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This study aimed to evaluate the environmental impact of dental materials: commercial composite Tetric EvoCeram®, glass ionomer Equia Forte® HT Fil, laboratory-prepared composite, alkasite Cention® Forte, amalgam Amalcap® Plus, and samples from dental chair drainage systems (DCDS). Methacrylate monomers were detected in the eluates of experimental and commercials composites, and alkasite. In DCDS samples solely mercury was found at concentrations of 0.08-1.86⯵g/L. The experimental composite (48â¯h incubation) exhibited the highest toxicity on zebrafish Danio rerio (LC50=0.70â¯g/L), followed by amalgam (LC50=8.27â¯g/L) < Tetric EvoCeram® (LC50=10.94â¯g/L) < Equia Forte® HT Fil (LC50=24.84â¯g/L) < Cention® Forte (LC50=32.22â¯g/L). Exposure of zebrafish to DCDS samples resulted in decreased larval body length and increased occurrences of edema and blood accumulation. The results obtained highlight the need for additional monitoring and further research on the release of unreacted monomers and mercury from dental materials and their environmental impact.
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This study aimed to evaluate the micro-mechanical and macro-mechanical properties of self-cured and light-cured alkasite and to investigate how accelerated degradation in acidic, alkaline, and ethanol solutions affects the macro-mechanical properties of self-cured and light-cured alkasite. The specimens of the alkasite material (Cention Forte, Ivoclar Vivadent) were prepared according to the following three curing modes: (1) light-cured immediately, (2) light-cured after a 5-min delay, and (3) self-cured. Microhardness was tested before and after immersion in absolute ethanol to indirectly determine crosslink density, while flexural strength and flexural modulus were measured using a three-point bending test after accelerated aging in the following solutions: (1) lactic acid solution (pH = 4.0), (2) NaOH solution (pH = 13.0), (3) phosphate-buffered saline solution (pH = 7.4), and (4) 75% ethanol solution. The data were statistically analyzed using a two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. The results showed that the microhardness, flexural strength, and flexural modulus were significantly lower in self-cured specimens compared to light-cured specimens. A 5-min delay between the extrusion of the material from the capsule and light curing had no significant effect on any of the measured properties. A significant effect of the accelerated aging solutions on macro-mechanical properties was observed, with ethanol and alkaline solutions having a particularly detrimental effect. In conclusion, light curing was preferable to self-curing, as it resulted in significantly better micro- and macro-mechanical properties, while a 5-min delay between mixing the capsule and light curing had no negative effects.
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This study investigated the effect of 3 s light-curing with a high-power LED curing unit on the shear bond strength of bulk-fill composites. Four bulk-fill composites were bonded to dentin with a universal adhesive (Scotchbond Universal Plus): two materials designed for rapid curing (Tetric PowerFill and Tetric PowerFlow) and two controls (Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative and SDR Plus Bulk Fill Flowable). The 4 mm composite layer was light-cured with Bluephase PowerCure for 20 s at 1000 mW/cm2 ("20 s") or for 3 s at 3000 mW/cm2 ("3 s"). The samples were stored at 37 °C in distilled water and tested after 1, 6 and 12 months. The samples polymerised in the "3 s" mode had statistically similar or higher bond strength than the samples cured in "20 s" mode, except for the Tetric PowerFlow (1 month) and SDR+ (6 month). The flowable materials Tetric PowerFlow and SDR Plus initially showed the highest values in the "3 s" and "20 s" groups, which decreased after 12 months. The bond strength was statistically similar for all materials and curing protocols after 12 months, except for Tetric PowerFill cured with the "3 s" protocol (21.22 ± 5.0 MPa), which showed the highest value. Tetric PowerFill showed the highest long-term bond strength. While "3 s" curing resulted in equal or better shear bond strength, its use can only be recommended for a material with an AFCT agent such as Tetric PowerFill.
