Thermal effect of light irradiation time on the setting time of mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium-enriched mixture cements.

This study aimed to assess the thermal effect of different light irradiation times on the setting time of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cements. This in vitro experimental study evaluated 40 hydraulic cement specimens, including 20 MTA and 20 CEM specimens, according to the manufacturers'instructions. For each cement, the specimens were divided into 3 test groups light cured with a halogen light-curing unit (n = 5 per group) and 1 control group (n = 5) that was not exposed to irradiation. The specimens in the MTA test groups were light cured for 20, 40, or 60 seconds, and the specimens in the CEM test groups were light cured for 60, 90, or 120 seconds. All test and control groups had 60 seconds of rest time. Setting of the cements was assessed at different timepoints using a Gillmore needle weighing 113.4 g with a 12.2-mm diameter according to ASTM C266-03 standards. The data were analyzed with the Fisher exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test (α = 0.05). The setting of MTA specimens after different curing times was significantly different (P < 0.05). The setting time of MTA control specimens was significantly longer than that of test specimens (P = 0.008). The setting of CEM specimens after different curing times was not significantly different (P > 0.05). However, the setting time for CEM control specimens was significantly longer than that for test specimens (P = 0.008). Light curing with a halogen light-curing unit can significantly decrease the setting time for MTA and CEM cements.

Characterization of the transmission behavior of dental filling materials and cements for the diode lasers' and the Nd:YAG laser's wavelengths.

OBJECTIVES: Diode lasers and the Nd:YAG laser are used in periodontal therapy and soft tissue surgery. Dental filling materials or cements might be inadvertently damaged. The underlying mechanism of the damage is based on the dental material's specific transmission and thus absorption behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four material representatives for composites, glass ionomer cements and other material classes (e.g., compomer) were processed to 100 µm and 200 µm planar specimens and spectroscopically measured for their collimated transmission in the photo spectrometer Varian Cary 5000. The (1) mean intensity of transmitted light was determined for the laser wavelengths of interest (810 nm, 940 nm, 980 nm, 1,064 nm) and used to calculate the (2) absorption lengths. RESULTS: The (1) mean intensity of transmitted light ranged between 9.51 % (Panavia F 2.0 for 810 nm) and 96.79% (Artegral Cem for 1,064 nm) for the composite specimens (100 µm) and was-with few exceptions-near zero for the representatives of glass ionomer cement and the other material classes. The (2) absorption lengths were between 0.06 mm (Panavia F 2.0 for all wavelengths of interest) and 1.33 mm (Coltène Duo Cement Plus for 1,064 nm) for the composites and below or equal 0.15 mm (PermaCem for 1,064 nm) for the few representatives of glass ionomer cements and the other material classes with mean intensities of transmitted light, which were not near zero and thus permitted to calculate absorption lengths. CONCLUSIONS: The transmission behavior varied between the different material classes and even within, albeit less pronounced. Composites generally showed the highest intensities of transmitted light and are thus least susceptible to surface damage by laser light (810 nm, 940 nm, 980 nm, 1,064 nm). The results can be used to improve and develop laser applications involving purposeful interactions between laser light and dental materials. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Longevity of bond strength of resin cements to root dentine after radiation therapy.

