Effect of surface treatments on bond durability of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramics: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The influence of surface treatments on the bond durability of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramics (ZLS) is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the bond durability of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic after long-term thermocycling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) dental ceramic blocks, including 2 zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic materials (Vita Suprinity/VS and Cetra Duo/CD), 2 commonly used glass-ceramic materials (e.max CAD/EM and Empress CAD/EP), and 1 yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP, Zenostar/ZS) were tested. Rectangular ceramic blocks were divided into 6 groups and subjected to different surface treatments: group Control (no treatment), group Uni (universal adhesive), group HF (hydrofluoric acid), group CoJet, group HF+Uni (HF and universal adhesive), and group CoJet+Uni (CoJet and universal adhesive). Subsequently, the specimens were cemented to composite resin blocks, sectioned into rectangular microbars of approximately 2×2×12 mm in size, and assigned to 2 groups with and without 100 000 thermal cycles (n=15 per group). The microtensile bond strength (µTBS) test was performed using a universal testing machine. Failure modes were observed with a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc pairwise comparisons was performed to evaluate the effects of surface treatments, ceramics, and thermocycling on µTBS (α=.05). RESULTS: The µTBS (MPa) was affected by the surface treatment (P<.001), ceramic type (P<.001), and thermocycling (P<.001). The bond strength after HF etching and universal adhesive treatment was highest in glass-ceramic groups (VS, CD, EP, and EM), while CoJet combined with universal adhesive indicated the highest bond strength in the ZS group before (34.3 ±4.2 MPa) and after thermocycling (16.0 ±2.9 MPa). No significant differences for µTBS were found among ZLS (VS and CD), lithium disilicate ceramic group (EM), and leucite-based ceramic group (EP, P>.05), but they demonstrated better bond strength than zirconia (ZS group, P<.01) after thermocycling. Adhesive failure increased in all groups, and the cohesive failure of glass-ceramic decreased after thermocycling. CONCLUSIONS: ZLS showed similar µTBS with traditional glass-ceramics, including lithium disilicate ceramic and leucite-based ceramic, and more durable bonding than zirconia to resist thermocycling. Moreover, the combination of HF and universal adhesive treatments was the most effective method for ZLS among all the different surface treatments in this study.

Influence of low-temperature degradation on the wear characteristics of zirconia against polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network material.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Low-temperature degradation may affect zirconia restorations during their clinical service. Concerns have been raised about the effect of low-temperature degradation on the wear behavior of zirconia. Moreover, the wear resistance of this novel polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network material needs to be better evaluated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of aging on the wear resistance of zirconia opposing polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve specimens for 2 newly developed polymer-based materials (a polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network material VITA ENAMIC and a resin nanocomposite material Lava Ultimate), 2 commonly used glass-ceramic materials (IPS e.max CAD and VITABLOCS Mark II), and 2 conventional composite resin materials (VITA CAD-Temp and PMMA Disk) were tested; human enamel was used as a control group. The wear simulator used was a ball-on-disk type with zirconia balls, with and without autoclaving (134°C, 200 kPa, 20 hours) as antagonists. The vertical loss and volume loss of specimens and the roughness average of zirconia antagonists were measured with a 3-dimensional optical profilometer. Vickers hardness values were determined using a micro-Vickers hardness tester. Data were statistically analyzed with a mixed-model ANOVA for wear loss (vertical loss [µm] and volume loss [mm3]) and roughness average (µm) of zirconia antagonists and with the Kruskal-Wallis test for Vickers hardness values (α=.05). The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between wear loss and hardness. RESULTS: Results showed that specimens opposing the non-aged zirconia balls demonstrated significantly higher wear than those opposing the aged ones (P<.001). The polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network material VITA ENAMIC group (vertical loss=27.44-33.53 µm, volume loss=0.0198-0.315 mm3) and the resin nanocomposite material Lava Ultimate group (vertical loss=24.42-27.83 µm, volume loss=0.0159-0.0233 mm3) showed lower vertical loss and volume loss than the conventional composite resin groups (vertical loss=43.95-61.87 µm, volume loss=0.0395-0.0593 mm3) but higher wear than the glass-ceramic groups (IPS e.max CAD and VITABLOCS Mark II; vertical loss=8.95-11.47 µm, volume loss=0.0072-0.0094 mm3) and human enamel (vertical loss=9.95-12.32 µm; volume loss=0.0089-0.0103 mm3). The aged zirconia antagonists indicated greater roughness average values than the aged zirconia balls after the wear test (P<.001). Distinct abrasion-induced tracks were observed on the contact surfaces of the aged zirconia antagonists. CONCLUSIONS: Even though zirconia ceramic subjected to low-temperature degradation exhibited increased roughness after the wear test, it was still nonabrasive toward opposing materials. The polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network material showed intermediate wear resistance compared with glass-ceramic and conventional composite resin.

