Influence of a gray background and the illuminant on tooth shade selection.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Visual shade selection in dentistry may be influenced by factors that include the background color and the illuminant. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the influence of using a gray background and a light-correcting device on visual shade selection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two experienced clinicians assessed the incisor color of 30 volunteers using the VITA 3D-MASTER shade guide. Visual analyses were carried out using or not (control) a gray background, with and without (control) a light-correcting device (Smile Lite). Furthermore, the use of a polarizing filter was evaluated. Data from a clinical spectrophotometer were defined as the standard instrumental analysis. The agreement and the similarity (based on the whitening indexes of tabs) were evaluated between instrumental and visual analyses. Statistical testing was conducted through ordinal logistic regression and repeated-measures ANOVA. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to confirm the data distribution, and homogeneity of variance was assessed with the Levene test (α=.05) RESULTS: The use of Smile Lite resulted in lighter tabs than indicated by the instrumental analysis, and the opposite was observed in its absence. The polarizing filter did not affect the results (P>.05). For similarity, the illuminant improved the results (P<.001). The gray background reduced the differences between visual and instrumental analysis only in the absence of the Smile Lite (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The color similarity between visual and instrumental analysis improved with the use of a light-correcting device with or without a polarization filter. A gray background was useful only without the light-correcting device.

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.

Stress as worsening of the signs and symptoms of the geographic tongue during the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Geographic Tongue (GT) is a benign inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, which is characterized by the loss of epithelium due to the atrophy of filiform papillae. It usually occurs on the dorsum of the tongue and may extend to its lateral edges. It appears as an erythematous area surrounded by whitish and slightly elevated margins. In most cases, the condition is asymptomatic, although some individuals may report symptoms that include a burning sensation of the tongue. OBJECTIVE: Assess whether there was a change in the clinical aspect of Geographic Tongue (GT) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Thirty-two participants were recruited from Dentistry School Universidade Federal Fluminense. Anamnesis and oral examination were performed to collect medical history. The participants were split into two groups: control group (no GT) n = 20 and test group (with GT) n = 12. In the second step, nine participants from a 12 (75%) of the test group were contacted by phone and answered a questionnaire about changes in the signs and symptoms of GT during the pandemic. The subjects were subdivided into two groups: GT with and without signs and symptoms exacerbation. RESULTS: In the first phase of the research, no statistical difference between control and test groups was observed regarding clinical criteria such as age (p + 0.72), gender (p = 0.24), and systemic diseases (p = 0.58). In the second phase, there was a statistical difference between GT groups with or without symptom exacerbation in terms of age and stress as a factor of the oral symptoms (p = 0.3 and 0.2), respectively. Younger patients showed a worsening of the oral lesions related to GT (p = 0.3) and reported stress during the pandemic (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Younger patients were more susceptible to stress and presented more exacerbation of the oral lesions related to GT.

Light and viscosity effects on the curing potential of bulk-fill composites placed in deep cavities.

To determine the influence of light curing units (LCUs) and material viscosity on the degree of conversion (DC) of bulk-fill (BF) resin-based composites (RBCs) placed in deep cavity preparations. Four LCUs were tested: Valo cordless, Bluephase-G2, Poly wireless and Radii-cal. Light irradiance was determined at 0 mm and 6 mm distance to the reading sensor. The following RBCs were considered: Filtek BF, Filtek BF Flow, Opus BF, Opus BF Flow, Tetric N-Ceram BF and Surefil SDR Flow. Sirius-Z was used with the incremental technique. DC (n = 3) was evaluated by spectroscopy both at top and bottom regions of deep preparations with 6 mm depth. The data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Pearson's correlation (95%) was used to verify the relation between the LCUs and the curing potential of RBCs. The DC at 6 mm depth was reduced when Opus BF, Opus BF Flow and Tetric N-Ceram BF were activated with Radii-cal. There was a positive correlation between the LCU irradiance and the bottom/top conversion ratios. The materials' viscosities did not affect the curing potential. Bulk-fill composites did not present higher curing potential than the conventional composite used with the incremental technique; the most important aspect of the LCU was the irradiance ratio; and the materials' viscosity did not affect the curing potential as a function of depth. Radii-cal negatively impacted the degree of conversion at 6 mm depth for most bulk-fill resin composites. Depending on the brand, bulk-fill composites may present reduced curing potential due to the light source when placed in deep cavities. Dentists should avoid LCU with acrylic tips to photoactivate bulk-fill resin-based composites.

