Effect of the use of bromelain associated with bioactive glass-ceramic on dentin/adhesive interface.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of bromelain associated with Biosilicate on the bond strength (BS) of a universal adhesive system to sound (SD) and caries-affected dentin (CAD), and on the proteolytic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cavities were prepared in 360 molars, half submitted to cariogenic challenge. Teeth were separated into groups (n=20): Control-No treatment; CHX-0.12% chlorhexidine; NaOCl-5% sodium hypochlorite; Br5%-5% bromelain; Br10%-10% bromelain; Bio-10% Biosilicate; NaOClBio-NaOCl+Bio; Br5%Bio-Br5%+Bio; Br10%Bio-Br10%+Bio. Following treatments, the adhesive system was applied, and cavities were restored. Samples were sectioned into sticks and stored at 37 °C for 24 h, 6 months, and 1 year. Microtensile BS (2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni's test, α=0.05), fracture patterns (SEM), and adhesive interfaces (TEM) were evaluated. Bacterial collagenase assay and in situ zymography were performed. RESULTS: In CAD, Br10% presented higher BS (p=0.0208) than Br5%Bio. Br5% presented higher BS (p=0.0033) after 6 months than after 24 h; and association of treatments, higher BS (p<0.05) after aging than after 24 h. Mixed fractures were the most prevalent. Association of treatments promoted a more uniform hybrid layer with embedded Bio particles. Experimental groups presented lower (p<0.0001) relative fluorescence units than Control. Bromelain, associated or not with Bio, showed collagenolytic degradation. CONCLUSIONS: Bromelain associated with Biosilicate did not affect the BS to SD. In CAD, Br5%Bio decreased immediate BS but had no long-term influence. This association decreased the proteolytic activity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bromelain and Biosilicate may enhance the longevity of adhesive restorations by inhibiting endogenous proteases.

Curing profile and marginal gap formation using a liner containing long-wavelength-absorbing photoinitiator: an in vitro study.

The aim was to evaluate the marginal-gap formation and curing profile of a new restorative technique using a liner with long-wavelength-absorbing photoinitiator (LWAP). Box-shaped preparations (6 mm × 4 mm × 4 mm) were made in third molars. All samples were treated with Clearfill SE Bond and divided into 4 groups (n = 5), according to restorative technique used: (1) incremental technique (INC-Technique); (2) camphorquinone-based liner (CQ-Liner) + bulk-fill resin composite; (3) LWAP-based liner (LWAP-Liner) + bulk-fill resin composite; and (4) bulk-fill technique without liner (BF-Technique). The marginal gaps (%) for all the samples were measured using micro-computed tomography. The restorations were cross-sectioned, and the degree of conversion (DC) and Knoop microhardness were evaluated at different depths (0.3, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm). INC-Technique, CQ-Liner, and LWAP-Liner groups showed significantly fewer marginal gaps than those from the BF-Technique group. The BF-Technique specimens had the lowest DC and microhardness in depth. All the other techniques presented similar degree of conversion and microhardness at all the depths. The use of liners, regardless of the photoinitiator system, decreased the marginal-gap formation and improved the curing profile of bulk-filling restoration technique.