AIM: To evaluate the bond strength and adhesive interface between several resin cements and root dentine immediately and 6 months after radiotherapy. METHODOLOGY: Sixty maxillary canines were selected and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 30): one group was not irradiated and the other one was subjected to a cumulative radiation dose of 60 Gy. The teeth were sectioned to obtain roots 16 mm long and the canals were prepared with the Reciproc system (R50) and filled using a lateral condensation technique with an epoxy resin sealer. Each group was divided into three subgroups (n = 10) according to the resin cement used for fibreglass fibre post cementation: RelyX-U200, Panavia-F2.0 and RelyX ARC. The posts were cemented in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Three 1-mm-thick dentine slices were then obtained from each root third. The first two slices in the crown-apex direction of each third were selected for the push-out test. The failure mode after debonding was determined with a stereo microscope. The third slice from each root third was selected for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses to examine the resin cement-dentine interface with 100, 1000, 2000 and 4000× magnification. Bond strength data were analysed by anova and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Significantly lower bond strength (P < 0.0001) was obtained after irradiation compared to nonirradiated teeth. RelyX-U200 cemented fibre posts had the higher bond strength (15.17 ± 5.89) compared with RelyX ARC (P < 0.001) and Panavia-F2.0 (P < 0.001). The evaluation after 6 months revealed lower bond strength values compared to the immediate values (P < 0.001) for irradiated and nonirradiated teeth. Cohesive failures occurred in the irradiated dentine. SEM revealed fractures, microfractures and fewer collagen fibres in irradiated root dentine. RelyX-U200 and Panavia-F2.0 were associated with a juxtaposed interface of the cement with the radicular dentine in irradiated and nonirradiated teeth, and for RelyX ARC, hybrid layer formation and tags were observed in both irradiated and nonirradiated teeth. CONCLUSION: Radiation was associated with a decrease in the push-out bond strength and with lower resin cement/root dentine interface adaptation. Self-adhesive resin cement was a better alternative for fibre post cementation in teeth subjected to radiation therapy. The bond strength decreased after 6 months.

Effect of Polymerization Accelerator on Bond Strength to Eugenol-Contaminated Dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a polymerization accelerator on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives to eugenol-contaminated dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty flat dentin surfaces were prepared from human molars. Half of the specimens were restored with zinc oxide eugenol temporary cement (IRM) (eugenol-contaminated group) and the other half remained without restoration (control group). After 24-h storage, the cement was mechanically removed. Then the specimens in each group were further divided into three subgroups based on the application procedure of a polymerization accelerator (p-toluenesulfinic acid sodium salt; Accel): no application, 10-s application, or 30-s application. After air drying, the dentin surfaces were bonded with either a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive (OptiBond FL) or a two-step self-etch adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond) and restored with composite. After 24-h water storage, the bonded specimens were subjected to the µTBS test. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Dunnett's T3 test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The eugenol-contaminated groups had significantly lower µTBS than the control groups with both types of adhesives (p < 0.05), and the application of Accel significantly increased the compromised µTBS to eugenol-contaminated dentin. Optibond FL presented significantly higher µTBS to eugenol-contaminated dentin than did Clearfil SE Bond (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The application of a polymerization accelerator on eugenol-contaminated dentin prior to adhesive resin application increased the µTBS of both the three-step etch-and-rinse and two-step self-etch adhesive.

Effects of Different Radiation Doses on the Bond Strengths of Two Different Adhesive Systems to Enamel and Dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of three different radiation doses on the bond strengths of two different adhesive systems to enamel and dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty human third molars were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20) according to the radiation dose (control/no radiation, 20 Gy, 40 Gy, and 70 Gy). The teeth were sagittally sectioned into three slices: one mesial and one distal section containing enamel and one middle section containing dentin. The sections were then placed in the enamel and dentin groups, which were further divided into two subgroups (n = 10) according to the adhesive used. Three restorations were performed in each tooth (one per section) using Adper Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE) or Universal Single Bond (3M ESPE) adhesive system and Filtek Z350 XT (3M ESPE) resin composite and subjected to the microshear bond test. Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. Failure modes were examined under a stereoscopic loupe. RESULTS: Radiotherapy did not affect the bond strengths of the adhesives to either enamel or dentin. In dentin, the Universal Single Bond adhesive system showed higher bond strength values when compared with the Adper Single Bond adhesive system. More adhesive failures were observed in the enamel for all radiation doses and adhesives. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy did not influence the bond strength to enamel or dentin, irrespective of the adhesive or radiation dose used.

Effect of femtosecond laser beam angle on bond strength of zirconia-resin cement.

Yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) ceramic is widely used as an all-ceramic core material because of its enhanced mechanical and aesthetic properties. The bond strength of Y-TZP restorations affects long-term success; hence, surface treatment is required on ceramic boundaries. This study evaluated the effect of different laser beam angles on Y-TZP-resin cement shear bond strength (SBS). Forty plates of Y-TZP ceramics were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10). A femtosecond amplifier laser pulse was applied on Y-TZP surface with different incidence angles (90°, 75°, 60°, 45°). The resin cement was adhered onto the zirconia surfaces. The SBS of each sample was measured using universal testing machine at crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The SBS was analyzed through one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)/Tukey tests. The results showed that the degree of laser beam angle affects the SBS of resin cement to Y-TZP. The laser beam was applied to a surface with a 45° angle which resulted in significantly higher SBS (18.2 ± 1.43 MPa) than other groups (at 90° angulation (10.79 ± 1.8 MPa), at 75° (13.48 ± 1.2 MPa) and at 60° (15.85 ± 0.81 MPa); p < 0.001). This study shows that decreasing of the angle between the ceramic surface and the laser beam increased the SBS between the resin cement and the ceramic material, as well as the orifice.

CO2 laser as auxiliary in the debonding of ceramic brackets.

This study evaluated the temperature in the bonding composite and in the pulp chamber, the shear bond strength after the irradiation of CO2 lasers, and the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) after debonding of ceramic bracket. A hundred and five premolars were used: 30 to evaluate the temperature and 75 to test the resistance to shear and the ARI. To assess the temperature, different irradiation times (3 and 5 s), pulse duration (0.001 and 0.003 s), and output power (5, 8, and 10 W) were tested (total of 12 groups). During all the irradiation, specimens were immersed in thermal bath water at 37 °C. In the test and ARI evaluation, premolars were divided into five groups (n = 15) and were submitted to the following regimens of CO2 laser irradiation: I (5 W, pulse duration = 0.01 s, application time = 3 s), II (5 W, 0.03 s, 3 s), III (8 W, 0.01 s, 3 s), and IV (1 0 W, 0.01 s, 3 s). Group C (control) was not subjected to irradiation. ARI was measured after debonding of the bracket. Following irradiation of the lasers, the pulpal temperature was not higher than 5.5 °C in four of the study groups. Results were submitted to the ANOVA and Duncan's test. CO2 laser irradiation regimen IV was one in which the strength of debonding is 7.33 MPa. Therefore, CO2 laser may aid removal of ceramic brackets; it decreased the bond strength without increasing the excessive temperature excessively.

Gingival tissue healing following Er:YAG laser ablation compared to electrosurgery in rats.

The erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser is currently used for periodontal soft tissue management with favorable outcomes. However, the process of wound healing after Er:YAG laser (ErL) treatment has not been fully elucidated yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the gingival tissue healing after ErL ablation in comparison with that after electrosurgery (ElS). Gingival defects were created in 28 rats by ablation with ErL irradiation or ElS. The chronological changes in wound healing were evaluated using histological, histometrical, and immunohistochemical analyses. The ErL-ablated gingival tissue revealed much less thermal damage, compared to the ElS. In the ElS sites, the postoperative tissue destruction continued due to thermal damage, while in the ErL sites, tissue degradation was limited and the defects were re-epithelialized early. Heat shock protein (Hsp) 72/73 expression was detected abundantly remote from the wound in the ElS, whereas it was slightly observed in close proximity to the wound in the ErL sites. Hsp47 expression was observed in the entire connective tissue early in the wound healing and was found limited in the wound area later. This phenomenon proceeded faster in the ErL sites than in the ElS sites. Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) persisted in the epithelial tissue for a longer period in the ElS than that in the ErL. The ErL results in faster and more favorable gingival wound healing compared to the ElS, suggesting that the ErL is a safe and suitable tool for periodontal soft tissue management.

