxide penetration into the pulp chamber and dental permeability after bleaching.

This study sought to quantify the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (HP) in the pulp chamber and evaluate changes on dental permeability after bleaching with 3 HP concentrations (10%, 35%, and 50%). This study was divided into 2 experiments and the bleaching treatments consisted of 3 applications of HP for 30 minutes during a single session. The first experiment tested HP penetration into the pulp chamber of 4 experimental groups (n = 10) of bovine crowns, which were divided by HP concentration: an unbleached control group (0% HP), 10% HP, 35% HP, and 50% HP. Acetate buffer solution was placed into the pulp chamber and after each application of HP. This solution was collected to determine spectrophotometrically the concentration of HP that reached the pulp chamber. The second experiment evaluated dental permeability. Bovine crowns were divided into 3 groups (n = 10). The crowns were connected to a permeability device and the initial permeability was measured at 10 psi. Three different concentrations of HP gels (10%, 35% and 50%) were applied to the buccal enamel surfaces and the dental permeability was measured after the first, second, and third applications of HP. The data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey test (P ≤ 0.05). All concentrations of HP reached the pulp chamber, although no significant differences were noted between the 3 concentrations tested (P > 0.05). However, the increase of dental permeability in the group that received 50% HP was significantly higher than the 10% HP group (P < 0.05). The results indicate that the HP bleaching treatments increased dental permeability.

Effect of silver nanoparticles associated with fluoride on the progression of root dentin caries in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the anti-proteolytic effect and potential to inhibit dentin root caries progression of a silver nanoparticle and fluoride solution (CNanoF) in comparison to silver diamine fluoride (SDF). METHODS: 48 specimens of root dentin artificial caries lesion were treated with 38% SDF, CNanoF, CNano or F (n = 6 per group). Ph cycling with demineralization and remineralization solutions simulated caries lesion progression. In addition, specimens were incubated with or without bacterial collagenase in the remineralization solution to induce dentin proteolytic degradation. Dentin degradation was assessed by weight loss rate and hydroxyproline (Hyp) release. Changes in cross-sectional microhardness, and lesion permeability and collagen integrity as determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated potential for further demineralization inhibition. The effect of the solutions on the activity of metalloproteinases (MMP) -2 and -9 was also investigated. Statistical analysis consisted of ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and linear mixed models with post-hoc pairwise Tukey, Dunn, and t-tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Treatment with SDF resulted in lower weight loss rate than did other solutions, but all groups showed similar Hyp release (p = 0.183). SDF resulted in greater microhardness at superficial layers of the caries lesions (p<0.05), while there were no differences among CNanoF, CNano, and F. Lesion permeability was similar among all groups after pH cycling (p>0.05), with or without the use of collagenase (p = 0.58). No statistically significant difference was noted among solutions regarding collagen integrity after pH cycling; however, SDF-treated dentin had a significant decrease in collagen integrity when collagenase was used (p = 0.003). Interestingly, only SDF was able to completely inactivate MMP-2 and -9. CONCLUSIONS: CNanoF and SDF both potentially prevent dentin degradation during caries lesion progression in vitro; however, SDF was more effective at inhibiting further tissue demineralization.

Dental aesthetic perception of patients submitted to activated charcoal-based bleaching agents: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of activated charcoal-based products used in two presentation forms (powder or toothpaste), compared to 10 % carbamide peroxide and conventional toothpaste on aesthetic perception and psychosocial impact before and after treatment. METHODS: Fifty-six participants were divided into 4 experimental groups (n = 14). Activated charcoal-based powder (PW); Activated charcoal-based dentifrice (AC); Conventional fluoride toothpaste (CD) and 10 % carbamide peroxide (CP). All products were used for 14 days. Psychosocial impact on dental esthetics (PIDAQ), oral health impact profile (OHIP- Esthetics) and orofacial esthetics scale (OES) questionnaires were applied before and after treatment. Descriptive and exploratory data analyses were performed and analyzed using linear mixed models for repeated measures over time considering significance level of α = 0.05. RESULTS: For PIDAQ, the CP group showed significant decrease in psychological impact, aesthetic perception domains and overall score, while in the PW group, there was only a significant decrease in the psychological impact domain. Decrease in OHIP was observed for the functional limitation domain scores for treatments with CP and PW, in the psychological discomfort domain, decrease was observed for all groups, while for the OES questionnaire, significant increase in the color domain was observed for the CP group. CONCLUSION: Activated charcoal-based products showed lower scores in all questionnaires when compared with carbamide peroxide; thus, charcoal-based products promoted lower impact on quality of life and aesthetic perception. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this randomized clinical trial, charcoal-based OTC products had inferior quality of life and aesthetic perception results compared to conventional carbamide peroxide bleaching.

