Translucency, color stability, and biaxial flexural strength of advanced lithium disilicate ceramic after coffee thermocycling.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the color stability, translucency, and biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of differently glazed advanced lithium disilicate (ALDS) with those of lithium disilicate (LDS) and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) after coffee thermocycling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty disk-shaped specimens were prepared from three lithium silicate based materials (CEREC Tessera, ALDS; IPS e.max CAD, LDS; Vita Suprinity, ZLS). ALDS specimens were divided into two subgroups according to glazing procedures (reduced glaze duration, ALDS-S and normal glaze duration, ALDS-N), while LDS and ZLS specimens were crystallized and glazed. Color coordinate measurements were performed before and after coffee thermocycling. Color differences (ΔE00 ) and relative translucency parameters (RTP) were calculated. Specimens were then subjected to BFS test. Statistical analysis was performed by using 1- (ΔE00 and BFS) and 2-way (RTP) ANOVA tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: ΔE00 values of tested materials were similar (df = 3, F = 0.150, p = 0.929). Two-way ANOVA showed the significant effect of material type, coffee thermocycling, and the interaction between these parameters on RTP values (p < 0.001). Both before and after thermocycling, LDS had the highest (p ≤ 0.001) and ZLS had the lowest (p < 0.001) RTP values, while ALDS-N had higher RTP than ALDS-S (p ≤ 0.001). Among tested materials, only LDS had similar RTP values before and after thermocycling (p = 0.865) as the other materials had lower RTP values after thermocycling (p < 0.001). ALDS-N had higher BFS values than ALDS-S (p = 0.005), while LDS had similar values to ALDS specimens (p ≥ 0.201). ZLS had the highest BFS (p ≤ 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: ALDS had comparable values to those of other materials. However, reduced glazing duration resulted in decreased translucency and BFS of ALDS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: ALDS may be an appropriate restorative material for those patients with increased coffee consumption considering its color stability and ability to maintain translucency, particularly when glazed by using a conventional porcelain furnace.

Effects of Particle Abrasion Media and Pressure on Flexural Strength and Bond Strength of Zirconia.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of particle abrasion medium and pressure on shear bond strength and biaxial flexural strength of three generations of zirconia (Lava Frame, Lava Plus, and Lava Esthetic) with the goal of optimizing the bond to zirconia. METHODS: 280 discs (14 mm diameter; 1 mm thickness) of each zirconia were milled and sintered. Specimens of each material were randomly distributed into 14 groups (n=20); half were tested for shear bond strength and half were tested for biaxial flexural strength. The specimens were particle abraded on one surface by 2 different media (50 µm alumina particles or 50 µm glass beads) for 10 seconds at three different pressures (15, 30, and 45 psi or 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 MPa). Untreated specimens served as positive control. A tube (1.50 mm diameter) filled with dual cured resin cement (Panavia SA) was placed onto the surface and light cured. Specimens were stored in water (37°C for 24 hours) and shear bond strength was measured in a universal testing machine (Instron). Biaxial flexural strength of each specimen was measured according to ISO 6872. Shear bond strength and biaxial flexural strength were compared individually with a 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for factors surface treatment and zirconia composition. RESULTS: Significant differences were seen between surface treatments (p<0.01), zirconia composition (p<0.01) and their interaction (p<0.01) for both bond strength and flexural strength. With alumina particle abrasion, higher pressure produced higher bonds for Lava Frame and Lava Plus zirconia while the bond of Lava Esthetic declined with increased pressure. Higher pressure (>0.2 MPa or 30 psi) with alumina decreased biaxial flexural strength with Lava Esthetic zirconia. CONCLUSIONS: Particle abrasion with alumina produced a significantly better combination of bond strength while maintaining biaxial strength of three zirconia materials than particle abrasion with glass beads. The bond strength also depended upon the pressure of particle abrasion and the generation of zirconia used.

Effect of surface treatments on biaxial flexural strength, fatigue resistance, and fracture toughness of high versus low translucency zirconia.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical surface treatments can deteriorate the mechanical properties of zirconia. This study evaluated and compared the biaxial flexural strength, fracture toughness, and fatigue resistance of high translucency (HT) to low translucency (LT) zirconia after various mechanical surface treatments. METHODS: Four hundred eighty zirconia discs were prepared by milling and sintering two HT (Katana and BruxZir) and LT (Cercon and Lava) zirconia blocks at targeted dimensions of 12 mm diameter × 1.2 mm thickness. Sintered zirconia discs received one of the following surface treatments: low-pressure airborne particle abrasion (APA) using 50 µm alumina particles, grinding using 400 grit silicon carbide paper, while as-sintered specimens served as control. Internal structure and surface roughness were evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a non-contact laser profilometer, respectively. Half of the discs were tested for initial biaxial flexural strength, while the rest was subjected to 106 cyclic fatigue loadings, followed by measuring the residual biaxial flexural strength. Fractured surfaces were examined for critical size defects (c) using SEM to calculate the fracture toughness (KIC). The effect of surface treatments, zirconia type, and cyclic fatigue on the biaxial flexural strength was statistically analyzed using three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Weibull analysis was done to evaluate the reliability of the flexural strength for different materials. RESULTS: The initial biaxial flexural strength of LT zirconia was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of HT zirconia in all groups. While low APA significantly increased the biaxial flexural strength of LT zirconia, no significant change was observed for HT zirconia except for Katana. Surface grinding and cyclic fatigue significantly reduced the flexural strength of all groups. High translucency zirconia reported higher fracture toughness, yet with lower Weibull moduli, compared to LT zirconia. CONCLUSION: LT zirconia has higher biaxial flexural strength, yet with lower fracture toughness and fatigue resistance, compared to HT zirconia. Low-pressure APA has significantly increased the biaxial flexural strength in all zirconia groups except BruxZir. Grinding was deteriorating to biaxial flexural strength and fracture toughness in all zirconia types. Cyclic fatigue has significantly decreased the biaxial flexural strength and reliability of HT and LT zirconia.