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Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the light transmission of monowave and polywave-curing devices by a bulk-fill composite containing only camphorquinone as a photoinitiator. Materials and methods: Three light-curing devices were used to cure bulk-fill composite QuiXfil: one monowave (Translux® Wave) and two polywave (VALO Cordless and Bluephase® PowerCure. The NIST-calibrated spectrometer (MARC Resin Calibrator, BlueLight Analytics Inc.) was used to measure the incident and transmitted light through a 2-mm composite specimen over 20 s. Light transmittance was calculated from the ratio of the amount of transmitted and incident light. For data analysis (ANOVA, α = 0.05), total irradiation of the entire spectrum, irradiation with wavelengths of 360-420 nm for the violet spectrum, and 420-540 nm for the blue spectrum were selected. Results: Monowave curing unit Translux® Wave had the lowest light transmission (13.78 ± 0.5%), similar to the violet light transmission of polywave devices (12.02 ± 0.94% and 13.81 ± 1.72% for Valo Cordless and Bluephase PowerCure, respectively). Blue light transmittance (32.15-23.70%) was more than twofold higher than for the wavelengths in the violet region of the spectrum (13.81-12.02%) for the two polywave devices. VALO Cordless showed the highest total and blue light transmission (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the transmission of the violet part of the spectrum between VALO Cordless and Bluephase® PowerCure (p = 0.465). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, we could conclude that polywave curing devices can be used for the polymerization of the bulk-fill composite with camphorquinone as the sole photoinitiator.
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The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the orthodontic bracket material on the short-term and long-term post-cure development of the degree of conversion (DC) of resin-based orthodontic adhesive systems. Five commercially available materials characterized by different compositions and curing modes (light-curable or dual-curable) were tested under three different light curing conditions: without brackets (control group, CO), and in the presence of metal brackets (MB group) or ceramic brackets (CB group). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine the post-cure DC development, both after "short-term" periods (2, 6, and 10 min) and "long-term" periods (1, 7, and 28 days). The short-term DC values ranged from 43.9% to 76.1%, and the long-term DC values were higher and ranged from 54.3% to 85.3%. The MB group demonstrated significantly lower short-term DC values compared to the CO and the CB groups, while the CB group had statistically similar or slightly lower DC values compared to the CO group. Long-term DC values in the MB and the CB groups were statistically lower or similar compared to the CO group, which depended on the post-cure time. The results indicated that the post-cure DC development was highly material-dependent and affected by the presence of different types of bracket material.
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This study analysed flexural properties, microhardness, and the degree of conversion (DC) of five bulk-fill composites under clinically relevant conditions (4 mm thick specimens) in comparison to 2 mm specimens according to ISO 4049. Additionally, the effect of rapid polymerisation on 4 mm specimens was evaluated after accelerated aging. DC was measured using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry at 2 and 4 mm thick layers, while flexural properties and Vickers microhardness were tested using 16 × 2 × 2 mm or 16 × 2 × 4 mm specimens. Three polymerisation protocols were used: (I) "ISO": 2 mm thickness, 1000 mW/cm2, double-sided; (II) "10 s": 4 mm thickness, 1000 mW/cm2, one-sided; and (III) "3 s": 4 mm thickness, 2600 mW/cm2, one-sided. Mechanical properties were tested after 1 day, after 10,000 thermocycles, and after 10,000 thermocycles followed by a 7-day immersion in absolute ethanol. The "ISO" protocol produced a higher DC and microhardness of all materials. Elastic modulus was significantly higher for the "ISO" protocol compared to the 4 mm specimens. The differences in flexural strength for all polymerisation protocols were equalised after thermocycling and immersion in absolute ethanol. All tested materials met the ISO 4049 flexural strength requirement (80 MPa) for all polymerisation methods and all aging conditions. Rapid polymerisation achieved nearly optimal properties (ISO), except for elastic modulus, which was significantly reduced in 4 mm samples.
