Marginal integrity and physicomechanical properties of a thermoviscous and regular bulk-fill resin composites.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the marginal integrity (MI%) and to characterize specific properties of a thermoviscous bulk-fill resin composite, two regular bulk-fill resin composites, and a non-bulk-fill resin composite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: VisCalor bulk (VBF), Filtek One Bulk Fill (OBF), and Aura Bulk Fill (ABF) were evaluated. Filtek Z250 XT (ZXT) was used as non-bulk-fill control. MI% was evaluated in standardized cylindrical cavities restored with the composites by using a 3D laser confocal microscope. The following properties were characterized: volumetric polymerization shrinkage (VS%), polymerization shrinkage stress (Pss), degree of conversion (DC%), microhardness (KHN), flexural strength (FS), and elastic modulus (EM). Data were analyzed by one-way and two-way ANOVA, and Tukey HSD post-hoc test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: VBF presented the highest MI% and the lowest VS% and Pss (p < 0.05). DC% ranged from 59.4% (OBF) to 71.0% (ZXT). ZXT and VBF presented similar and highest KHN than OBF and ABF (p < 0.05). ABF presented the lowest FS (p < 0.05). EM ranged from 5.5 GPa to 7.7 GPa, with the values of ZXT and VBF being similar and statistically higher than those of OBF and ABF (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thermoviscous technology employed by VisCalor bulk was able to improve its mechanical behavior comparatively to regular bulk-fill resin composites and to contribute to a better marginal integrity in restorations built up in cylindrical cavities with similar geometry to a class I cavity as well. Although presenting overall better physicomechanical properties, Z250 XT presented the worst MI%. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The marginal integrity, which is pivotal for the success of resin composite restorations, could be improved using VisCalor bulk-fill. The worst MI% presented by Z250 XT reinforces that non-bulk-fill resin composites shall not be bulk-inserted in the cavity to be restored.

Dentine biomodification by sulphonamides pre-treatment: bond strength, proteolytic inhibition, and antimicrobial activity.

We evaluated the effects of dentine biomodification after pre-treatment with two sulphonamide carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) of the N-[4-sulphamoylphenethylcarbamoyl]benzenesulphonamide type, investigating matrix metalloproteases activity, resin-dentine micro tensile bond strength, dentine surface wettability, and antimicrobial activities. Ninety-five sound-extracted human molars were selected for the study. Inhibitory effects were evaluated by gelatinase and collagenase activity tests and collagen degradation FT-IR spectroscopic analysis. Pre-treatment with the two CAIs kept the micro tensile values after 12 months of storage (32.23 ± 5.95) and cariogenic challenge (34.13 ± 2.71) similar to the initial, pre-treatment values (33.56 ± 4.34). A decreased Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation on dentine surfaces and antibacterial activity against planktonic bacteria were observed after CAI treatment. Dentine pre-treatment with sulphonamide CAIs maintained adhesion strength stability, allowed better dentine wettability, maintained matrix collagen, and showed anti-S. mutans activity.

Evolution of roughness and optical properties of resin composites submitted to whitening toothpastes-cigarette smoking cycling.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of cycling whitening toothpaste with cigarette smoking (WTCS) on the evolution of roughness, color, translucency, and gloss of microfilled, microhybrid, and nanofilled resin composites. METHODS: 15 specimens of Durafill - DVS, Empress Direct - ED, and Z350 - FZ were divided into three groups according to the toothpastes:: conventional, control group, (Colgate - C) and Whitening (Colgate Luminous White - CW and Oral B 3D White - OW) and roughness, color, translucency, and gloss were evaluated before and after the specimens were submitted to WTCS for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, 3-way repeated measures ANOVA, and Tukey HSD post hoc test (α= 0.05). RESULTS: Only ED and FZ brushed with CW and FZ brushed with C presented an increase in roughness after WTCS. The three composites suffered a significant color alteration after WTCS. Excepting DVS brushed with CW, all the other groups presented a significant reduction in translucency after WTCS. DVS was the only resin composite that maintained its gloss stability after WTCS. Whitening toothpastes behaved similarly to conventional (control) toothpaste regarding the evolution of roughness and optical stability of the three resin composites. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Whitening toothpastes were not capable of maintaining the color stability of the three resin composites after 8 weeks of toothpastes-cigarette smoking cycling.

