Influence of resin cement and thermocycling on milled lithium disilicate ceramic microshear bond strength.

The aim of this study was to compare the microshear bond strength of different resin cements to CAD/CAM-created lithium disilicate ceramics after 24 hours and after 1 year (10,000 thermocycles). Forty (40) ceramic bars were subjected to pretreatment comprising airborne abrasion with aluminum oxide particles, etching with 10% hydrofluoric acid and Monobond N application. Bars were divided into 4 groups (n = 10), based on cement type: light-cured Variolink Esthetic LC (VLC) and dual-cured Variolink N (VN) at two different times: after 24 hours and after 1 year. Silicone molds were used to prepare cement cylinders on a ceramic surface. The set was stored in distilled water at 37ºC, for 24 hours or subjected to 10,000 thermocycles. The molds were removed and microshear bond strength was tested. Data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Based on the comparison between cement values at different aging times (p = 0.035), VN after 24 hours (27.10 ± 0.92) and after 1 year (20.62 ± 1.25) presented significantly higher values than VLC after 24 hours (14.79 ± 0.76) and after 1 year (6.61 ± 0.81). Bond strength recorded for both cements after 24 hours (VN: 27.10 ± 0.92 and VLC: 14.79 ± 0.76) was significantly higher than the one recorded after 1 year (VN: 20.62 ± 1.25 and VLC: 6.61 ± 0.81). The thermocycling reduced the values observed for both investigated cements; bond strength was greater for dual-cure resin cement than for light-cured resin cement.

O objetivo nesse estudo foi comparar a resistência de união de diferentes cimentos resinosos à cerâmica de dissilicato de lítio processada por CAD/CAM após 24 horas e após 1 ano (10.000 termociclos). Foram utilizadas 40 barras cerâmicas com tratamento prévio por jateamento com óxido de alumínio, condicionamento com ácido fluorídrico 10% e aplicação do Monobond N. As barras foram divididas em 4 grupos (n=10) de acordo com o tipo de cimento: fotopolimerizável Variolink Esthetic LC (VLC) e dual Variolink N (VN) em diferentes tempos: após 24 horas e 1 ano. Matrizes de silicone foram usadas para preparar cilindros de cimento na superfície cerâmica. O conjunto foi armazenado em água destilada a 37ºC por 24 horas ou submetidos protocolo de termociclagem com 10.000 ciclos. As matrizes foram removidas e o teste de microcisalhamento realizado. Os dados foram avaliados por análise de variância a dois fatores e teste de Tukey (α=0,05). Ao comparar os valores dos cimentos em diferentes tempos de envelhecimento (p=0,035), observou-se que VN, após 24 horas (27,10 ± 0,92) e 1 ano (20,62 ± 1,25) apresentou valores significativamente superior a VLC após 24 horas (14,79 ± 0,76) e 1 ano (6,61 ± 0,81). A resistência para ambos os cimentos após 24 horas (VN: 27,10 ± 0,92 e VLC: 14,79 ± 0,76) foi significativamente superior que 1 ano (VN: 20,62 ± 1,25 e VLC: 6,61 ± 0,81). A termociclagem promoveu diminuição nos valores de ambos os cimentos estudados e o cimento resinoso dual mostrou maior resistência de união que o cimento resinoso fotopolimerizável.

Influence of resin cement and thermocycling on milled lithium disilicate ceramic microshear bond strength / Influência do cimento resinoso e da termociclagem na resistência de união à cerâmica de dissilicato de lítio fresada