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The aim of the study was to evaluate microhardness, mass changes during 1-year water immersion, water sorption/solubility, and calcium phosphate precipitation of experimental composites functionalized with 5-40 wt% of two types of bioactive glass (BG): 45S5 or a customized low-sodium fluoride-containing formulation. Vickers microhardness was evaluated after simulated aging (water storage and thermocycling), water sorption and solubility were tested according to ISO 4049, and calcium phosphate precipitation was studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. For the composites containing BG 45S5, a significant reduction in microhardness was observed with increasing BG amount. In contrast, 5 wt% of the customized BG resulted in statistically similar microhardness to the control material, while higher BG amounts (20 and 40 wt%) resulted in a significant improvement in microhardness. Water sorption was more pronounced for composites containing BG 45S5, increasing 7-fold compared to the control material, while the corresponding increase for the customized BG was only 2-fold. Solubility increased with higher amounts of BG, with an abrupt increase at 20 and 40 wt% of BG 45S5. Calcium phosphate was precipitated by all composites with BG amounts of 10 wt% or more. The improved properties of the composites functionalized with the customized BG indicate better mechanical, chemical, and dimensional stability without compromising the potential for calcium phosphate precipitation.
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OBJECTIVES: To assess the behavior of dual-cure and conventional bulk-fill composite materials on real-time linear shrinkage, shrinkage stress, and degree of conversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two dual-cure bulk-fill materials (Cention, Ivoclar Vivadent (with ion-releasing properties) and Fill-Up!, Coltene) and two conventional bulk-fill composites (Tetric PowerFill, Ivoclar Vivadent; SDR flow + , Dentsply Sirona) were compared to conventional reference materials (Ceram.x Spectra ST (HV), Dentsply Sirona; X-flow; Dentsply Sirona). Light curing was performed for 20 s, or specimens were left to self-cure only. Linear shrinkage, shrinkage stress, and degree of conversion were measured in real time for 4 h (n = 8 per group), and kinetic parameters were determined for shrinkage stress and degree of conversion. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA followed by post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Pearson's analysis was used for correlating linear shrinkage and shrinkage force. RESULTS: Significantly higher linear shrinkage and shrinkage stress were found for the low-viscosity materials compared to the high-viscosity materials. No significant difference in degree of conversion was revealed between the polymerization modes of the dual-cure bulk-fill composite Fill-Up!, but the time to achieve maximum polymerization rate was significantly longer for the self-cure mode. Significant differences in degree of conversion were however found between the polymerization modes of the ion-releasing bulk-fill material Cention, which also exhibited the significantly slowest polymerization rate of all materials when chemically cured. CONCLUSIONS: While some of the parameters tested were found to be consistent across all materials studied, heterogeneity increased for others. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With the introduction of new classes of composite materials, predicting the effects of individual parameters on final clinically relevant properties becomes more difficult.
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Resinas Compuestas , Cinética , Polimerizacion , Ensayo de Materiales , Resinas Compuestas/químicaRESUMEN
The study aimed to investigate the rechargeability of ion-releasing dental material specimens immersed in distilled water for 25 months, which depleted their ion-releasing ability. Four restorative dental materials (alkasite composite, giomer, glass-ionomer, and composite material) presented with 24 specimens were studied after topical treatment with a concentrated fluoride gel. The effect of resin coating on the ion uptake and release was investigated on additional 42 specimens of restorative dental materials with coatings. The composite materials were coated with two adhesive systems, whereas the glass-ionomer was coated with the special coating resin. After topical fluoride exposure, ion release and specimen mass were measured at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 14-day intervals using an ion-selective electrode and an analytical balance, respectively. The cumulative fluoride levels for the uncoated specimens of alkasite composite were significantly higher than those of giomer and glass-ionomer cement, with no statistically significant difference between the latter two materials. The conventional composite had the lowest cumulative concentration of fluoride ions (p < 0.05). The adhesive systems affected the fluoride recharge and reduced the ion concentrations absorbed by the specimens. Specimens coated with universal adhesive showed significantly higher ion release compared to universal fluoride-releasing adhesive or special coating resin for glass-ionomers (p < 0.05). No statistically significant change in specimen mass was observed during the 14-day period. Surface coating with adhesive systems as well as special coating resin for glass-ionomers affects the fluoride recharge process.