A PMMA bone cement with improved antibacterial function and flexural strength.

A novel non-leaching antibacterial bone cement has been developed and evaluated. An antibacterial furanone derivative was synthesized and covalently coated onto the surface of alumina filler particles, followed by mixing into a conventional poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement. Flexural strength and bacterial viability were used to evaluate the modified cements. Effects of coated antibacterial moiety content, coated alumina filler particle size and loading were investigated. Results showed that almost all the modified cements showed higher flexural strength (up to 10%), flexural modulus (up to 18%), and antibacterial activity (up to 67% to S. aureus and up to 84% to E. coli), as compared to original poly(methyl methacrylate) cement. Increasing antibacterial moiety and filler loading significantly enhanced antibacterial activity. On the other hand, increasing coated filler particle size decreased antibacterial activity. Increasing antibacterial moiety content and particle size did not significantly affect flexural strength and modulus. Increasing filler loading did not significantly affect flexural modulus but reduced flexural strength. Antibacterial agent leaching tests showed that it seems no leachable antibacterial component from the modified experimental cement to the surrounding environment. Within the limitations of this study, the modified poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement may potentially be developed into a clinically useful bone cement for reducing in-surgical and post-surgical infection.

Effect of different zirconia surface pretreatments on the flexural strength of veneered Y-TZP ceramic before and after in vitro aging.

PURPOSE: The investigation of zirconia core surface pretreatments on the flexural strength of bilayered zirconia ceramics before and after artificial accelerating aging. METHODS: Ninety bar-shaped specimens were manufactured from Yttria Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal (Y-TZP) and divided in three groups depending on zirconia surface pretreatment before veneering: layering with liner, pretreatment with silane-containing gas flame (SGF) with the Silano-Pen device and alumina air-abrasion. Half of the veneered specimens in each group (n=15) underwent artificial accelerating aging. A 4-point bending test was performed to determine flexural strength. Three specimens from each group were further analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) before veneering and after fracture (aged and non-aged subgroups). RESULTS: Alumina air-abrasion was correlated to increased phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic zirconia phase. Qualitative analysis revealed that with the majority of the specimens pretreated with the silane-containing gas flame, areas of the veneering material remained firmly attached to the zirconia core after flexural strength testing. There was no statistically significant difference on the flexural strength among the groups before or after aging. Artificial accelerating aging resulted in statistically significant higher flexural strength of the specimens after aging. CONCLUSION: SGF pretreatment can be an acceptable and feasible alternative method before the veneering of Y-TZP zirconia as it presented slightly higher bond strength compared with alumina air-abrasion which was associated with higher tetragonal to monoclinic (t→m) phase transformation. Accelerating aging leads to an increase of the mechanical properties under in vitro conditions.

Flexural Properties and Polished Surface Characteristics of a Structural Colored Resin Composite.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the flexural properties and surface characteristics of a structural colored resin composite after different finishing and polishing methods, in comparison to those of conventional resin composites. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A structural color resin composite, Omnichroma (OM, Tokuyama Corp, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan), and two comparison resin composites, Filtek Supreme Ultra (FS, 3M, St Paul, MN, USA) and Tetric EvoCeram (TE, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), were used. The flexural properties of the resin composites were determined in accordance with the ISO 4049 specifications. For surface properties, 70 polymerized specimens of each resin composite were prepared and divided into seven groups of 10. Surface roughness (Sa), gloss (GU), and surface free energy (SFE) were investigated after the following finishing and polishing methods. Three groups of specimens were finished with a superfine-grit diamond bur (SFD), and three with a tungsten carbide bur (TCB). After finishing, one of the two remaining groups was polished with a one-step silicone point (CMP), and the other with an aluminum oxide flexible disk (SSD). A group ground with SiC 320-grit was set as a baseline. RESULTS: The average flexural strength ranged from 116.6 to 142.3 MPa in the following order with significant differences between each value: FS > TE > OM. The average E ranged from 6.8 to 13.2 GPa in the following order with significant differences between each value: FS > TE > OM. The average R ranged from 0.77 to 1.01 MJ/mm3 in the following order: OM > FS > TE. The Sa values of the OM groups polished with CMP and SSD were found to be significantly lower than those of the other resin composites, regardless of the finishing method. The GU values appeared to be dependent on the material and the finishing method used. The OM specimens polished with SSD showed significantly higher GU values than those polished with CMP. Most of the resin composites polished with SSD demonstrated significantly higher γS values compared to the other groups. Extremely strong negative correlations between Sa and GU in the combined data from the three resin composites and each resin composite and between Sa and γS in the OM specimens were observed; GU showed a strong positive correlation with γS in the same material. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that both flexural and surface properties are material dependent. Furthermore, the different finishing and polishing methods used in this study were observed to affect the Sa, GU, and SFE of the resin composites.

Alumina particle air-abrasion and aging effects: Fatigue behavior of CAD/CAM resin composite crowns and flexural strength evaluations.