Bisphenol A release from orthodontic adhesives and its correlation with the degree of conversion.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to quantitatively assess and compare the bisphenol A (BPA) released from an orthodontic adhesive using a light-emitting diode device (LED) or a halogen light-curing unit (HLC) at 3 tip-to-bracket distances (0, 5, and 10 mm) and varying curing times using high-performance liquid chromatography. BPA release with self-etching and moisture-insensitive primers with light-cured and chemically cured composites was also evaluated. BPA release was correlated to the corresponding degree of conversion. METHODS: Our sample consisted of 598 stainless steel first premolar brackets. Of these, 520 were used for assessing BPA release and divided into 13 groups of 40 each. In groups I, II, and III, the composite was cured with the LED for 20 seconds at distances of 0, 5, and 10 mm, respectively. Groups IV, V, and VI were cured with the HLC for 40 seconds at the same 3 distances. Groups VII and VIII were cured for 5 and 10 seconds with the LED, and groups IX and X were cured for 10 and 20 seconds with the HLC at 0-mm distance. Groups XI, XII, and XIII consisted of brackets bonded with a self-etching primer and Transbond (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif), with a moisture-insensitive primer and Transbond, and with a chemically cured composite. The remaining 78 brackets were also divided into 13 groups and used for assessing the degree of conversion. RESULTS: The LED devices demonstrated significantly less BPA release and greater degrees of conversion (P <0.05). For both units, BPA release increased and the degree of conversion decreased as the tip distance increased and curing time decreased. The chemically cured group showed significantly less BPA release (P <0.05). Among the light-cured composites, those cured according to the manufacturers' recommendations (40 seconds and 0-mm distance for the HLC unit) released less BPA than did the self-etching primer and the moisture-insensitive primer. The degree of conversion was greatest for the chemically cured composite, whereas it was similar for the conventional, self-etching primer, and moisture-insensitive primer groups. However, correlations ranged from strongly negative to weakly positive between BPA release and degree of conversion. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider using LEDs in clinical practice and should keep the light-cure tip as close to the bracket as clinically possible. Curing time should be according to the manufacturer's recommendations. These steps will ensure less BPA release and a greater degree of conversion. Since chemically cured composites had less BPA release and a greater degree of conversion, they can be considered superior to light-cured composites in this aspect.

Microanalysis of thermal-induced changes at the resin-dentin interface.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of two dentin adhesive systems to induce remineralization in the bonded dentin interface after in vitro thermo-cycling. Dentin surfaces were treated with two different adhesive approaches: (1) 37% phosphoric acid (PA) plus an "etch-and-rinse" dentin adhesive (single bond, SB) (PA+SB) or (2) application of a "self-etch" dentin adhesive (Clearfil SE bond, SEB). Three groups were established: (i) 24 h or (ii) 3 m storage, and (iii) specimens submitted to thermal cycling (100,000 cy/5 and 55ºC). Atomic force microscopy imaging/nanoindentation, Raman spectroscopy/cluster analysis with dye-assisted confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) evaluation and Masson's trichrome staining assessments were implemented for characterization. Thermo-cycling increased nanohardness in PA+SB at the hybrid layer (HL) and in SEB at the bottom of the HL (BHL). Young's modulus increased at both the HL and BHL in SEB and at the HL in PA+SB, after thermal stress. Cluster analysis demonstrated an augmentation of the mineral-matrix ratio in thermo-cycled specimens. CLSM showed a decrease of both micropermeability and nanoleakage after thermo-cycling in PA+SB, and were completely absent in SEB. Trichrome staining reflected a scarce demineralized front in PA+SB after thermo-cycling and total remineralization in SEB.

Effects of prolonged light exposure times on water sorption, solubility and cross-linking density of simplified etch-and-rinse adhesives.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of light exposure times on water sorption, solubility, and polymer cross-linking density of simplified etch-and-rinse adhesives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four commercial adhesives (XP Bond, Adper Single Bond 2, Tetric N-Bond, and Ambar) were selected, and resin disks 5 mm in diameter and 1.0 mm thick were prepared and light cured for 20, 40, or 80 s using an LED light-curing unit at 1200 mW/cm2. Water sorption and solubility were evaluated over a 28-day period. For polymer cross-linking density, additional specimens were prepared and their Knoop hardness measured before and after immersion in 100% ethanol. The data from each test were evaluated using a two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The XP Bond adhesive showed higher water sorption (similar to Adper Single Bond 2) and solubility (p < 0.05) than did the other materials. Prolonged exposure times did not reduce the water sorption but did reduce the solubility of all tested materials (p < 0.05). For Ambar, the increase in the exposure time resulted in a significantly lower percent reduction in hardness. CONCLUSION: Water sorption, solubility, and cross-linking density of the materials selected in this study seem to be mainly influenced by the adhesive composition. Prolonged light exposure times reduced the solubility of the materials.