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the microshear bond strength of different resin cements to CAD/CAM-created lithium disilicate ceramics after 24 hours and after 1 year (10,000 thermocycles). Forty (40) ceramic bars were subjected to pretreatment comprising airborne abrasion with aluminum oxide particles, etching with 10% hydrofluoric acid and Monobond N application. Bars were divided into 4 groups (n = 10), based on cement type: light-cured Variolink Esthetic LC (VLC) and dual-cured Variolink N (VN) at two different times: after 24 hours and after 1 year. Silicone molds were used to prepare cement cylinders on a ceramic surface. The set was stored in distilled water at 37ºC, for 24 hours or subjected to 10,000 thermocycles. The molds were removed and microshear bond strength was tested. Data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Based on the comparison between cement values at different aging times (p = 0.035), VN after 24 hours (27.10 ± 0.92) and after 1 year (20.62 ± 1.25) presented significantly higher values than VLC after 24 hours (14.79 ± 0.76) and after 1 year (6.61 ± 0.81). Bond strength recorded for both cements after 24 hours (VN: 27.10 ± 0.92 and VLC: 14.79 ± 0.76) was significantly higher than the one recorded after 1 year (VN: 20.62 ± 1.25 and VLC: 6.61 ± 0.81). The thermocycling reduced the values observed for both investigated cements; bond strength was greater for dual-cure resin cement than for light-cured resin cement.

RESUMO O objetivo nesse estudo foi comparar a resistência de união de diferentes cimentos resinosos à cerâmica de dissilicato de lítio processada por CAD/CAM após 24 horas e após 1 ano (10.000 termociclos). Foram utilizadas 40 barras cerâmicas com tratamento prévio por jateamento com óxido de alumínio, condicionamento com ácido fluorídrico 10% e aplicação do Monobond N. As barras foram divididas em 4 grupos (n=10) de acordo com o tipo de cimento: fotopolimerizável Variolink Esthetic LC (VLC) e dual Variolink N (VN) em diferentes tempos: após 24 horas e 1 ano. Matrizes de silicone foram usadas para preparar cilindros de cimento na superfície cerâmica. O conjunto foi armazenado em água destilada a 37ºC por 24 horas ou submetidos protocolo de termociclagem com 10.000 ciclos. As matrizes foram removidas e o teste de microcisalhamento realizado. Os dados foram avaliados por análise de variância a dois fatores e teste de Tukey (α=0,05). Ao comparar os valores dos cimentos em diferentes tempos de envelhecimento (p=0,035), observou-se que VN, após 24 horas (27,10 ± 0,92) e 1 ano (20,62 ± 1,25) apresentou valores significativamente superior a VLC após 24 horas (14,79 ± 0,76) e 1 ano (6,61 ± 0,81). A resistência para ambos os cimentos após 24 horas (VN: 27,10 ± 0,92 e VLC: 14,79 ± 0,76) foi significativamente superior que 1 ano (VN: 20,62 ± 1,25 e VLC: 6,61 ± 0,81). A termociclagem promoveu diminuição nos valores de ambos os cimentos estudados e o cimento resinoso dual mostrou maior resistência de união que o cimento resinoso fotopolimerizável.

Effect of mouth rinses on tooth enamel surface.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of mouth rinses on the color, microhardness, and surface roughness of tooth enamel. Sixty dental blocks were collected from human third molars and divided in five groups (n = 12): the control group (CG) without immersion in mouth rinse, Listerine Zero, Colgate Plax Fresh Mint, Listerine Whitening, and Colgate Luminous White. The groups were subjected to initial color analysis; the microhardness and roughness of the enamel surfaces were evaluated. Next, the samples were subjected to immersion in mouth rinses or brushing with conventional fluoride toothpaste (CG) according to the manufacturer's instructions; after a 12-week treatment, the color, microhardness, and roughness were once again assessed and compared with the initial analysis. Data were tabulated and analyzed through a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (color and roughness) followed by Tukey's test. Microhardness was analyzed through the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's test; the level of significance was 5%. All groups immersed in mouth rinses had a higher level of microhardness loss than CG; additionally, all groups showed changes in the enamel surface. Enamel surface loss was observed using a roughness test, and the mouth rinses promoted a higher level of color changes than CG. Given the results, it can be concluded that the mouth rinses led to significant changes in tooth enamel.