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The objective of this study was to compare the polymerization kinetics of bulk-fill resin composites cured with a LED-curing device and a diode laser (449 nm). Three bulk-fill composites were light-cured with constant radiation exposure at 10 J/cm2 by varying radiant exitance and curing time. The following three light-curing protocols were used: (I) 3300 mW/cm2 for 3 s; (II) 2000 mW/cm2 for 5 s; and (III) 1000 mW/cm2 for 10 s. The degree of conversion (DC) was monitored in real time at a data acquisition rate of 2 spectra/s over a 5-min period and again after seven days using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. DC amounted to 30.9-61.7% at 4-mm depth after 5 min. DC values of two sculptable composites were significantly higher with the laser, regardless of the curing protocol used, but not for the flowable composite. The maximum polymerization rate (2.0-22.1%/s) was less affected by the type of curing device for one of the composites, while the other two composites achieved significantly higher values when cured with the laser. Laser curing generally increased the DC and the maximum polymerization rate while it shortened the onset of the maximum reaction rate. New handheld laser devices with adjustable power have the potential to be used as a photopolymerization light source for new generations of bulk-fill composites.
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Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the impact of rapid high-intensity polymerization on water sorption and solubility of a new generation of bulk-fill composite materials. Material and methods: Five materials were tested: a conventional composite Filtek Z250 (3M, St. Paul, USA) and four bulk-fill composites, Filtek One Bulk Fill (3M), Tetric PowerFill (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), Tetric PowerFlow (Ivoclar Vivadent), SDR Plus (Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany). Composite specimens with a 9-mm diameter and a 2-mm height (n = 6) were polymerized with a high-intensity curing unit (Bluephase® PowerCure, Ivoclar Vivadent). The control group was polymerized for a total of 40 s on both sides (1193 mW / cm2) and 3s group for 3 s on one side (3053 mW/cm2). Water sorption and solubility were measured by ISO 4049 method up to 30 days of immersion. The results were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc correction. Different polymerization protocols for the same material were compared by t-test (p <0.05). Results: The 3s polymerization protocol increased the solubility of all materials. Filtek One Bulk Fill showed the highest water sorption and solubility values, and Tetric PowerFlow proved to be a stable material with low values of tested parameters. During immersion, a saturation of specimens was achieved in low-viscosity bulk-fill composites within two weeks, while in other materials it was not achieved within 30 days, or more, following the immersion. Conclusions: Rapid polymerization caused an increase in solubility, which could affect the biocompatibility of the investigated materials not intended for the 3s curing. SDR Plus and Filtek One Bulk Fill should not be polymerized with rapid high-intensity curing due to increased solubility that exceeds ISO 4049:2009 limits.
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Experimental dental resin composites containing copper-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanospheres (Cu-MBGN) were developed to impart anti-bacterial properties. Increasing amounts of Cu-MBGN (0, 1, 5 and 10 wt%) were added to the BisGMA/TEGDMA resin matrix containing micro- and nano-fillers of inert glass, keeping the resin/filler ratio constant. Surface micromorphology and elemental analysis were performed to evaluate the homogeneous distribution of filler particles. The study investigated the effects of Cu-MBGN on the degree of conversion, polymerization shrinkage, porosity, ion release and anti-bacterial activity on S. mutans and A. naeslundii. Experimental materials containing Cu-MBGN showed a dose-dependent Cu release with an initial burst and a further increase after 28 days. The composite containing 10% Cu-MBGN had the best anti-bacterial effect on S. mutans, as evidenced by the lowest adherence of free-floating bacteria and biofilm formation. In contrast, the 45S5-containing materials had the highest S. mutans adherence. Ca release was highest in the bioactive control containing 15% 45S5, which correlated with the highest number of open porosities on the surface. Polymerization shrinkage was similar for all tested materials, ranging from 3.8 to 4.2%, while the degree of conversion was lower for Cu-MBGN materials. Cu-MBGN composites showed better anti-bacterial properties than composites with 45S5 BG.
