Influence of curing rate of resin composite on the bond strength to dentin.

This study determined whether the strength with which resin composite bonds to dentin is influenced by variations in the curing rate of resin composites. Resin composites were bonded to the dentin of extracted human molars. Adhesive (AdheSE, Ivoclar Vivadent) was applied and cured (10 seconds @ 1000 mW/cm2) for all groups. A split Teflon mold was clamped to the treated dentin surface and filled with resin composite. The rate of cure was varied, using one of four LED-curing units of different power densities. The rate of cure was also varied using the continuous or pulse-delay mode. In continuous curing mode, in order to give an energy density totaling 16 J/cm2, the power densities (1000, 720, 550, 200 mW/cm2) emitted by the various curing units were compensated for by the light curing period (16, 22, 29 or 80 seconds). In the pulse-delay curing mode, two seconds of light curing at one of the four power densities was followed by a one-minute interval, after which light cure was completed (14, 29, 27 or 78 seconds), likewise, giving a total energy density of 16 J/cm2. The specimens produced for each of the eight curing protocols and two resin composites (Tetric EvoCeram, Ivoclar Vivadent; Filtek Supreme XT, 3M ESPE) were stored in water at 37 degrees C for seven days. The specimens were then either immediately subjected to shear bond strength testing or subjected to artificial aging (6,000 cycles between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C baths) prior to testing. Failure modes were also assessed. The shear bond strengths were submitted to factorial analysis of variance, and the failure modes were submitted to a Chi-square test (alpha = 0.05). All but power density (curing mode, resin composite material and mode of aging) significantly affected shear bond strength. The curing mode and resin composite material also influenced the failure mode. At the selected constant energy density, pulse-delay curing reduced bonding of the resin composite to dentin.

Resin composite properties and energy density of light cure.

According to the "total energy concept", properties of light-cured resin composites are determined only by energy density because of reciprocity between power density and exposure duration. The kinetics of polymerization is complex, and it was hypothesized that degree of cure, flexural strength, and flexural modulus were influenced not only by energy density, but also by power density per se. A conventional resin composite was cured at 3 energy densities (4, 8, and 16 J/cm(2)) by 6 combinations of power density (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1000 mW/cm(2)) and exposure durations. Degree of cure, flexural strength, and flexural modulus increased with increasing energy density. For each energy density, degree of cure decreased with increasing power density. Flexural strength and modulus showed a maximum at intermediate power density. Within clinically relevant power densities, not only energy density but also power density per se had significant influence on resin composite properties.

A follow-up longitudinal study of selected physiologic functions in former physical education students-after forty years.

Reported is the continuation of follow-up investigations of certain physiologic functions in former physical education students. The first follow-up study was conducted about 30 years after the initial measurements. The present follow-up study concerned a re-investigation of the same group (23 men and 11 women), 10 years later, i.e., about 40 years after the first examination. Resting values for heart rate, blood pressure and metabolism were determined, as well as values for lung volume, hand-grip strength, and reaction time. During moderately hard exercise, measurements were made of oxygen uptake, ventilatory equivalents, and heart rate. By extrapolation of these heart-rate determinations to "maximal heart rate," the maximal oxygen uptake was estimated and expressed as L times min-1 and as ml x min-1 and as ml times kg-1 x min-1. The data show a general deterioration in practically all the physiologic functions studied, most pronounced during the last 10 years of the 40-year period.

Influence of aldehydes on selected mechanical properties of resin composites.

The present study investigated whether propanol, a monofunctional aldehyde, was able to improve the mechanical properties of dental polymers. The underlying hypothesis was that a cross-linking reaction is possible between various functional groups of different polymers. Propanol was added to monomer mixtures, which were then made light-curing and loaded with filler. The monomer mixtures were varied with respect to monomer composition and content of aldehyde. Four mechanical properties of the experimental resin composites were determined. Addition of propanol gave rise to significant improvements in mechanical properties, which may be indicative of a cross-linking ability of monofunctional aldehydes. With the exception of modulus of elasticity, the mechanical properties of resin composites based on UEDMA/HEMA were superior to those of BISGMA/TEGDMA-based materials, even though the improvements in flexural strength and modulus of resilience were most pronounced for the BISGMA/TEGDMA-based resin composites.

Influence of ketones on selected mechanical properties of resin composites.

The present study investigated a concept for additional cross-linking of dental polymers, by which resistance to wear of resin composites might be increased. Bifunctional ketones were added to monomer mixtures, which were then made light-curing and loaded with filler. The monomer mixtures were varied with respect to type and ratio of monomer and ketone. For measurement of possible effects of the cross-linking agents added, four mechanical properties of the experimental resin composites were determined. Addition of the bifunctional ketone diacetyl resulted in the following increases in mechanical properties: diametral tensile strength, 11%; flexural strength, 29%; modulus of elasticity, 19%; and modulus of resilience, 50%.