Delayed light-curing of dual-cure bulk-fill composites on internal adaptation and depth of cure.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of delayed light-curing of dual-cure bulk-fill composites on internal adaptation and microhardness (KHN) in depth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bulk-fill composites were placed in 35 box-shaped preparations and cured according to the following protocols (n = 5): Filtek Bulk-Fill light-cured immediately after insertion (FBF); Bulk-EZ light-cured immediately after insertion (BEZ-I); Bulk-EZ light-cured 90 s after insertion (BEZ-DP); Bulk-EZ self-cured (BEZ-SC); HyperFIL light-cured immediately after insertion (HF-I); HyperFIL light-cured 90 s after insertion (HF-DP); HyperFIL self-cured (HF-SC). After 24 h, the samples were axially sectioned, and the internal adaptation was evaluated using replicas under a scanning electron microscope. The KHN was evaluated at six depths (0.3 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm). The statistical analysis was performed using α = 0.05. RESULTS: The KHN significantly decreased with depth, except in self-curing mode, when it was similar at all depths. Delayed light-curing significantly increased the KHN at higher depths. The internal adaptation was material-dependent. Light-curing did not influence the internal adaptation of HyperFIL, whereas delayed light-curing significantly reduced the internal gaps (%) of Bulk-EZ. CONCLUSION: Delayed light-curing improved the depth of cure of dual-cure resin composites. Light-curing did not influence the internal adaptation of HyperFIL, but delayed light-curing improved the internal adaptation of Bulk-EZ. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Light-curing is fundamental for improving the mechanical properties of dual-cure resin composites. Moreover, depending on the dual-cure resin composite, the delay in light-curing can reduce the internal gaps.

Effect of an elastomeric urethane monomer on BisGMA-free resin composites containing different co-initiators.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical, chemical, optical, and adhesive properties of BisGMA-free experimental resin composites containing Exothane-24-an elastomeric urethane monomer-and different co-initiators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A blend of urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), extended dimethacrylate urethane (PEG 400), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), and camphorquinone was prepared. Two different co-initiators-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) or 4-N alcohol, N-dimethylamine phenylethyl (DMPOH)-were added to the blend. Exothane-24 monomer was added to the blend for each co-initiator and four groups were established as follows: DMAEMA; DMAEMA + Exothane; DMPOH; and DMPOH + Exothane. Specimens were photo-activated using a multi-wave LED light-curing unit (VALO; 954 mW/cm2 of irradiance). Mechanical (ultimate tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus and hardness), chemical (degree of conversion, hardness reduction, water sorption and solubility), optical (color change), and adhesive (microtensile bond strength) properties were analyzed. Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The resin composite containing DMPOH and Exothane-24 showed similar or superior performance to those of the other experimental composites for mechanical and chemical properties, except for flexural strength. It also showed less color change and greater micro-tensile bond strength. CONCLUSIONS: Among the combinations tested, the BisGMA-free resin composite containing Exothane-24 combined with the DMPOH co-initiator showed the best mechanical, chemical, optical, and adhesive properties. Clinical relevance Exothane-24 monomer and DMPOH co-initiator could be useful in the formulation of BisGMA-free resin composites in order to minimize exposure to BPA.

Mechanical properties of bulk-fill composite resin with or without a final layer of conventional composite resin.

The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of different bulk-fill composite resins with or without a final layer of conventional composite resin. The null hypothesis was that the mechanical properties of the material would not change regardless of the addition of a layer of conventional composite. Bar-shaped specimens (25 × 2 × 2 mm) were made from 4 different bulk-fill composites (Filtek One Bulk Fill, Filtek Bulk Fill Flowable, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill, and Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill Flow) with or without a final layer of a conventional composite of the same brand (Filtek Supreme for the Filtek materials and Tetric EvoCeram for the Tetric materials). Each specimen was light cured at 2 equidistant points using a multiwave curing light with a power output of 20 J/cm2. All of the specimens were subjected to a 3-point bending test in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.75 ± 0.25 mm/min and a load rate of 50 ± 16 N/min, and the flexural strength and elastic modulus were calculated. The mean flexural strength and elastic modulus values were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance, and then the Tukey test was applied for multiple comparisons between groups (α = 0.05). When a final layer of a conventional composite of the same brand was added, the mean flexural strength of the Tetric groups slightly decreased, while that of the Filtek groups did not change. Application of a final layer of conventional composite resulted in a slight increase in the mean elastic modulus of the Filtek groups and either no change or a slight decrease in the Tetric groups. The addition of a final layer of conventional composite resin did not seem to improve the mechanical properties of any of the tested bulk-fill materials. The addition of a final layer of conventional composite resin can affect the mechanical properties of bulk-fill materials; however, it seems these effects are dependent on the type of conventional composite resin used for the final layer.

