Influence of repositioning guides' color and usage on precision in tooth color measurement with a clinical spectrophotometer.

BACKGROUND: Repositioning guides are commonly employed in clinical studies to ensure consistent tooth color measurements. Yet, their influence on measured color remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the impact of repositioning guides' color and usage on tooth color measurement using a clinical spectrophotometer. METHODOLOGY: In total, 18 volunteers participated in this study, in which the color of their upper left central incisor and upper left canine was measured with or without repositioning guides (control). The guides were made from pink, blue, or translucent silicone, as well as an acetate-based bleaching tray. Tooth color was measured in triplicates using a clinical spectrophotometer based on the CIELAB system. The standard deviations of these readings were used to estimate reproducibility, and color differences (ΔE00) between the measurements with guides and the control were calculated. RESULTS: Repositioning guides had a minimal effect on L* values and no effect on b* values. The use of pink silicone increased a* values, whereas blue or translucent silicone reduced them. Irrespective of the evaluated tooth, the lowest ΔE00 values were observed for the translucent silicone and bleaching tray. The usage of guides only affected data variability for the L* color coordinate. CONCLUSION: Using repositioning guides can significantly impact the precision of tooth color measurement with a clinical spectrophotometer.

Color discrepancy of single-shade composites at different distances from the interface measured using cell phone images.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of substrate color and interface distance on the color adjustment of 2 single-shade composites, Vittra APS Unique and Charisma Diamond One. Materials and Methods: Dual disc-shaped specimens were created using Vittra APS Unique or Charisma Diamond One as the center composite, surrounded by shaded composites (A1 or A3). Color measurements were taken with a spectrophotometer against a gray background, recording the color coordinates in the CIELAB color space. Illumination with a light-correcting device and image acquisition using a polarizing filter-equipped cell phone were performed on specimens over the same background. Image processing software was used to measure the color coordinates in the center and periphery of the inner composite and in the outer composite. The color data were then converted to CIELAB coordinates and adjusted using data from the spectrophotometer. Color differences (ΔE00) between the center/periphery of single-shade and outer composites were calculated, along with color changes in single-shade composites caused by different outer composites. Color differences for the inner composites surrounded by A1 and A3 were also calculated. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (α = 0.05). Results: The results showed that color discrepancies were lowest near the interface and when the outer composite was whiter (A1). Additionally, Charisma Diamond One exhibited better color adjustment ability than Vittra APS Unique. Conclusions: Color discrepancies between the investigated single-shade composites diminished towards the interface with the surrounding composite, particularly when the latter exhibited a lighter shade.

Effect of gingival barrier brands on operator perception, cervical adaptation, and patient comfort during in-office tooth bleaching: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Light-cured resins are widely used as gingival barriers to protect the gums from highly concentrated peroxides used in tooth bleaching. The impact of barrier brand on clinical outcomes is typically considered negligible. However, there is limited evidence on the effects of different brands on operator experience, barrier adaptation, and patient comfort. OBJECTIVE: This clinical trial assessed the impact of four commercial gingival barrier brands (Opaldam, Topdam, Lysadam, and Maxdam) on operator perception, adaptation quality, and patient comfort. METHODS: Twenty-one undergraduate students placed gingival barriers in a randomized sequence using blinded syringes. Photographs of the barriers were taken from frontal and incisal perspectives. After bleaching procedures, operators rated handling features and safety using Likert scale forms. Two experienced evaluators independently assessed barrier adaptation quality on a scale from 1 (perfect) to 5 (unacceptable). The absolute risk of barrier-induced discomfort was recorded. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Chi-square tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Opaldam and Topdam received the highest scores in most handling features, except for removal, which was similar among all brands. No significant difference was observed in barrier adaptation quality between the evaluated brands. Discomforts were mainly reported in the upper dental arch, with Maxdam having the highest absolute risk (35% for this arch and 24% overall). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that gingival barrier brands can influence operator perception and patient comfort. Opaldam and Topdam were preferred by operators, but all brands demonstrated comparable adaptation quality. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was nested in a randomized clinical trial registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry under identification number RBR-9gtr9sc.

Effects of enamel moistening and repositioning guide color on tooth whitening outcomes: A clinical trial.

