Influence of glazing and aging on the marginal, axial, axio-occlusal, and occlusal fit of 3-unit monolithic zirconia restorations fabricated using additive and subtractive techniques.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Studies are sparse on how glazing and aging influence the fit of additively fabricated monolithic zirconia restorations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of glazing and aging on the fit of 3-unit monolithic zirconia restorations fabricated using different techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 32 monolithic zirconia restorations were fabricated for a typodont model by using 4 distinct techniques (subtractive fabrication [SF], stereolithography [SLA], digital light processing [DLP], and lithography-based ceramic manufacturing [LCM]). The silicone replica approach was adopted to measure the discrepancy values for premolar and molar abutments after sintering, glazing, and 1 year of aging. The silicone replicas were sliced into mesiodistal and buccopalatal cross-sections, and digital micrographs of the cross-sections were made with a ×80 stereomicroscope. An inherent measuring program was run to record the discrepancy values (µm). Repeated-measures 2-way ANOVAs with the Bonferroni post hoc test were used to statistically analyze the acquired data. (α=.05). RESULTS: From the repeated measures 2-way ANOVAs, both the glazing×fabrication technique and the aging×fabrication technique interactions were not statistically significant (P>.05). Glazing significantly influenced premolar abutment marginal (P=.022) and occlusal (P=.007) discrepancy values, as well as molar abutment marginal discrepancy values (P=.047). Aging had a statistically significant effect on premolar abutment marginal (P=.008) and occlusal (P=.011) discrepancy values, as well as molar abutment occlusal discrepancy values (P=.039). In both the glazing and aging data, for all areas of interest, statistically significant differences were detected among the fabrication techniques (P<.05). The LCM group had the lowest discrepancy values, followed by the SLA, SF, and DLP groups. CONCLUSIONS: The LCM and SLA groups outperformed the other groups in terms of fit accuracy. The glazing and aging procedures altered the discrepancy values. The marginal discrepancy values of all groups were below the threshold of clinical acceptability (<120 µm).

An assessment of the passivity of the fit of multiunit screw-retained implant frameworks manufactured by using additive and subtractive technologies.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The lack of passive fit in implant-supported restorations can lead to mechanical and biological complications and compromise the longevity of the prosthesis. The manufacturing technique and evaluation site are factors that may affect the passive fit of multiunit screw-retained implant frameworks. However, scientific information regarding this issue is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of manufacturing technique and evaluation site on the passive fit of multiunit screw-retained implant frameworks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two multiunit implant analogs were placed into the right second premolar and second molar sites of a mandibular typodont model. A total of 50 3-unit Co-Cr frameworks were fabricated with 3 indirect (conventional technique, polymethyl methacrylate milling, stereolithography) and 2 direct techniques (selective laser melting and soft alloy milling). The patterns obtained by indirect techniques were subsequently cast. The Sheffield test was used for the assessment. Digital images of the sites were obtained by using a stereomicroscope at ×40 magnification, and the measurement points (n=10 for each site) were examined to record the vertical marginal discrepancy values (µm) with the aid of a measuring software program. The collected data were subjected to the 2-way ANOVA and Tukey honestly significant difference test (α=.05). RESULTS: The influence of the manufacturing technique (variable 1) on the vertical marginal discrepancy values was statistically significant (P<.001). However, the evaluation site (variable 2) (P=.097) and the interaction of the variables (P=.960) were not statistically significant. The lowest misfit values were observed for selective laser melting (74.2 ±20.5 µm) followed by stereolithography (92.8 ±23.9 µm), soft alloy milling (108.4 ±12.0 µm), polymethyl methacrylate milling (116.7 ±17.0 µm), and conventional technique (137.5 ±18.9 µm). The vertical marginal discrepancy values of the selective laser melting group were significantly lower than those of all other groups (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The manufacturing technique significantly affected the passive fit. selective laser melting-fabricated frameworks demonstrated superior fitting accuracy. Among the indirect techniques, stereolithography-fabricated frameworks revealed the lowest misfit values. The vertical marginal discrepancy values of all manufacturing groups were within the range of clinical acceptability (<150 µm).