Fabrication and characterization of low-shrinkage dental composites containing montmorillonite nanoclay.

Dental composites are aesthetic materials widely used in Dentistry for replacing hard dental tissues lost due to caries or traumas. The aim of this study was to fabricate low-shrinkage dental composite charged with nanoclay fillers (montmorillonite Cloisite®-MMT) and evaluate their cytotoxicity and physicomechanical properties. Four dental composites were produced from the same organic matrix: Bis-GMA/TEGDMA (30 wt.%). The filler system was constituted of BaSi, SiO2, and MMT in the following concentrations (wt.%): 93.8/6.2/0, 89.1/5.9/5, 86.7/5.8/7.5, and 84.4/5.6/10 (E0: 0; E5: 5%; E7.5: 7.5%; E10: 10% of MMT nanoclays). The following properties were tested: in vitro cytotoxicity, flexural strength, elastic modulus, volumetric shrinkage, water sorption, water solubility, and hygroscopic expansion. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize composites' topography. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc test (p < 0.05). MMT nanoclays did not affect the cytotoxicity. E5 and E7.5 groups showed a significant decrease in polymerization shrinkage while maintained the overall physicomechanical properties. The inclusion of 5 and 7.5 wt.% of MMT nanoclays allowed the fabrication of dental composites with low cytotoxicity and low polymerization shrinkage, without jeopardizing the overall behaviour of their physicomechanical properties (flexural strength, elastic modulus, water sorption, water solubility, and hygroscopic expansion). These aspects suggest that the usage of MMT nanoclays could be an effective strategy to formulate new dental composites with clinical applicability.

Glass fiber posts relining: can composite opacity influence retention to root canal dentin?

This study aimed at evaluating the influence of glass-fiber post (GFP) relining with composites of different opacities on resin cement layer thickness (CLT), bond strength (BS) to root dentin, and resin cement degree of conversion (DC%). Standardized roots of 52 bovine incisors had their canals prepared and were distributed into 4 groups (n = 10 for CLT and BS; n = 3 for DC%) according to the post used: WP3 (Control)-Whitepost DC3; groups DE, EN and TR-Whitepost DC0.5 relined, respectively, with dentin, enamel, and translucent shade composites. After cementation, specimens were sectioned into six 1.0 mm-thick discs that were submitted to push-out BS test. CLT and failure pattern were evaluated using a stereomicroscope and DC% by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). The control group showed greater CLT than all relined groups (p < 0.05), which did not differ from each other (p > 0.05). Groups relined with low opacity composites (TR; EN) showed the highest BS and DC% means (p < 0.05). BS was not different among root thirds (p > 0.05), while DC% decreased from cervical to apical third (p < 0.05). Adhesive failures between cement and dentin were predominant, except for group DE with frequent mixed failures. It could be concluded that composite opacity did not influence CLT, which was thinner when GFP were relined and that relining GFP with lower opacity composites led to higher BS and DC%.

Effect of a dentifrice containing nanohydroxyapatite on the roughness, color, lightness, and brightness of dental enamel subjected to a demineralization challenge.