Influence of carboxylic anhydrides on selected mechanical properties of heat-cured resin composites.

Resin composites are still in need of improved abrasion resistance for them to be ideal restorative materials for use in large occlusal cavities. The present study proposes a concept for additional cross-linking of dental monomers, by which mechanical properties and possibly the resistance to abrasion of the resin composites are increased. Cyclic acid anhydrides were added as cross-linking agents to different monomer mixtures, which were then loaded with filler. The monomer mixtures were varied with respect to type and ratio of monomer and anhydride. For measurement of diametral tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of resilience, specimens were initially cured by light and then post-cured for one h at 150 degrees C. Resin composites based on UEDMA and HEMA were found to be superior to BISGMA- and TEGDMA-based composites. Increases in mechanical properties were highest when unsaturated anhydrides were used. An optimal effect of anhydride addition was found in resin composites also containing methacrylamide. Such materials resulted in a 20% increase in the mechanical properties investigated.

Influence of pulse-delay curing on softening of polymer structures.

Resin composites may be polymerized according to one of several light-curing modes. These modes include variations in intensity of the curing lights and time delay before final cure. The so-called pulse-delay method has earlier been found to reduce the formation of gaps due to polymerization contraction, without mechanical properties of the resin composite being compromised. It was hypothesized that the slow pre-cure of this method would give rise to a different polymer structure than results when the polymer is cured in one step at high intensity. It was found that although the quantity of remaining double bonds was unaffected, the pulse-delay technique led to polymers of increased susceptibility to softening in ethanol. The softness increased with the intensity of the pre-cure and with the waiting time before final cure. The increased softening may be interpreted as the manifestation of a polymer structure having fewer crosslinks.

Solubility parameters, fractional polarities, and bond strengths of some intermediary resins used in dentin bonding.

An effective bonding of resin composites to dentin is generally preceded by a conditioning of the surface of the dentin. Previous studies have indicated that the intermediary or adhesive resin should have specific wetting characteristics matching those of the conditioned dentin, in order that optimum bonding can be ensured. The wetting characteristics may be expressed in terms of solubility parameter (delta) and polarity (p) of the resin. The aims of the present study were to determine these variables for a number of compounds used in adhesive resins and to investigate the effects of delta and p on the shear bond strength to dentin. Solubility parameters were obtained according to the method of Small. Fractional polarities were calculated on the basis of measurements of refractive index and dielectric constant of the resins. In the measurements of bond strength, Scotchprep, EDTA + Gluma, or Al2Ox3/glycine were used as dentin conditioners in combination with intermediary resins having various delta and p. For each conditioner, the shear bond strength (BS) could be "explained" by an exponential expression of the form BS = e(a + bx), where x = (delta + cp + d)2, and where a-d are constants depending on the conditioned dentin. It may be concluded that solubility parameter and polarity of the intermediary resins are important variables in the process of bonding to dentin.

Bond strength between dentin and restorative resins mediated by mixtures of HEMA and glutaraldehyde.

We investigated the bond strength between restorative resin and dentin pre-treated with mixtures of HEMA and glutaraldehyde. It is suggested that the mixture acts by forming a chemical bond of HEMA molecules to a collagen-glutaraldehyde reaction complex. Subsequently applied resin will then co-polymerize with the collagen-linked methacrylate groups. Statistical analysis of the results from varying mixtures of HEMA and glutaraldehyde revealed that the bond strength was highly dependent on the HEMA concentration, with a maximum at 35%, and nearly independent of the glutaraldehyde concentration when greater than 3%. The highest mean bond strength was about 1.8 kg/mm2, and bond strength of this order of size may be attractive for clinical use.

Effect of acidic pretreatment on adhesion to dentin mediated by Gluma.

Tensile bond strengths between dentin and a typical restorative resin were measured after the dentin was treated with Gluma. Solutions of phosphoric, pyruvic, nitric, or oxalic acid, also containing various amino acids, were used as pretreatments. Without amino acids in the solutions, the pretreatments conferred bonds of low strength. Use of acidic solutions containing glycine or N-phenylglycine was found to give bonds of high strength to both dentin and enamel.

Substitutes for N-phenylglycine in adhesive bonding to dentin.

