Intrusion of overerupted periodontally compromised posterior teeth using orthodontic mini implants: A mechanobiological finite element study.

INTRODUCTION: The intrusion of posterior teeth had been considered challenging up to the development of orthodontic mini implants. In periodontally compromised teeth, the challenge is even greater, because of the root resorption risk due to periodontal ligament over-compression. Still, the precise strategy to determine the force reduction level remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine, by a finite element analysis (FEA), the force reduction needed to avoid root resorption and maintain the efficiency of orthodontic mechanics of periodontally compromised teeth similar to the sound one. METHODS: An anatomical model was constructed representing a premolar inserted into a maxillary bone. Based on the initial model (R0), three bone height loss conditions were simulated (R2 = 2 mm, R4 = 4 mm, and R6 = 6 mm). Two intrusive movements were simulated: pure intrusion (bilateral mini implant) and uncontrolled-tipping intrusion (buccal mini implant). The hydrostatic stress at the periodontal ligament was used to evaluate the risk of root resorption due to over-compression. RESULTS: For bilateral mini implant intrusion, the force had to be decreased by 16%, 32% and 48% for R2, R4 and R6, respectively. For buccal mini implant intrusion, the required reductions were higher (20%, 36% and 56%). A linear relationship between the intrusive force reduction and the alveolar bone height loss was observed in both intrusion mechanics. CONCLUSIONS: According to the FE results, 8% or 9.3% of force reduction for each millimetre of bone height loss is suggested for intrusion with bilateral or buccal mini implant, respectively. The buccal mini implant anchorage must be associated with a supplemental strategy to avoid buccal crown tipping.

Comparative analysis of polymerization shrinkage of different resin composites.

This study sought to compare the shrinkage of 3 resin composites after polymerization, using different curing modes and 2 methods of analysis, with 45 samples in each group. To evaluate free linear shrinkage, specimens were prepared in Teflon molds (8 mm diameter x 2 mm thick) with 1 of 2 methacrylate-based resins or a silorane-based resin. To evaluate wall-to-wall shrinkage, cavities (1.5 mm thick x 3 mm diameter) were prepared in 45 healthy bovine incisors and then restored. In both tests, the same curing lights were used: conventional quartz-tungsten-halogen, a conventional light-emitting diode (LED), and an exponential LED. Gaps were measured microscopically, and the gap percentage was calculated. The results were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Curing modes differed significantly in the free linear shrinkage test group, while resin composites did not. In the wall-to-wall shrinkage group, there were significant differences between the resin composites.

Mechanical properties of nanofilled and microhybrid composites cured by different light polymerization modes.

This study compared nanofilled and microhybrid composites polymerized by different light polymerization modes, and the effects these modes had on the mechanical properties of the composites. The following mechanical properties were measured: Vickers microhardness numbers, diametral tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus. The filler content (Wt%) present in the resins was investigated. Data were treated statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test (P ≤ 0.05) and the interaction of the inorganic content with the mechanical properties was analyzed by Pearson's correlation (P ≤ 0.05). The nanofilled material showed a higher percentage of inorganic filler and better mechanical properties when compared to the microhybrid composite. The correlation of Wt% with the tested properties was positive for all but the flexural strength test. Different light polymerization modes were shown not to have a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the composites in this study.

Can maxilla and mandible bone quality explain differences in orthodontic mini-implant failures?

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the risk of orthodontic mini-implant (OMI) failure between maxilla and mandible. A critical analysis of finite-element studies was used to explain the contradiction of the greatest clinical success for OMIs placed in the maxilla, despite the higher quality bone of mandible. Materials and Methods: Four tridimensional FE models were built, simulating an OMI inserted in a low-dense maxilla, control maxilla, control mandible, and high-dense mandible. A horizontal force was applied to simulate an anterior retraction of 2 N (clinical scenario) and 10 N (overloading condition). The intra-bone OMI displacement and the major principal bone strains were used to evaluate the risk of failure due to insufficient primary stability or peri-implant bone resorption. Results: The OMI displacement was far below the 50-100 µm threshold, suggesting that the primary stability would be sufficient in all models. However, the maxilla was more prone to lose its stability due to overload conditions, especially in the low-dense condition, in which major principal bone strains surpassed the pathologic bone resorption threshold of 3000 µstrain. Conclusions: The differences in orthodontic mini-implant failures cannot be explained by maxilla and mandible bone quality in finite-element analysis that does not incorporate the residual stress due to OMI insertion.