The dental profession is still pursuing the most effective way to treat white-spot lesions in order to produce a sound and esthetically pleasing enamel surface. The aim of the present research was to evaluate in vitro the effects of a dentifrice with nanohydroxyapatite (nano-HAp) on the roughness, color, lightness, and brightness (gloss) of bovine enamel subjected to pH cycling. Twelve enamel discs prepared from bovine incisors were divided into 2 experimental groups: dentifrice with sodium fluoride (Colgate Total 12 Clean Mint) and dentifrice with nanoHAp (Megasonex). For 14 days, the specimens were subjected to 30 cycles of simulated brushing twice a day as well as to a pH cycling model (6 hours of demineralization and 18 hours of remineralization daily). The roughness, color, lightness, and brightness of all specimens were evaluated at baseline (immediately after specimen preparation) and after 7 and 14 days of treatment. A Tukey test demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences in the effects of the dentifrices on any parameter after 7 days (P > 0.05). After 14 days, however, there was a statistically significant increase in mean roughness in the group brushed with fluoride dentifrice (P < 0.05). Thus, the nanoHAp containing dentifrice promoted less superficial roughness after 14 days, but both dentifrices were similar in relation to color variation, lightness, and brightness.

Effect of HEMA Phosphate as an Alternative to Phosphoric Acid for Dentin Treatment Prior to Hybridization with Etch-and-Rinse Adhesive Systems.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of dentin treatment using HEMA phosphate (HEMA-P) on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and nanoleakage of an etch-and-rinse adhesive system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The occlusal surfaces of human molars were wet ground until superficial dentin was exposed. The specimens were then assigned to two groups according to dentin treatment: PA: 37% H3PO4 for 15 s; or HP: HEMA-P for 15 s. Adper Single Bond 2 was applied to the treated dentin surfaces and resin composite buildups were incrementally constructed over them. After 24-h storage in artificial saliva at 37°C, the bonded teeth were cut into resin-dentin sticks with a cross-sectional area of 1 mm², which were submitted to µTBS testing immediately or after 3 months of storage in artificial saliva at 37°C. Nanoleakage was assessed using SEM/EDS, and the interaction between dentin and H3PO4 or HEMA-P was evaluated by combining micro-Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post-hoc test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: HP presented significantly higher µTBS than PA at both times (p < 0.05). Both treatments maintained µTBS stability after 3 months of artificial saliva storage (p > 0.005). At both times, PA presented higher nanoleakage than HP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both dentin treatments maintained µTBS stability after 3 months of artificial saliva storage. The use of HEMA-P was associated with less nanoleakage than was traditional phosphoric-acid etching.

Resin-dentin Bond Stability of Experimental 4-META-based Etch-and-rinse Adhesives Solvated by Ethanol or Acetone.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of 4-META concentration and type of solvent on the degree of conversion (DC%) and resin-dentin bond stability of experimental etch-and-rinse adhesives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four different concentrations of 4-META (12 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, 40 wt%) were added to a model adhesive system consisting of TEG-DMA (25 wt%), UDMA (20 wt%), HEMA (30 wt%), water (4 wt%), camphorquinone (0.5 wt%), and tertiary amine (0.5 wt%) dissolved in 20% acetone (A12, A20, A30 and A40) or 20% ethanol (E12, E20, E30 and E40). DC% was evaluated by FT-IR spectroscopy. Human molars were wet ground until the occlusal dentin was exposed, the adhesive systems were applied after 37% phosphoric acid etching, and resin composite buildups were incrementally constructed. After storage in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h, the teeth were cut into resin-dentin beams (cross-sectional area 1 mm2). Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) was evaluated after 24 h, 6 months, and 1 year of water storage at 37°C. The failure mode was categorized as adhesive, mixed, or cohesive. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: A12 presented the lowest DC% (p < 0.05). All the other adhesive systems showed statistically similar DC% (p > 0.05). All adhesive systems maintained resin-dentin bond stability after 6 months of water storage, while only A40 and E40 maintained it after 1 year. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the type of organic solvent, the incorporation of high concentrations of 4-META (40 wt%) improved the resin-dentin bond stability of the experimental etch-and-rinse adhesive systems over a period of 1 year.

Can cement film thickness influence bond strength and fracture resistance of fiber reinforced composite posts?