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This study evaluated the flexural properties of an experimental composite series functionalized with 5-40 wt% of a low-Na F-containing bioactive glass (F-series) and compared it to another experimental composite series containing the same amounts of the conventional bioactive glass 45S5 (C-series). Flexural strength and modulus were evaluated using a three-point bending test. Degree of conversion was measured using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Weibull analysis was performed to evaluate material reliability. The control material with 0 wt% of bioactive glass demonstrated flexural strength values of 105.1-126.8 MPa). In the C-series, flexural strength ranged between 17.1 and 121.5 MPa and was considerably more diminished by the increasing amounts of bioactive glass than flexural strength in the F-series (83.8-130.2 MPa). Analogously, flexural modulus in the C-series (0.56-6.66 GPa) was more reduced by the increase in bioactive glass amount than in the F-series (5.24-7.56 GPa). The ISO-recommended "minimum acceptable" flexural strength for restorative resin composites of 80 MPa was achieved for all materials in the F-series, while in the C-series, the materials with higher bioactive glass amounts (20 and 40 wt%) failed to meet the requirement of 80 MPa. The degree of conversion in the F-series was statistically similar or higher compared to that of the control composite with no bioactive glass, while the C-series showed a declining degree of conversion with increasing bioactive glass amounts. In summary, the negative effect of the addition of bioactive glass on mechanical properties was notably less pronounced for the customized bioactive glass than for the bioactive glass 45S5; additionally, mechanical properties of the composites functionalized with the customized bioactive glass were significantly less diminished by artificial aging. Hence, the customized bioactive glass investigated in the present study represents a promising candidate for functionalizing ion-releasing resin composites.
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This study investigated the effect of different curing conditions on the degree of conversion and mechanical properties of contemporary dual-curing resin cements. The material specimens were either light-cured directly, light-cured through a 1-mm lithium disilicate glass-ceramic layer, or self-cured. The degree of conversion was measured in 0.1-mm films using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy 1 day, 7 days, and 28 days post-cure. Specimens used to study the flexural strength and modulus were prepared according to the ISO 4049 protocol, stored for 28 days post-cure, and subjected to accelerated aging by absolute ethanol immersion. The degree of conversion values ranged between 44.3-77.8%. Flexural strength varied between 11.4-111.1 MPa, while flexural modulus amounted to 0.7-5.5 GPa. The degree of conversion was significantly affected by material type, curing conditions, and post-cure time; however, variations in curing conditions were the least influential factor. A statistically significant effect of curing conditions on the degree of conversion was identified for only one of the five materials tested, whereas the flexural strength and modulus of all tested materials were significantly reduced in the experimental groups that were light-cured through a ceramic layer or self-cured. The effect size analysis showed that mechanical properties were most affected by the material type, while the differences in curing conditions were less influential. A comparison of the degree of conversion and mechanical properties indicated that different curing conditions may lead to significantly different flexural strength and modulus, which are not necessarily accompanied by identifiable variations in the degree of conversion.