Effect of three different attachment designs in the extrusive forces generated by thermoplastic aligners in the maxillary central incisor.

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontic aligners use have increased in dentistry. The resolution of complex movements such as extrusion demands the use of attachments to reach the aimed force, but just a few studies have been developed to evaluate the biomechanical performance of the aligners and their accessories. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate on the three axes (X, Y and Z) the forces generated by three different attachment designs for the extrusion of the maxillary central incisor using esthetic orthodontic aligners. METHODS: Three prototypes of maxillary models were developed, each one with a specific attachment inserted in the central incisor. Three aligners were manufactured for each of the three attachment designs, with 0.33-mm activation in the direction of the extrusion. An analytical device was used to evaluate the forces applied to the three axes by each aligner/attachment. The data were assessed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: All of the studied attachment designs could satisfactorily perform the extrusion movement. However, force intensities were different in the three designs (design 1 = 2.5 N; design 2 = 2.2 N, and design 3 = 1.1 N). Furthermore, two of the three attachment designs (designs 1 and 2) eventually exerted significant forces on the X (mesiodistal) and Y (buccopalatal) axes. CONCLUSION: The attachment design 3 presents the best distribution of forces for extrusion movement, generating almost null forces on X and Y axes, and lower intensity of force on the Z axis.

Does adhesive thickness affect resin-dentin bond strength after thermal/load cycling?

This study evaluated the influence of adhesive layer thickness (ADL) on the resin-dentin bond strength of two adhesive systems (AS) after thermal and mechanical loading (TML). A flat superficial dentin surface was exposed with 600-grit SiC paper on 40 molars. After primer application, the adhesive layer of Scotchbond Multipurpose (SBMP) or Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB) was applied in one or two layers to a delimited area (52 mm2) and resin blocks (Filtek Z250) were built incrementally. Half of the sample was stored in distilled water (37 degrees C, 24 hours) and submitted to thermal (1,000; 5 degrees -55 degrees C) and mechanical cycles (500,000; 10kgf) [TML]. The other half was stored in distilled water (72 hours). The teeth were then sectioned to obtain sticks (0.8 mm2) to be tested under tensile mode (1.0 mm/minute). The fracture mode was analyzed at 400x. The BS from all sticks from the same tooth was averaged for statistical purposes. The data was analyzed by three-way ANOVA. The chi2 test was used (p < 0.05) to compare the frequency of pre-testing failure specimens. Higher BS values were observed for SBMP regardless of the ADL. The TML reduced the BS values irrespective of the adhesive employed and the ADL. A higher frequency of pre-testing failure specimens was observed for the cycled groups. A thicker adhesive layer, acting as an intermediate flexible layer, did not minimize the damage caused by thermal/mechanical load cycling for a three-step etch-and-rinse and two-step self-etch system.

Shear versus micro-shear bond strength test: a finite element stress analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at comparing the stress distribution in shear and micro-shear test set-ups using finite element analysis, and suggesting some parameter standardization that might have important influence on the results. METHODS: Two-dimensional plane strain finite element analysis was performed using MSCPatran and MSCMarc softwares. Model configurations were based on published experimental shear and micro-shear test set-ups and material properties were assumed to be isotropic, homogeneous and linear-elastic. Typical values of elastic modulus and Poisson's ratios were assigned to composite, dentin and adhesive. Loading conditions considered a single-node concentrated load at different distances from the dentin-adhesive interface, and proportional geometry (1:5 scale, but fixed adhesive layer thickness in 50microm) with similar calculated nominal strength. The maximum tensile and shear stresses, and stress distribution along dentin-adhesive interfacial nodes were analyzed. RESULTS: Stress distribution was always non-uniform and greatly differed between shear and micro-shear models. A pronounced stress concentration was observed at the interfacial edges due to the geometric change: stress values farther exceeded the nominal strength and tensile stresses were much higher than shear stresses. For micro-shear test, the relatively thicker adhesive layer and use of low modulus composites may lead to relevant stress intensification. An appropriate loading distance was established for each test (1mm for shear and 0.1mm for micro-shear) in which stress concentration would be minimal, and should be standardized for experimental assays. SIGNIFICANCE: The elastic modulus of bonded composites, relative adhesive layer thickness and load application distance are important parameters to be standardized, once they influence stress concentration.