Residual HEMA and TEGDMA release and cytotoxicity evaluation of resin-modified glass ionomer cement and compomers cured with different light sources.

The purpose of this study was first to evaluate the elution of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) monomers from resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and compomers cured with halogen and light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing units (LCUs). The effect of cured materials on the viability of L929 fibroblast cells was also evaluated. One RMGIC (Ketac N100) and two compomers (Dyract Extra and Twinkystar) were tested. Materials were prepared in teflon disks and light-cured with LED or halogen LCUs. The residual monomers of resin materials in solution were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography. The fibroblast cells' viability was analyzed using MTT assay. The type of LCU did not have a significant effect on the elution of HEMA and TEGDMA. A greater amount of HEMA than TEGMDA was eluted. The amount of TEGDMA eluted from Twinkystar was greater than Dyract Extra (P < 0.05) when cured with a halogen LCU. All material-LCU combinations decreased the fibroblast cells' viability more than the control group (P < 0.01), except for Dyract Extra cured with a halogen LCU (P > 0.05). Curing with the LED LCU decreased the cells' viability more than curing with the halogen LCU for compomers. For Ketac N100, the halogen LCU decreased the cells' viability more than the LED LCU.

The impact of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on the shear strength of the bond between dentin and ceramic is dependent on the adhesive material.

The bond joint between dentin and ceramic is a critical determinant in prosthodontic dentistry. The laser is an alternative to the diamond bur for preparing tooth cavities. However, the impact of lasers on the bond between the laser-irradiated dentin and the ceramic remains a matter of controversy. We determined the shear strength of bonds between ceramic blocks and human dentin discs prepared with either an Er,Cr:YSGG laser or a diamond bur. A total of 180 dentin discs were randomly assigned to four groups. Three groups of discs were prepared with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation (2 W, 30 Hz, 50% H(2)O, 70% air) and the fourth group was prepared with a diamond bur. In one of the laser groups the discs surfaces were also treated with phosphoric acid and in another with phosphoric acid and mechanical smoothing using a dental excavator. The ceramic blocks were bonded to the dentin discs with Syntac adhesive (together with Variolink II curing system), ExciTE adhesive (together with Variolink II curing system) or RelyX self-adhesive cement. The shear strength of the bond between ceramic and dentin was significantly higher following dentin surface treatment with the laser alone than following treatment with the diamond bur and Variolink II/Syntac (p = 0.021) but not significantly higher than following treatment with the diamond bur and Variolink II/ExciTE (p = 0.138) or RelyX (p = 0.150). A significant difference was not observed when the laser-treated dentin was conditioned with phosphoric acid and mechanical smoothing. These findings demonstrate that the bond between dentin and ceramic may be stronger after laser irradiation; however, the selection of the adhesive material is an additional factor that affects the bond strength.

Comparison of the effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser and different cavity disinfection agents on microleakage of current adhesives.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser and different cavity disinfection agents on microleakage of an etch-and-rinse and a self-etch adhesive. Class V preparations were completed on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 30 extracted noncarious human molars. The occlusal margin was placed on enamel and the gingival margin on dentin. Preparations were randomly divided into five experimental groups (n = 12); (1) 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), (2) propolis, (3) ozone, (4) Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and (5) control (no treatment). Each group was divided into two subgroups according to the adhesive system: etch-and-rinse (Adper Single Bond 2), and a self-etch adhesive (All-Bond SE). The preparations were bulk-filled with a resin composite (Arabesk). After storage in distilled water for 24 h the restored teeth were subjected to thermocycling (1,000 cycles; 5-55°C). All specimens were immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin solution for 24 h and sectioned longitudinally through the centre of the restorations and examined under a stereomicroscope at ×25 magnification. The data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests. No difference was observed between the groups either on enamel or dentin when the etch-and-rinse adhesive was used (p > 0.05). In the self-etch adhesive groups, a significant difference was found only between the laser group and the CHX group on enamel and between the propolis group and the control group on dentin (p < 0.05). Comparing the etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives within each group, no differences were found on dentin (p > 0.05). On enamel, a statistically significant difference was found only in the CHX group (p < 0.05). There were no differences in microleakage with the laser and the different cavity disinfectant applications when used with etch-and-rinse adhesive. In the self-etch group there were differences in microleakage depending on the disinfection agent used.