Adhesion and optics: The challenges of esthetic oral rehabilitation on varied substrates-Reflections based on a clinical report.

Patients with challenging prosthodontic conditions require rehabilitation with a biological, functional, and esthetic approach. When one or more teeth are badly discolored, their restoration is problematic because poor appearance affects not only the crown but also the periodontal tissues. This clinical report describes a complex esthetic rehabilitation with conservative tissue management and ceramic restorations. Subepithelial connective tissue graft surgery and the replacement of a cast metal post with a glass fiber post addressed the problem of a discolored maxillary central incisor. The discolored right maxillary incisor was restored with a combination of a medium-opaque, lithium-disilicate ceramic coping to mask the dark root and to approximate the color of the other incisors. Subsequently, 6 ceramic veneers were placed. A knowledge of the materials' optical properties and adhesion possibilities helped solve this complex problem.

Clinical Time Required and Internal Adaptation in Cavities restored with Bulk-fill Composites.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the restorative time required and the internal adaptation after thermomechanical aging of class I restorations using either the conventional incremental technique or bulk-fill technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cavities (Class I) were prepared on the occlusal surface of human third molars. 40 teeth were divided into four experimental groups according to the restorative technique (n = 10): G1 = 3 mm increment of Surefill SDR Flow + 1 mm Filtek P60; G2 = 3 mm increment of Filtek Bulk-Fill + 1 mm Filtek P60; G3 = Filtek P60 inserted with incremental technique; G4 = 3 mm increment of Filtek Z350 Flow XT + 1 mm increment of Filtek P60. The required restorative clinical time for each technique was marked. Specimens were submitted to thermomechanical loading (20,000 mechanical cycles-80 N/thermal cycling-5/55°C for 30 seconds). After, samples were sectioned, ratio of internal gaps to interface length (%) was recorded using dye-staining-gap technique. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (95% significance). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in gap formation and none of the groups was completely gap-free. However, a significant reduction on required restorative clinical time was observed for G1 (167 ± 7 seconds), G2 (169 ± 4 seconds), and G4 (169 ± 8 seconds) when compared with G3 (204 ± 8 seconds). CONCLUSION: No significant difference in gap formation was found among bulk-fill and conventional incremental restorative technique tested; however, the use of a bulk-fill composite reduced 20% of the required restorative clinical time. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: None of the restorative techniques applied were able to prevent internal gap formation. The use of bulk-fill composite reduced the required clinical time to perform class I restorations.