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This study investigated polymerization kinetics, linear shrinkage, and shrinkage stress development for six contemporary composite materials of different viscosities cured using radiant exitances of 1100-2850 mW/cm2. Real-time measurements of degree of conversion, linear shrinkage, and shrinkage stress were performed over 5 min using Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, a custom-made linometer, and a custom-made stress analyzer, respectively. For most tested variables, the factor "material" had a higher effect size than the factor "curing protocol". Maximum polymerization rate and maximum shrinkage stress rate were the most affected by changes in curing conditions. In contrast, no significant effects of curing conditions were identified within each material for shrinkage stress values measured at the end of the 5 min observation period. Linear shrinkage and shrinkage stress values measured after 5 min were closely correlated (R = 0.905-0.982). The analysis of polymerization kinetics suggested that the two composites specifically designed for rapid light-curing responded to higher radiant exitances differently than other composites. Polymerization kinetics and shrinkage stress behavior of contemporary restorative composite materials of different viscosities were overall more affected by material type than differences in curing conditions. Subtle differences in polymerization kinetics behavior shown by the two composites specifically designed for rapid high-intensity light-curing did not translate into significant differences in the development of polymerization shrinkage stress.
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We embedded copper-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanospheres (Cu-MBGN) with antibacterial and ion-releasing properties into experimental dental composites and investigated the effect of Cu-MBGN on the polymerisation properties. We prepared seven composites with a BisGMA/TEGDMA (60/40) matrix and 65 wt.% total filler content, added Cu-MBGN or a combination of Cu-MBGN and silanised silica to the silanised barium glass base, and examined nine parameters: light transmittance, degree of conversion (DC), maximum polymerisation rate (Rmax), time to reach Rmax, linear shrinkage, shrinkage stress (PSS), maximum PSS rate, time to reach maximum PSS rate, and depth of cure. Cu-MBGN without silica accelerated polymerisation, reduced light transmission, and had the highest DC (58.8 ± 0.9%) and Rmax (9.8 ± 0.2%/s), but lower shrinkage (3 ± 0.05%) and similar PSS (0.89 ± 0.07 MPa) versus the inert reference (0.83 ± 0.13 MPa). Combined Cu-MBGN and silica slowed the Rmax and achieved a similar DC but resulted in higher shrinkage. However, using a combined 5 wt.% Cu-MBGN and silica, the PSS resembled that of the inert reference. The synergistic action of 5 wt.% Cu-MBGN and silanised silica in combination with silanised barium glass resulted in a material with the highest likelihood for dental applications in future.
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Cobre , Nanosferas , Resinas Compuestas , Materiales Dentales , Cinética , Ensayo de Materiales , Polimerizacion , Dióxido de Silicio , Propiedades de SuperficieRESUMEN
This study investigated the potential of adhesive coating for hindering the reactivity of ion-releasing dental restorative materials. Experimental composites were prepared by replacing 10 or 20 wt% of reinforcing fillers with two types of bioactive glass. A glass ionomer, a giomer, and an alkasite were used as representatives of commercial ion-releasing materials. Restorative material specimens were coated with an etch-and-rinse adhesive, 1-step self-etch adhesive, 2-step self-etch adhesive, or left uncoated. The specimens were immersed in a lactic acid solution and ion concentrations were measured in 4 days intervals for 32 days (atomic absorption spectrometry for calcium, UV-Vis spectrometry for phosphate, ion-selective electrode for fluoride, and pH-meter for pH values). The adhesive coating reduced ion release between 0.3 and 307 times, in a significantly material- and adhesive-dependent manner. Fluoride release was most highly impaired, with the reduction of up to 307 times, followed by phosphate and calcium release, which were reduced up to 90 and 45 times, respectively. The effect of different adhesive systems was most pronounced for phosphate release, with the following rankings: uncoated ≥ 2-step self-etch adhesive ≥ 1-step self-etch adhesive ≥ etch-and-rinse adhesive. The differences among adhesives were less pronounced for calcium and fluoride. It was concluded that the resinous adhesive layer can act as a barrier for ion release and diminish the beneficial effects of remineralizing restorative materials.