The aim of this study was to characterize the flexural strength and elastic modulus of CAD/CAM resin composite material and to evaluate the influence of different surface treatments and storage conditions on the fatigue behavior of bonded composite crowns. Bars (flexural strength, n= 30; elastic modulus, n= 5) (1.2 × 4 × 12 mm) were produced for three-point bending test and CAD/CAM milled crowns (n= 5) (thickness= 1 mm) adhesively cemented to an epoxy resin substrate for fatigue tests. Bars and crowns were randomly allocated into two "surface treatments": no surface treatment (CTRL) and air-abrasion with 110 µm Al2O3 particles (AlOx); while the crowns were also subdivided into "aging condition" (baseline - storage for 24 h to 7 days, and aging - storage for 150 days + 25,000 thermal cycles). The three-point bending test was performed according to ISO 6872 and the luted crowns were subjected to step-stress fatigue test (initial load of 200 N; step-size of 50 N; 10,000 cycles per step; 20 Hz). Complementary analysis by Stereomicroscopy and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) were performed. The flexural strength and fatigue data were submitted to statistical tests (α= 0.05). The results showed that air-abrasion reduces the flexural strength and the characteristic strength of the resin composite, without modifying its elastic modulus or its structural reliability (Weibull Modulus). Air-abrasion did not influence the fatigue behavior of the cemented crowns. Notwithstanding, a decrease in the survival rate was observed after 445,000 cycles (2,400 N) when subjected to aging at both the CTRL or AlOx conditions. FE-SEM micrographs of the crowns showed that alumina particle air-abrasion treatment can modify the topography of its treated inner surface. Therefore, air-abrasion with alumina powder introduces defects onto the surface of the CAD/CAM resin composite material, decreasing the flexural strength, but without changing its elastic modulus and reliability. Adhesive cementation onto an epoxy resin substrate prevented an influence of the introduced defects on the fatigue performance of the resin composite restoration. Nevertheless, the fatigue behavior may be damaged by aging regimen.

Influência do uso da proantocianidina em um adesivo autocondicionante: avaliação da resistência de união / Influence of the use of proanthocyanidinin a self-etching adhesive: evaluation of bond strength / Influenciadel uso de proantocianidinaem um adesivo autograbante: evaluación de la fuerza de unión

Introdução:Os sistemas adesivos possibilitama execução de restaurações estéticas e minimamente invasivas, sendo, portanto,objeto de pesquisas para contornar os problemas que se apresentam no procedimento restaurador.Objetivo:Avaliar in vitroa resistência de união de um sistema adesivo autocondicionante, e deste modificado com soluções extrativas de semente de uva.Metodologia:Duas soluções extrativas foram preparadas comextrato de semente de uva em pó dissolvido em acetona e etanol. A partir delas e de umadesivo,seis sistemas adesivos autocondicionantes experimentais foram preparados, diferindo quanto aosolvente utilizado eàsproporções entre adesivo puro e solução extrativa(7,5%, 15% e 30%). Setenta incisivos bovinos hígidos tiveram as raízes removidas com disco de carborundum e as faces vestibulares desgastadas comlixas d'água de granulação 120, 240, 600 e 1200 sob refrigeração até expor a dentina superficial. Os dentes foram distribuídos aleatoriamenteem sete grupos distintos: Controle; A7,5; A15; A30; E7,5; E15; e E30, contendo 10 elementos cada. A aplicação dos adesivos foi executada de acordo com as recomendações do fabricante do adesivo controle. A restauração foi realizada com uma matriz de silicone com dimensões 2mm de altura e 4mm de diâmetro e inserido o material restaurador em incremento único e fotopolimerizado por 40s. Após três meses armazenados em água destilada, os espécimes foram submetidos ao teste de resistência de união. Foi empregado ométodo estatísticoTeste Paramétrico Anova 1 Fator e pós-teste de Tamhane (p<0,05). Resultados:Os grupos A7,5, E7,5 e E30 não apresentaram diferença em relação ao grupo Controle; A15 e A30 mostraram desempenho estatisticamente semelhante entre si; e E15 não apresentou diferença estatística em relação aos outros adesivos.Conclusões:A adição de proantocianidina teve efeitos diferentes,dependendodos solventes e das concentrações utilizadas, mas sem alterar significativamente o desempenho do adesivo (AU).

Introduction:Adhesive systems make it possible to perform aestheticand minimally invasive restorations, being the subject of research to circumvent the problems that arise in the restorative procedure.Objective:Evaluate in vitrothe bond strength of a self-etching adhesive system,and modified with extractive grape seed solutions. Methodology:Two extractive solutions were prepared with powdered grape seed extract dissolved in acetone and ethanol. From them and an adhesive, six experimental self-etching adhesive systems were prepared, differing in terms of the solvent used and the proportions between pure adhesive and extractive solution(7.5%, 15% and 30%). Seventy healthy bovine incisors had their roots removed with carborundum disc and the vestibular faces were worn with sandpaper with granulation water 120, 240, 600 and 1200 under refrigeration until the superficial dentin was exposed. The teeth were randomly assigned to seven different groups: Control; A7.5; A15; A30; E7.5; E15; and E30, containing 10 elements each. The application of the adhesives was carried out according to the recommendations of the manufacturer of the control adhesive. The restoration was performed with a silicone matrix with dimensions 2mm high and 4mm indiameter and the restorative material was inserted in a single increment and light cured for 40s. After three months stored in distilled water, the specimens were submitted to the bond strength test. The statistical method Parametric Test Anova 1 Factor and Tamhane post-test (p<0.05) were used. Results:Groups A7.5, E7.5 and E30 showed no difference in relation to the Control group; A15 and A30 showed a statistically similar performance; and E15 showed no statistical difference in relation to the other adhesives. Conclusions:The addition of proanthocyanidin had different effects, depending on the solvents and concentrations used, but without significantly altering the performance ofthe adhesive (AU).