Evaluation of bond strength of dual resin cements to CAD/CAM-created lithium disilicate ceramic.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to examine the microshear bond strength values of different dual resin cements to computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)-created ceramics containing lithium disilicate, which underwent different surface treatments. METHODS: Two dual resin cements (RelyX ARC and RelyX Ultimate) and three surface treatments of lithium disilicate ceramic blocks (Ceramic Primer (CP; containing silane) plus Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose (ASM) adhesive; CP plus Single Bond Universal (SBU) adhesive; and SBU adhesive alone) were tested. The SBU adhesive includes silane in its formulation. Each sample underwent a microshear test and bond strength values were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's test (α=0.05). Fracture patterns were also observed with light microscopy. RESULTS: RelyX ARC treated with CP+ASM or CP+SBU presented resistance values that were significantly higher than the same treatments for RelyX Ultimate. Conversely, for the blocks treated with SBU alone, the mean resistance value for RelyX Ultimate was higher than that of RelyX ARC. Regarding the different types of treatment for each resin, the mean resistance value of RelyX ARC treated with CP+ASM was significantly highest, followed by treatment with CP+SBU and SBU treatment alone. Meanwhile, RelyX Ultimate treated with CP+ASM or CP+SBU presented resistance values that were significantly higher than SBU treatment alone. In all of the groups, an adhesive fracture pattern was predominantly observed. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicate that silanization is important for ASM and SBU adhesives to be effective.

Effect of metal primers on the bond strength of resin cement to Co-Cr alloy.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects of adhesive systems and primer systems on microshear bond strength of chemically activated resin cemented to Co-Cr cast dental alloy. METHODS: Seventy-two rectangular blocks of Co-Cr metal alloy were manufactured and air-abraded with 50-µm Al2O3 particles. Metal primers (alloy primer [AP] or Clearfil ceramic primer [CP]) and adhesives (Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Adhesive activated by Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Adhesive Catalyst [SASC], or Primer & Bond 2.1 activated by Self Cure Activator [PBCA]) were applied and subsequently divided into six groups (SASC; AP+SASC; CP+SASC; PBCA; AP+PBCA; CP+PBCA; N.=12). Then, resin cement (Enforce) was applied. Data about microshear bond strength values were statistically evaluated by analysis of variance and Tukey's test. RESULTS: The bond strength was lower (P<0.001) in groups with adhesive system alone (SASC and PBCA) compared with groups with addition of primers alloy primer (AP+SASC and AP+PBCA) and ceramic primer (CP+SASC and CP+PBCA). CONCLUSIONS: The application of primers improves the bond strength of the cement resin to the Co-Cr metal alloy.

Photoelastic analysis of tension distribution in different orthodontic approaches for closing anterior open bites.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate tension distribution in the anterior region of the mandible during two orthodontic mechanical approaches to treat anterior open bite. METHODS: It was an in-vitro experimental study, that analyzed 5 models of photoelastic resin, simulating a lower dental arch. The anterior teeth underwent orthodontic forces of the Blue Elgiloy® 0.016" x 0.022" (MEAW technique) and Gummetal® 0.018"x 0.022" (GEAW technique) archwires. Tension distribution was assessed on three different points in the lower dental midline and was measured using a reflection polariscope. The archwires were evaluated with and without anterior elastic bands (6 oz, 170 g) installed between lateral incisors and lower canines, as recommended for anterior open bite. RESULTS: The highest magnitudes of tension generated by the archwires were observed in the cervical regions of the teeth (on average 50% higher than those at the most apical point) regardless of the technique used. Comparatively, the GEAW technique showed significantly (P<0.05) lower tension values (16 MPa) than the MEAW technique using Blue Elgiloy (24 MPa). CONCLUSIONS: The GEAW technique showed a more favorable tension distribution pattern than the MEAW approach. The use of elastic bands improved tension distribution, regardless of the technique. The results also suggest that the use of anterior elastic bands in both techniques reduced the tensions released by the intrusive forces generated by the archwires.