Influence of repeated insertion-removal cycles on the force and magnetic flux leakage of magnetic attachments: an in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Magnetic attachments are widely used in overdentures and maxillofacial prostheses. Because the patient will routinely have to insert and remove a removable prosthesis, the retentive force and magnetic flux leakage of the magnetic attachments after repeated insertion and removal must be evaluated to assess their clinical performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the retentive force and flux leakage of magnetic attachments after repeated insertion and removal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Magfit EX600W magnet-keeper combinations (n=5) were used in this study. After 5000, 10,000, and 20,000 insertion-removal cycles, the retentive force of the magnetic attachments was measured 5 times at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min with a universal testing machine. Magnetic flux leakage at 3 positions (P1, the upper surface of the magnet; P2, the lower surface of the keeper; and P3, the lateral side of the magnetic attachment set) was evaluated with a gaussmeter. Data were statistically analyzed by 1-way ANOVA (α=.05). The morphology of the abraded surfaces for both the magnet and the keeper was observed with an optical microscope (5×). RESULTS: The mean retentive force decreased significantly after 5000, 10,000, and 20,000 insertion-removal movements (P<.05). Significant differences of flux leakage were also observed at P1 after 5000 cycles and 10,000 cycles, at P2 after 5000 cycles, and at P3 after 5000, 10,000, and 20,000 insertion-removal cycles (P < .05). However, no significant differences in flux leakage were evident after 20,000 cycles at P1 and 10,000 cycles and 20,000 cycles at P2. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated insertion and removal influenced the retentive force and magnetic flux leakage of the magnetic attachments. Retentive force decreased significantly after repeated insertion-removal cycles, whereas the variation of magnetic flux leakage depended on refitting cycles and positions of the magnetic attachments.

A three-dimensional finite element study on anterior laminate veneers with different incisal preparations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Mechanical properties are important in the long-term success of restorations, but whether different incisal preparations can affect the behavior of veneers remains controversial. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different preparation designs on stress distribution in a maxillary incisor restored with veneers and with regard to different restorative materials and loading conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on the cone beam computed tomography scanning of a maxillary incisor, 3-dimensional finite element models for 2 different designs were developed. A static load of 50 N was applied with angulations of 60 degrees and 125 degrees to the longitudinal axis at the level of the incisal margin, simulating functional movements. Both porcelain laminate veneer and composite resin veneer were considered. The maximum stress values and stress distribution of the veneer, cement layer, and tooth structure were calculated and analyzed. RESULTS: The maximum stress values in the veneer and tooth were higher with the butt-joint design. Stresses were distributed more uniformly in the cement layer in the palatal chamfer design for porcelain laminate veneers, whereas a better stress distribution under protrusive movement was observed in the butt-joint design for composite resin veneers. CONCLUSIONS: The palatal chamfer design for porcelain laminate veneers tolerated stress better, whereas the butt-joint design was favored for composite resin veneers, particularly under protrusive movement.