Introducción: Sistemas adhesivos permiten realizar restauraciones estéticas y mínimamente invasivas, siendo objeto de investigación para sortear problemas que surgen en elprocedimiento restaurador. Objetivo: Evaluar in vitrola fuerza de unión de un sistema adhesivoautograbante y modificado con soluciones extractivas de semilla de uva. Metodología: Se prepararon dos soluciones extractivas con extracto de semilla de uva en polvo disuelto en acetona y etanol. A partir de ellos y de un adhesivo, se prepararon seis sistemas experimentales de adhesivos autograbantes, que se diferencian en cuanto al solvente utilizado y las proporciones entre adhesivo puro y solución extractiva (7,5%, 15% y 30%). Setenta incisivos bovinos sanos fueron removidos con un disco de carborundo y las caras vestibulares fueron usadas com lija de agua de granulación 120, 240, 600 y 1200 bajo refrigeración hasta que la dentina superficial quedo expuesta. Los dientes se asignaron aleatoriamente a siete grupos diferentes: Control; A7,5; A15; A30; E7,5; E15; y E30, que contiene 10 elementos cada uno. La aplicación de los adhesivos se realizó siguiendo las recomendaciones del fabricante del adhesivo de control. La restauración se realizó con matriz de silicona con 2mm de altura y 4mm de diámetro y el material restaurador se insertó en un solo incremento y se fotopolimerizó durante 40s. Tres meses después, almacenados em agua destilada, las muestras se sometieron a la prueba de resistencia de la unión. Se utilizó el método estadístico Prueba Paramétrica Factor Anova 1 y post-prueba de Tamhane (p<0,05). Resultados: Los grupos A7,5, E7,5 y E30 no mostraron diferencias em relación con el grupo Control; A15 y A30 mostraron un desempeño estadísticamente similar; y E15 no mostró diferencia estadística en relación con los otros adhesivos. Conclusiones: La adición de proantocianidina tuvo diferentes efectos, dependiendo de los disolventes y concentraciones utilizadas, pero sin alterar significativamente el rendimiento del adhesivo (AU).

Impact of sandblasting on the flexural strength of highly translucent zirconia.

The objective of this study was to assess the influence of alumina sandblasting on the flexural strength of the latest generation of highly translucent yttria partially stabilized dental zirconia (Y-PSZ). Fully-sintered zirconia disk-shaped specimens (14.5-mm diameter; 1.2-mm thickness) of four Y-PSZ zirconia grades (KATANA HT, KATANA STML, KATANA UTML, all Kuraray Noritake; and Zpex Smile, Tosoh) were sandblasted at 0.2 MPa with 50-µm alumina (Al2O3) sand (Kulzer) or left as-sintered (control). For each zirconia grade, the yttria (Y2O3) content was determined using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Surface roughness was assessed using 3D confocal laser microscopy. Micro-Raman spectroscopy (µ-Raman) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to assess potentially induced residual stresses. Biaxial flexural strength (n = 20) was statistically compared by Weibull analysis. Focused ion beam - scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) was used to observe the subsurface microstructure. Fracture surfaces after biaxial flexural strength testing were observed by SEM. KATANA UTML had the highest Y2O3 content (6 mol%), followed by KATANA STML and Zpex Smile (5 mol%), and KATANA HT (4 mol%). Al2O3-sandblasting significantly increased surface roughness of KATANA UTML and Zpex Smile. µRaman and XRD revealed the presence of residual compressive stress on all Al2O3-sandblasted surfaces. FIB/SEM revealed several sub-surface microcracks in the sandblasted specimens. Weibull analysis revealed that Al2O3-sandblasting increased the characteristic strength of KATANA HT, KATANA STML, whereas it decreased the strength of KATANA UTML. The strength enhancement after Al2O3-sandblasting of KATANA HT was the highest, followed by KATANA STML. For Zpex Smile, the influence was statistically insignificant. The impact of Al2O3-sandblasting on the Weibull modulus was controversial. The strength of zirconia after Al2O3-sandblasting is determined by the balance between microcrack formation (decreased strength) and surface compressive stress build-up (increased strength).

An evaluation of the effect of different veneer materials on fracture resistance of zirconia core / Avaliação dos diferentes efeitos de materiais de revestimento na resistência à fratura do núcleo de zircônia

Objectives: this in vitro study was done to evaluate the effect of packable P60 composite and Tetric N-Ceram composite veneer material on fracture strength of zirconia cores. Material and Methods:Twenty four zirconium cores (Vita, Germany) with 0.7 mm thickness were fabricated by CAD/CAM technology and then subjected to air abrasion with 50 µm of Al2O3. Cores were randomly divided into three groups according to veneering material (group A: control group sandblasted with 50 µm Al2O3 veneered by IPS E-max Ceram porcelain, group C: sandblasted with 50 µm Al2O3, etching with hydrofluoric acid and veneered with P60 composite, group E: sandblasted with 50 µm Al2O3, etching with hydrofluoric acid and veneered with Tetric N-Ceram composite). All crowns were subjected to fracture strength test in the testing machine, with load application by steel ball indenter and 0.5 mm/min. cross head speed. Results: statistical analysis was carried out utilizing one-way ANOVA, LSD. The results of fracture strength value test showed the highest mean value was registered for group (A), and the lowest mean for group (E). One-way ANOVA test represented that, there was a statistically high significant different among all groups. LSD results showed a high significant difference increase in fracture resistance for Group A at p value (*p < 0.001 High significant). Conclusions: Within the limitation of this study, sandblasting zirconia core with 50 µm Al2O3 and veneering with conventional ceramic produced restoration with acceptable fracture resistance value (AU)