Secondary caries inhibition promoted by adhesive systems and bleaching agents with fluoride.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the initial caries development at adhesive/enamel interface after 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching (CP) with or without fluoride (F) under dynamic pH-cycling. METHODS: Standard cavities were prepared on the bucal surface of 60 bovine incisors, which were restored with two fluoride-containing adhesives: Optibond FL (FL) and Optibond Solo Plus (SP). The restored teeth were submitted to thermal cycling process in order to age the adhesive/enamel interface. Both SP and FL adhesive-restored teeth were divided into groups (n= 10) and bleached with 10% CP (CP) and 10% CP + F (CPF) or remained unbleached (Control). Bleaching was performed for 14 days simultaneously with pH-cycling. The specimens were prepared for cross-section microhardness evaluation and polarized light microscopy analysis to evaluate caries lesions at different depths around the bonded interface. RESULTS: Group FL (not bleached) presented the lowest mineral loss rate among groups, but secondary caries formation was observed for all groups around the bonded interface. An inhibition zone was observed for all groups, with caries lesion detected at 5 microm from the cavity wall.

Changes in the stiffness of demineralized dentin following application of tooth whitening agents.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the bleaching agents on the elastic modulus of bovine demineralized dentin matrix (EMDM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-five slices were obtained from 17 bovine teeth. The slices were divided randomly into five experimental groups (n = 17): unbleached control group (CG), 4% hydrogen peroxide (HP4), 4% hydrogen peroxide + 0.05% Ca (HP4 + Ca), 7.5% hydrogen peroxide + ACP (HP7.5) and 10% carbamide peroxide (CP10). The HP4, HP4 + Ca and CP10 groups were treated with the bleaching agents for 8 h/day (14 days), while the samples of HP7.5 group were exposed to bleaching agent for 30 min twice a day (14 days). The CG was kept in 100% humidity. After bleaching treatments, the enamel of the samples was removed and 85 dentin beams (0.5 × 1.7 × 7.0 mm) were prepared. Afterwards, the beams were immersed in 10% phosphoric acid solution (5 h) and rinsed with water (10 min). The beams were tested after 24 h, 7 and 14 days of storage in distilled water, using three-point bend method. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher's test. RESULTS: All bleaching treatments reduced the EMDM. After 14 days post-bleaching, the EMDM increased for HP4 and HP4+Ca groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of bleaching agents promoted a decrease in EMDM, which indicates that the bleaching treatment interacts with the dentin organic matrix. The EMDM measurement for the specimens of the 7.5% hydrogen peroxide group that were immersed in water at 14 days post-bleaching did not recover the EMDM values when compared to the control group.

Anticaries Agent Based on Silver Nanoparticles and Fluoride: Characterization and Biological and Remineralizing Effects-An In Vitro Study.

Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize and evaluate the stability, antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and remineralizing effects of silver nanoparticles and fluoride anticaries agent (AgF) on staining dental enamel. Materials and Methods: An experimental AgF solution was prepared and compared to silver diamine fluoride (SDF). First, the AgF was characterized and the stability was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli strains were used to evaluate the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration and cytotoxicity performed using L929 fibroblastic cells by MTT test. Caries-like lesions induced by pH-cycling in human enamel were obtained, and then, the superficial microhardness, cross-sectional microhardness (CSMH), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were performed. Photographic images were taken to analyze the enamel staining. Results: The AgF showed stableness in long term with bacteriostatic and bactericidal actions without cytotoxicity. Enamel remineralization, in surface and in depth (CSMH), was observed when the AgF was used, and it was similar to SDF. SEM showed enamel precipitation, and EDS observed the presence of P, Ca, Au, Ag, and Cl elements. Contrary to SDF, AgF did not stain the enamel. Conclusion: The nano silver fluoride anticaries agent tested presented long-term stability, superficial and in-depth remineralizing capacity with antimicrobial potential and biocompatibility and did not stain the enamel.

Evaluation of Removal Force in Prosthetic Components of Morse Taper Dental Implants.

The longevity of prosthetic rehabilitation is determined by the stability of the implant and abutment interfaces. True morse taper connections on dental restorations have been effective, however activation force still empirical. This work compared the activation strength and internal contact of Morse taper system according to the removal force. Eighty sets, composed of implants and prosthetic abutments, were evaluated with different internal contact areas; 15.12mm2 (G3.3) and 21.25mm2 (G4.3). The specimens were activated at 0° and 30°, with loads of 10, 20, 40 and 60N. The specimens were submitted to tensile test and the data to ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α=0.05). Representative specimens were examined under SEM. Removal force of G3.3 (2.15±1.33MPa) did not differed to G4.3 (1.99±1.03MPa). The activation at 0º (2.95±0.98MPa) statistically differed to 30º (1.19±0.54MPa). The 60N load was statistically superior for G3.3 and there was no statistical difference between 20N to 60N in G4.3. The values of 10N at 30o and 20N at the long axis of the morse taper implant, independent of the frictional contact area showed the best settlement.