Effect of photoinitiator combinations on hardness, depth of cure, and color of model resin composites.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the influence of photoinitiators' combinations on the hardness, depth of cure, and color of model resin composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The composites were formulated by a mixture of BisGMA and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (60:40 mol), with barium-aluminum-silicate glass and silicon dioxide particles as inorganic fillers (60 wt%). Three photoinitiator types were tested: camphorquinone/amine (CQ), monoacylphosphine oxide (TPO), and bysacylphosphine oxide (BAPO). Six experimental groups were formed by differences in photoinitiator systems: CQ, TPO, BAPO, CQ+TPO, CQ+BAPO, and CQ+TPO+BAPO. Hardness was determined by Knoop indentation at the top and bottom surfaces (n = 5). Depth of cure was performed according to ISO 4049 scraping method (n = 5). Color was obtained by the CIELAB method (n = 10), 24 hours after curing (baseline), after 30 days storage in distilled water, and after 30 days storage in coffee solution. CIELAB color difference (ΔE*) was calculated for both periods. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, followed by Student-Newman-Keuls method (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The photoinitiator system influenced hardness, where CQ presented the lowest top and bottom values. No statistical difference among groups was observed for the bottom/top hardness ratio. Regarding the depth of cure, the CQ and those formulated with CQ associations presented higher values than TPO and BAPO. Regarding color, BAPO and CQ+BAPO presented the highest ΔE* after 30 days in water immersion, whereas CQ+TPO and CQ+TPO+BAPO presented the lowest after 30 days in coffee immersion. CONCLUSION: The associations CQ+TPO and CQ+TPO+BAPO presented improved color stability and hardness when compared with CQ, and did not influence the depth of cure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The combination of alternative photoinitiators with the traditional camphorquinone/amine system improved the color stability of the model resin composites and maintaining their mechanical properties.

Surface Texture and Optical Properties of Self-Adhering Composite Materials after Toothbrush Abrasion.

UNLABELLED: This study evaluated the surface texture and optical properties of two self-adhering composites and a nanofilled composite before and after toothbrush abrasion. Vertise Flow (Kerr), Fusio Liquid (Pentron Clinical) and Filtek Z350 XT (3M ESPE) composites were divided into 3 groups (n = 6). Disks of 12 mm diameter and 2 mm thick were made. All materials were light-cured with a LED light source for 40 seconds. Analyses of surface roughness, gloss retention and color stability were performed 24 hours after light curing and after 20,000 brushing cycles. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (α = 5%). RESULTS: Tukey's test ascertained that toothbrush abrasion resulted in rougher and matte surfaces for all composites tested. Filtek Z350 presented better gloss retention after abrasion. On surface roughness evaluation, there was no statistical difference between Fusio Liquid Dentin and Filtek Z350 resins (p > 0.05). Vertise Flow resin showed better color stability (ΔE), than the other two materials. CONCLUSION: Nanofilled material presented better gloss retention but it did not produce the best results in aspects related to surface roughness and color stability compared to self-adhering composites. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A simulation of degradation process by using toothbrush abrasion produced a rougher and matte surface in all composites tested. The surface texture was not only related to filler's amount present in materials, but also with the organic matrix composition of them. The results suggested that the constant development of new materials, seeking for a technical simplification, seems an innovative attraction for dentist's clinical routine, even though larger studies are necessary to promote to everyone a better understanding and improvement of action and effectiveness of this new class of materials.

Cytotoxicity evaluation, antibacterial effect, and degree of conversion of QAM-containing adhesives.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of adding quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs) to experimental adhesives by assessing the degree of conversion (DC), cytotoxicity against keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity against biofilm formation. Two QAMs were added to an experimental adhesive: dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate bromododecane (DMADDM) or dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate bromohexadecane (DMAHDM) at three concentrations each: 1, 2.5, and 5 wt.%. Experimental adhesive without QAMs (control group) and commercially available Transbond XT Primer (3M Unitek, Monrovia, California, USA) were used for comparisons. The adhesives were tested for DC, cytotoxicity against keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity against biofilm formation. DC, cytotoxicity against fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons. Cytotoxicity against keratinocytes was evaluated using the Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's post-hoc (α = 5%) tests. Transbond showed lower DC as compared to 5% DMAHDM, 1% DMADDM, and 5% DMADDM (p < 0.05). However, all groups presented proper DC when compared to commercial adhesives in the literature. In the evaluation of cytotoxicity against keratinocytes, Transbond induced higher viability than 2.5 wt.% groups (p < 0.05). Against fibroblasts, Transbond induced higher viability as compared to 5 wt.% groups (p < 0.05). DMAHDM at 5 wt.% reduced biofilm formation when compared to all the other groups (p < 0.05). Despite their cytotoxic effect against keratinocytes, gingival fibroblasts showed higher viability. DMAHDM at 5 wt.% decreased Streptococcus mutans viability. The incorporation of DMAHDM at 5 wt.% may be a strategy for reducing the development of white spot lesions.