Morphological characterization of the tooth/adhesive interface.

The purpose of this study was to assess the morphological characteristics of the tooth/adhesive interface using different adhesive systems in MOD restorations under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tested hypothesis was that the morphology of the bonding interface would vary in different areas of MOD restorations for the three adhesive systems. MOD cavities were prepared in 12 sound extracted human third molars and restored with Filtek Z250 composite resin and one of the following adhesive systems: Experimental ABF (n=4), Clearfil SE Bond (n=4) self-etching primers and Single Bond etch-and-rinse adhesive system (n=4). After 24-h storage in distilled water at 37 degrees C, teeth were sectioned and prepared for SEM. The interfacial morphology varied depending on the adhesive system and also on the evaluated area. The null hypothesis was accepted because the morphology of the tooth/adhesive interface reflected the characteristics of both the dental substrate and the adhesive systems.

Expansion of high flow mixtures of gypsum-bonded investments in contact with absorbent liners.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the expansion of high flow mixtures of gypsum-bonded investments in contact with two dry absorbent liners since early setting. METHODS: Cristobalite-Dentsply and Cristobalite-Polidental gypsum-bonded investments were tested under 10 setting conditions (n=4): Normal and Hygroscopic (controls); four conditions of 'Dry-Lining' (set in contact with 3 different amounts of dry cellulose liner: 0.2, 0.4 or 0.8 g and with 0.1 g of a granulated Super Absorbent polymer liner) and four conditions of 'Dry-Lining with hygroscopic expansion' (initially setting in contact with dry absorbents, as 'Dry-Lining' conditions, followed by water immersion immediately after loss of gloss). The percent of expansion at 2h was analyzed. RESULTS: The 'Dry-Lining' condition, with 0.4 and 0.8 g of cellulose, for brand Dentsply (1.41+/-0.13 and 1.42+/-0.16) and Polidental (1.14+/-0.17 and 1.01+/-0.22) allowed a significant higher expansion than the controls Normal (Dentsply=0.30+/-0.04, Polidental=0.31+/-0.05) (P<0.05). The 'Dry-Lining with hygroscopic expansion' condition with 0.8 g of cellulose expanded significantly more (3.57+/-0.55) than the control Hygroscopic (2.63+/-0.31) in brand Dentsply (P<0.05). Super Absorbent did not produce different expansion (Dentsply=0.86+/-0.02, Polidental=0.79+/-0.18) than the controls Normal and Hygroscopic (Dentsply=2.93+/-0.17, Polidental=2.12+/-0.40). SIGNIFICANCE: The water removal with dry cellulose absorbent liner before loss of gloss increased the potential of setting expansion for Normal and Hygroscopic conditions. Thus, when using high fluid mixtures, which are more desirable for investment pouring, it will be possible to obtain enough setting expansion potential in order to adequately compensate for wax and alloy shrinkage in the casting process.

Effect of three different attachment designs in the extrusive forces generated by thermoplastic aligners in the maxillary central incisor

ABSTRACT Introduction: Orthodontic aligners use have increased in dentistry. The resolution of complex movements such as extrusion demands the use of attachments to reach the aimed force, but just a few studies have been developed to evaluate the biomechanical performance of the aligners and their accessories. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate on the three axes (X, Y and Z) the forces generated by three different attachment designs for the extrusion of the maxillary central incisor using esthetic orthodontic aligners. Methods: Three prototypes of maxillary models were developed, each one with a specific attachment inserted in the central incisor. Three aligners were manufactured for each of the three attachment designs, with 0.33-mm activation in the direction of the extrusion. An analytical device was used to evaluate the forces applied to the three axes by each aligner/attachment. The data were assessed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Results: All of the studied attachment designs could satisfactorily perform the extrusion movement. However, force intensities were different in the three designs (design 1 = 2.5 N; design 2 = 2.2 N, and design 3 = 1.1 N). Furthermore, two of the three attachment designs (designs 1 and 2) eventually exerted significant forces on the X (mesiodistal) and Y (buccopalatal) axes. Conclusion: The attachment design 3 presents the best distribution of forces for extrusion movement, generating almost null forces on X and Y axes, and lower intensity of force on the Z axis.