Effect of the erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser or diamond bur cavity preparation on the marginal microleakage of class V cavities restored with different adhesives and composite systems.

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the microleakage of Er:YAG laser and diamond bur on different bonding systems in class V restorations. Class V cavities were prepared with Er:YAG laser or diamond bur on 80 intact human molars. Teeth were randomly distributed into ten groups and cavities were restored with CeramX duo (DENTSPLY) or Filtek Silorane (3M/ESPE) using different bonding materials (One Coat 7.0 (Coltène), XP Bond (DENTSPLY), Clearfil Protect Bond (Kuraray), AdperSE (3M/ESPE), and Silorane System Adhesive (3M/ESPE). All specimens were subjected to thermocycling and load cycling. After being immersed in silver nitrate dye, the specimens were sectioned. Microleakage was evaluated by stereomicroscope and SEM. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests. Statistically differences were found between groups (p > 0.05) and cavities prepared with the Er:YAG laser showed higher microleakage than diamond bur. The microleakage of different bonding systems was influenced by the choice of diamond bur or Er:YAG laser for class V composite cavity preparation.

Influence of light dose on bond strength of orthodontic light-cured adhesives.

Although the polymerization reaction in light-cured orthodontic adhesive continues for some time after light irradiation, it is unclear whether insufficiently irradiated adhesive develops sufficient bond strength. This in vitro study examined the maturation of bond strength after exposure of a variety of light doses. Large metal brackets were bonded to the enamel of 288 bovine mandibular incisors by irradiation at two light intensities (200 and 400 mW/cm(2)) and for three exposure times (3, 5, and 10 seconds) using three orthodontic adhesives (TB, OP, and BOB). Shear bond strengths and adhesive remnant indices (ARIs) were determined immediately (T1) and 24 hours after bonding (T2; n = 8 in each group). Comparisons were made using the Kruskal-Wallis H-test, the Bonferroni-corrected Mann-Whitney U-test, and the Yates-corrected chi-square test. Bond strengths of the adhesives that showed maturation at low light intensity (200 mW/cm(2)) increased by 1.4- to 2.0-fold in 24 hours. An increase in exposure time increased bond strength more than did an increase in light intensity for most orthodontic adhesives. With an exposure time of 3 seconds at 200 mW/cm(2), the ARI scores of TB and OP differed significantly between T1 and T2. Thus, the most acceptable procedure when applying low-dose light intensity to a bracket before the placement of a wire is to increase the exposure time and/or wait for sufficient maturation of bond strength.

Effect of curing unit and adhesive system on marginal adaptation of composite restorations.

This study sought to evaluate how a curing unit and adhesive system affected the marginal adaptation of resin composite restorations. Class V cavities were prepared in bovine teeth with a gingival margin in dentin and an incisal margin in enamel. The cavities were restored with a micro-hybrid resin composite using one of four adhesives: Single Bond 2, Prime & Bond NT, Clearfil SE Bond, Xeno IV. The light-activations were performed using a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) lamp or a second-generation light-emitting diode (LED). Restorations were finished and polished and epoxy replicas were prepared. Marginal adaptation was analyzed by using scanning electronic microscopy (magnification 500X). The widest gaps in each margin were recorded, and data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests (α = 0.05). Differences between the adhesives were observed only when the dentin margins were evaluated: Clearfil SE Bond demonstrated better marginal adaptation than Prime & Bond NT or Single Bond 2 (which demonstrated the widest gaps in the dentin margin). The type of curing unit only affected the results for Xeno IV when the enamel margin was analyzed; the LED lamp promoted smaller gaps than the QTH lamp.