Wear behavior of seven artificial resin teeth assessed with three-dimensional measurements.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Artificial resin teeth are widely used for removable dental prostheses because of their excellent properties. An evaluation of their wear behavior is important for predicting good clinical performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine the wear behavior of 7 different artificial resin teeth with 3-dimensional measurements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The artificial denture teeth tested were 2 composite resin teeth (Yamahachi PX, Huge Kaijing), 3 cross-linked acrylic resin teeth (Cosmo HXL, Premium 8, Vita Lingoform), and 2 conventional acrylic resin teeth (Yamahachi FX, Shengjian). The specimens were subjected to an abrasive tester for masticatory simulation. The wear loss (vertical loss and volume loss) was determined with a confocal laser scanning microscope. Data were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA followed by the Games-Howell post hoc test (α=.05). RESULTS: The mean vertical loss and volume loss for all cross-linked acrylic resin teeth (0.987-1.03 µm, 0.858-0.939 mm(3) × 10(-3)) were higher than for all composite resin teeth (0.636-0.698 µm, 0.507-0.650 mm(3) × 10(-3), P<.001) but lower than those for conventional acrylic resin teeth Yamahachi FX and Shengjian (1.39 µm, 1.24 mm(3) × 10(-3); 12.1 µm, 16.4 mm(3) × 10(-3); P<.001). No significant differences for wear loss were found between the Vita Lingoform group and the other cross-linked acrylic resin teeth (P>.05). CONCLUSION: The wear behavior of the artificial teeth examined differed with regard to their compositions. The composite resin teeth and high cross-linked acrylic resin teeth found superior wear resistance over the conventional acrylic resin teeth.

Proteomics Reveals the Obstruction of Cellular ATP Synthesis in the Ruminal Epithelium of Growth-Retarded Yaks.

Growth-retarded yaks are of a high proportion on the Tibetan plateau and reduce the economic income of farmers. Our previous studies discovered a maldevelopment in the ruminal epithelium of growth-retarded yaks, but the molecular mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to reveal how the proteomic profile in the ruminal epithelium contributed to the growth retardation of yaks. The proteome of the ruminal epithelium was detected using a high-resolution mass spectrometer. There were 52 proteins significantly differently expressed between the ruminal epithelium of growth-retarded yaks and growth-normal yaks, with 32 downregulated and 20 upregulated in growth-retarded yaks. Functional analysis showed the differently expressed proteins involved in the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies (p = 0.012), propanoate metabolism (p = 0.018), pyruvate metabolism (p = 0.020), and mineral absorption (p = 0.024). The protein expressions of SLC26A3 and FTH1, enriched in the mineral absorption, were significantly downregulated in growth-retarded yaks. The key enzymes ACAT2 and HMGCS2 enriched in ketone bodies synthesis and key enzyme PCCA enriched in propanoate metabolism had lower protein expressions in the ruminal epithelium of growth-retarded yaks. The ATP concentration and relative mitochondrial DNA copy number in the ruminal epithelium of growth-normal yaks were dramatically higher than those of growth-retarded yaks (p < 0.05). The activities of citrate synthase (CS), the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (α-KGDHC), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD) in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), and the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex (MRCC) were significantly decreased in ruminal epithelium of growth-retarded yaks compared to growth-normal yaks (p < 0.05). The mRNA expressions of COQ9, COX4, and LDHA, which are the encoding genes in MRCC I, IV and anaerobic respiration, were also significantly decreased in the ruminal epithelium of growth-retarded yaks (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that the average daily gain (ADG) was significantly positively correlated to the relative mitochondrial DNA copy number (p < 0.01, r = 0.772) and ATP concentration (p < 0.01, r = 0.728) in the ruminal epithelium, respectively. The ruminal weight was positively correlated to the relative mitochondrial DNA copy number (p < 0.05, r = 0.631) and ATP concentration in ruminal epithelium (p < 0.01, r = 0.957), respectively. The ruminal papillae had a significant positive correlation with ATP concentration in ruminal epithelium (p < 0.01, r = 0.770). These results suggested that growth-retarded yaks had a lower VFA metabolism, ketone bodies synthesis, ion absorption, and ATP synthesis in the ruminal epithelium; it also indicated that the growth retardation of yaks is related to the obstruction of cellular ATP synthesis in rumen epithelial cells.