Is it possible for a simultaneous biomodification during acid etching on naturally caries-affected dentin bonding?

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the ability of modified phosphoric acids containing chlorhexidine (CHX) or grape seed extract (GSE) for promoting simultaneous biomodification during acid etching on bonding properties in caries-affected dentin (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two human molars (8 with sound dentin [SD] and 24 naturally CAD) were selected for the study. The SD and CAD were initially exposed, then randomized and etched according to the following groups: (1) SD (SD-CT) and CAD (CAD-CT) both with 37% phosphoric acid, (2) CAD with 2% CHX containing 37% phosphoric acid (CAD-CHX), and (3) CAD with 2% GSE containing 10% phosphoric acid (CAD-GSE). The bonding procedure and composite build-ups were performed after acid etching. Subsequently, they were sectioned in resin-dentin specimens. The specimens were submitted for chemical profiling by micro-Raman, microtensile bond strength (µTBS), failure mode with chemical characterization by FEG/SEM-EDX, and in situ zymography by CLSM. The data from µTBS and CLSM were statistically analyzed (1-way ANOVA and Tukey's test; α = 0.05). RESULTS: The highest µTBS results were shown for SD-CT in comparison with all CAD groups (p < 0.001), and the lowest for CAD-CT and CAD-CHX (p < 0.001). The etching with CHX did not increase the µTBS for CAD when compared with CT (p = 0.52). However, the etching with GSE improved significantly the µTBS for CAD when compared with CT and CHX (p < 0.001). The chemical profile detected chemical and structural changes in collagen peaks for CAD-CT, which were not detected when the CAD was etched by modified acids. Also, the poorest hybridization ability was detected in CAD for CT, which was significantly improved with modified acids, especially the GSE, as evaluated by chemical profile and failure mode. A significant reduction of MMP activity on CAD was promoted by modified acids in comparison with CT (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The GSE-containing acid was able to promote biomodification during the acid etching, increasing the bonding properties and reducing the activity of the MMPs within the hybrid layer. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of GSE-containing phosphoric acid can be a promising alternative to improve the bonding performance on caries-affected dentin, since it is capable of biomodifying the dentin during the acid etching, without adding any extra step in bonding procedures.

Resin composite adhesion to dentin using different curing lights and adhesive systems applied under electric current.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of electric current application on the resin composite-tooth bond strength and hybrid layer of three adhesive systems light-cured by two light-curing units (LCUs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human molar teeth were distributed into 12 groups (n=6). Three adhesive systems were used: two-step etch-and-rinse (SB2; Adper Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE); two-step self-etch (CSE; Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray); and one-step self-etch (SBU; Single Bond Universal, 3M ESPE) applied with (50µA) and without (control; conventional application) electric current, and light-cured with different LCUs. Resin composite blocks (Filtek Z350XT, 3M ESPE) were produced and cut into sticks (~1mm2) for microtensile bond strength (µTBS). Fracture patterns were analyzed on stereomicroscope and classified as cohesive-dentin, cohesive-resin, adhesive, or mixed. Specimens were prepared for scanning electron microscope observation. The hybrid layer analysis was carried out using a confocal laser scanning microscopy (n=2). Data were submitted to three-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test (α=0.05). RESULTS: The electric current increased the µTBS for all adhesive systems light-cured with single-emission peak and multiple-emission peak LCUs. Both LCUs presented similar µTBS values. CSE applied under electric current showed the highest µTBS mean values. The adhesive failure pattern was more frequently observed in all groups. The electric current formed long resin tags for all adhesive systems. CONCLUSIONS: The adhesive systems applied under electric current increased the bond strength using single-emission peak and multiple-emission peak LCUs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Electric current at 50µA applied throughout the dentin is a safe mode and results in better impregnation of the adhesive systems.

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.