In vitro evaluation of microleakage under ceramic and metal brackets bonded with LED and plasma arc curing.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate these two high intensity light curing units regarding microleakage beneath metal and ceramic brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 freshly extracted human premolar teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 15 samples; group I: Metal bracket + LED cured, group II: Ceramic bracket + LED cured, group III: Metal bracket + plasma arc cured, group IV: Ceramic bracket + plasma arc cured. After photopolymerization, the teeth were immersed in water and thermocycled (500 cycles between 5 and 55). Specimens were further sealed with nail varnish and stained with 5% basic fuchsin for 24 hours. All of the teeth were sectioned with two parallel longitudinal occlusogingival cuts and examined under a stereomicroscope. The microleakage was measured with a digital caliper and scored from 0 to 3 for marginal microleakage at the bracket-adhesive and adhesive-enamel interfaces from both the occlusal and gingival margins. RESULTS: Microleakage was detected in all groups. The plasma arc cured group showed less microleakage than light emitting diode (LED) cured in all samples at the enamel-adhesive interface at the gingival margin (ceramic brackets, p = 0.009 and metal brackets, p = 0.005). The plasma arc cured samples showed less microleakage than LED cured in metal brackets at the adhesive-brackets interface at the occlusal margin (p = 0.033). While curing with an LED unit, ceramic brackets displayed significantly less microleakage than metal ones at the gingival margin of adhesive-enamel interface (p = 0.013). The gingival margin in all groups exhibited higher microleakage compared with those observed in occlusal sides in all sample groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: 1. LED units cause more microleakage than plasma arc units. 2. In all groups the microleakage at the gingival margin is greater than the occlusal margin. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The microleakage formation permits the passage of bacteria and oral fluids initiating white spot lesions beneath the bracket base.

Temperature changes caused by light curing units on dentine of primary teeth.

AIM: This was to determine the temperature changes produced in dentine discs of primary teeth placed below a glass ionomer, microhybrid flow resin or microhybrid resin during the photocuring process with conventional halogen lamps and LEDs at different distances. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro study was carried out in the research laboratory of the Universitat International de Catalunya. We cut 1 mm thick dentine discs with the IsoMet 1000 cutting machine. Thereafter, we cut stainless steel rings of different heights. Subsequently, to facilitate the temperature measurement, we prepared silicone moulds, in which the dentine disc, stainless steel ring and the digital thermometer/ thermocouple were positioned. Once the silicone mould was finished, a 2 mm thick layer of the restorative material was placed on the dentine disc. Finally, the polymerisation process was conducted according to the times recommended by the manufacturers, and the temperature produced was recorded at the end of the procedure. STATISTICAL EVALUATION: Replies were analyzed using the STATGRAPHICS® Plus Version 5.0 statistics software system, in order to obtain comparative diagrams and graphs using the ANOVA multifactorial system. RESULTS: The photocuring lamps used on the restorative materials produced statistically significant differences in temperature, with p = 0.00001. CONCLUSION: Halogen lamps cause a greater temperature rise in materials than LEDs lamps, and the greatest rise is produced when microhybrid flow resin is photocured with the Optilux 501 halogen lamp.

In-vitro orthodontic bond strength testing: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to systematically review the available literature regarding in-vitro orthodontic shear bond strength testing and to analyze the influence of test conditions on bond strength. METHODS: Our data sources were Embase and Medline. Relevant studies were selected based on predefined criteria. Study test conditions that might influence in-vitro bond strength were independently assessed by 2 observers. Studies reporting a minimum number of test conditions were included for meta-analysis by using a multilevel model with 3 levels, with author as the highest level, study as the second level, and specimens in the study as the lowest level. The primary outcome measure was bond strength. RESULTS: We identified 121 relevant studies, of which 24 were included in the meta-analysis. Methodologic drawbacks of the excluded studies were generally related to inadequate reporting of test conditions and specimen storage. The meta-analysis demonstrated that 3 experimental conditions significantly affect in-vitro bond strength testing. Although water storage decreased bond strength on average by 10.7 MPa, each second of photopolymerization time and each millimeter per minute of greater crosshead speed increased bond strength by 0.077 and 1.3 MPa, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Many studies on in-vitro orthodontic bond strength fail to report test conditions that could significantly affect their outcomes.