Effects of plastic bracket primer on the shear bond strengths of orthodontic brackets.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of plastic bracket primer (PBP) for improving the bond strength of plastic brackets (PBs) using three types of orthodontic brackets, including PBs, metal brackets (MBs), and ceramic brackets (CBs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 162 premolars were gathered and divided equally into six groups of 27. Three groups were tested with the application of PBP (PB+, MB+, and CB+), and three groups were tested without primer (groups PB-, MB-, and CB-). All the groups were bonded using BeautiOrtho Bond II self-etching adhesive. The shear bond strength (SBS) was measured and the bond failure mode was evaluated using the adhesive remnant index after debonding. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the mean SBS between groups PB-, MB and CB-, between PB+ and CB+, and between MB+ and CB+. Group PB + had a significantly higher mean SBS than group PB-. The occurrence of bond failure at the enamel and adhesive interface was more frequent in groups PB+ and CB- than in group PB-; and in groups PB+ and CB + than in group MB+. CONCLUSION: Plastic bracket primer can increase the bond strength of PBs to the level of metal brackets, but not to the level of ceramic brackets.

Analysis of salivary factors related to the oral health status in children.

Early detection of oral disease is important to reduce its severity and increase the likelihood of successful treatment. This study aimed to perform a quantitative assessment of the saliva components as a first stage of the research to screen oral homeostasis. Here, saliva secretions collected from children were evaluated, and their constituents were analyzed to investigate the potential correlations between the buffering capacity and a range of salivary factors. Subjects aged 3-16 years in the primary, mixed, or permanent dentition stage, were selected for this study. The following salivary factors were analyzed: flow rate, total protein, total sugar quantifications, and constituent analyses using RT-PCR and western blotting. The associations between each factor and the buffering capacity were then analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Flow rate, BPIFA2 RNA level, histatin 1 and BPIFB1 protein levels as well as female sex were positively associated with buffering capacity. In contrast, total sugar concentration and MUC7 RNA levels showed a negative relationship with the buffering capacity. Some of these constituents may indicate oral homeostasis and are therefore potential biomarkers of oral health status. These results suggest that the analyses of the correlations between oral homeostasis and salivary factors are an effective strategy for identifying the susceptibility to oral diseases.

Non-invasive intravital observation of lingual surface features using sliding oral mucoscopy techniques in clinically healthy subjects.

To investigate intravital morphological features of the broader area of the lingual mucosa in clinically healthy subjects, and to attempt to evaluate subclinical conditions, we evaluated detailed intravital morphological features of the lingual mucosa using our newly developed oral contact mucoscopy techniques. Clinically healthy subjects (female: 19-22 years, average age: 20.27 years, and n = 28) were enrolled. A position indicator stain was placed on the lingual mucosal surface, and sliding images were captured and then reconstructed. In addition, the lingual mucosa was divided into six areas, and morphometry of the fungiform and filiform papillae was performed. The results were statistically analyzed. There were two morphological features among clinically healthy subjects involving the filiform papillae: the length of the papillae and the degree of biofilm (tongue coat) deposition. We defined a modified tongue coat index (mTCI) with scores ranging from 0 (tongue coating not visible) to 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 (thick tongue coating) for six sections of the tongue dorsum. No subjects received a score of 2. Significant differences were found in the mTCI between the six sections of the tongue dorsum, especially between the posterior areas and the lingual apex. The fungiform papillae of some subjects exhibited elongated morphological changes. Our findings suggest that magnified lingual dorsum examination of a broader area is especially important in accurate screening for subclinical or transient conditions of potential lingual mucosal diseases. For this purpose, our new oral mucoscopy and non-invasive intravital observational techniques were especially effective.