Evaluating changes in the color and luminosity of dental enamel after orthodontic treatment: A clinical study.

The aims of this clinical study were to evaluate the Color change - ΔE (based on spectrophotometry and visual analysis) and luminosity - L* (based on spectrophotometry) of dental enamel surface (after orthodontic treatment) around the area where orthodontic brackets were fixed, based on different cementing materials such as a resin (R group) and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC group). The split-mouth study initially comprised 14 patients. Orthodontic brackets were fixed to the upper central incisors with resin or RMGIC. The color of the buccal surface of each tooth was measured through spectrophotometry and visual examination before the bracket-fixation process. Four individuals were excluded during the follow-up; thus 10 patients were evaluated (n=10). Brackets were removed after 12 months of orthodontic treatment, tooth color measurement and visual examination were performed again, and Adhesive Remaining Index (ARI) was also measured. ΔE and L* results were subjected to Student's t-test and by repeated-measures analysis of variance, respectively (α=0.05). ARI data were analyzed in percentages. There was statistically significant difference in ΔE between groups; the R group showed statistically higher values of L* after orthodontic treatment. ARI of 2 and 3 prevailed in the RMGIC group, whereas the R group presented 0 and 1. After orthodontic treatment, the RMGIC group presented smaller changes in ΔE, and the increase in the white scale was observed on the enamel surface around the area where brackets were fixed in the R group. The visual analysis did not show color change on the evaluated teeth.

Surface roughness and staining susceptibility of composite resins after finishing and polishing.

PURPOSE: The study aims to investigate the influence of filler size and finishing systems on the surface roughness and staining of three composite resins. METHODS: Three composites, classified according to their filler size, were selected: Filtek Supreme Plus/nanofill (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), Esthet-X/minifill (Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE, USA), and Renamel Microfill/microfill (Cosmedent Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Composite specimens were made in stainless steel split molds and polished with Sof-Lex (3M ESPE), Enhance+PoGo (Dentsply Caulk), or FlexiDiscs+Enamelize (Cosmedent Inc.). Finishing systems were used according to the manufacturers' instructions and polished surfaces were evaluated with a profilometer and then immersed in 2% methylene blue for 24 hours. Specimens were then prepared for spectrophotometric analysis and results were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test. RESULTS: No significant differences in surface roughness among the composites were found when the surfaces were treated with Enhance+PoGo. In addition, no differences were observed when the Filtek Supreme Plus composite was submitted to surface staining evaluation. In general, the composites polished with the finishing systems from the same company demonstrated lower surface roughness and staining. CONCLUSION: The results of this study recommend that composite resins could be finished and polished with finishing systems supplied by the composite's manufacturer. The surface roughness and staining of composite resins were not influenced solely by filler size. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dentists should finish and polish composite resin with the polishing agent supplied by the same manufacturer. The smallest filler size does not necessarily result in a low surface roughness and staining susceptibility.

Evaluation of the light energy transmission and bottom/top rate in silorane and methacrylate-based composites with different photoactivation protocols.

AIM: This study investigated the influence of different composite resin organic matrix (methacrylate - Filtek Z350 XT and silorane - Filtek P90) on light energy transmission through the composite and bottom/top rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A light-emitting diode (New Blue Phase), light-curing unit was used with different photoactivation protocols (high-continuous mode - HCM, 1400 mW/cm2 for 20 seconds; low-continuous mode - LCM , 700 mW/cm2 for 40 seconds; and soft-start mode - SSM, 140 mW/cm2 for 5s followed by 39 seconds for 700 mW/cm2). Twenty specimens were prepared for each composite. The light energy transmission through the composite was calculated (n=10). The bottom/top rate of the same specimen was calculated (n=10). The data were compared by Tukey's test in different tests (light energy transmission through the composite and bottom/top rate). RESULTS: The light energy transmission through the Filtek Z350 XT composite (HCM - 576 mW/cm2, LCM - 238 mW/cm2, SSM - 232 mW/cm2) did not show statistical difference when compared with Filtek P90 composite (HCM - 572 mW/cm2, LCM - 233 mW/cm2, SSM - 230 mW/cm2). The bottom/top rate of the Filtek Z350 XT composite (HCM - 88.98%, LCM - 90.94%, SSM - 89.92%) was statistically higher than that of the Filtek P90 composite (HCM-77.29%, LCM-77.51%, SSM- 77.79%). CONCLUSION: Light energy transmission through the composite was not influenced by the use of different dental composite restoratives. However, the bottom/top rate of the composites was influenced by the use of different dental composite restoratives. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Insufficiently polymerized composite resin may present a large number of problems. For this reason, dental composite resins should have the similar deep surface polymerization as the top surface in dental restorations.