RESUMO Introdução: O uso de alinhadores ortodônticos tem aumentado na Odontologia. Porém, para a realização de movimentos complexos, como a extrusão, é necessário usar attachments para se obter as forças desejadas. Apesar disso, há poucos estudos que tenham avaliado o desempenho biomecânico dos alinhadores e de seus attachments. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar nos três eixos (X, Y e Z) as forças geradas por três diferentes designs de attachments para extrusão de um incisivo central superior usando alinhadores ortodônticos. Métodos: Foram confeccionados três modelos superiores prototipados, cada um com um tipo de attachmentinserido no incisivo central. Três alinhadores foram fabricados para cada um dos três designs de attachment, com ativação de 0,33 mm na direção da extrusão. Foi, então, utilizado um equipamento de análise para mensurar, nos três eixos, as forças aplicadas por cada alinhador/attachment. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA de fator único e ao teste de Tukey (α?#8197;= 0,05). Resultados: Todos os designs de attachments utilizados foram capazes de exercer satisfatoriamente o movimento de extrusão. Entretanto, a intensidade das forças foi diferente nos três designs (attachment 1 = 2,5 N; attachment 2 = 2,2 N e attachment 3= 1,1 N). Além disso, dois dos três designs (attachments 1 e 2) exerceram forças significativas nos eixos X (mesiodistal) e Y (vestibulopalatino). Conclusões: o design do attachment 3 apresentou a melhor distribuição de forças para o movimento de extrusão, sendo o mais próximo de forças nulas nos eixos X e Y e força de baixa intensidade no eixo Z.

Polymerization shrinkage: effects of boundary conditions and filling technique of resin composite restorations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the linear polymerization shrinkage (LPS) and the effect of polymerization shrinkage of a resin composite and resin-dentin bond strength under different boundary conditions and filling techniques. METHODS: Two cavities (4 x 4 x 2 mm3) were prepared in bovine incisors (n=30). The teeth were divided into three groups, according to boundary conditions: In group TE, the total-etch technique was used. In group EE, only enamel was conditioned, and in group NE, none of the walls of the cavities were conditioned. A two-step adhesive system was applied to all cavities. The resin composite was inserted in one (B) or three increments (I) and light-cured with 600 mW/cm2 (80 s). The LPS (%) was measured in the top-bottom direction, by placing a probe in contact with resin composite during curing. Enamel and total mean gap widths were measured (400 x) in three slices obtained after sectioning the restorations. Then, the slices were sectioned again, either to obtain sticks from the adhesive interface from the bottom of the cavity or to obtain resin composite sticks (0.8 mm2) to be tested for tensile strength (Kratos machine, 0.5 mm/min). The data was subjected to a two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test for comparison of the means (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: The highest percentage of LPS was found for the TE when bulk filled, and the lowest percentage of LPS was found in the EE and NE when incrementally filled. The resin-dentin bond strength was higher and the total mean gap width was lower for TE group; no significant effect was detected for the main factor filling techniques. No difference was detected for the tensile strength of resin composite among the experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: The filling technique is not able to minimize effects of the polymerization shrinkage, and bonding to the cavity walls is necessary to assure reduced mean gap width and high bond strength values.

The effect of long-term storage on the microleakage of composite resin restorations: qualitative and quantitative evaluation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of storage periods of 24 hours and 3 months on the microleakage of class II cavities. Two methods of assessing microleakage were also compared. Class II cavities were prepared in sound human molars. MO cavities were restored using ABF experimental (Kuraray Medical Inc.) + Z250 composite resin (3M ESPE), and DO cavities were restored using Single Bond (3M ESPE) + Z250. After different storage periods, specimens were thermocycled, immersed in a dye (0.5% methylene blue solution for 4 h) and longitudinally sectioned. Dye penetration was scored according to a 0-4 scale. The extent of microleakage was measured using the ImageLab 2000 program. A statistically significant correlation was verified between both evaluation methods (r = 0.978, p < 0.001). ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between the tested adhesive systems regarding microleakage (p < 0.001), although it was not influenced by the different storage periods.