Effect of Thickness of Ceramic Veneers on Color Stability and Bond Strength of Resin Luting Cements Containing Alternative Photoinitiators.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the light transmittance of ceramic veneers of different thicknesses and verify their influence on the degree of conversion, color stability, and dentin bond strength of light-curing resin cements containing different photoinitiator systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental resin cements were fabricated containing camphorquinone and amine (CQ-amine), TPO, Ivocerin (IVO), or TPO and Ivocerin (TPO-IVO). All photoinitiators were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Disk-shaped lithium disilicate ceramic specimens that were 0.4, 0.7, and 1.5 mm in thickness were prepared using IPS e.max Press (Ivoclar Vivadent, shade LT/A2). Light transmittance through each specimen was measured using spectrophotometry. Specimens of each cement (n = 10) were made in a custom-designed mold and were light cured through each glass-ceramic disk using a multiwave LED (Bluephase G2, Ivoclar Vivadent). CS was evaluated using spectrophotometry before and after artificial aging with UV light. DC was evaluated using FTIR-spectroscopy. Dentin µSBS was evaluated using 0.75-mm-thick specimens that were light cured under the same protocol (n = 10). All data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05; ß = 0.2). RESULTS: CQ-amine cements showed the highest color changes (p < 0.05) due to increased yellowing when compared to the amine-free cements (p < 0.05). However, all cements showed a significant color change after aging when cured through ceramics up to 1.5 mm thick (p < 0.05). The TPO-IVO cement showed the highest DC and the IVO cement showed a similar DC when compared to the CQ-amine cement. The TPO cement presented the lowest DC (p = 0.0377). No differences in mean dentin µSBS were found among the cements, except for the TPO cement, which presented a lower mean dentin µSBS (p = 0.0277). CONCLUSION: Amine-free cements containing Ivocerin and TPO seem to be a better alternative to CQ-amine cements, while not reducing either DC or dentin µSBS of amine-free cements. However, CQ-amine and amine-free cements still seem to change color over time.

Dentin µTBS and Hardness of Bulk-fill and Conventional Composites Placed in a Box-shaped Cavity Preparation.

PURPOSE: To compare the dentin microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and the Knoop hardness of bulk-fill and conventional restorative composites in box-shaped Class I cavities using different insertion techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty box-shaped Class I preparatons 4 mm deep were performed in the pulp chamber of sound human third molars. The restorations were made using either a conventional microhybrid (Z250, 3M ESPE) or bulk-fill (Tetric EvoCeram Bulk-fill, TCBF) composite using two incremental thicknesses: 2 mm or 4 mm (n = 10). After 24-h water storage, the restorations were sectioned. The first slice (0.7 mm thick) taken from a proximal surface was submitted to the Knoop hardness (KHN) test at five depths from the occlusal cavosurface to the pulpal line angle. Sticks were fabricated from the remaining sections and tested for dentin microtensile bond strength (µTBS). Means were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Higher (p < 0.05) µTBS resulted when both composites were restored with 2-mm increments, with no significant difference between materials (p > 0.05). Higher (p < 0.05) KHN means were found when 2-mm increments were used, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the materials. When the teeth were restored with one bulk increment (4 mm), the deeper layers presented lower KHN means (p < 0.05) starting at 2 mm for Z250 and 3 mm for TCBF. CONCLUSION: The 2-mm increment restorations in box-shaped cavities yielded higher µTBS and microhardness for conventional and bulk-fill composites.

Self-Etching Enamel Bonding Using Acidic Functional Monomers with Different-length Carbon Chains and Hydrophilicity.