Effects of contact compressive force on bracket bond strength and adhesive thickness : Study using orthodontic resins with different viscosities.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of the contact compressive force to seat orthodontic brackets on shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive thickness using adhesive resins with different viscosities. METHODS: A total of 184 premolars were divided equally into eight groups of 23. Transbond XT and Beauty Ortho Bond paste viscous self-etching adhesive systems were used with contact compressive forces of 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 N (groups 1-4 and groups 5-8, respectively) via a push-pull tension gauge. SBS and adhesive thickness were measured in each adhesive system for each contact compressive force. RESULTS: Significant differences existed in the SBSs between the adhesive systems for each contact compressive force and the SBSs were significantly higher in groups 1 (17 MPa) and 2 (16 MPa) than in groups 3 (14 MPa) and 4 (13 MPa). Significant differences existed for the adhesive thickness between the adhesive systems for the three contact compressive forces less than 3 N. The adhesive in group 1 (0.184 mm) was significantly thicker than that in groups 2-4 (from 0.098 to 0.129 mm). In groups 2 (0.129 mm) and 3 (0.121 mm) it was thicker than in group 4 (0.098 mm), and in group 5 (0.119 mm) it was thicker than in groups 6-8 (from 0.087 to 0.088 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The high-viscosity adhesive Transbond XT exhibited higher SBSs than the low-viscosity Beauty Ortho Bond paste. For the adhesive Transbond XT, lower contact compressive forces produced greater adhesive thicknesses and higher SBSs. For the Beauty Ortho Bond paste, no significant changes in the adhesive thickness or SBS values were observed for contact compressive forces greater than 0.5 N.

Thermographic assessment of facial temperature in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.

This study was conducted to assess the usefulness of thermography for quantifying facial temperature before and after orthognathic surgery and intermaxillary fixation, and the effects of these orthognathic procedures on facial temperature. Facial thermograms of 10 patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO, one-jaw group) and another 10 patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral SSRO (two-jaw group) were taken 1 day before orthognathic surgery (T1) and at release of intermaxillary fixation 7 days later (T2). Two thermograms taken 30 s (TG1) and 3 min (TG2) after the start of recording at T1 and T2 were used. A square (26 × 26 pixels) was marked on each thermogram and the mean facial temperature for each square was measured. Three-way analysis of variance was used for statistical comparisons. Facial temperatures were significantly higher at T2 than at T1 on TG1 and TG2, and were significantly higher on TG2 than on TG1 at T1 and T2. The two-jaw group had a significantly higher facial temperature than the one-jaw group. Thermography was useful for quantitative assessment of facial temperature in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. Changes in facial temperature were due predominantly to inflammation after surgery, rather than to sarcopenia.

The Role of Genetic Factors in the Outbreak Mechanism of Dental Caries.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships between cariogenic bacterial infection and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes associated with dental caries, and to explore the factors related to caries in children. STUDY DESIGN: Children aged 3 to 11 years were selected. Detection of cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus sobrinus and Lactobacillus) from the plaque of each patient, and SNP analyses of five candidate genes (MBL2, TAS2R38, GLUT2, MMP13 and CA6) were performed using DNA isolated from buccal mucosal cells. The dental caries experience in primary and permanent teeth was determined using the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, and the effects of the observed factors on the DMFT value were analyzed by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that the DMFT value significantly increased in the presence of S. mutans or S. sobrinus (p < 0.001), while the dmft/DMFT value decreased in the presence of nucleobase C in MBL2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the MBL2 gene is related to the pathogenesis of dental caries.

A new method for fabricating zirconia copings using a Nd:YVO4 nanosecond laser.

The purpose of this work was to fabricate zirconia copings from fully sintered Y-TZP blocks using a Nd:YVO4 nanosecond laser in order to avoid complicated procedures using conventional CAD/CAM systems. To determine the most appropriate power level of a Nd:YVO4 laser, cuboid fully sintered Y-TZP specimens were irradiated at six different average power levels. One-way ANOVAs for the average surface roughness and laser machining depth revealed that an average power level of 7.5 W generated a smooth machined surface with high machining efficiency. Y-TZP copings were then machined using the proposed method with the most appropriate power level. As the number of machining iterations increased, the convergence angles decreased significantly (p<0.01). The accuracy of the machined copings was judged to be good based on 3D measurements and traditional metal die methods. The proposed method using the nanosecond laser was demonstrated to be useful for fabricating copings from fully sintered Y-TZP.

Effects of air polishing on the resin composite-dentin interface.