Repair bond strength in aged methacrylate- and silorane-based composites.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the tensile bond strength at repaired interfaces of aged dental composites, either dimethacrylate- or silorane-based, when subjected to different surface treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The composites used were Filtek P60 (methacrylate-based, 3M ESPE) and Filtek P90 (silorane-based, 3M ESPE), of which 50 slabs were stored for 6 months at 37°C. The surface of adhesion was abraded with a 600-grit silicone paper and the slabs repaired with the respective composite, according to the following surface treatment protocols: G1: no treatment; G2: adhesive application; G3: silane + adhesive; G4: sandblasting (Al2O3) + adhesive; G5: sandblasting (Al2O3) + silane + adhesive. After 24-h storage in distilled water at 37°C, tensile bond strength (TBS) was determined in a universal testing machine (Instron 4411) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The original data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 5%). RESULTS: The methacrylate-based composite presented a statistically significantly higher repair potential than did the silorane-based resin (p = 0.0002). Of the surface treatments for the silorane-based composite, aluminum-oxide air abrasion and adhesive (18.5 ± 3.3MPa) provided higher bond strength than only adhesive application or the control group without surface treatment. For Filtek P60, the control without treatment presented lower repair strength than all other groups with surface treatments, which were statistically similar to each other. The interaction between the factors resin composite and surface treatment was significant (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: For aged silorane-based materials, repairs were considered successful after sandblasting (Al2O3) and adhesive application. For methacrylate resin, repair was successful with all surface treatments tested.

Luting laminate veneers: Do resin-composites produce less polymerization stress than resin cements?

OBJECTIVES: Regular composites could produce less polymerization stress than resin cements when luting laminate veneers but there is no proper evidence to support this theory. The current study aimed to determine the degree of conversion, volumetric shrinkage, polymerization stress and the resultant elastic moduli of materials currently used for adhesive cementation and to determine possible correlations. METHODS: The study considered (i) regular resin composites (Admira Fusion, Gradia, Grandioso, Palfique, Sirius Z, Viscalor and Z100) at room and pre-warmed (PW) at 69ºC, (ii) flowable composites (Sigma Flow and Grandioso Flow); (iii) solely light-activated cements (AllCem Veneer, Variolink Esthetic and RelyX Veneer); and (iv) one dual-activated resin cement (SpeedCEM). Degree of conversion (DC, n = 3) was accessed with FTIR 1 h after irradiation. Bonded-disk and Bioman II instruments were used to access polymerization shrinkage strain and shrinkage stress, respectively, for 60 min at 23 ± 1◦C (n = 3). The elastic modulus was determined by 3-point bending flexural test (n = 6). The results were submitted to analyse s of variance, Tukey's, and correlation tests. RESULTS: For regular composites, the pre-warming did not affect DC, shrinkage and modulus but significantly increased the stress magnitude. Correlation tests indicated a significant relationship only between stress and polymerization shrinkage (r = 0.811343). SIGNIFICANCE: Regular composites can produce less polymerization stress than resin cements when luting laminate veneers. Polymerization stress was dependent on the shrinkage magnitude, but not on the degree of conversion nor the elastic modulus.

Consensus for teaching dental caries in the Portuguese Language at Brazilian dental schools.