This clinical trial investigated the effects of pre-application enamel moistening on the impact of a 37% carbamide peroxide whitener on tooth color changes and the influence of repositioning guide colors. Forty participants were randomly assigned to in-office tooth bleaching with either moistened enamel (experimental) or dry enamel (control). The whitener was applied for 45 min over two sessions. Tooth color was visually measured or assessed using a spectrophotometer with purple or green silicone guides. Tooth bleaching was assessed using CIE76 (ΔEab ) and CIEDE2000 (ΔE00 ) formulas and by whitening and bleaching index score changes. Moistening the enamel did not significantly affect tooth color. However, the guide color choice only impacted tooth color when measured instrumentally. At baseline, the green guide resulted in statistically significantly whiter teeth than the purple guide. Less pronounced differences in the b* coordinate between baseline and final measurements were found using the green guide. The green guide also produced lower ΔEab values and less change in indexes. In conclusion, moistening the enamel did not significantly impact tooth color changes. However, the repositioning guide color influenced the tooth bleaching measured instrumentally, except for ΔE00 .

Influence of repositioning guides' color and usage on precision in tooth color measurement with a clinical spectrophotometer

Abstract Repositioning guides are commonly employed in clinical studies to ensure consistent tooth color measurements. Yet, their influence on measured color remains uncertain. Objective This study evaluated the impact of repositioning guides' color and usage on tooth color measurement using a clinical spectrophotometer. Methodology In total, 18 volunteers participated in this study, in which the color of their upper left central incisor and upper left canine was measured with or without repositioning guides (control). The guides were made from pink, blue, or translucent silicone, as well as an acetate-based bleaching tray. Tooth color was measured in triplicates using a clinical spectrophotometer based on the CIELAB system. The standard deviations of these readings were used to estimate reproducibility, and color differences (ΔE00) between the measurements with guides and the control were calculated. Results Repositioning guides had a minimal effect on L* values and no effect on b* values. The use of pink silicone increased a* values, whereas blue or translucent silicone reduced them. Irrespective of the evaluated tooth, the lowest ΔE00 values were observed for the translucent silicone and bleaching tray. The usage of guides only affected data variability for the L* color coordinate. Conclusion Using repositioning guides can significantly impact the precision of tooth color measurement with a clinical spectrophotometer.

Background and surrounding colors affect the color blending of a single-shade composite.

This study evaluated the background and effect of surrounding colors on the color blending of a single-shade composite used in a thin layer. Disc-shaped specimens (1.0 mm thickness) were built with the Vittra APS Unique composite surrounded (dual specimens) or not surrounded (simple specimens) by a control composite (shade A1, A2, or A3). Simple specimens were also built with only control composites. The specimen color was measured against white and black backgrounds with a spectrophotometer (CIELAB system). The whiteness index for dentistry (WID) was calculated for simple specimens. Differences (ΔE00) in color and translucency parameters (ΔTP00) between the simple/dual specimens and the controls were calculated. The translucency adjustment potential (TAP) and color adjustment potential (CAP) were estimated based on the ratios between data from simple and dual specimens. The Vittra APS Unique composite showed higher WID values than the controls. No differences between ΔTP00_SIMPLE and ΔTP00_DUAL were observed for any of the shades. The composite shade did not affect TAP values. The lowest values of ΔE00_SIMPLE and ΔE00_DUAL were observed for shade A1 regardless of the background color. For the white background, ΔE00_SIMPLE values did not differ from those of ΔE00_DUAL for all shades. Only A1 showed ΔE00_DUAL values lower than ΔE00_SIMPLE when the black background was used. The highest modulus of CAP (negative values for the white background) was observed when shade A1 surrounded the Vittra APS Unique composite. The color blending ability of the single-shade resin composite used in a thin layer was affected by both the surrounding shade and background color.

Effects of surrounding and underlying shades on the color adjustment potential of a single-shade composite used in a thin layer.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the surrounding and underlying shades' effect on the color adjustment potential (CAP) of a single-shade composite used in a thin layer. Materials and Methods: Cylinder specimens (1.0 mm thick) were built with the Vittra APS Unique composite, surrounded (dual specimens) or not (simple specimens) by a control composite (shade A1, A2, or A3). Simple specimens were also built only with the control composites. Each specimen's color was measured against white and black backgrounds or the simple control specimens with a spectrophotometer (CIELAB system). The whiteness index for dentistry (WID) and translucency parameters (TP00) were calculated for simple specimens. Differences (ΔE00) in color between the simple/dual specimens and the controls were calculated. The CAP was calculated based on the ratios between data from simple and dual specimens. Results: The Vittra APS Unique composite showed higher WID and TP00 values than the controls. The highest values of ΔE00 were observed among simple specimens. The color measurements of Vittra APS Unique (simple or dual) against the control specimens presented the lowest color differences. Only surrounding the single-shade composite with a shaded composite barely impacted the ΔE00. The highest CAP values were obtained using a shaded composite under simple or dual specimens. Conclusions: The CAP of Vittra APS Unique was strongly affected by the underlying shade, while surrounding this composite with a shaded one barely affected its color adjustment.