QingXiaoWuWei decoction alleviates methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-induced pneumonia in mice by regulating metabolic remodeling and macrophage gene expression network via the microbiota-short-chain fatty acids axis.

IMPORTANCE: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonizes the upper respiratory airways and is resistant to antibiotics. MRSA is a frequently acquired infection in hospital and community settings, including cases of MRSA-induced pneumonia. Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and the limited efficacy of antibiotics necessitate alternative strategies for preventing or treating the infection. QingXiaoWuWei decoction (QXWWD) protects against both gut microbiota dysbiosis and MRSA-induced pneumonia. Furthermore, the QXWWD-regulated metabolic remodeling and macrophage gene expression network contribute to its protective effects through the microbiota-short-chain fatty acid axis. The results of this study suggest that QXWWD and its pharmacodynamic compounds might have the potential to prevent and treat pulmonary infections, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the future treatment of pulmonary infectious diseases by manipulating gut microbiota and their metabolites via traditional Chinese medicine.

Fluoridated hydroxyapatite/titanium dioxide nanocomposite coating fabricated by a modified electrochemical deposition.

Fluoridated hydroxyapatite/titanium dioxide nanocomposite coating was successfully fabricated by a modified electrochemical deposition technique. F(-) ions, nanoscaled TiO(2) particles and 6% H(2)O(2) was added into the electrolyte, and ultrasonication was also performed to prepare this nanocomposite coating. The microstructure, phase composition, dissolution rate, bonding strength and in vitro cellular responses of the composite coating were investigated. The results show that the composite coating was uniform and dense owing to the effects of H(2)O(2) and ultrasonication. The thickness of the composite coating was ~5 mum and scanning electron microscopy revealed that nanoscaled TiO(2) particles were imbedded uniformly between FHA crystals. The addition of F(-) and TiO(2) reduced the crystallite size and increased the crystallinity of HA in FHA/TiO(2) composite coating. In addition, the composite coating shows higher bonding strength and lower dissolution rate than pure HA coating, and the in vitro bioactivity of FHA/TiO(2) composite coating was not affected as compared with pure HA coating.

Three-dimensional spiral computed tomographic imaging: a new approach to the diagnosis and treatment planning of impacted teeth.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this investigation was to explore the validity of 3-dimensional (3D) spiral computed tomographic (CT) images to examine impacted teeth before surgical or orthodontic treatment. METHODS: Two patients with impacted teeth were examined with both spiral CT and traditional radiographs. RESULTS: 3D CT images clearly showed the impacted teeth, including crown, root neck, and root bifurcation; the labial or palatal location; and the eruption orientation and relationship to the dentition. CONCLUSION: 3D CT images obtained with 3D surface reconstruction of spiral CT images is accurate and effective for examining impacted teeth before orthodontic treatment.

[Compatibility between high-strength dental ceramic (type A) and vintage AL veneering porcelain].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interface bond strength and compatibility between High-Strength Dental Ceramic (type A) and Vintage AL veneering porcelain. METHODS: Twenty bar-shape specimens (ten Vintage AL and ten Vitadur alpha) were fabricated, and shear test was conducted to determine the bond strength. A bilayered composite (1 mm core ceramic and 0.8 mm Vintage AL) was prepared and then fractured for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Ten all-ceramic anterior crowns were fabricated and the temperatures of thermal shock resistance were tested. RESULTS: The mean values of the bond strength measured were (55.52 +/- 14.64) MPa and (59.37 +/- 13.93) MPa for Vintage AL and Vitadur alpha respectively (P>0.05). SEM showed tight connection between the High-Strength Dental Ceramic (type A) and the veneering porcelain. Element diffusion was also confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The temperature of thermal shock resistance of this system was (179 +/- 15) degrees C. CONCLUSION: Vintage AL veneering porcelain has good thermal and chemical compatibility with High-Strength Dental Ceramic (type A).