The aim of this study was to examine defect depths and volumes at the resin composite-dentin (R/D) interface after air polishing with different particles and spray angles. Samples were 54 dentin specimens that were formed in saucer-shaped cavities filled with resin composite. Each specimen was air polished with either sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or one of two glycine (Gly) powders. The air polisher was set at angles of 90° to the interface and at 45° to the interface from both the dentin and resin composite sides. Air polishing with Gly powder produced defects with less depth and volume than NaHCO3 powder (p < 0.05). Air polishing with a spray angle of 45° to the interface from the resin composite side produced fewer defects (p < 0.05) than polishing from the dentin side. Air polishing to the R/D interface from the resin composite side produced fewer defects to the interface because the hardness of the resin composite was higher than that of dentin.

Identification of marker proteins by orthodontic treatment: relationship of RANKL in the gingival crevicular fluid and of amylase in whole saliva with orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic medical treatment is performed to move a tooth to the optimal position to obtain optimal occlusion. Orthodontic treatment is accompanied by mechanical stress due to orthodontic force and by psychological stress that is experienced as pain or displeasure. The purpose of this study was to identify stress marker proteins during orthodontic treatment. Levels of receptor activator of NFκB (RANKL) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were analyzed as markers of mechanical stress, and levels of chromogranin A (CgA) and amylase in whole saliva were analyzed as markers of psychological stress. GCF was collected from control and experimental teeth at initiation of treatment and 24 h after treatment. Whole saliva was collected before treatment, at initiation of treatment and 24 h after treatment. RANKL was expressed at 24 h after treatment in the experimental GCF, but not in the control GCF. HSP70 appeared to be constitutively expressed in GCF, and its levels showed no major change between the control and experimental groups from initiation of treatment to 24 h after treatment. Amylase activity in whole saliva was enhanced at 24 h after treatment compared to control, but CgA levels showed little change between the groups. These results indicated that RANKL and amylase may be the candidate markers for mechanical and psychological stress, respectively, during orthodontic treatment, even though the total protein concentration and amylase activity displayed a large standard deviation among subjects. Further studies are therefore required to establish these markers for clinical use.

Development of metal-resin composite for dental magnet keepers, Part 2: Optimum 4-META content.

Six kinds of experimental magnetic resin composites containing SUS447J1 stainless steel particles as filler were prepared. UDMA/MAA resin with an MAA mole fraction of 0.67 was used as the matrix resin. The effects of six levels of 4-META content (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 mass%) on the setting and flexural properties were studied. The metal filler content in each paste was 90 mass%. Although working time and setting time significantly diminished with the increase of the BPO and DMPT contents, both working time and setting time satisfied the ISO 4049 requirements for all experimental levels. Flexural strength and elastic modules significantly improved with the increase of 4-META content up to 10%. The optimum 4-META content necessary to develop better composite resins for magnetic attachment has been clarified.

Prevalence of cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria in Japanese children in the primary and mixed dentitions.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between infection with cariogenic bacteria or periodontal pathogens and the oral condition of children in the primary and mixed dentition stages. METHOD: Children aged 3 to 11 years were selected Detection of cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses were performed, and the prevalence of infection with cariogenic bacteria or periodontal pathogens based on caries experience and dental stage was compared. RESULTS: The prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in both stages was significantly higher in the caries group than in the caries-free group. The prevalence of Streptococcus sobrinus was significantly higher in the caries group only in the mixed dentition stage. The prevalence ofperiodontal pathogens was significantly higher in the mixed dentition stage than in the primary dentition stage, regardless of caries experience. However, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of the periodontal pathogens between the primary dentition and mixed dentition stages, based on caries experience. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria have different infection patterns, and that the period of infection with these bacteria also differs.

Effect of additive metals, Sn, Ga, and In in Ag-Pd-Au-Cu alloys on initial bond strength of 4-META adhesive cement to these alloys.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three additives, Sn, Ga, and In, as well as the main constituents, Pd and Cu, of Ag-Pd-Au-Cu alloys on the initial bond strength of 4-META adhesive cement to these alloys. The Ag-Pd-Au-Cu alloys consisted of 20%, 30% or 40% Pd, and 10%, 15% or 20% Cu, 20% Au, and Ag as balance. Besides, additive metals (Sn, Ga, and In) of 2% and 4% were added to these compositions. The addition of three additives, in general, increased the initial bond strength of the cement in comparison to the mother compositions (0% additives), although the degrees of effectiveness of the three additives were different and varied with their contents. Among these additives, a remarkable increase in bond strength was observed with the addition of In. The increase in Cu content, in many cases, resulted in an increase in bond strength at high Pd contents (30% and 40%), but a decrease at low Pd content (20%) in some cases. The positive effects of the three additives and Cu could be due to the formation of a suitable oxide layer for strong bonding with 4-META.