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the influence of cement film thickness (CFT) on bond strength (BS) and fracture resistance (FR) of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts to root canal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred bovine incisors were used for BS and FR analysis (n = 10) and distributed into five experimental groups according to FRC post diameters (WhitePost DC no. 0.5, no. 1, no. 2, no. 3, no. 4), leading to five different CFTs. The canals were prepared using drill no. 4 provided by the post manufacturer and irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl. After conditioning (24% H2O2/5 min) and silanization, posts were cemented with resin cement. BS was evaluated using push-out test and FR using the compression test at 45°. A stereomicroscope was used to measure CFT and to analyze failure pattern. BS data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Scheffé test for contrast (α = 0.05); FR data were subjected to one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: BS was significantly affected by CFT, as the most well-adapted post achieved the highest values (p < 0.05). BS was similar for all root thirds. CFT did not affect fracture resistance. No root fractures were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A FRC post well adapted to the root canal results in higher BS values. Different CFTs did not influence the FR of teeth restored with FRC posts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results indicate that post retention is improved when a well-adapted post is used, although this has not been critical to fracture resistance.

Flaxseed flour (Linum usitatissinum) consumption improves bone quality and decreases the adipocyte area of lactating rats in the post-weaning period.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of flaxseed flour in the intake on adiposity and femur structure of the lactating rats during the post-weaning period. After weaning, the lactating rats were divided into control (C, n = 6) and experimental (F, n = 6) groups treated with a diet containing flaxseed flour. Serum hormone and fatty acids composition, morphology of intra-abdominal adipocytes, computed tomography and biomechanical analyses of femur were determined. Food intake, body mass and hormone analysis have shown similar results. The F group showed the following (p < 0.05): lower arachidonic acid (-60%), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (-30%) and retroperitoneal adipocytes (-36%) area. Higher radiodensity of femoral head region (+29%) and higher maximum force (+18%), breaking strength (+18%) and rigidity (+31%). Fatty acid composition of flaxseed flour decreased the area of adipocytes and improved the bone quality, which may be associated with lower serum levels of arachidonic acid levels, during the post-weaning period.

Influence of organic acids present in oral biofilm on the durability of the repair bond strength, sorption and solubility of resin composites.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the repair bond strength after storage in water, lactic and propionic acid after 7 days and 6 months and the sorption and solubility of resin composites used. METHODS: Five cylinders of each resin composite (microhybrid, nanofilled and silorane-based composite) were prepared. Specimens were aged with thermocycling (5 and 55°C) 5,000 times. A repair procedure was performed using intraoral sandblasting with 50-µm aluminum oxide, application of an adhesive system and cylinder of composite was fabricated. Specimens were sectioned into beams and stored in three immersion media: water, propionic acid and lactic acid. The microtensile bond strength was measured after periods of 7 days and 6 months. Sorption and solubility were evaluated using 15 specimens (0 = 6 mm; h = 1 mm) of each resin composite, which were prepared and assigned into three groups (n = 5) according to the immersion media (water, propionic acid and lactic acid). Data were analyzed using one-way/two-way/three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The resin composites, immersion media and time of immersion did not affect the repair bond strength (microhybrid 38.3 to 40.9 MPa; nanofilled 38.7 to 42.2 MPa; silorane 41.2 to 51.1 MPa). Additionally, the immersion media did not affect the sorption and solubility. The silorane-based composite presented the lowest sorption (10.5 to 12.1 µg/mm3) and solubility (-2.4 to -2.7 µg/mm3), while the nanofilled methacrylate-based composite showed the highest sorption (32.1 to 33.6 µg/mm3). Regarding solubility, the nanofilled and microhybrid methacrylate-based composites did not present statistically significant differences.