The aim of this paper was to present a summary of the process of developing and preparing the final documents of the national consensus for teaching undergraduate Brazilian dental students the dental caries curriculum in the Portuguese language. The final document was developed in three steps: a) The ABENO and LAOHA cariology group invited experts from all five regions of Brazil to participate in the discussion. The theoretical support for crafting the first draft of the consensus was based on two publications: National Curriculum Guidelines of the Dentistry graduation in Brazil, Ministry of Education (2021) and the competences described in the European Core Curriculum for Cariology (ORCA-ADEE, 2011); b) The group of experts was divided into 5 working groups: G1-Domain, Main and Specific Competences, G2-Essential knowledge, G3-Life course perspective, G4-Social determinants and dental caries, G5- Glossary. The document was finalized by thoroughly reviewing the process using Delphi methodology; c) The 5-chapter document (one from each working group) was submitted to three open public consultations in 2022 (May-June, August, and October) using Google-forms. The suggestions (content/wording) were discussed within the group as: totally accepted, partially accepted, and rejected. A total of 192 suggestions were registered from 31 dental schools in all regions of Brazil. The number of suggestions received per Group were: 84, 28, 26, 24, 30 suggestions for G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5, respectively. The majority of suggestions were totally accepted by the group of experts (n = 172, 89.6%), 15 were partially accepted (7.8%), and 5 were rejected. Conclusion The final document could be considered to be the first national consensus for teaching the dental caries curriculum in Brazil.

Use of Botulinum Toxin Before Surgical Lip Repositioning: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to determine whether administering botulinum toxin type A (BT) prior to surgery would stabilize surgical lip repositioning. A randomized controlled parallel-group clinical trial was performed. A total of 18 participants with excessive gingival display (EGD) were divided into two groups. For the test group (TG), BT was injected into the smile muscle locations 15 days before the surgical procedure. For the control group (CG), only lip repositioning surgery was performed. Gingival display (GD) and upper lip displacement (LD) were measured 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Data were submitted to ANOVA, Tukey, and t tests. For GD and LD, the changes were statistically significant between the measurements taken at the baseline, 3-month, and 6-month marks. The GD presented a reduction of 5.2 ± 1.1 mm in TG and 3.2 ± 1.4 mm in CG after 6 months. The LD measurements reduced 45% for TG and 26% for CG in 6 months. The injection of BT 15 days before lip repositioning surgery provided more stable results and effectively reduced the GD at 6 months.

Alternative treatment to orthognatic surgery by the application of digital smile planning.

Through the use of the application of a mathematical proportion and a digital golden ratio compass associated with computer software, Digital Smile Planning (DSP) can assist clinicians to achieve the fundamentals of esthetic treatment. The present clinical report describes the application of this technique to propose an alternative and more conservative treatment for a patient who refused the option of orthognathic surgery. To address the diagnosis of a gingival smile with vertical maxillary excess, the alternative treatment comprised crown lengthening surgery, ceramic veneers on the maxillary teeth, and the application of botulinum toxin to reduce lip hyperactivity. Considering the successful resolution of the patient's situation from the perspective of both the dentist and the patient, the application of DSP was considered to be useful to achieve predictable harmony between the face and the dental structures.

Effectiveness of Supportive Care in the Prevention of Peri-implant Diseases in Brånemark Protocol Rehabilitations: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of supportive periodontal treatment (SPT) on peri-implant disease prevention. A total of 63 rehabilitated patients with 504 implants were selected with both maxillary and mandibular Brånemark-type protocols (all-on-four system) placed between 2004 and 2014 in a private practice with 5 to 15 years of follow-up. Study participants were divided into those who adhered to SPT with regular intervals of two or more times a year (Group 1) and those with irregular intervals with more than 1 year without attending SPT (Group 2). The implants placed were evaluated clinically and radiographically to assess peri-implant diseases. The prevalence of mucositis and peri-implantitis in the total population was 64.7% (326 implants) and 3.7% (19 implants), respectively. Group 2 had higher rates of mucositis (181 implants) and peri-implantitis (16 implants) than Group 1 (145 and 3 implants, respectively) (P < .05). The odds ratio for peri-implantitis in Group 2 was 7.1. The results suggest that patients who regularly received SPT had lower chances of developing peri-implant diseases.