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Fluoruros , Cementos de Resina , Adhesivos , Calcio , Resinas Compuestas/química , Fluoruros/química , Ensayo de Materiales , Fosfatos , Cementos de Resina/químicaRESUMEN
The objective was to evaluate new commercially available ion-releasing restorative materials and compare them to established anti-cariogenic materials. Four materials were tested: alkasite Cention (Ivoclar Vivadent) in self-cure or light-cure mode, giomer Beautifil II (Shofu), conventional glass-ionomer Fuji IX (GC), and resin composite Tetric EvoCeram (Ivoclar Vivadent) as a control. Flexural strength, flexural modulus, and Weibull modulus were measured one day, three months, and after three months with accelerated aging in ethanol. Water sorption and solubility were evaluated for up to one year. Degree of conversion was measured during 120 min for self-cured and light-cured Cention. In this study, Beautifil II was the ion-releasing material with the highest flexural strength and modulus and with the best resistance to aging. Alkasite Cention showed superior mechanical properties to Fuji IX. Weibull analysis showed that the glass-ionomer had the least reliable distribution of mechanical properties with the highest water sorption. The solubility of self-cured alkasite exceeded the permissible values according to ISO 4049. Degree of conversion of light-cured Cention was higher than in self-cure mode. The use of alkasite Cention is recommended only in the light-cure mode.
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This study evaluated the behavior of a new generation of bulk-fill resin composites after prolonged exposure to an aqueous environment and accelerated aging in ethanol. Six bulk-fill materials were tested (Tetric PowerFill, Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill, Fill-Up!, Tetric PowerFlow, SDR Plus Bulk Fill Flowable) and compared to two conventional reference materials (Tetric EvoCeram and Tetric EvoFlow). Flexural strength, modulus, and Weibull parameters were examined at three time points: 1 day, 30 days, and 30 days followed by ethanol immersion. Degree of conversion after 30 days, water sorption, and solubility up to 90 days were also investigated. Filtek One Bulk Fill had the highest flexural strength and modulus among the tested materials, followed by Tetric PowerFill and SDR plus. Flexural strength and modulus of high-viscosity bulk-fill materials showed higher stability after accelerated aging in ethanol compared to their low-viscosity counterparts and reference materials. After 30 days, the degree of conversion was above 80% for all tested materials. Dual-cure material Fill-Up! was the best-cured material. The water sorption was highest for Fill-Up!, Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative, and Tetric EvoFlow, while solubility was highest for Tetric EvoCeram. After aging in water and ethanol, new generation high-viscosity bulk-fill materials showed better mechanical properties than low-viscosity bulk-fill and conventional composites under extended light curing conditions.
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OBJECTIVES: To prepare experimental composites with bioactive glass (BG) and investigate their release of calcium (Ca), phosphate (PO4), and fluoride (F), as well as pH changes and apatite precipitation after immersion. METHODS: Experimental composites were prepared with 0, 10, or 20 wt% of either BG 45S5 or a customized low-Na F-containing BG. Three commercial ion-releasing materials were used for reference. Material specimens were immersed in lactic acid (pH = 4.0) and artificial saliva (pH = 6.4). Ion concentrations (atomic absorption spectrometry for Ca, UV-vis spectrometry for PO4, and ion-selective electrode for F) and pH were measured after 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 days. After immersion, composite specimens were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. RESULTS: Material-dependent concentrations of Ca, PO4, and F were measured in the lactic acid solution, while a decrease of Ca and PO4 concentrations was observed in artificial saliva. The uptake of ions from artificial saliva indicates their precipitation on specimen surfaces, which was supported by the results of SEM and FTIR investigations. In experimental composites functionalized with both bioactive glass types and a commercial "alkasite" material, apatite was precipitated not only in artificial saliva but also in the lactic acid solution. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental BG-containing composites and selected commercial restorative materials demonstrated the potential for releasing multiple ion types and increasing pH. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The observed effects can be beneficial for preventing demineralization and promoting remineralization of dental hard tissues, while apatite precipitation can additionally help in sealing marginal discontinuities.