Effect of whitening mouthrinses on bulk-fill composites.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of whitening mouthrinses on sorption (SP) and solubility (SL), percentage of microhardness change (%M), loss of surface (LS), and color change (ΔE) in bulk-fill composites when compared with conventional composites. METHODS: Three bulk-fill composites, Surefil SDR (SF), Filtek Bulk-Fill (BF), and Filtek Bulk-Fill Flow (BFF), and one conventional resin, Filtek Z350 (FZ), were selected. Eighteen samples of each composite were subdivided into three groups based on the type of treatment: Listerine Whitening mouthrinse (LW), Colgate Plax Whitening mouthrinse (CP), and distilled water (DW; control). The samples were prepared according to ISO 4049:2009. Color, roughness, and microhardness were evaluated before and after treatment, while SP and SL values were measured after treatment. The surface morphology of the specimen was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. RESULTS: FZ presented significantly lower ΔE when immersed in DW. Additionally, LS was lowest in FZ when compared with the other resins. SF and BFF demonstrated high %M. SL was significantly higher in SF, whereas SP was lowest in BFF after CP treatment. No significant alterations in surface morphology were noted in the BF composites. The BF composites showed a decrease in their properties after immersion in the two types of mouthrinses or in DW, without alterations in the surface morphology. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Flowable bulk-fill composites showed the greatest changes in their properties when exposed to different mouthrinses or water. Thus, they should be used with caution in areas that will stay exposed to the oral cavity.

Analysis of Molecular Changes Induced By Mineral Trioxide Aggregate On sPLA2.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of MTA on the structure and enzymatic activity of sPLA2 in order to provide subsidies for improvement in the formulation of the product. MTA powder was incubated for 60 min in the presence of sPLA2 and was analyzed by chromatography, electrospray mass (ESI-MS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). It was find that the elution profile, retention time, and fragmentation of sPLA2 were altered after treatment with MTA. Calcium was the MTA component that most amplified the inflammatory signal. Significant interactions were found between MTA and sPLA2, which could aid in our understanding of the mechanisms of action of MTA during the inflammatory process and it may facilitate the structural modification of MTA, thereby improving its biological safety and consequently the rate of the treatment success.

Analysis of molecular changes induced by mineral trioxide aggregate on spla2

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of MTA on the structure and enzymatic activity of sPLA2 in order to provide subsidies for improvement in the formulation of the product. MTA powder was incubated for 60 min in the presence of sPLA2 and was analyzed by chromatography, electrospray mass (ESI-MS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). It was find that the elution profile, retention time, and fragmentation of sPLA2 were altered after treatment with MTA. Calcium was the MTA component that most amplified the inflammatory signal. Significant interactions were found between MTA and sPLA2, which could aid in our understanding of the mechanisms of action of MTA during the inflammatory process and it may facilitate the structural modification of MTA, thereby improving its biological safety and consequently the rate of the treatment success.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos do MTA na estrutura e atividade enzimática da sPLA2 a fim de fornecer subsídios para melhoria na formulação do produto. O MTA em pó foi incubado por 60 min na presença de sPLA2 e analisado por cromatografia, espectroscopia de massa por eletropulverização (ESI-MS) e espalhamento de raios-X de baixo ângulo (SAXS). Encontrou-se que o perfil de eluição, o tempo de retenção e a fragmentação da sPLA2 foram alterados após o tratamento com MTA. O cálcio foi o componente do MTA que mais ampliou o sinal inflamatório. Encontraram-se interações significativas entre o MTA e o sPLA2, o que poderia auxiliar na compreensão dos mecanismos de ação do MTA durante o processo inflamatório e facilitar a modificação estrutural do MTA, melhorando sua segurança biológica e consequentemente a taxa de sucesso do tratamento.