Background and surrounding colors affect the color blending of a single-shade composite

Abstract This study evaluated the background and effect of surrounding colors on the color blending of a single-shade composite used in a thin layer. Disc-shaped specimens (1.0 mm thickness) were built with the Vittra APS Unique composite surrounded (dual specimens) or not surrounded (simple specimens) by a control composite (shade A1, A2, or A3). Simple specimens were also built with only control composites. The specimen color was measured against white and black backgrounds with a spectrophotometer (CIELAB system). The whiteness index for dentistry (WID) was calculated for simple specimens. Differences (ΔE00) in color and translucency parameters (ΔTP00) between the simple/dual specimens and the controls were calculated. The translucency adjustment potential (TAP) and color adjustment potential (CAP) were estimated based on the ratios between data from simple and dual specimens. The Vittra APS Unique composite showed higher WID values than the controls. No differences between ΔTP00_SIMPLE and ΔTP00_DUAL were observed for any of the shades. The composite shade did not affect TAP values. The lowest values of ΔE00_SIMPLE and ΔE00_DUAL were observed for shade A1 regardless of the background color. For the white background, ΔE00_SIMPLE values did not differ from those of ΔE00_DUAL for all shades. Only A1 showed ΔE00_DUAL values lower than ΔE00_SIMPLE when the black background was used. The highest modulus of CAP (negative values for the white background) was observed when shade A1 surrounded the Vittra APS Unique composite. The color blending ability of the single-shade resin composite used in a thin layer was affected by both the surrounding shade and background color.

Effect of surrounded shade and specimen`s thickness on color adjustment potential of a single-shade composite.

This study evaluated the effect of surrounded shade and specimens` thickness on the color adjustment potential (CAP) of a single-shade composite. The composite Vittra APS Unique was surrounded (dual specimens) or not (simple specimens) by a control composite (shade A1, A2, or A3). Simple specimens of the control composite were also confectioned. Opacity and whiteness index for dentistry (WID) were calculated for simple specimens. Color differences between the simple (ΔE*SIMPLE)/ dual specimens (ΔE*DUAL) and the controls were calculated. CAP was calculated based on the ratio between ΔE* SIMPLE and ΔE* DUAL. The tested composite presented lower opacity (53 to 62% vs. 80 to 93%) and higher WID (≈ 42 vs. 18 to 32) than controls. Irrespective of the specimens' thickness (1.0/ 1.5 mm), the lowest values of ΔE* SIMPLE (11.1/ 10.8) and ΔE*DUAL (7.2/ 6.1) were observed using the surrounding shade A1. The shade A3 yielded higher ΔE*SIMPLE (16.4/ 17.1) and ΔE* DUAL (11.3/ 12.3) than the A2 (ΔE*SIMPLE = 13.4/ 14.6; and ΔE* DUAL = 9.7/ 10.3). The specimen`s thickness significantly affected the CAP (0.35 and 0.44 for 1.0 and 1.5 mm, respectively) only for shade A1, which had the highest CAP values. The shade A3 resulted in higher CAP values (0.31) than A2 (0.27) when 1.0-mm thick specimens were used, but similar values were observed for 1.5 thick specimens (≈ 0.29). In conclusion, both surrounding shade and specimen thickness can affect the CAP of a single-shade resin composite.