Development of metal-resin composite for dental magnet keepers. Part 1: effects of filler and 4-META contents on setting and flexural properties.

Nine kinds of experimental soft magnetic resin composites containing SUS447J1 stainless steel particles as filler were prepared. A UDMA/MAA resin with an MAA mole fraction of 0.67 was used as a matrix resin. The effects of three levels of 4-META content and three levels of filler content on the setting and flexural properties were studied. Working time and setting time significantly increased with increase of 4-META and filler contents. Flexural strength significantly increased with increase of 4-META content but with decrease of filler content. Elastic modulus simply increased with increase of both 4-META and filler contents. Although the flexural strength obtained was low, results were considered promising being the first step of this novel development.

Development of casting investment preventing blackening of noble metal alloys part 1. Application of developed investment for Ag-Pd-Cu-Au alloy.

The objective of this study is to develop a casting investment that prevents the blackening of the cast surface of noble metal alloys. The experimental investments were prepared using a gypsum-bonded investment in which the metallic powders such as boron (B), silicon (Si), aluminum (Al) and titanium (Ti) were added as oxidizing agents. An Ag-Pd-Cu-Au alloy was cast into the mold made of the prepared investment. The effect of the addition of each metal powder was evaluated from the color difference between the as-cast surface and the polished surface of the cast specimen. The color of the as-cast surface approached that of the polished surface with increasing B and Al content. A lower mean value in the color difference was obtained at 0.25-1.00 mass% B content. B and Al are useful as an additive in a gypsum-bonded investment to prevent the blackening of an Ag-Pd-Cu-Au alloy. The effects of Si and Ti powder addition could not be found.

Setting and flexural properties of metal-resin composite using Ag-Cu particles as filler and chemical accelerator.

A metal-resin composite material was experimentally prepared by mixing a powder consisting of Ag-Cu particles and BPO with a paste consisting of UDMA-based monomer and 4-META in the absence of tertiary amine. The working time and setting time were mainly affected by the amounts of 4-META, BPO and metal particles, most of them fulfilling the requirements for working time and setting time specified in ISO 4049:2000 in the present experimental conditions. The flexural strength ranged from 49.6 MPa to 77.8 MPa, and the highest value was obtained when the 4-META concentration was high and metal particle content was low. The flexural modulus of elasticity, ranging from 6.7 GPa to 11.9 GPa, significantly increased as the 4-META concentration and metal particle content increased. Based on its mechanical properties, this metal-resin composite in which metal particles are involved in the polymerization initiation system has the potential to be used as a dental restorative material.

Development of metal-resin composite restorative material. Part 4. Flexural strength and flexural modulus of metal-resin composite using Ag-In alloy particles as filler.

The flexural strength and flexural modulus of an experimental metal-resin composite, which used Ag-In alloy particle as the filler, were evaluated. The effect of acid treatment and heat treatment on the Ag-In alloy particle was investigated. The flexural strength of the experimental metal-resin composites ranged from 65.5 MPa to 91.0 MPa. The flexural strength of the metal-resin composite increased with the temperature of the heat treatment until 350 degrees C, but its effect varied with the concentrations of HCl of the acid treatment. A metal-resin composite, which used acid-treated and 350 degrees C heat-treated Ag-In alloy fillers, matched the requirement of strength of ISO 4049. The average of flexural modulus of the experimental metal-resin composite was 9.1 GPa. The flexural modulus of the metal-resin composite did not vary with the treatment conditions of the metal filler. The flexural modulus of a metal-resin composite, which used Ag-In alloy particle as the filler, was lower than that of Ag-Sn alloy metal-resin composite, which was reported previously. However, the flexural strength of the Ag-In alloy metal-resin composite was similar to that of Ag-Sn alloy metal-resin composite. We can control a flexural modulus of a metal-resin composite without decreasing flexural strength by choosing filler materials.