Surface detail reproduction and dimensional accuracy of molds: influence of disinfectant solutions and elastomeric impression materials.

This study compared the surface detail reproduction and dimensional accuracy of molds after disinfection using 2% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate or 0.2% peracetic acid to those of molds that were not disinfected, for four elastomeric impression materials: polysulfide (Light Bodied Permlastic), polyether (Impregum Soft), polydimethylsiloxane (Oranwash L) andpolyvinylsiloxane (Aquasil Ultra LV). The molds were prepared on a matrix by applying pressure, using a perforated metal tray. The molds were removed following polymerization and either disinfected (by soaking in one of the solutions for 15 minutes) or not disinfected. The samples were thus divided into 16 groups (n=5). Surface detail reproduction and dimensional accuracy were evaluated using optical microscopy to assess the 20-µm line over its entire 25 mm length. The dimensional accuracy results (%) were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means were compared by Tukey's test (a=5%). The 20-µm line was completely reproduced by all elastomeric impression materials, regardless of disinfection procedure. There was no significant difference between the control group and molds disinfected with peracetic acid for the elastomeric materials Impregum Soft (polyether) and Aquasil Ultra LV (polyvinylsiloxane). The high-level disinfectant peracetic acid would be the choice material for disinfection.

Este estudo comparou a reprodução de detalhes da superficie e estabilidade dimensional de moldes obtidos após desinfecção utilizando hipoclorito de sódio 2%, digluconato de clorexidina 2%, ou ácido peracético 0,2% a moldes que não foram desinfetados com quatro elastomeros: polissulfeto (Light Bodied Permlastic), polieter (Impregum Soft), silicona reação por condensação (Oranwash L) e silicona reação por adição (Aquasil Ultra LV). Os moldes foram preparados sobre matriz contendo linhas de 20, 50 e 75 µm realizado sob pressão com moldeira de metal perfurada. Os moldes foram removidos após a polimerização e desinfetados (utilizando uma das soluções por imersão, armazenados em frascos fechados durante 15 minutos) ou não desinfetados. Assim, as amostras foram divididas em 16 grupos (n=5). A reprodução detalhes da superficie e a precisão dimensional foram avaliadas usando microscopia óptica na linha 20 µm com 25 mm de comprimento, de acordo com a norma ISO 4823. Os resultados de precisão dimensional (%) foram submetidos a análise de variancia (ANOVA) e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey com 5% de nivel de significancia. A linha de 20 µm foi completamente reproduzida por todos os elastomeros, independentemente do processo de desinfecção. Nao houve diferenga estatisticamente significativa entre o grupo controle e moldes desinfetados com acido peracético para os elastomeros Impregum Soft (polieter) e Aquasil Ultra LV (silicona reação por adição). O desinfetante de alto nivel ácido peracético seria o material de escolha para a desinfecção.

Surface detail reproduction and dimensional accuracy of molds: influence of disinfectant solutions and elastomeric impression materials / Reprodução de detalhes da superfície e estabilidadedimensional de moldes: influência das soluçõesdesinfetantes e elastômeros

This study compared the surface detail reproduction anddimensional accuracy of molds after disinfection using 2% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate or 0.2% peracetic acid to those of molds that were not disinfected, forfour elastomeric impression materials: polysulfide (Light Bodied Permlastic), polyether (Impregum Soft), polydimethylsiloxane(Oranwash L) and polyvinylsiloxane (Aquasil Ultra LV). Themolds were prepared on a matrix by applying pressure, using aperforated metal tray. The molds were removed followingpolymerization and either disinfected (by soaking in one of thesolutions for 15 minutes) or not disinfected. The samples werethus divided into 16 groups (n=5). Surface detail reproductionand dimensional accuracy were evaluated using opticalmicroscopy to assess the 20 ­µm line over its entire 25 mm length. The dimensional accuracy results (%) were subjectedto analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means were comparedby Tukey’s test (α=5%). The 20 ­µm line was completelyreproduced by all elastomeric impression materials, regardlessof disinfection procedure. There was no significant difference between the control group and molds disinfected with peraceticacid for the elastomeric materials Impregum Soft (polyether)and Aquasil Ultra LV (polyvinylsiloxane). The high­leveldisinfectant peracetic acid would be the choice material for disinfection.