Tensile bond strength of adhesive systems--effects of primer and thermocycling.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of primer and thermocycling on the bond strength of multi-purpose adhesive systems applied to enamel, under tensile stress. The following bonding systems were applied, according to the manufacturers' instructions, on unground enamel buccal surfaces of 96 premolars, with or without the application of primer: Scotchbond MP, OptiBond FL, Amalgambond Plus and OptiBond (dual-cure). A composite resin (Z100, 3M) was applied and light-cured in a cast metal hollow cone, which was previously fixed to the enamel surfaces. Half of the sample was subjected to 3,000 thermocycles (5-37 degrees C; 37-55 degrees C, dwell time of 60 s), and the other half was stored in water at 37 degrees C for the same period. The data were treated by means of ANOVA and no significant effects were detected, which indicates that tensile bond strength was not affected by the adhesive systems, application of primer or thermocycling.

Does self-ligating brackets type influence the hysteresis, activation and deactivation forces of superelastic NiTi archwires?

OBJECTIVE: To compare hysteresis, activation and deactivation forces produced by first-order deformation of Contour 0.014-in NiTi wire (Aditek, Brazil) in four brands of self-ligating brackets: Damon MX, Easy Clip, Smart Clip and In-Ovation. METHODS: Activation and deactivation forces were measured in an Instron universal tensile machine at 3 mm/minute speed to a total displacement of 4 mm. Tests were repeated eight times for each bracket/wire combination. Statistical analysis comprised ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons test. RESULTS: Using a 4-mm deformation, mean activation forces increased in the following order: Damon = 222 gf, Easy Clip = 228 gf, In-Ovation = 240 gf and Smart Clip = 306 gf. The same order was observed for mean hysteresis values, i.e., 128 gf, 140 gf, 150 gf and 206 gf, respectively. The respective values of deactivation forces for the Damon, Easy Clip, In-Ovation and Smart Clip brackets were 94 gf, 88 gf, 90 gf and 100 gf. CONCLUSIONS: Brackets with higher activation forces were accompanied by higher hysteresis values, which resulted in clinically similar deactivation forces, regardless of the type of self-ligating brackets used.

Flexural properties of resin composites: influence of specimen dimensions and storage conditions.

This study evaluated the influence of specimen dimensions and storage medium and temperature on the flexural properties of one dental resin composite. The material utilized throughout the study was Clearfil AP-X. Eighty specimens were built with dimensions of either 10×2×2 mm or 25×2×2 mm, stored dry or in distilled water, at 25 or 37ºC, for 24 h. Flexural strength and modulus were tested in three-point bending. Results were evaluated with three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Statistical significance was observed for all three factors: temperature (37ºC=190.8 MPa, 25ºC=165.3 MPa; p<0.01), storage medium (water=167.7 MPa, Dry=188.4 MPa; p<0.01) and specimen dimensions (10×2×2 mm=197.9 MPa, 25×2×2 mm=158.2 MPa; p<0.01). None of the interactions were significant. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that factors such as specimen dimensions, storage medium and temperature significantly affect flexural strength results, which invalidates comparisons of results from studies that use different methodologies.

Biomechanical evaluation of the sheep mandible as a model for studying fixation methods / Evaluación biomecánica de la mandíbula de oveja como modelo para estudiar los métodos de fijación

Recently, there has been increased interest in the use of natural jaws for better results in bone fixation studies. Thus, the sheep mandible has been chosen for such studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the length and resistance of the sheep mandible when submitted to a compression test with freedom in the three axes of space. Seventy fresh sheep (Ovis aries) mandibles were used in this study. Initially, the soft tissues were removed, and measurements of the mandible size were performed. Fifty mandibles were selected for mechanical testing based on the mean values from this assessment. The mandibles were joined by fixation in the symphyseal region and were tridimensionally deformed. A metallic support suitable for study of the mandible under efforts with freedom in the three axes in space was used. For this test, three displacement cycles were applied. Based on the mean stiffness, 35 mandibles were selected. The mean value of the sheep mandible mensuration was 13.6 cm ± 0.53 cm. The mean value of the sheep mandible stiffness was 153.5N ± 54.0 N. These data are useful for future studies on fixation systems for fractures and orthognathic surgery.