Objetivo: o objetivo desse estudo in vitro foi avaliar o efeito dos compósitos P60 compactáveis e material laminado de compósitos Tetric-N Ceram na resistência à fratura de núcleos de zircônia. Material e métodos:Vinte e quatro núcleos de zircônia (Vita, Germany) com 0.7 mm de espessura fabricados por tecnologia de CAD/CAM e sinterizados em alta temperatura (1450ºC por 60 min) de acordo com as instruções do fabricante. Núcleos totalmente de zircônias foram submetidos a abração com 50 µm de Al2O3. Os núcleos de zircônia foram divididos de forma randomiza em três grupos de acordo com o material de revestimento (grupo A: grupo controle jateado com 50 µm Al2O3 folheado com porcelana IPS E-max Ceram, grupo C: jateado com 50 µm Al2O3 , coberto com concentração 9,5% de ácido fluorídrico e folheado com resina composta compatível, grupo E: jateado com 50 µm Al2O3 coberto com concentração 9,5% de ácido fluorídrico e folheado com porcelana IPS E-max Ceram. Todos os espécimes (coroas) foram submetidos a teste de resistência a fratura com máquina de teste universal, essa máquina utilizou para aplicação de carga bola de aço com 6mm de diâmetro 0,5 mm/min de velocidade da cruzeta. Resultados: análise estatística foi realizada utilizando One-way ANOVA, LSD. O resultado da resistência a fratura mostra que o maior valor médio foi registrado no grupo A e a menor média para o grupo E. O resultado do teste One-Way ANOVA representaram que houve uma diferença estatisticamente alta e significante entre todos os grupos. LSD foi executada para mostrar a fonte de significância. Os resultados do LSD mostraram um aumento da diferença significativa alta na resistência à fratura para o grupo A no valor de p (p < 0.001 signicancia alta). Conclusão: Dentro das limitações desse estudo o uso convencional de jateamento com 50 µm Al2O3 e estratificação com cerâmica convencional produziu restauração com valor aceitável de resistência a fratura (AU)

Evaluation of flexural strength and antibacterial effect of orthodontic acrylic resins containing Galla chinensis extract

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate different concentrations of Galla chinensis extract (GCE) added to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which is widely used for fabrication of removable orthodontic appliances, regarding the effectiveness of this herbal extract on antimicrobial effect and flexural strength of PMMA. Methods: Acrylic resin samples containing 0.4%, 0.8% and 1.6% GCE were prepared. Flexural strength was investigated via three-point flexural strength test for the 15 acrylic resin blocks of each concentration. Disk diffusion test was used to evaluate antibacterial effects of incorporating the same concentrations of GCE into acrylic resin. All these three groups were compared with the control group, with no added GCE, regarding flexural strength and antibacterial properties. Results: Comparison of flexural strength between the three study groups and the control group showed significant differences between the groups (P=0.018). However, there was no significant difference between the groups containing GCE. There were significant differences in antimicrobial activity between the four groups (P=0.026). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it is suggested that incorporation of GCE into PMMA would be beneficial for antimicrobial activity and flexural strength of PMMA, but further studies on other physical properties and antimicrobial effects on other bacterial strain would be beneficial prior to clinical investigations.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se diferentes concentrações de extrato de Galla chinensis (EGC) adicionado ao polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA), que é amplamente utilizado para a fabricação de aparelhos ortodônticos removíveis, interferem no efeito antimicrobiano desse extrato e na resistência à flexão do PMMA. Métodos: Foram preparadas amostras de resina acrílica com concentrações de 0,4%, 0,8% e 1,6% de EGC. Para a avaliação da resistência à flexão, utilizou-se o teste de flexão em três pontos para as 15 amostras de resina em cada concentração. O teste de disco-difusão foi utilizado para avaliar os efeitos antibacterianos da incorporação das mesmas concentrações de EGC na resina acrílica. Esses três grupos foram comparados ao grupo controle, sem adição do EGC, em relação à resistência à flexão e quanto às propriedades antimicrobianas. Resultados: As comparações dos três grupos com o grupo controle mostraram diferenças significativas (p=0,018) para a resistência à flexão. Entretanto, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos contendo EGC. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas na atividade antimicrobiana entre os quatro grupos (p=0,026). Conclusão: Dentro das limitações desse estudo, parece que a incorporação de EGC no PMMA seria benéfica para a atividade antimicrobiana e a resistência à flexão do PMMA. Porém, estudos adicionais sobre outras propriedades físicas e sobre os efeitos antimicrobianos contra diferentes cepas de bactérias seriam interessantes antes de se fazer pesquisas clínicas.

Valorization of Hemp Core Residues: Impact of NaOH Treatment on the Flexural Strength of PP Composites and Intrinsic Flexural Strength of Hemp Core Fibers.