Effect of surrounded shade and specimen`s thickness on color adjustment potential of a single-shade composite

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of surrounded shade and specimens` thickness on the color adjustment potential (CAP) of a single-shade composite. The composite Vittra APS Unique was surrounded (dual specimens) or not (simple specimens) by a control composite (shade A1, A2, or A3). Simple specimens of the control composite were also confectioned. Opacity and whiteness index for dentistry (WID) were calculated for simple specimens. Color differences between the simple (ΔE*SIMPLE)/ dual specimens (ΔE*DUAL) and the controls were calculated. CAP was calculated based on the ratio between ΔE* SIMPLE and ΔE* DUAL. The tested composite presented lower opacity (53 to 62% vs. 80 to 93%) and higher WID (≈ 42 vs. 18 to 32) than controls. Irrespective of the specimens' thickness (1.0/ 1.5 mm), the lowest values of ΔE* SIMPLE (11.1/ 10.8) and ΔE*DUAL (7.2/ 6.1) were observed using the surrounding shade A1. The shade A3 yielded higher ΔE*SIMPLE (16.4/ 17.1) and ΔE* DUAL (11.3/ 12.3) than the A2 (ΔE*SIMPLE = 13.4/ 14.6; and ΔE* DUAL = 9.7/ 10.3). The specimen`s thickness significantly affected the CAP (0.35 and 0.44 for 1.0 and 1.5 mm, respectively) only for shade A1, which had the highest CAP values. The shade A3 resulted in higher CAP values (0.31) than A2 (0.27) when 1.0-mm thick specimens were used, but similar values were observed for 1.5 thick specimens (≈ 0.29). In conclusion, both surrounding shade and specimen thickness can affect the CAP of a single-shade resin composite.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito da cor circundante e da espessura da amostra no potencial de ajuste de cor (PAC) de uma resina monocromática. O compósito Vittra APS Unique foi circundado (amostras duplas) ou não (amostras simples) com um compósito controle (cor A1, A2 ou A3). Amostras simples do compósito controle também foram confeccionadas. A opacidade e o índice de brancura para odontologia (IBO) foram calculados para as amostras simples. As diferenças de cor entre amostras simples (ΔE*SIMPLE) / duplas (ΔE*DUAL) e os controles foram calculados. PAC foi calculado baseado na razão entre ΔE* SIMPLE e ΔE* DUAL. O compósito testado apresentou menor opacidade (53 a 62% vs. 80 a 93%) e maior IBO (≈ 42 vs. 18 a 32) que os controles. Independente da espessura da amostra (1,0/ 1,5 mm), os valores mais baixos de ΔE* SIMPLE (11,1/ 10,8) e ΔE*DUAL (7,2/ 6,1) foram observadas quando a resina circundante era A1. A cor A3 resultou em maior ΔE*SIMPLE (16,4/ 17,1) e ΔE* DUAL (11,3/ 12,3) do que A2 (ΔE*SIMPLE = 13,4/ 14,6; e ΔE* DUAL = 9,7/ 10,3). A espessura das amostras afetou significativamente o PAC (0,35 e 0,44 para 1,0 e 1,5 mm, respectivamente) apenas para a cor A1, que teve os maiores valores de PAC. A cor A3 resultou nos maiores valores de PAC (0,31) que A2 (0,27) quando amostras de 1,0 mm de espessura foram usadas, mas valores similares foram observados para amostras de 1,5 mm (≈ 0,29). Como conclusão, tanto a cor circundante como a espessura das amostras podem afetar o PAC de um compósito resinoso monocromático.

Fracture resistance of extensive bulk-fill composite restorations after selective caries removal.

This study evaluated the effect of selective carious tissue removal on the fracture strength and failure mode of composite restorations in molars presenting only the buccal cusps. Deep cavities were prepared on the occlusal surface, and the lingual cusps were removed. Carious lesions in the middle of the pulpal wall were artificially induced with acetic acid (pH = 4.5) for 35 days. The demineralized dentin was left intact or was completely removed prior to restoration with a bulk-fill composite (n = 10). Images of the specimens were obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT) before and after the caries induction/removal. The mechanical resistance to fracture by axial compressive loading and the failure type and extension were determined. The pulpal wall/composite interface of the fractured specimens was analyzed by OCT. The data were analyzed for significance with t-tests (α = 0.05). The deepest cavities and a more frequent occurrence of pulpal exposure were observed more often for non-selective carious tissue removal. The protocol of carious tissue removal did not affect the fracture strength (p = 0.554). An increased occurrence of catastrophic failures involving the roots was observed for non-selective carious tissue removal. Some occurrences of restoration displacement or cracks throughout the resin-dentin were observed only for the selective carious tissue approach. Selective carious tissue removal is a feasible approach to extensively damaged teeth since it reduced the occurrence of pulpal exposure and root fractures, without compromising the fracture strength.