PURPOSE: To compare the enamel bonding performace of two commercial and three experimental two-step self-etch adhesives containing acidic functional monomers with different carbon-spacer length and hydrophilicity. The contact angle was also assessed to evaluate the wettability of each tested material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty extracted human molars were sectioned into four parts (buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal) and divided into 5 groups, according to the adhesives used: Clearfil SE Bond (CSE), AdheSE (ADSE), 10-MDP (15 mol% 10-methacryloyldecylphosphate), CAP-P (15 mol% caprolactone phosphate), and MTEP (15 mol% methacryloyltetraethylene phosphate). Enamel specimens were bonded with each adhesive and submitted to microshear bond strength (µSBS) testing after 24 h. The adhesives were applied onto additional enamel specimens without light curing to assess contact angle. Then the etching pattern was analyzed using SEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The µSBS and contact angle data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: 10-MDP showed the highest µSBS of the tested groups (p < 0.05), followed by CAP-P and CSE (p < 0.05). MTEP and ADSE exhibited the lowest µSBS (p < 0.05), but the difference between them was not significant. 10-MDP, CSE, and CAP-P exhibited lower contact angles (p < 0.05) than did ADSE and MTEP. The SEM and CLSM analyses showed that 10-MDP and CSE had the most pronounced etching patterns and deepest adhesive penetration. ADSE and MTEP exhibited weak etching ability and adhesive penetration, while CAP-P produced moderate etching and intermediate penetration. CONCLUSIONS: The length and hydrophilicity of the functional monomer spacer chain tested in this study influenced the enamel bonding performance. Functional monomers with longer chains and more hydrophobic properties, such as 10-MDP and CAP-P, may interact better with enamel and achieve higher enamel bond strength.

Immediate and 6-month Bond Strengths of Different Adhesives in the Oral Environment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of three adhesives to dentin after 1 week and 6 months in an oral environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class I cavities were prepared in the third molars of 30 patients and randomized into 3 groups according to the following adhesives: Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SM), Clearfil Protect Bond (CF), and Scotchbond Universal (UN). These molars were then subdivided into two groups according to the exposure time in the oral environment: one week (1W) and 6 months (6M). After the exposure time, the teeth were extracted, cut into beams, and submitted to the µTBS test. The data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test and two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test with a significance level of 5%, and fracture modes were analyzed. RESULTS: The bond strengths in MPa (mean ± SD) were SM-1W: 39.5 ± 7.9; SM-6M: 29.7 ± 1.8; CF-1W: 30.5 ± 1.4; CF-6M: 28.6 ± 4.1; UN-1W: 30.6 ± 3.2; and UN-6M: 26.7 ± 2.0. The SM-1W group exhibited significantly increased µTBS compared with the other groups. After 6 months in the oral environment, a significant reduction of µTBS was only observed for the SM group, whereas similar bond strengths were observed for the other groups. SM-1W exhibited a predominance of mixed fractures, whereas the other groups showed a predominance of adhesive fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The adhesives which were applied in the self-etching mode maintained bond strength after six months in the oral environment. A reduction of µTBS was only observed for the three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive.

Effect of Nanofiller Loading on Cure Efficiency and Potential Color Change of Model Composites.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of nanofiller loading on cure efficiency and potential color change of experimental composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four different polymeric materials were produced using the same organic matrix blend. To this matrix, different amounts of 0.05 µm fumed silica filler were added: no filler, 13, 52, and 65wt%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) for each composite using near-IR analysis, and spectrophotometry according to CIELab chromatic space was used to evaluate the color change.To induce color change, composites were artificially aged with exposure to cycles of UV-B light for 300 hours. Trasmission electron microscopy was used to illustrate nanoffiler aglomeration in the resin matrix. Data were analyzed using correlation analysis (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There was an excellent inverse linear correlation between filler wt% and either DC or color change. Greater changes to red (+Δa) and yellow (+Δb) were observed as the filler wt% increased. CONCLUSIONS: A higher percentage of nano-sized filler particles in dental resin composites directly affects their cure efficiency and potential for color change. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The increase in filler particle loading negatively affected monomer conversion and color stability of resin-based composites. As reduced filler loading results in poorer mechanical properties, to enhance color stability, resin-based composites should be formulated by making the refractive index of the polymeric matrix more closely match that of the filler throughout the polymerization process. (J Esthet Restor Dent, 2016).