A Case Report of Esthetic and Functional Correction of Maxillary Protrusion Using a Prosthodontics-Centered Multidisciplinary Approach.

Maxillary protrusion usually requires orthodontic therapy and orthognathic surgery. However, for some exceptional cases, a prosthodontics-centered multidisciplinary approach could serve as an alternative. This case report describes a 53-year-old patient with protrusive and proclined maxillary incisors, compensatory eruption of mandibular incisors, color and morphologic abnormalities of anterior teeth lip incompetence, and gummy smile. Final esthetic improvement was achieved in this patient by means of a multidisciplinary approach involving endodontic and periodontal procedures before prosthodontic treatment. Accurate diagnosis, comprehensive communication, a sophisticated treatment plan, and state-of-the-art therapeutic processes are all important factors for achieving a predictable esthetic result.

[The study of the colorimetric characteristics of the cobalt-chrome alloys abutments covered by four different all-ceramic crowns by using dental spectrophotometer].

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the optical data of the different sites of the cobalt-chrome (Co-Cr) alloy abutments covered by four different all-ceramic crowns and the color difference between the crowns and target tab using a digital dental spectrophotometer. METHODS: Ten Co-Cr alloy abutments were made and tried in four different groups of all-ceramic crowns, namely, Procera aluminia, Procera zirconia, Lava zirconia (Lava-Zir), and IPS E.max glass-ceramic lithium disilicate-reinforced monolithic. The color data of the cervical, body, and incisal sites of the samples were recorded and analyzed by dental spectrophotometer. The CIE L*, a*, b* values were again measured after veneering. The color difference between the abutments covered by all-ceramic crowns and A2 dentine shade tab was evaluated. RESULTS: The L* and b* values of the abutments can be increased by all of the four groups of all-ceramic copings, but a* values were decreased in most groups. A statistical difference was observed among four groups. After being veneered, the L* values of all the copings declined slightly, and the values of a*, b* increased significantly. When compared with A2 dentine shade tab, the ΔE of the crowns was below 4. CONCLUSION: Four ceramic copings were demonstrated to promote the lightness and hue of the alloy abutments effecttively. Though the colorimetric baseline of these copings was uneven, veneer porcelain can efficiently decrease the color difference between the samples and thee target.

Development of casting investment preventing blackening of noble metal alloys part 3. Effect of reducing agent addition on the strength and expansion of the investments.

Different reducing agents (B, Al, Si and Ti) were individually added to two gypsum-bonded investments to prepare investments preventing surface blackening of some noble cast alloys. The effect of different additive contents on green-body and burnout compressive strength, setting and thermal expansion of the investments were evaluated. The strength and expansion of the investments were changed by the additives. The compressive strength of Al-, Si- and Ti-added investments decreased with the increase of additive contents. The burnout strength of B-added investments significantly increased while green-body strength remained unchanged. The setting expansion of the B-added investments increased while those of the Al-, Si- and Ti-added investments decreased with the increase of additive contents. The thermal expansion of the Si- and Ti-added investments decreased, and that of the Al- and B-added investments remained unchanged. Further study is necessary to evaluate the effects of these additives on the accuracy of dental castings.

Study of resin-bonded calcia investment. Part 3: Hardness of titanium castings.