Hemp core is a lignocellulosic residue in the production chain of hemp strands. Huge amounts of hemp core are gathered annually in Europe (43,000 tons) with no major application end. Such lignocellulosic wastes have potential as filling or reinforcing material to replace synthetic fibers and wood fibers in polymer composites. In this study, hemp core biomass was treated under different NaOH concentrations and then defibrated by means of Sprout Waldron equipment to obtain single fibers. Polypropylene matrix was reinforced up to 50 wt.% and the resulting hemp core fibers and the flexural properties were investigated. The results show that the flexural strength of composites increased with the intensity of NaOH treatment. The effect of NaOH was attributed to the removal of extractives and lignin in the fiber cell wall leading to improved interfacial adhesion characteristics. Besides, a methodology was established for the estimation of the intrinsic flexural strength of hemp core fibers. The intrinsic flexural strength of hemp core fibers was calculated to be 940 MPa for fibers treated at 10 wt.% of NaOH. In addition, a relationship between the lignin content and the intrinsic strength of the fibers was established.

Influence of alumina air-abrasion for highly translucent partially stabilized zirconia on flexural strength, surface properties, and bond strength of resin cement.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the influence of different air-abrasion pressures and subsequent heat treatment on the flexural strength, surface roughness, and crystallographic phases of highly translucent partially stabilized zirconia (Y-PSZ), and on the tensile bond strength of resin cement to Y-PSZ. METHODOLOGY: Fully sintered zirconia specimens were ground with SiC paper (control) and/or air-abraded with 50 µm particles of alumina at 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, or 0.3 MPa or left as-sintered. After air-abrasion at 0.2 MPa (0.2AB), additional specimens were then heated to 1500°C, and held for one hour at this temperature (0.2AB+HT1h). Flexural strength and surface roughness were evaluated. Crystalline phase identification was also carried out using X-ray diffraction. Bonded zirconia specimens with self-adhesive resin cement were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h, either with or without aging (thermal cycling 4-60°C/20000). Results were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer tests. RESULTS: The flexural strength decreased with the increase in air-abrasion pressure, while in contrast, the surface roughness increased. The lowest flexural strength and the highest roughness value were found for the 0.2AB and 0.3AB groups, respectively. All groups contained cubic-, tetragonal ( t )-, and rhombohedral ( r )-ZrO2 phases with the exception of the as-sintered group. Upon increasing the air-abrasion pressure, the relative amount of the r -ZrO2 phase increased, with a significant amount of r -ZrO2 phase being detected for the 0.2AB and 0.3AB groups. The 0.2AB+HT1h group exhibited a similar flexural strength and t -ZrO2 phase content as the as-sintered group. However, the 0.2AB group showed a significantly higher tensile bond strength (p<0.05) than the 0.2AB+HT1h group before and after aging. CONCLUSION: Micromechanical retention by alumina air-abrasion at 0.2 MPa, in combination with chemical bonding of a resin to highly translucent Y-PSZ using a MDP-containing resin cement may enable durable bonding.

Evaluation of flexural strength and antibacterial effect of orthodontic acrylic resins containing Galla chinensis extract.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate different concentrations of Galla chinensis extract (GCE) added to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which is widely used for fabrication of removable orthodontic appliances, regarding the effectiveness of this herbal extract on antimicrobial effect and flexural strength of PMMA. METHODS: Acrylic resin samples containing 0.4%, 0.8% and 1.6% GCE were prepared. Flexural strength was investigated via three-point flexural strength test for the 15 acrylic resin blocks of each concentration. Disk diffusion test was used to evaluate antibacterial effects of incorporating the same concentrations of GCE into acrylic resin. All these three groups were compared with the control group, with no added GCE, regarding flexural strength and antibacterial properties. RESULTS: Comparison of flexural strength between the three study groups and the control group showed significant differences between the groups (P=0.018). However, there was no significant difference between the groups containing GCE. There were significant differences in antimicrobial activity between the four groups (P=0.026). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it is suggested that incorporation of GCE into PMMA would be beneficial for antimicrobial activity and flexural strength of PMMA, but further studies on other physical properties and antimicrobial effects on other bacterial strain would be beneficial prior to clinical investigations.

Influence of alumina air-abrasion for highly translucent partially stabilized zirconia on flexural strength, surface properties, and bond strength of resin cement

Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate the influence of different air-abrasion pressures and subsequent heat treatment on the flexural strength, surface roughness, and crystallographic phases of highly translucent partially stabilized zirconia (Y-PSZ), and on the tensile bond strength of resin cement to Y-PSZ. Methodology Fully sintered zirconia specimens were ground with SiC paper (control) and/or air-abraded with 50 µm particles of alumina at 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, or 0.3 MPa or left as-sintered. After air-abrasion at 0.2 MPa (0.2AB), additional specimens were then heated to 1500°C, and held for one hour at this temperature (0.2AB+HT1h). Flexural strength and surface roughness were evaluated. Crystalline phase identification was also carried out using X-ray diffraction. Bonded zirconia specimens with self-adhesive resin cement were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h, either with or without aging (thermal cycling 4-60°C/20000). Results were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer tests. Results The flexural strength decreased with the increase in air-abrasion pressure, while in contrast, the surface roughness increased. The lowest flexural strength and the highest roughness value were found for the 0.2AB and 0.3AB groups, respectively. All groups contained cubic-, tetragonal ( t )-, and rhombohedral ( r )-ZrO2 phases with the exception of the as-sintered group. Upon increasing the air-abrasion pressure, the relative amount of the r -ZrO2 phase increased, with a significant amount of r -ZrO2 phase being detected for the 0.2AB and 0.3AB groups. The 0.2AB+HT1h group exhibited a similar flexural strength and t -ZrO2 phase content as the as-sintered group. However, the 0.2AB group showed a significantly higher tensile bond strength (p<0.05) than the 0.2AB+HT1h group before and after aging. Conclusion Micromechanical retention by alumina air-abrasion at 0.2 MPa, in combination with chemical bonding of a resin to highly translucent Y-PSZ using a MDP-containing resin cement may enable durable bonding.