Fracture resistance of extensive bulk-fill composite restorations after selective caries removal

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of selective carious tissue removal on the fracture strength and failure mode of composite restorations in molars presenting only the buccal cusps. Deep cavities were prepared on the occlusal surface, and the lingual cusps were removed. Carious lesions in the middle of the pulpal wall were artificially induced with acetic acid (pH = 4.5) for 35 days. The demineralized dentin was left intact or was completely removed prior to restoration with a bulk-fill composite (n = 10). Images of the specimens were obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT) before and after the caries induction/removal. The mechanical resistance to fracture by axial compressive loading and the failure type and extension were determined. The pulpal wall/composite interface of the fractured specimens was analyzed by OCT. The data were analyzed for significance with t-tests (α = 0.05). The deepest cavities and a more frequent occurrence of pulpal exposure were observed more often for non-selective carious tissue removal. The protocol of carious tissue removal did not affect the fracture strength (p = 0.554). An increased occurrence of catastrophic failures involving the roots was observed for non-selective carious tissue removal. Some occurrences of restoration displacement or cracks throughout the resin-dentin were observed only for the selective carious tissue approach. Selective carious tissue removal is a feasible approach to extensively damaged teeth since it reduced the occurrence of pulpal exposure and root fractures, without compromising the fracture strength.

A simple method to increase the bleaching effectiveness of high-concentrated carbamide peroxide used for in-office bleaching.

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of two alternative clinical protocols on the tooth bleaching effectiveness of 37% carbamide peroxide. Thirty enamel-dentin blocks from bovine incisors were stained with a coffee solution for 1 week. After color measurement at baseline with a portable spectrophotometer, the blocks were bleached during two 45-min applications of 37% carbamide peroxide with a 2-day interval between bleaching procedures, according to one of the following protocols: 1) Control: placement of bleaching agent over dried enamel; 2) Moist enamel: placement of bleaching agent over enamel previously humidified with a damp gauze for 1 min; 3) Moist cotton pellet: covering the bleaching agent with a moist cotton pellet during the entire bleaching procedure. The tooth color was assessed 2 days after each bleaching procedure. The data of ΔL, Δa, Δb, and ΔE were individually analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). In general, applying the bleaching agent to the moist enamel resulted in lower Δa and Δb values, and higher ΔL and ΔE values than the control. No difference was observed between the control and the protocol of covering the bleaching agent with a moist cotton pellet. Regardless of the protocol, the second bleaching procedure resulted in a further increase in ΔL and ΔE, and a reduction in Δa. A further decrease in Δb was observed only for the moist enamel protocol. In conclusion, humidifying the enamel with a damp gauze prior to the placement of 37% carbamide peroxide improved the effectiveness of the bleaching.

Effects of adhesive used as modeling liquid on the stability of the color and opacity of composites.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of adhesive type used as modeling liquid on the stability of the color and opacity of composites submitted to thermal cycling in staining solutions followed by a bleaching procedure. METHODS: Thirty cylinder-shaped composite specimens (10 mm diameter × 1.5 mm thickness) were built using or not using (control) an adhesive (Adper Universal or Scotchbond Multipurpose) as the modeling liquid. After polishing procedures, the color and opacity were measured, and the specimens were submitted to 200 thermal cycles with 10 s of dwell time in baths of grape juice at 5°C, water at 37°C, and coffee at 55°C. Changes in opacity and color caused by the staining solutions were measured. Then, the specimens were bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide for 45 minutes followed by color/opacity measurements. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The use of modeling liquids did not affect the initial color and opacity of composite. Reduced changes to color (E00 = 3.44) and opacity (+2.67%) were observed for specimens modeled using Adper Universal. Bleaching procedures reduced the color (E00 = 1.9-3.8) and opacity (-2.3 to 3.1%) alterations caused by staining solutions but were unable to restore the values observed at baseline. CONCLUSION: The use of universal adhesive as modeling liquid significantly reduced the color and opacity changes caused by staining solutions, and the bleaching procedure partially re-established the opacity and color of the composites. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study evaluates whether using adhesive systems for modeling a composite affects the color and opacity changes caused by staining solutions followed by a bleaching procedure. The findings suggest that the use of a universal adhesive as modeling liquid can reduce the alterations in optical properties caused by staining solutions, and the application of high-concentrated hydrogen peroxide over the composite reduce the color changes without fully recover the initial color.