Effect of different application frequencies of CPP-ACP and fluoride dentifrice on demineralized enamel: a laboratory study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different application frequencies of dentifrices containing CPP-ACP and fluoride on enamel demineralization inhibition using a pH cycling model. METHODS: A total of 120 enamel blocks obtained from permanent human third molars were divided into eight groups according to the treatment and number of times that the dentifrice slurry was applied (three or five times): Control--Dentifrice without Fluoride (CO3 and CO5); Fluoride Dentifrice (FD3 and FD5--commercial dentifrice 1100 ppm as NaF); MI Paste (MP3 and MP5--Recaldent) and MI Paste Plus (MPP3 and MPP5--Recaldent 900 ppm as NaF). The specimens were alternately soaked in a demineralizing solution for 6 hours and in a remineralizing solution for 18 hours for 5 days. The treatments were applied three or five times for 60 seconds after the de-remineralization period. The dentifrice slurries were prepared with deionized water, in a 1:3 proportion (wt%). Demineralized enamel changes were analyzed by surface microhardness (SMH) and 3D-profilometry. Data were analyzed by two-way and one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The percentage change of SMH (%SMH) was similar for all treatment groups except between MP5 < CO3 and CO5 (P < 0.05). The enamel samples treated with CCP-ACP topical paste showed smoother surfaces than those of control and fluoride dentifrice.

Influence of Specimen Dimension, Water Immersion Protocol, and Surface Roughness on Water Sorption and Solubility of Resin-Based Restorative Materials.

The evaluation of water sorption and solubility is pivotal for the development of new resin-based restorative materials with the potential for clinical application. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the specimen dimension, water immersion protocol, and surface roughness on the water sorption and solubility of three resin-based restorative materials. Disk-shaped specimens of 15 mm × 1 mm, 10 mm × 1 mm, and 6 mm × 1 mm were produced with a composite resin (Z100), a resin cement (RelyX ARC), and an adhesive system (Single Bond 2-SB2). The specimens were immersed in distilled water according to four protocols: ISO (all the specimens for each group were vertically immersed in 50 mL); IV-10 (the specimens were individually and vertically immersed in 10 mL); IH-10 (the specimens were individually and horizontally immersed in 10 mL); and IH-2 (the specimens were individually and horizontally immersed in 2 mL). The surface roughness (Sa and Sp) was evaluated using an atomic force microscope, and the degree of conversion was determined using FT-IR spectrometry. The specimen dimension and water immersion protocol had no effect on water sorption and solubility. For the three resin-based restorative materials, Sp was higher than Sa. The degree of conversion was not influenced by the specimen dimension. The variations in the specimen dimension and water immersion protocol compared to those determined by ISO 4049 did not prevent the comparison between the values of water sorption and solubility obtained for a given resin-based restorative material.

Brazil nut-enriched diet modulates bone mineral density and body composition in an experimental model of chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effects of a Brazil nut-enriched diet on body composition and bone parameters in CKD animal model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were assigned to the following groups: Sham (n=8), Nx (n=6), nephrectomized rats, and NxBN (n=6), nephrectomized rats and an enricheddiet with 5% Brazil nut. Body composition parameters were obtained by dual-energy X- ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bioclin kits determined plasmatic calcium. The femurs werecollected to determine absolute mass and length, bone mineral density, and biomechanical tests. RESULTS: The NxBN group exhibited a higher total body bone mineral density (BMD) value than the Nx group (0.177±0.004g/cm2vs 0,169±0.003g/cm2; p=0.0397). No significant differences were observed regarding absolute mass, length, BMD, and biomechanical parameters in the femurs of the groups. Moreover, no significant differences were found in plasmatic calcium levels among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Brazil-nut enriched diet modulated BMD in CKD experimental model, and further studies are demanded to understand the pathways involved in this finding.

Evaluation of the effects of the bonding agent on acid-etched human enamel demineralization: in situ study.