The Vickers hardness of the cross-sectioned area of titanium castings made from an experimental resin-bonded calcia investment and three commercial investments was evaluated. The microstructure and element distribution of the surface zone were analyzed using an EPMA. The results showed that the high hardness of the casting surface could be decreased using the experimental investment. The hardness of the castings made from the experimental investment at a 25-50 microm depth was lower than those from the other investments, and the thickness of the hardened casting surface was 125 microm. Layered structures with fewer layers were formed on the surfaces of the castings made from the experimental investment. The layered structures were influenced by both the investment components and the mold temperature at casting. The less contaminating nature of the experimental investment components and the technology of the room temperature mold contributed to the improved surface properties of the resulting castings.

[Influence of cryogenic treatment and age-hardening heat treatment on the corrosion behavior of a dental casting Ag-Pd alloy].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of cryogenic treatment and age-hardening heat treatment on the corrosion behavior of a dental casting Ag-Pd alloy. METHODS: A low gold content dental casting alloy composed of Ag-Pd-Cu-Au was prepared for this study. Corrosion test was performed according to ISO 10271:2001 dental metallie-corrosion test methods. Experimental specimens were casted according to a standard dental lost-wax casting procedure, treated with solution by heating the specimens to 900 degrees C, and immediately quenched in ice water. The specimens were then divided into four groups and subjected to heat treatment, cryogenic treatment, and heat treatment combined with cryogenic treatment. The specimens after the solution treatment were taken as control. The metallographic structures of the specimens were observed. The electrochemical parameters and the quantity of non-precious metallic ions released were evaluated via electrochemical and static immersion tests. RESULTS: Metallographic observation revealed that all the treatments resulted in a change in the microstructure of the alloy. The treatments were effective in improving the electrochemical parameters, such as an increase in Eocp and Ecorr and a decrease in Icorr (P < 0.05). The amount of non-noble metal ions released showed no difference compared with the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: After different treatments, the antierosion properties of the alloy satisfied the ISO requirements. Age-hardening heat treatment and cryogenic treatment improved the corrosion resistance of the alloy.

[Influence of cryogenic treatment and age-hardening heat treatment on the microhardness of palladium-silver dental alloys].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cryogenic treatment and age-hardening heat treatment on the micro-Vicker's hardness of palladium-silver dental alloys. METHODS: A low-gold content dental casting alloy composed of Ag-Pd-Cu-Au was prepared for this study. Experimental specimens according to standard requirements were prepared following a standard dental laboratory casting procedure, cast specimens were heated to 900 degrees C and quenched in ice water. The specimens were then divided into 4 groups. They were subsequently subjected to different treatments, including age-hardening heat treatment, cryogenic treatment, heat treatment combined with cryogenic treatment. The non-treated group was used as control. The micro-Vicker's hardness value was examined. The significance of correlation was analyzed. RESULTS: The micro-Vicker's hardness of specimens after age-hardening heat treatment, cryogenic treatment, heat treatment combined with cryogenic treatment increased by 129%, 13% and 141%, respectively, compared with that of the non-treated control group. Conclusion Age-hardening heat treatment and cryogenic treatment were effective in elevating the hardness of Ag-Pd-Cu-Au alloy.

[The influence of glazing and polishing on ceramic surface roughness and bacterial adhesion].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the influence of polishing and glazing on ceramic surface roughness and bacterial adhesion to the resulted surfaces. METHODS: The surface of the ceramic plates were tested and analyzed by atomic force microscope. The influence of resulted surface on Streptococcus mutans adhesion were also evaluated. RESULTS: The ceramic surface became much smoother after polishing with diamond paste or self-glazing. A positive correlation between surface roughness and bacterial adhesion were observed. Compared with surfaces polished with rubber-wheel, surfaces polished with diamond paste or self-glazing reduced bacterial adhesion to the surface (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Polishing with diamond paste could be an alternative to self-glazing on ceramic surface roughness and bacterial adhesion.