Using bond strength measurements, we investigated a number of related compounds in order to elucidate the role of the surface-active ingredient, N-phenylglycine (NPG), in experimental two-step and three-step bonding protocols resulting in adhesive bonding to dentin. All active compounds identified for the two-step or the three-step protocol were N-aryl-alpha-amino acids, and the results delineate some of the key features of the NPG molecule for bonding. For the three-step protocol, there was a requirement for a secondary or tertiary aromatic amino group, a carboxylic acid group, and a single (secondary or tertiary) methylene unit between those two functional groups of the amino acid. For the two-step protocol, additional substitutions at the para position of the phenyl ring on the amine improved the bond strength. In both protocols, para-methyl- and para-chloro-substituted NPG analogues ranked higher than NPG. A "catalytic" effect of the aromatic tertiary amino group on the polymerization of the adhering resin in both procedures could not be ruled out.

Dentin-polymer bond promoted by Gluma and various resins.

Gluma-treated dentin was covered with various resins before a microfilled composite was applied. The strength of the bond between dentin and composite established by this procedure was measured in shear and tensile tests. The effectiveness of the bonding was further tested by the width of the marginal contraction gap around fillings made in dentin by the above procedure. Resins containing propanal promoted shear bond strength of about 15 MPa. The tensile bond strength exceeded 22 MPa by one of the resins, but could not be measured because of frequent rupture in the composite. Between 30 and 70% of the fillings were without contraction gaps when propanal or p-toluenesulfinate-containing resins were used. It is proposed that oxygen inhibition of the polymerization on the dentin surface suppresses the bonding. Resins containing reducing agents may reduce oxygen inhibition and increase bonding by the adhesive.

Influence of the solubility parameter of intermediary resin on the effectiveness of the gluma bonding system.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the solubility parameter of the intermediary resin in the Gluma system on the bonding to dentin. The solubility parameter of the resins was varied between 18.8 x 10(3) and 21.1 x 10(3) J(1/2)/m3/2 by varying the composition of the resin. The efficacy of the bonding system was determined by measurements of marginal gaps formed by polymerization contraction of a restorative resin in dentin cavities treated with the bonding system. The bonding system had maximum efficacy at a solubility parameter of the intermediary resin of delta = 20.0 x 10(3) J(1/2)/m3/2. This finding corroborates a concept of bonding to dentin that involves a mechanical interlocking by interpenetrating resins.

Factors affecting the adherence energy of experimental resin cements bonded to a nickel-chromium alloy.

Reliable adherence of resin-based cements is of prime importance for the longevity of cemented restorations. The present study investigated whether a relationship exists between adherence energy to a metal substrate and the degree of cross-linking and wetting characteristics of resin-based luting agents. The adherence energies between a sand-blasted metal surface and a series of experimental resin cements were measured by means of the wedge test. The degree of cross-linking was calculated from the monomer composition of the resin cements. The measured wetting characteristics were work of adhesion and surface tension, and their dispersive and polar components. Adherence energy varied between 22 and 81 J/m2 and was influenced by the nature of the resin cements: Those with a low degree of cross-linking resulted in high adherence values. Furthermore, resin cements whose monomers were relatively polar gave rise to high adherence values. Although other metals may not behave in exactly the same way, these results may help in the formulation of new, more retentive resin cements.

Modulus of resilience as predictor for clinical wear of restorative resins.

Eight posterior restorative resins were tested with respect to flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of resilience. The mechanical properties were correlated to the two-year results of clinical wear tests. Linear relationships were found between flexural strength and clinical wear and between modulus of resilience and clinical wear. It was concluded that modulus of resilience be used in research and quality control for the prediction of clinical wear.

In vitro wear, hardness, and conversion of diacetyl-containing and propanal-containing resin materials.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the effect of diacetyl or propanal activities: 1) on the in vitro wear of 22 experimental resin composites; and 2) on the Wallace indentation hardness of the unfilled resins. The objective was to examine the correlation between wear, hardness, and quantity of remaining double bonds (determined previously). METHODS: Diacetyl or propanal agents were added in varying concentrations to monomer mixtures. The resins were made light-curing and those used for measurement of wear were loaded with filter. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Newman-Keuls' multiple range tests. RESULTS: In the composite systems, adding diacetyl or propanal resulted in decreased in vitro wear. The quantity of remaining double bonds in the dental polymers with these additives was also reduced. Their effect on Wallace indentation depth was less clear-cut. Low concentrations of additives decreased indentation depth of the unfilled materials, whereas high concentrations increased indentation depth. If it assumed that differences in the polymer have a major influence on the wear when the filter content and particle matrix interface are kept constant, then the hardness data on the unfilled resin can be used to correlate property changes of the polymer in the composite. A three-dimensional regression analysis found that in vitro wear decreased with decreasing Wallace indentation depth and decreasing quantity of remaining double bonds. SIGNIFICANCE: Addition of diketone or monoaldehyde to resin monomers may provide a means of increasing wear resistance of composites and allow their use in stress-bearing areas.