This in situ study evaluated the influence of the bonding agent on demineralization of acid-etched human enamel. Enamel blocks obtained from 20 human molars (four blocks per tooth) were divided into five groups. For the control groups, healthy control (HC, no treatment) and acid-etched control (EC, etching with 35 per cent phosphoric acid for 20 seconds), the specimens were obtained by sectioning in half, one block from each tooth. For the experimental groups, experimental etched group (EE), experimental Concise™ group (CE), and experimental Transbond™ group (TE), all specimens were etched with 35 per cent phosphoric acid for 20 seconds (EE) and treated with Concise™ enamel bond (CE) and Transbond™ XT primer (TE). Specimens from the experimental groups were fixed at intra-oral appliances wore by 10 volunteers and exposed to oral environment. After 28 days, the specimens were sectioned in the mesial-distal direction and the enamel cross-sectional Knoop hardness number (KHN, 50 g, 15 seconds) was measured at the cervical and occlusal regions at 25, 50, and 75 µm from the enamel surfaces. Data were analysed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey honestly significantly different test for multiple comparisons (α = 0.05). Enamel KHN (P < 0.05) was recovered only in the Concise-treated group (CE; P < 0.05). When considering depth measurements, KHN results were 25 > 50 > 75 µm (P < 0.05). None of the groups exposed to the intra-oral environment for 28 days have recovered completely the enamel microhardness, but the order of improvement was better in the CE group than the TE group, the latter being only slightly better than the EE group.

The influence of methodology on the comparison of cytotoxicity of total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to compare the in vitro cytocompatibility of two etch-and-rinse (Adper Scothbond, Optibond) and two self-etch (Clearfill SE Bond and Single Bond Universal) dental adhesives through a dentin-barrier model with human pulp fibroblasts. METHODS: Human fibroblasts were placed on a plastic device containing 500µm human dentin discs treated with each adhesive or without treatment (control). Other groups were directly exposed to media conditioned with adhesive samples according to ISO 10993-5:2009. After 24h exposure, cell viability was assessed by XTT, and released inflammatory mediators were detected with a multiparametric immunoassay. RESULTS: The standardized test without barrier indicated both etch-and-rinse adhesives and self-etch as cytotoxic, promoting viabilities under 70% of the control group (p<0.05). The dentin-barrier model identified increased cell viability for self-etch adhesives, with Clearfill SE Bond identified as non-cytotoxic. The immunoassay evidenced high rates of cytokines by cells exposed to the conditioned media of Adper Scotchbond, Optibond S, and Single Bond Universal. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a dentin-barrier in vitro model detected a better biocompatibility for self-etching adhesives and, in the case of Clearfill SE Bond, with a reversion from cytotoxic to biocompatible when compared to the indirect standardized test. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of a dentin-barrier in vitro model was able to detect a better biocompatibility for self-etching adhesives when compared to the indirect standardized test and presents itself as a predictive in vitro method for assessing the cytotoxicity of dental restorative materials that may simulate the clinical condition more accurately.

Evaluation of self-adhesive resin cement bond strength to yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic (Y-TZP) using four surface treatments.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of four surface treatments on the bond strength of a self-adhesive resin cement to an yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) ceramic material (Lava Frame zirconia). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty plates (8 x 6 x 1 mm) of a Y-TZP ceramic restorative material were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10) according to the surface treatments: control, no treatment; airborne-particle abrasion with 50-µm Al2O3; coating with an MDP-based primer; conditioning with Rocatec System. The ceramic plates treated with each of the four methods were further divided into 2 subgroups according to the resin cement tested: RelyXTM ARC (ARC, conventional) and RelyXTM Unicem (Ucem, self-adhesive). The resin cements were put into PVC tubes (diameter 0.75 mm, 0.5 mm height) placed on the ceramic plate surfaces. After water storage at 37°C for 24 h, the specimens were submitted to a microshear bond strength (µSBS) test at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min. RESULTS: The surface treatments significantly influenced the µSBS (p < 0.05). For the four surface treatments, UCem presented significantly higher µSBS than ARC (p < 0.05). For both resin cements, the best result was produced by the MDP-based primer: ARC 15.9 ± 5.0 MPa and UCem 36.2 ± 2.1 MPa. The highest µSBS values were presented by UCem on ceramic plates treated with the MDP-based primer (36.2 ± 2.1 MPa) and Rocatec system (37.4 ± 2.3 MPa). CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the surface treatment, the self-adhesive resin cement performed better in terms of bond strength to yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic than did conventional resin cement.