The Effect of Calcium on the Cohesive Strength and Flexural Properties of Low-Methoxyl Pectin Biopolymers.

Abstract: Pectin binds the mesothelial glycocalyx of visceral organs, suggesting its potential role as a mesothelial sealant. To assess the mechanical properties of pectin films, we compared pectin films with a less than 50% degree of methyl esterification (low-methoxyl pectin, LMP) to films with greater than 50% methyl esterification (high-methoxyl pectin, HMP). LMP and HMP polymers were prepared by step-wise dissolution and high-shear mixing. Both LMP and HMP films demonstrated a comparable clear appearance. Fracture mechanics demonstrated that the LMP films had a lower burst strength than HMP films at a variety of calcium concentrations and hydration states. The water content also influenced the extensibility of the LMP films with increased extensibility (probe distance) with an increasing water content. Similar to the burst strength, the extensibility of the LMP films was less than that of HMP films. Flexural properties, demonstrated with the 3-point bend test, showed that the force required to displace the LMP films increased with an increased calcium concentration (p < 0.01). Toughness, here reflecting deformability (ductility), was variable, but increased with an increased calcium concentration. Similarly, titrations of calcium concentrations demonstrated LMP films with a decreased cohesive strength and increased stiffness. We conclude that LMP films, particularly with the addition of calcium up to 10 mM concentrations, demonstrate lower strength and toughness than comparable HMP films. These physical properties suggest that HMP has superior physical properties to LMP for selected biomedical applications.

Effect of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation on Volumetric Bone Density and Bone Strength: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Few studies have assessed the effects of daily vitamin D doses at or above the tolerable upper intake level for 12 months or greater, yet 3% of US adults report vitamin D intakes of at least 4000 IU per day. Objective: To assess the dose-dependent effect of vitamin D supplementation on volumetric bone mineral density (BMD) and strength. Design, Setting, and Participants: Three-year, double-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted in a single center in Calgary, Canada, from August 2013 to December 2017, including 311 community-dwelling healthy adults without osteoporosis, aged 55 to 70 years, with baseline levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) of 30 to 125 nmol/L. Interventions: Daily doses of vitamin D3 for 3 years at 400 IU (n = 109), 4000 IU (n = 100), or 10 000 IU (n = 102). Calcium supplementation was provided to participants with dietary intake of less than 1200 mg per day. Main Outcomes and Measures: Co-primary outcomes were total volumetric BMD at radius and tibia, assessed with high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and bone strength (failure load) at radius and tibia estimated by finite element analysis. Results: Of 311 participants who were randomized (53% men; mean [SD] age, 62.2 [4.2] years), 287 (92%) completed the study. Baseline, 3-month, and 3-year levels of 25(OH)D were 76.3, 76.7, and 77.4 nmol/L for the 400-IU group; 81.3, 115.3, and 132.2 for the 4000-IU group; and 78.4, 188.0, and 144.4 for the 10 000-IU group. There were significant group × time interactions for volumetric BMD. At trial end, radial volumetric BMD was lower for the 4000 IU group (-3.9 mg HA/cm3 [95% CI, -6.5 to -1.3]) and 10 000 IU group (-7.5 mg HA/cm3 [95% CI, -10.1 to -5.0]) compared with the 400 IU group with mean percent change in volumetric BMD of -1.2% (400 IU group), -2.4% (4000 IU group), and -3.5% (10 000 IU group). Tibial volumetric BMD differences from the 400 IU group were -1.8 mg HA/cm3 (95% CI, -3.7 to 0.1) in the 4000 IU group and -4.1 mg HA/cm3 in the 10 000 IU group (95% CI, -6.0 to -2.2), with mean percent change values of -0.4% (400 IU), -1.0% (4000 IU), and -1.7% (10 000 IU). There were no significant differences for changes in failure load (radius, P = .06; tibia, P = .12). Conclusions and Relevance: Among healthy adults, treatment with vitamin D for 3 years at a dose of 4000 IU per day or 10 000 IU per day, compared with 400 IU per day, resulted in statistically significant lower radial BMD; tibial BMD was significantly lower only with the 10 000 IU per day dose. There were no significant differences in bone strength at either the radius or tibia. These findings do not support a benefit of high-dose vitamin D supplementation for bone health; further research would be needed to determine whether it is harmful. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01900860.

Impact of stem taper damage on the fracture strength of ceramic heads with adapter sleeves.