Retention of composite inlays in enamel dentin cavities.

The retention of composite inlays depends on acid-etching of marginal enamel of the preparation. In many cases, only little marginal enamel is available, making loss of retention a liability. The present study evaluated the retention of three brands of composite inlays under various conditions. Inlays were fabricated and cemented in standardized enamel/dentin cavities prepared in extracted human teeth. The force necessary to extract a cemented inlay was used to express the retention of the inlay. The effects of thermocycling and choice of dentin-bonding agent on inlay retention were also determined. Inlays made of Estilux posterior C VS were more retentive than inlays of either Brilliant or SR-Isosit. The latter two products were found to provide similar retentive strengths. The retention of Estilux posterior C VS and SR-Isosit inlays declined when samples were thermocycled. Treatment with Gluma increased retention of inlays, resulting in retentive strengths of the same magnitude for all three inlay systems. The choice of dentin-bonding agent was found to affect composite inlay retention to a greater extent than the choice of either composite brand, mode of inlay curing, or effect of thermocycling.

Surface energy characteristics of adhesive monomers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the investigation was to determine the surface free-energy components of potentially adhesive monomer mixtures. METHODS: Four liquids with known components of surface free-energy were used as reference. Small drops of the liquids were placed on the polished surfaces of four types of solid (metal, porcelain, resin composite and hydrocarbon), and the contact angles were measured. By means of the fundamental equations for wetting, the three components of the surface free-energy of the four solids were calculated. Small drops of various monomeric mixtures were then placed on the four solid surfaces, and on the basis of the previously calculated components of surface free-energy of the solids, the surface energy characteristics of the monomeric mixtures were determined. The relationships between contact angles and composition, and between surface tension and composition, were studied by regression analyses. Comparisons between values were carried out by means of Neuman-Keuls' multiple range test at a level of statistical significance of p = 0.05. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between the monomeric mixtures as regards the wetting of the four solids were observed. These differences reflected differences in the acid or base component of the surface free-energy of the monomers. In particular, monomeric mixtures containing HEMA, MAN or 4-META exhibited a significant acid component of the surface free-energy. SIGNIFICANCE: Knowledge of the surface free-energy components of monomers throws light on the mechanisms associated with the adhesion of resin composites, including resin cements. A better understanding of the interfacial interactions may act as guide in a research aimed at developing resin materials of increased adhesion to metal, porcelain or resin composite.

Influence of UEDMA BisGMA and TEGDMA on selected mechanical properties of experimental resin composites.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the effect of UEDMA, BisGMA and TEGDMA on selected mechanical properties of experimental resin composites. METHODS: Thirty monomer mixtures of TEGDMA and BisGMA and/or UEDMA were produced. Five base monomer mixtures had the following molar relationships between TEGDMA and BisGMA: 30:70, 40:60, 50:50, 60:40 and 70:30. Monomer mixtures were then produced in which BisGMA was successively substituted by UEDMA, 10 mol% at a time. The resins were made light-curing and loaded with filler. Diametral tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity were determined on 1 week old specimens. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and by response surface methodology. RESULTS: The diametral tensile strength of the resin composites varied between 52 and 59 MPa, the flexural strength between 137 and 167 MPa, and the modulus of elasticity between 8.0 and 11.1 GPa. The statistical analyses showed that substitution of BisGMA or TEGDMA by UEDMA resulted in an increase in tensile and flexural strength, and that substitution of BisGMA by TEGDMA increased tensile, but reduced flexural strength. Further, it was found that, for a given content of UEDMA, variations in the ratio BisGMA/TEGDMA gave rise to a maximum in modulus of elasticity. The size of this maximum in modulus decreased with increasing content of UEDMA. SIGNIFICANCE: Varying the relative amounts of UEDMA, BisGMA and TEGDMA has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the resin composition. Thus, by selecting specific combinations of these components, it may be possible to design composites with properties that are tailor made to specific applications.

Bonding of resin cements to an aluminous ceramic: a new surface treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the work reported here was to develop a surface treatment of an alumina-based ceramic (In Ceram) that would make reliable bonding to a resin-based luting agent possible. METHODS: The surface treatment studied was the application of a suspension of a fine-grained, refractory powder, which after drying was sintered to the surface at 960 degrees C. The adherence potential of the surface was determined by measurement of bond energy. RESULTS: It was found that the surface treatment, in conjunction with a heat-treated, silane coupling agent, resulted in mean bond energies of 47 (+/- 19), 56 (+/- 22), and 525 (+/- 116) J/m2 for the three resin cements studied. SIGNIFICANCE: It was concluded that the new surface treatment makes reliable bonding possible, which may allow new indications for this material.