Este estudo comparou a reprodução de detalhes da superfície e estabilidade dimensional de moldes obtidos após desinfecção utilizando hipoclorito de sódio 2%, digluconato de clorexidina 2%, ou ácido peracético 0,2% a moldes que não foram desinfetados com quatro elastômeros: polissulfeto (Light Bodied Permlastic), polieter (Impregum Soft), silicona reação porcondensação (Oranwash L) e silicona reação por adição (Aquasil Ultra LV). Os moldes foram preparados sobre matriz conten dolinhas de 20, 50 e 75 µm realizado sob pressão com moldeirade metal perfurada. Os moldes foram removidos após a polimerização e desinfetados (utilizando uma das soluções porimersão, armazenados em frascos fechados durante 15 minutos)ou não desinfetados. Assim, as amostras foram divididas em 16grupos (n=5). A reprodução detalhes da superfície e a precisão dimensional foram avaliadas usando microscopia óptica na linha 20 µm com 25 mm de comprimento, de acordo com a norma ISO 4823. Os resultados de precisão dimensional (%) foram submetidos à análise de variância (A NOVA) e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey com 5% de nível de significância. A linha de 20 µm foi completamente reproduzida por todos os elastômeros, independentemente do processo de desinfecção. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o grupo controle e moldes desinfetados com acido peracético para os elastômeros Impregum Soft (polieter) e Aquasil Ultra LV (siliconareação por adição). O desinfetante de alto nível ácido peracético seria o material de escolha para a desinfecção.

Comparison of mechanical properties of beta-titanium wires between leveled and unleveled brackets: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the force-deflection behavior of beta-titanium alloy wires between two leveled and unleveled bracket alignment scenarios using a three-point bending test. METHODS: Six groups of ten beta-titanium alloy wire segments (0.017 × 0.025-in. diameter) of different manufacturers (Orthometric, Ortho Organizers, GAC, Morelli, and Ormco) were used. Both brackets were bonded to an acrylic jig with a 10-mm interbracket distance. A 1-mm deflection test in two hypothetical conditions (with aligned brackets and by simulating a 2-mm horizontal displacement of the brackets) was explored. Forces of activation and deactivation of the wires during both tests were compared by an analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests followed by a Tukey test. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found in the force-deflection behavior between some of the wires in both simulated in vitro conditions. For the leveled-type alignment scenario, the differences between wires were up to 70 g (range 110 to 179 g). For the unleveled-type alignment scenario, these differences were up to 65 g (range 111 to 175 g). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed some significant differences in forces generated during activation and deactivation among the five types of beta-titanium wires tested. In comparing leveled and unleveled brackets during activation, only Orthometric Beta Flexy and Ormco Beta-titanium were different between them.

Can green tea be used to reverse compromised bond strength after bleaching?

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of green tea on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to bleached enamel. Forty-two human third molars were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 7 each group): group 1, no treatment; group 2, bleaching (10% carbamide peroxide); group 3, bleaching + 10% sodium ascorbate gel (SA); group 4, bleaching + 10% green tea gel (GT); group 5, SA; and group 6, GT. In groups 2, 3, and 4, bleach was applied onto the enamel surface for 6 h, every day for 14 d. In groups 3 and 5, SA was applied for 1 h; and in groups 4 and 6, GT was applied for 1 h. Immediately after treatment, the specimens were bonded with Adper Single Bond 2 and Filtek Z350 XT. The µTBS of the specimens was tested using a universal testing machine. Fracture mode analysis of the bonded enamel surface was performed using scanning electron microscopy. The mean µTBS values for each group were: group 1, 33.2 ± 5.8 MPa; group 2, 22.6 ± 5.5 MPa; group 3, 30.0 ± 5.2 MPa; group 4, 31.6 ± 3.8 MPa; group 5, 29.1 ± 4.2 MPa; and group 6, 32.2 ± 4.5 MPa. All groups had a higher percentage of mixed failures. In conclusion, green tea can be used as an alternative antioxidant on bleached enamel before bonding procedures.