The diffusion kinetics of a nanofilled and a midifilled resin composite immersed in distilled water, artificial saliva, and lactic acid.

This study investigated the diffusion kinetics of a nanofilled (Filtek Z350) and a midifill (Filtek P60) resin composite immersed in distilled water, artificial saliva and lactic acid. Resin composite specimens were desiccated, immersed in the media, weighed at suitable time intervals until they reached sorption equilibrium and were then desiccated again. Sorption and solubility (µg/mm(3)) were calculated based on ISO 4049:2000(E). The diffusion coefficient (m(2).s(-1)) was determined according to Flick's second law. The degree of conversion (DC%) was evaluated by FT-IR and the action of the media on the surfaces of the resin composite was evaluated by SEM. Z350 immersed in lactic acid presented the highest sorption (25.9 ± 1.3). The highest solubility was presented by Z350 immersed in lactic acid (5.6 ± 0.9), followed by P60 immersed in lactic acid (4.4 ± 0.5). The other groups presented no significant difference among them. The diffusion coefficients of both resin composites immersed in lactic acid and that of Z350 immersed in artificial saliva were significantly higher. The lowest diffusion coefficient was presented by P60 immersed in distilled water. The DC% was not significant, (p > 0.05). The SEM analysis showed that the effect of lactic acid on the resin composites was more deleterious than those of water and artificial saliva.

In vitro alterations in dental enamel exposed to acidic medicines.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of acidic medicines (Klaricid(®), Claritin(®), and Dimetapp(®)) on surface enamel in vitro. METHODS: Enamel blocks (n=104) were randomly distributed into two groups: G1 (pH-cycling simulating physiological oral conditions) and G2 (erosive conditions). Each group was divided into four subgroups, three to be immersed in the medicines and the control in deionized water. Specimen surfaces were evaluated for roughness and hardness at baseline and again after the in vitro experimental phase, which included 30 min immersions in the medicines twice daily for 12 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also performed after the in vitro experimental phase. RESULTS: All medicines produced a significant reduction in hardness in G1 after 12 days (P<0.05). The three medicines promoted greater roughness after both pH-regimens - G1 and G2 (P<0.01), except for Claritin in G1. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed erosive patterns in all subgroups. Dimetapp(®) showed the most erosion and Klaricid(®) the least, in both groups. CONCLUSION: Dimetapp(®) (lowest pH and viscosity) and deionized water (control) showed the most pronounced erosive patterns. Klaricid(®) (highest pH and viscosity) presented an in vitro protective effect against acid attacks perhaps due to its mineral content and viscosity.

The effect of mouthrinses on salivary sorption, solubility and surface degradation of a nanofilled and a hybrid resin composite.

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of mouth rinses on salivary sorption (Sp), solubility (Sl) and surface degradation of a nanofilled (Z350) and hybrid (P60) resin composite. Specimens (6 mm in diameter and 1 mm thick) of a nanofilled and hybrid resin composite were immersed in artificial saliva at 37 degrees C for seven days. Twice a day, the samples (n = 5) were immersed in 20 ml of three mouth rinses: Listerine, Plax Mint and Plax. A control group was maintained in artificial saliva. Sp and Sl were evaluated based on ISO 4049:2000(E) and surface degradation by scanning electron microscopy-SEM. The degree of conversion (DC%) of resin composites was obtained by using an FT-IR spectrometer equipped with an attenuated total reflectance crystal (ATR). The data were analyzed using the Student's t-test, ANOVA and Tukey test for multiple comparisons. No significant difference in DC% was found between the two resin composites (p < 0.05). The highest sorption rate was presented by the nanofilled composite exposed to Listerine (p < 0.05). The hybrid composite in the control group (artificial saliva) and Plax presented the lowest sorption (p < 0.05). The highest solubility was presented by the two resin composites exposed to Listerine (p < 0.05). SEM analysis showed that mouth rinses produced more severe surface degradation in the nanofilled composite.