Recientemente, ha aumentado el interés en el uso de mandíbulas naturales para obtener mejores resultados en estudios de fijación ósea. Por lo tanto, la mandíbula de las ovejas se ha elegido para tales estudios. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la longitud y la resistencia de la mandíbula de oveja al ser sometida a una prueba de compresión con libertad en los tres ejes del espacio. Se utilizaron 70 mandíbulas de oveja fresca (Ovis aries). Inicialmente, se extirparon los tejidos blandos y se realizaron mediciones del tamaño de la mandíbula. Cincuenta mandíbulas fueron seleccionadas para pruebas mecánicas basadas en los valores promedio de esta evaluación. Las mandíbulas se unieron por fijación en la región sinfisial y se deformaron tridimensionalmente. Se utilizó un soporte metálico adecuado para el estudio de la mandíbula bajo esfuerzos con libertad en los tres ejes en el espacio. Para esta prueba, se aplicaron tres ciclos de desplazamiento. En base a la rigidez media, se seleccionaron 35 mandíbulas. El valor medio de la medición de la mandíbula de oveja fue de 13,6 cm ± 0,53 cm. El valor medio de la rigidez de la mandíbula de oveja fue 153,5 N ± 54,0 N. Estos datos son útiles para futuros estudios sobre sistemas de fijación para fracturas y cirugía ortognática.

Photoelastic stress analysis surrounding implant-supported prosthesis and alveolar ridge on mandibular overdentures.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the maximum stress around osseointegrated implants and alveolar ridge, in a mandible with left partial resection through a photoelastic mandibular model. The first group consisted of two implants: traditional model (T), implants placed in the position of both canines; fulcrum model (F), implants placed in the position of left canine CL and right lateral incisor LiR. Both models linked through a bar and clips. The second group was consisted of three implants, with implants placed in the position of both canines (CR and CL) and the right lateral incisor (LiR), which composed four groups: (1) model with 3 "O" rings, (2) model 2 ERAs, bar with clips, (3) model 2 ERAs bar without clips; (4) model "O" ring bar and ERA. An axial and an oblique load of 6.8 kgf was applied on a overdenture at the 1st Pm, 2nd Pm, and 1st M. Results showed that the area around the left canine (CL) was practically free of stress; the left lateral incisor (LiL) developed only small tensions, and low stress in all the other cases; the right canine tooth suffered the largest concentrations of stress, mainly with the ERA retention mechanism.

Does self-ligating brackets type influence the hysteresis, activation and deactivation forces of superelastic NiTi archwires?

OBJECTIVE: To compare hysteresis, activation and deactivation forces produced by first-order deformation of Contour 0.014-in NiTi wire (Aditek, Brazil) in four brands of self-ligating brackets: Damon MX, Easy Clip, Smart Clip and In-Ovation. METHODS: Activation and deactivation forces were measured in an Instron universal tensile machine at 3 mm/minute speed to a total displacement of 4 mm. Tests were repeated eight times for each bracket/wire combination. Statistical analysis comprised ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons test. RESULTS: Using a 4-mm deformation, mean activation forces increased in the following order: Damon = 222 gf, Easy Clip = 228 gf, In-Ovation = 240 gf and Smart Clip = 306 gf. The same order was observed for mean hysteresis values, i.e., 128 gf, 140 gf, 150 gf and 206 gf, respectively. The respective values of deactivation forces for the Damon, Easy Clip, In-Ovation and Smart Clip brackets were 94 gf, 88 gf, 90 gf and 100 gf. CONCLUSIONS: Brackets with higher activation forces were accompanied by higher hysteresis values, which resulted in clinically similar deactivation forces, regardless of the type of self-ligating brackets used.

OBJETIVO: comparar as forças de ativação, desativação e histerese produzidas por deformação de primeira ordem do fio superelástico Contour NiTi 0,014" (Aditek®) em quatro modelos de braquetes autoligáveis: Damon MX, Easy Clip, Smart Clip e In-Ovation. MÉTODOS: as forças de ativação e desativação foram medidas em máquina universal de tração Instron com velocidade de 3mm/minuto e deslocamento de 4mm. Em cada combinação braquete/fio foram executadas oito repetições. A análise estatística empregou ANOVA e o Teste de Comparações Múltiplas de Tukey. RESULTADOS: com 4mm de deformação, as forças médias de ativação foram, em ordem crescente, Damon = 222gf, Easy Clip = 228gf, In-Ovation = 240gf e Smart-Clip = 306gf; a mesma ordem foi observada nas histereses médias, cujos valores foram, respectivamente, 128gf, 140gf, 150gf e 206gf; os valores das forças de desativação foram, respectivamente, 94gf, 88gf, 90gf e 100gf. CONCLUSÃO: os braquetes com maiores valores nas forças de ativação foram acompanhados por maiores valores na histerese, o que resultou em forças de desativação clinicamente semelhantes, independentemente do tipo de braquete autoligável utilizado.