Silane content influences physicochemical properties in nanostructured model composites.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of organosilane content on the physicochemical properties of model composites formulated with nano-sized fillers. METHODS: Model composites were formulated with dimethacrylate-based monomers, a photoinitiator/co-initiator system and silicon dioxide nano-sized fillers treated with different amounts of 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS): 1.0 (G1%), 2.0 (G2%), 5.0 (G5%), 7.5 (G7.5%) and 10 (G10%) wt.% relative to SiO2. Non-silanized fillers (G0%) were used in the control group. Degree of conversion (DC) was assessed by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Knoop hardness (KHN) and elastic modulus were determined before and after water storage for 4 months. Water sorption (Wsp) and solubility (Wsl) were calculated by successive mass determinations in analytical balance. Surface gloss and roughness were characterized before and after toothbrushing simulation. RESULTS: With the exception of those fillers treated with 1% MPTS, DC was not dependent on the silane content. Within the silanized groups, G1% showed the lowest initial and final KHN, without statistical difference from G0%. The elastic modulus was not affected by the silane content, regardless of the storage condition, but those groups formulated with at least 5% silane presented improved values after storage. Silane content did not affect the WSl, but affected Wsp, in which those groups formulated with at least 2 wt.% of MPTS produced a more resistant material than G0%. The use of treated particles with at least 2 wt.% of silane was able to produce materials that did not change their gloss after the brushing process. Additionally, these materials presented lower surface roughness than G0% after the brushing process (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: The concentration of MPTS affected the physicochemical properties of nano-filled composites. Therefore, 2 wt.% of silane was the optimized quantity to produce materials resistant to degradation, both in bulk and surface properties.

In vitro analysis of the pH stability of dental bleaching gels during in-office procedures.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that acidic bleaching gels could lead to worse collateral effects during an in-office bleaching procedure, while neutral or basic products leads towards a better experience. Considering this fact, the main purpose of this study was to evaluate the pH behavior of 6 in-office bleaching gels, compared to the information provided by their manufacturers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty enamel discs of bovine teeth were prepared, the initial colors of which were measured by a spectrophotometer and then divided into 6 groups. A pH meter was used to measure the pH every 30 seconds until the end of each procedure, when a new color evaluation was then made. The Tukey test was used for statistical analysis of the results. RESULTS: There was no difference in the color variation (ΔE) between the groups (p> 0.05). In two groups, the pH variation (ΔpH) showed neutral stability, with initial and final pH averages of 7.04 and 7.11 (p = 0.08) and 7.21 and 7.19 (p = 0.55), respectively; in another, there was alkaline stability, with an initial and final pH average of 8.54 and 8.37 (p = 0.14). In the other three brands, however, the results showed acidification, with initial and final pH averages of 6.14 and 5.22 (p = 0.001), 6.05 and 5.16 (p = 0.001) and 7.14 and 5.83 (p = 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In 3 of the evaluated gels, a discrepancy existed between the manufacturer's information and the data obtained, which could lead, considering previous studies discussed throughout this article, to unexpected collateral effects on the patients, especially dental sensitivity. Thus, clinicians and researchers should be aware about pH stability studies of in-office bleaching gels for better predictability and safety on their clinical usage. Key words:Tooth bleaching, Bleaching agents, Hydrogen-ion concentration, Dentin sensitivity, Hydrogen peroxide.

Physicochemical properties and biological effects of quaternary ammonium methacrylates in an experimental adhesive resin for bonding orthodontic brackets.