Influence of irradiance on Knoop hardness, degree of conversion, and polymerization shrinkage of nanofilled and microhybrid composite resins.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the irradiance emitted by a light-curing unit on microhardness, degree of conversion (DC), and gaps resulting from shrinkage of 2 dental composite resins. Cylinders of nanofilled and microhybrid composites were fabricated and light cured. After 24 hours, the tops and bottoms of the specimens were evaluated via indentation testing and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine Knoop hardness number (KHN) and DC, respectively. Gap width (representing polymerization shrinkage) was measured under a scanning electron microscope. The nanofilled composite specimens presented significantly greater KHNs than did the microhybrid specimens (P < 0.05). The microhybrid composite resin exhibited significantly greater DC and gap width than the nanofilled material (P < 0.05). Irradiance had a mostly material-dependent influence on the hardness and DC, but not the polymerization shrinkage, of composite resins.

Influence of 3-month Simulated Pulpal Pressure on the Microtensile Bond Strength of Simplified Resin Luting Systems.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of simulated pulpal pressure (SPP) on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of four simplified luting strategies to indirect composite restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentin disks from 40 human molars were prepared and treated with 4 different techniques: (1) SB+ARC: two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive + conventional dual-curing resin cement (Adper Single Bond 2 + RelyX ARC, 3M ESPE); (2) ED+PAN: self-etching primer + conventional dual-curing resin cement (ED Primer + Panavia F2.0, Kuraray Medical); (3) S3+PAN: one-step self-etching adhesive (Clearfil S3, Kuraray) + Panavia F2.0; (4) U200: self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200, 3M ESPE). Pre-made indirect composite restorations (Filtek Z100, 3M ESPE) were luted onto the specimens. The luted specimens were cut into resin-dentin beams and the µTBS was tested after two different aging regimes: water storage at 37°C for one week (control) or three months under 20 cm H2O simulated pulpal pressure (SPP). The µTBS data was analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: SB+ARC showed significantly higher µTBS after both aging regimes (p < 0.001). The statistically significantly lowest µTBS was measured for control S3+PAN and U200 after 3 months SPP (p < 0.001). S3+PAN was the only group not negatively affected by SPP (p = 0.699). CONCLUSIONS: Two-step etch-and-rinse adhesives associated with dual-curing conventional resin cements may achieve the highest µTBS, even after 3 months of SPP. The one-step self-etching adhesive along with the dualcuring conventional resin cement was able to maintain bond stability.

Effect of Different In Vitro Aging Methods on Color Stability of a Dental Resin-Based Composite Using CIELAB and CIEDE2000 Color-Difference Formulas.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different in vitro aging methods on color change (CC) of an experimental dental resin-based composite using CIELAB (ΔEab ) and CIEDE2000 (ΔE00 ) color-difference formulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CC was evaluated with a spectrophotometer (CM700d, Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan) according to the CIE chromatic space. Disk-shaped specimens (Φ = 5 × 1 mm thick) (N = 10) were submitted to different in vitro aging methods: 30 days of water aging (WA); 120 hours of ultraviolet light aging (UVA); or 300 hours of an accelerated artificial aging (AAA) method with cycles of 4 hours of UV-B light exposure and 4 hours of moisture condensation to induce CC. The temperature was standardized at 37°C for all aging methods. CC was evaluated with ΔEab and ΔE00 formulas. Differences in individual Lab coordinates were also calculated. Data for the individual color parameters were submitted to one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons (α = 0.05). RESULTS: All in vitro aging methods tested induced CC, in the following order: WA: ΔEab = 0.83 (0.1); ΔE00 = 1.15 (0.1) < AAA: ΔEab = 5.64 (0.2); ΔE00 = 5.01 (0.1) < UVA: ΔEab = 6.74 (0.2); ΔE00 = 6.03 (0.4). No changes in L* or a* coordinates were ≥1; the methods with UV aging showed a yellowing effect due a large positive change in b*. CONCLUSIONS: All in vitro aging methods tested induced a CC, but to different extents. Changes in color followed similar trends, but with different absolute values when calculated with the CIELAB and the CIEDE2000 formulas. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Establishing the efficacy of different artificial aging methods and differences between color change using CIELAB and CIEDE2000 formulas are important to standardize color stability evaluations and facilitate the comparison of outcomes from different studies in the literature.