Comparative study of frictional forces generated by NiTi archwire deformation in different orthodontic brackets: In vitro evaluation / Estudo comparativo da força de atrito produzida pela deformação de arco NiTi em diferentes braquetes ortodônticos: avaliação in vitro

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the frictional forces between 0.014-in NiTi wires (Aditek) with 4 mm horizontal deflection and brackets with different archwire ligation systems. METHODS: Four types of self-ligating brackets (Damon MX, Easy Clip, Smart Clip and In-Ovation), a triple bracket (Synergy) and a twin bracket with 8-shaped ligature (Tecnident) were tested. Twin brackets with conventional elastomeric ligatures (Morelli) were used as control group. Tests were repeated 10 times for each bracket/archwire combination. Frictional forces were measured in an Instron universal tensile machine at 3 mm/minute speed and a total displacement of 6 mm. Statistical analysis comprised ANOVA and Dunnett's multiple comparison post hoc test. RESULTS: Deflection-induced frictional (DIF) forces increased in the following order: Synergy, Damon, 8-shaped Ligature, Easy Clip, In-Ovation, Smart-Clip and conventional ligatures. The differences among groups were significant, with the exception of the 8-shaped ligature groups which was equal to the Damon and Easy Clip groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to conventional ligatures, all ligation systems tested reduced frictional forces. However, such reduction varied according to the ligation system employed.

OBJETIVO: o objetivo desse trabalho foi comparar as forças de atrito entre fios NiTi 0,014" (Aditek) com deformações horizontais de 4mm, e braquetes com diferentes sistemas de ligação dos arcos. MÉTODOS: foram testados 4 tipos de braquetes autoligáveis (Damon MX, Easy Clip, Smart Clip e In-Ovation), um braquete triplo (Synergy) e um braquete gêmeo com amarrilho 8 (Tecnident). Como grupo controle, foi utilizado braquete gêmeo com ligadura elástica convencional (Morelli). Foram executadas 10 repetições em cada combinação arco/braquete. As forças de atrito foram medidas em máquina de tração universal Instron, com velocidade de 3mm/minuto e deslocamento total de 6mm. Para análise estatística, usou-se a ANOVA e o Teste de Comparações Múltiplas de Dunnett. RESULTADOS: as forças de atrito por deformação do fio se mostraram crescentes na seguinte ordem: Synergy, Damon, amarrilho 8, Easy Clip, In-Ovation, Smart-Clip e ligadura convencional. As diferenças entre todos os grupos foram estatisticamente significantes, com exceção do Amarrilho 8 em relação aos grupos Damon e Easy Clip. CONCLUSÃO: em relação à ligadura convencional, todos os sistemas de fechamento das canaletas testados são eficientes em reduzir a força de atrito, porém, tal redução varia significativamente de acordo com o sistema de fechamento da canaleta selecionado.

Effect of thermal cycling and filling technique on leakage of composite resin restorations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effect on leakage of two incremental filling techniques and two composite resins with different elastic modulus and similar polymerization shrinkage. Eighty Class V cavities (4x4x2mm) were prepared in bovine incisors and were randomly restored with Z-250 (Z) or Durafill VS (D) + Single Bond in axial (a) or oblique (o) increments. The restorations were divided into two groups: Not Aged - N (4-hour-storage in water at 37ºC) and Aged - A (1-week storage in water at 37ºC + 1000 x - 5º-55ºC / 1-min dwell time). The specimens were covered with 2 coats of nail varnish so that only the restoration margins were exposed to silver nitrate 50% (2h) and developed under fluorescent light (8h). After they were sectioned twice in buccal-lingual direction, the four exposed surfaces were digitized (Vidcap) and the silver nitrate penetration was measured (ImageLab) at the incisal and gingival walls. Data were analyzed by a 3-way ANOVA (Resin, Filling Technique and Aging) separately for incisal and gingival walls (alpha=0.05). Resin and Aging were statistically significant either for the incisal and the gingival walls. The microfill composite resin infiltrated more than the hybrid composite. The thermal cycling caused an overall increase in silver nitrate penetration. The filling technique affected leakage depending on the composite resin and aging regimen.