METHODOLOGY: Fixed orthodontic appliances may lead to biofilm accumulation around them that may increase caries risk. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs) on the physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial activity of adhesive resins for orthodontic purposes. A base resin was prepared with a comonomer blend and photoinitiator/co-initiator system. Two different QAMs were added to the base adhesive: dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate at 5 wt.% (DMADDM) or dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) at 10 wt.%. The base adhesive, without QAMs, (GC) and the commercial Transbond™ XT Primer 3M (GT) were used as control. The resins were tested immediately and after six months of aging in the water regarding the antibacterial activity and shear bond strength (SBS). The antibacterial activity was tested against Streptococcus mutans via metabolic activity assay (MTT test). The groups were also tested for the degree of conversion (DC) and cytotoxicity against keratinocytes. RESULTS: The resins containing QAM showed antibacterial activity compared to the commercial material by immediately reducing the metabolic activity by about 60%. However, the antibacterial activity decreased after aging (p<0.05). None of the groups presented any differences for SBS (p>0.05) and DC (p>0.05). The incorporation of DMADDM and DMAHDM significantly reduced the keratinocyte viability compared to the GT and GC groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both adhesives with QAMs showed a significant reduction in bacterial metabolic activity, but this effect decreased after water aging. Lower cell viability was observed for the group with the longer alkyl chain-QAM, without significant differences for the bonding ability and degree of conversion. The addition of QAMs in adhesives may affect the keratinocytes viability, and the aging effects maybe decrease the bacterial activity of QAM-doped materials.

Curing potential and color stability of different resin-based luting materials.

PURPOSE: To determine the curing potential and color stability of resin-based luting materials for aesthetic restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four resin-based luting agents were tested: traditional dual-activated resin cement (RelyX ARC, ARC), amine-free dual-activated resin cement (RelyX Ultimate, ULT), light-activated resin cement (RelyX Veneer, VEN), and pre-heated restorative resin composite (Filtek Supreme, PHC). Degree of C=C conversion was determined by infrared spectroscopy (n=3) with direct light exposure or with interposition of 1.5-mm-thick ceramic (e.max Press HT) between the luting material and light. The curing potential considered the ratio between these two scenarios. Color difference (n=6) was determined by CIELAB (ΔEab) and CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) methods, by spectrophotometer measurements made 24h after photoactivation and 90 days after storage in water. Data was submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). RESULTS: The luting agents affected both conversion and color stability. With ceramic, ARC produced the highest conversion among the tested groups (75±1%) and the pre-heated composite (PHC) the lowest one (51±3%), but the curing potential was similar for all materials. ULT produced lower ΔEab than ARC. PHC presented the lowest color difference when considered both CIELAB and CIE2000 methods (ΔEab 2.1±0.4; ΔE00 1.6±0.2). SIGNIFICANCE: All luting strategies presented high curing potential. Amine-free dual-activated material was able to reduce color difference than that formulated with the amine component. Pre-heated composite produced the least color variation after storage.

Thiourethane-functionalized fillers: biological properties and degradation resistance.

This study determined the effect of thiourethane-functionalized fillers (TU) on the antimicrobial properties, cytotoxicity, degree of conversion (DC), water sorption (Wsp) and solubility (Wsl) of experimental composites. TU-modified fillers were added at different ratios in experimental composites: 0 (Control-TU0), 25% (TU25), 50% (TU50), 75% (TU75) and 100wt% (TU100). The antimicrobial properties were detected through the exhaustion test and counting of Streptococus mutans colonies for biofilm formation. Cytotoxicity to human gingival fibroblasts was evaluated in three different parameters: XTT (2,3-Bis-(2-Methoxy-4-Nitro-5-Sulfophenyl)-2H-Tetrazolium-5-Carboxanilide), NRU (Neutral Red Uptake assay) and CVDE (Crystal Violet Dye Exclusion test)) at the same cells. ELISA was used to measure the IL-6 and b-FGF biomarkers. DC was determined by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, while Wsp and Wsl by mass variations. Inhibitory capacity of biofilm formation was not observed for any material. All groups presented at least 70% of cell survival within the observed periods (24h and 7 days). Positive control (toxic) had high IL-6 values and low b-FGF values. No significant variations in DC, Wsp, and Wsl were observed among the experimental groups. The use of thiourethane did not present antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity and the tested materials presented equivalent properties to those conventionally used in dentistry.