BACKGROUND: Using a new ceramic head with a titanium adapter sleeve offers the possibility of maintaining a well fixed stem when conducting cup revision of a total hip arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to test the impact of stem taper damage on the fracture strength of sleeved ceramic heads. METHODS: Pristine zirconia-toughened alumina heads with titanium adapter sleeves (BIOLOX®OPTION System) were tested on damaged Ti-4Al-6V stem tapers in accordance with ISO7206-10. Four distinctive damage types classified as intolerable by the manufacture were investigated, representing various reductions in contact area between the stem taper and sleeve taper as well as damage incurred from previous ceramic head fracture. FINDINGS: The largest reduction in fracture strength occurred for a loss of contact for the entire length of the stem taper. Nonetheless, the fracture strength in all investigated cases was several times higher than that defined by the FDA standards. INTERPRETATION: The use of a titanium sleeve recreates a uniform contact situation between the ceramic head and the outer sleeve taper in situations of damaged stem tapers. For the investigated damage types a high fracture strength of the ceramic head was maintained. This study supports the clinical use for sleeved ceramic heads in instances of greater damages of stem tapers than previously defined in order to spare patients from stem removal.

Effect of slow-cooling protocol on biaxial flexural strengths of bilayered porcelain-ceria-stabilized zirconia/alumina nanocomposite (Ce-TZP/A) disks.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the biaxial flexural strengths of bilayered ceria-stabilized zirconia/alumina nanocomposite (Ce-TZP/A) disks with various layering porcelains veneered using a slow-cooling protocol. METHODS: Five porcelain materials (VITA VM9, Cercon Ceram Kiss, and Vintage ZR with experimental coefficient of thermal expansions; CTEs of 8.45, 9.04, and 9.61ppm/°C) were veneered on Ce-TZP/A disks and slow-cooled after firing to fabricate bilayered specimens (core-to-porcelain thickness: 0.8mm/1.5mm). Biaxial flexural strengths of the specimens with the porcelain layer in tension were tested based on the piston-on-three-ball method (ISO 6872:2008). The data were statistically analyzed using Weibull distribution and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Tensile stresses were observed in the entire porcelain layer while compressive stress at the surface of the Ce-TZP/A layer shifted to tensile stress at the interface between the materials. The cases of small CTE mismatches between the materials showed high Weibull characteristic strengths at the internal and external surfaces of the specimens, except the VM9 group (CTE: 9.0-9.2ppm/°C). The maximum tensile stress was observed on the surface of the porcelain layer, where cracks originated and continuously propagated into the Ce-TZP layer. The Ce-TZP/A fractured into two pieces for large CTE mismatches between the materials, resulting in significantly lower flexural strengths than those fracturing into three pieces for small CTE mismatches. SIGNIFICANCE: Flexural strengths and fracture behaviors of bilayered porcelain-Ce-TZP/A disks were influenced by the CTE mismatches, and a small CTE mismatch between the materials was preferred when using a slow-cooling protocol.

Effects of ferrule and diameter of parallel cast post and core on fracture resistance / Efeitos da férula e diâmetro de núcleos metálicos paralelos na resistência a fratura

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of using different diameters of parallel cast posts with, or without ferrule, on the overall fracture resistance of Cast Post and Core (CPC). Material and Methods: Forty (40) endodontically treated human maxillary central incisors were divided into four groups (n=10): [F1] 1.0 mm diameter post with ferrule; [NF1] 1.0 mm diameter cast post without ferrule; [F1.5] 1.5 mm diameter cast post with ferrule; [NF1.5] 1.5 mm diameter post without ferrule. For all teeth, the post space (9.0 mm, in depth) was prepared using ParaPostTM drill. CPC using base metal alloy were fabricated and were cemented using resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) cement along with the Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) crowns. A universal testing machine (Instron) was used to apply horizontal force perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth at the center of lingual surface, until catastrophic failure. Data was submitted to two-way ANOVA and Scheffé tests (P<0.05). Results: Both post diameter and ferrule statistically affected the maximum load at fracture (P=0.004 and P=0.013, respectively). The highest mean values were observed for samples with ferrule and wider post size (490N), while the lowest were observed for samples without ferrule and narrower post size (254N). There was no relationship between the presence of a ferrule and post size (P=0.937). Conclusion: For endodontically treated teeth with no ferrule, a wider-diameter cast post increased fracture resistance of a CPC and PFM crown procedure. (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes diâmetros de núcleos metálicos paralelos (com ou sem férula) na resistência a fratura do procedimento restaurador. Material e Métodos: Quarenta (40) incisivos centrais superiores humanos foram tratados endodonticamente e divididos em quarto grupos (n=10): [F1] Diâmetro de 1.0 mm, com férula; [NF1] Diâmetro de 1.0 mm, sem férula; [F1.5] Diâmetro de 1.5 mm, com férula; [NF1.5] Diâmetro de 1.5 mm, sem férula. Para todos os dentes, o espaço foi preparado para o núcleo (9.0 mm, em comprimento) utilizando brocas do ParaPostTM. Os núcleos metálicos e as coroas metalocerâmicas fabricadas foram cimentados utilizando-se cimento de ionômero de vidro modificado por resina. Uma máquina de ensaios universal (Instron) foi utilizada para aplicar uma força horizontal perpendicular ao longo eixo do dente, no centro da face lingual, até falha catastrófica. Os dados foram analisados através de análise de variância de dois fatores e teste de Scheffé (p<0.05). Resultados: O diâmetro do núcleo e a presença (ou ausência) de férula afteram estatiscamente a resistência máxima a fratura do procedimento (P=0.004 e P=0.013, respectivamente). Os maiores valores foram observados para amostras com férula e de maior diâmetro (490N), enquanto os menores valores foram observados para amostras sem férula e de menor diâmetro (254N). Conclusão: Para dentes tratados endodondicamente, com férula, um núcleo de maior diâmetro aumentou a resistência a fratura de procedimentos restauradores envolvendo coroas metalocerâmicas cimentadas sobre núcleos metálicos fundidos. (AU)