Evaluation of the Surface Roughness and Microleakage of Dental Composites Exposed to Different Beverages.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different solutions cola soft drink (CSD) and coffee on roughness and microleakage of composite resin restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty bovine incisors were prepared and restored using Filtek Z350 XT (3M/ESPE) nanoparticulate resin. The samples were divided into three groups (n = 20): A (control)-Immersion in artificial saliva (14 days); B: Immersion in coffee (14 days), for 15 minutes (3x/day) and C: Immersion in CSD for 14 days (3x/day). Then the samples were analyzed for microleakage (dye penetration) and surface roughness (atomic force microscope). The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to assess the surface roughness and microleakage. The Tukey's test was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Group A (roughness-GAR) presented significantly the lowest average surface roughness. Group C (microleakage-GCM) showed significantly the highest average microleakage. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that CSD and coffee change the surface roughness and increase the microleakage of restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Nowadays there is a high consumption of artificially sweetened soft drinks, sports drinks, high-energy beverages and coffee products by people that cause problems in composite resin restorations.

Influence of photoactivation method and mold for restoration on the Knoop hardness of resin composite restorations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the Knoop hardness in the top and bottom of composite photo activated by different methods when different mold materials were used. Z250 (3M ESPE) and XL2500 halogen unit (3M ESPE) were used. For hardness test, conical restorations were made in extracted bovine incisors (tooth mold) and also metal mold (approximately 2 mm top diameter × 1.5 mm bottom diameter × 2 mm in height). Different photoactivation methods were tested: high-intensity continuous (HIC), low-intensity continuous (LIC), soft-start, or pulse-delay (PD), with constant radiant exposure. Knoop readings were performed on top and bottom restoration surfaces. Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p = 0.05). On the top, regardless of the mold used, no significant difference in the Knoop hardness (Knoop hardness number, in kilograms-force per square millimeter) was observed between the photoactivation methods. On the bottom surface, the photoactivation method HIC shows higher means of hardness than LIC when tooth and metal were used. Significant differences of hardness on the top and in the bottom were detected between tooth and metal. The photoactivation method LIC and the material mold can interfere in the hardness values of composite restorations.

Effects of silane application on luting fiber posts using self-adhesive resin cement.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of different glass-fiber post surface treatments on the bond strength to root dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty bovine incisors were used in this study. After removing the crowns, the teeth were endodontically treated. The roots were randomly divided into five groups according to post surface treatment. The groups were as follows: CO (Control) - no treatment; G1 - RelyX Ceramic Primer (silane) only; G2 - silane and Solobond M; G3 - silane and Scotchbond Adhesive; G4 - silane and Excite. For post cementation, RelyX Unicem was used according to the manufacturer's recommendation and the roots were stored in a light-proof container with 100% relative humidity for 24 h. The specimens were transversally sectioned. Subsequently, the cervical, middle, and apical regions of the root were positioned in a push-out device and tested at 0.5 mm/min using a universal testing machine (Instron). The data were statistically analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test. The fractured specimens were then observed under a stereoscopic loupe at 60X magnification. RESULTS: No significant difference in bond strength was found among the groups that received a silane or silane plus an adhesive system (p > 0.05). However, the CO (no silane) showed the lowest bond strength. Regarding G1, G2, G3, and G4, the cervical region of the root canal attained better bond strengths than did the middle or apical regions. The most frequent failure mode occurred at the cement/dentin interface. CONCLUSION: Silane application may be necessary to improve the adhesion of fiber posts luted with the self-adhesive resin cement evaluated here. The application of an adhesive layer between the fiber post and resin cement did not have any influence on the bond strength when the silane coupling was previously used.

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.