Impact of curing protocol on the selected properties of a model bis-GMA/TEGDMA dental resin composite.

This study investigated the impact of different photo-activation protocols on selected properties of a model composite formulated using bis-GMA/TEGDMA (1:1 mass ratio), camphorquinone/amine (1:2 mass ratio) and 75% of fillers. The protocols tested were: high-intensity continuous (HIC-500 mW cm(-2) for 20 s), medium-intensity continuous (MIC-250 mW cm(-2) for 40 s), low-intensity continuous (LIC-100 mW cm(-2) for 100 s) and pulse-delay-1 min or 3 min (PD-1 min/3 min-100 mW cm(-2) for 5 s + 1 or 3 min interval + 500 mW cm(-2) for 19 s). Degree of conversion (DC) was evaluated using infrared spectroscopy. Flexural strength (FS) and modulus (FM) were measured in three-point bending mode. Cross-link density was estimated by calculating the swelling coefficient (alpha) after immersion in chloroform. All methods showed similar values for DC except for PD-1 min, which showed lower DC. HIC and MIC showed similar FS, but were both different than all of the other methods. All curing methods showed similar FM, except for HIC, which presented a different modulus. PD-3 min showed a different swelling than all of the remaining groups, while HIC showed the lowest swelling. A significant relationship was observed between swelling and both FS and FM. In conclusion, the HIC activation protocol generated polymers with properties at least similar, and sometimes improved, in comparison with the alternative protocols.

Influence of recasting palladium-silver alloy on the fit of crowns with different marginal configurations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Dental laboratories may occasionally recast previously cast dental alloy to produce a prosthesis, but this process may have a negative influence on marginal adaptation. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cervical and internal fit of complete metal crowns that were cast and recast using palladium-silver alloy and 3 different marginal configurations: straight shoulder, 20-degree bevel shoulder, and 45-degree chamfer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty aluminum dies were made, 10 for each marginal configuration. Each group of 10 was further divided into 2 subgroups (n=5), according to the alloy (Pors-on 4) casting history. The dies were waxed using a cylindrical metal matrix to standardize the thickness of the walls. The wax patterns were invested in a phosphate-bonded investment (Deguvest) and cast after heating in an oven (EDG), according to the manufacturer's instruction. The alloy was melted with an oxygen-gas heat source and cooled to room temperature after casting. Afterwards, the specimens were seated on the dies with a static load of 9 kgf for 1 minute. The marginal discrepancy was measured with a metric microscope, using a digital micrometer. All the measurements were done by the same operator. Each crown-die interface was measured 3 times on each of the 4 diametrically opposite points, for a total of 12 measurements for each specimen. Specimens were longitudinally sectioned to obtain 2 hemi-sections for internal discrepancy measurements, measured at 3 points: 1 in the center of the occlusal wall and 2 at each center of each axial wall. Three measurements were made for each point, for a total of 9 measurements per specimen. The results were submitted to parametric statistical 3-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey-Kramer HSD post hoc analysis (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The new alloy provided significantly better adaptation (P<.001) than the recast alloy for both marginal and internal discrepancy measurements. Marginal designs did not shown any statistical differences when the new metal was used. For recast metal, the straight shoulder showed significantly better adaptation (P<.001) than the 20-degree bevel shoulder and the 45-degree chamfered configurations, which were statistically similar to each other. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that recasting procedures for crown fabrication should not be used with the palladium-silver alloy tested.