Does Maintaining a Bottle of Adhesive Without the Lid Significantly Reduce the Solvent Content?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of maintaining a bottle of adhesive without its lid on the solvent loss of the etch-and-rinse adhesive systems. Three 2-step etch-and-rinse adhesives with different solvents (acetone, ethanol or butanol) were used in this study. Drops of each adhesive were placed on an analytical balance and the adhesive mass was recorded until equilibrium was achieved (no significant mass alteration within time). The solvent content of each adhesive and evaporation rate of solvents were measured (n=3). Two bottles of each adhesive were weighted. The bottles were maintained without their lids for 8 h in a stove at 37 ºC, after which the mass loss was measured. Based on mass alteration of drops, acetone-based adhesive showed the highest solvent content (46.5%, CI 95%: 35.8-54.7) and evaporation rate (1.11 %/s, CI95%: 0.63-1.60), whereas ethanol-based adhesive had the lowest values (10.1%, CI95%: 4.3-16.0; 0.03 %/s CI95%: 0.01-0.05). However, none of the adhesives bottles exhibited significant mass loss after sitting for 8 h without their lids (% from initial content; acetone - 96.5, CI 95%: 91.8-101.5; ethanol - 99.4, CI 95%: 98.4-100.4; and butanol - 99.3, CI 95%: 98.1-100.5). In conclusion, maintaining the adhesive bottle without lid did not induce significant solvent loss, irrespective the concentration and evaporation rate of solvent.

Este estudo avaliou o efeito da manutenção do frasco do adesivo sem sua tampa na perda de solvente de sistemas adesivos convencionais. Três adesivos convencionais de 2 passos com diferentes solventes (acetona, etanol ou butanol) foram usados neste estudo. Gotas de cada adesivo foram colocadas em uma balança analítica e a massa dos adesivos foi registrada até a obtenção do equilíbrio (nenhuma alteração significativa com o tempo). O conteúdo de solvente de cada adesivo e a taxa de evaporação dos solventes foram mensurados (n=3). Dois frascos de cada adesivo foram pesados. Os frascos foram mantidos sem suas tampas por 8 h em uma estufa a 37 ºC, seguido pela mensuração da pera de massa. Baseado na alteração de massa das gotas, o adesivo a base de acetona demonstrou o maior conteúdo de solvente (46,5%, IC 95%: 35,8-54,7) e de taxa de evaporação (1,11 %/s, IC95%: 0,63-1,60), enquanto que o adesivo à base de etanol teve os menores valores (10,1%, IC95%: 4,3-16,0; 0,03 %/s IC95%: 0,01-0,05). Entretanto, nenhum dos frascos dos adesivos exibiu perda significante de massa após ficar por 8 h sem suas tampas (% do conteúdo inicial; acetona - 96,5, IC95%: 91,8-101,5; etanol - 99,4, IC95%: 98,4-100,4; e butanol - 99,3, IC95%: 98,1-100,5). Em conclusão, a manutenção do frasco do adesivo sem tampa não induziu perda significante de solvente independente da concentração e da taxa de evaporação do solvente.

Does maintaining a bottle of adhesive without the lid significantly reduce the solvent content?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of maintaining a bottle of adhesive without its lid on the solvent loss of the etch-and-rinse adhesive systems. Three 2-step etch-and-rinse adhesives with different solvents (acetone, ethanol or butanol) were used in this study. Drops of each adhesive were placed on an analytical balance and the adhesive mass was recorded until equilibrium was achieved (no significant mass alteration within time). The solvent content of each adhesive and evaporation rate of solvents were measured (n=3). Two bottles of each adhesive were weighted. The bottles were maintained without their lids for 8 h in a stove at 37 ºC, after which the mass loss was measured. Based on mass alteration of drops, acetone-based adhesive showed the highest solvent content (46.5%, CI 95%: 35.8-54.7) and evaporation rate (1.11 %/s, CI95%: 0.63-1.60), whereas ethanol-based adhesive had the lowest values (10.1%, CI95%: 4.3-16.0; 0.03 %/s CI95%: 0.01-0.05). However, none of the adhesives bottles exhibited significant mass loss after sitting for 8 h without their lids (% from initial content; acetone - 96.5, CI 95%: 91.8-101.5; ethanol - 99.4, CI 95%: 98.4-100.4; and butanol - 99.3, CI 95%: 98.1-100.5). In conclusion, maintaining the adhesive bottle without lid did not induce significant solvent loss, irrespective the concentration and evaporation rate of solvent.