[Comparison of casting precision of two kinds of commercially available gypsum-bonded investment with different setting and thermal expansion characteristics].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate expansion characteristics of two kinds of commercial investment (Cristo balite Micro II and Cristo Quick), and their effects on cast accuracy of a dental Ag-Pd casting alloy. METHODS: Two kinds of investment were mixed at the ratio of 1:3. The setting and thermal expansion curves of the investment were recorded according to the requirements of ISO7490 and expansion rate calculated, respectively. Plate-like wax-patterns with pre-marked points were invested in casting rings (lined with ceramic fiber liners with thickness of 0.45 mm). Castwell M.C dental alloy were melted with gas flame and cast with a centrifugal casting machine. The differences between the castings and the wax patterns at corresponding points were calculated to represent the dimensional changes of the investment. RESULTS: The setting, thermal and total expansion rates were 0.68, 1.18, 1.86 for Cristo balite Micro II, and 0.94, 1.03, 1.97 for Cristo Quick. The setting and thermal expansion rates were statistically significant between two kinds of investment (P < 0.05), while not for the total expansion rates (P > 0.05). Effect of different investment on the precision of castings was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the scope of this study, gypsum-bonded investment with similar total expansion rates but different expansion characteristics has no effect on the casting precision of Ag-Pd dental alloys.

[Metameric effect between natural teeth and resin teeth of A2 shade].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the metameric color differences between natural teeth and three brands of commercially available resin teeth. METHODS: The spectral reflectance and color coordinates of natural teeth and three brands of commercially available resin teeth of A2 shade were measured with a spectrophotometer (PR-650) according to the CIE L*, a*, b* and CIE XYZ color scale relative to illuminant D65, A, cool white fluorescent (CWF) and ultraviolet (UV), and the metameric indices were calculated to determine the metameric color differences between natural teeth and resin teeth. RESULTS: CIE L*, a*, b* values were influenced by the type of illuminants in both natural teeth and resin teeth. The pattern of spectral reflectance curves for natural teeth and resin teeth of A2 shade were different, while there were more than three crossing points among each curves, which meant the color of natural teeth and resin teeth of A2 shade might be the same under certain illuminant. The metameric indices between natural teeth and resin teeth of A2 shade were 3.48, 2.52 and 3.36 under illuminant A; 1.21, 1.90, and 2.79 under illuminant CWF; 1.59, 2.07, and 4.07 under illuminant UV. The metameric indices between resin teeth of different brand were 1.08, 0.10, and 1.01 under illuminant A; 1.46, 2.23, and 0.94 under illuminant CWF; and 2.55, 2.69, and 4.64 under UV. CONCLUSION: Changes in optical properties of resin teeth of A2 shade relative to the different illuminants were different from those of natural teeth, the metameric effect between natural teeth and resin teeth of A2 shade were significant. Therefore, shade matching between natural teeth and resin teeth should be performed under more than one illuminant.

[The expansion characters of a quick-heating gypsum-bonded investment under different heating methods].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of different heating timings after mixing the materials and different heating methods on the expansion characters of a quick-heating gypsum-bonded investment. METHODS: The setting expansion rate of GC Cristoquick II gypsum-bonded investment was measured with a setting expansion tester 30, 60, 120 min after mixing the material respectively. The thermal expansion rates of the material at different setting time (30, 60, 120 min after mixing) and under different heating treatment methods (quick and conventional heating techniques) were also determined using a thermal dilatometer for dental investments, the total linear expansion rate were calculated. The effects of heating time and heating methods on the expansion of the investments were statistically analyzed with SPSS 11.0 software, using ANOVA multiple comparison (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Statistical differences were found among the setting and thermal expansion rates of the investment at different heating timings after mixing the material (P<0.01). Setting expansion, thermal expansion and total expansion rates increased with the setting time before heat treatment, while thermal expansion rates under different (quick and conventional) heating methods were not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The expansion characters of the quick-heating gypsum-bonded investment are influenced by different heating timings after mixing the material. The heat treatment technique of this quick-heating investment recommended needs to be modified to ensure casting precision.