Effect of angulation on the 3D trueness of conventional and digital implant impressions for multi-unit restorations.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to determine the influence of implant angulation on the trueness of multi-unit implant impressions taken through different techniques and strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As reference models, three partially edentulous mandibular models (Model 1: No angulation; Model 2: No angulation for #33, 15-degree distal angulation for #35 and #37; Model 3: No angulation for #33, 25-degree distal angulation for #35 and #37) were created by modifying the angulations of implant analogues. Using a lab scanner, these reference models were scanned. The obtained data were preserved and utilized as virtual references. Three intraoral scanning (IOS) strategies: IOS-Omnicam, ISO-Quadrant, and IOS-Consecutive, as well as two traaditional techniques: splinted open tray (OT) and closed tray (CT), were used to create impressions from each reference model. The best-fit alignment approach was used to sequentially superimpose the reference and test scan data. Computations and statistical analysis of angular (AD), linear (LD), and 3D deviations (RMS) were performed. RESULTS: Model type, impression technique, as well as interaction factor, all demonstrated a significant influence on AD and LD values for all implant locations (P < .05). The Model 1 and SOT techniques displayed the lowest mean AD and LD values across all implant locations. When considering interaction factors, CT-Model 3 and SOT-Model 1 exhibited the highest and lowest mean AD and LD values, respectively. Model type, impression technique, and interaction factor all revealed significant effects on RMS values (P ≤ .001). CT-Model 3 and SOT-Model 1 presented the highest and lowest mean RMS values, respectively. CONCLUSION: Splinted-OT and IOS-Omnicam are recommended for multi-unit implant impressions to enhance trueness, potentially benefiting subsequent manufacturing stages.

Influence of the Angulation and Insertion Depth of Implants on the 3D Trueness of Conventional and Digital Impressions.

PURPOSE: To study the influence of insertion depth and implant angulation on the 3D trueness of models obtained with different impression techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four different reference models (model 1: parallel, depth of 1.5 mm; model 2: parallel, depth of 4 mm; model 3: 20-degree angle, depth of 1.5 mm; and model 4: 20-degree angle, depth of 4 mm) of partially edentulous maxillae were generated by altering implant angulations and subgingival depths. All scans of reference models were done with a laboratory scanner, and obtained data were exported into standard tessellation language format to be used as virtual reference images. Impressions were obtained from each reference model via three conventional techniques (closed tray [CT], non-hexed open tray [NHOT], and hexed open tray [HOT]) and one digital technique (intraoral scanning [IOS]). A total of 160 impressions were made. The reference and experimental scan data were superimposed by using the best-fit alignment algorithm. Angular (AD), linear (LD), and 3D (RMS) deviations were computed, and obtained data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: In premolar implant sites, AD and LD values were significantly affected by model type (P ≤ .001 for AD and LD) and impression technique (P = .001 for AD, P = .002 for LD). However, no significant interaction was detected (P = .703 for AD, P = .768 for LD). Model 1 (0.44 ± 0.25 for AD, 7.79 ± 6.29 for LD) and the NHOT technique (0.49 ± 0.43 for AD, 9.04 ± 8.14 for LD) exhibited the lowest mean AD and LD values. In molar implant sites, AD and LD values were significantly affected by model type (P ≤ .001 for AD and LD) and impression technique (P ≤ .001 for AD and LD), as well as by their interaction terms (P = .037 for AD, P = .005 for LD). Considering interaction terms, while the highest and lowest mean AD values were exhibited by IOS-model 4 (1.56 ± 0.25) and NHOTmodel 2 (0.46 ± 0.28), respectively, the highest and lowest mean LD values were exhibited by CT-model 4 (41.40 ± 14.48) and NHOT-model 2 (8.03 ± 4.86), respectively. RMS estimate values were significantly influenced by model type (P ≤ .001) and impression technique (P ≤ .001), as well as by their interaction terms (P = .019). The highest and lowest mean RMS values were exhibited by IOS-model 4 (70.02 ± 4.74) and NHOT-model 2 (25.96 ± 17.67), respectively. CONCLUSION: In the case of angulated and deeply placed implants, splinted NHOT and HOT techniques can be recommended for better trueness.

Evaluation of surface characterization and mechanical features of resin-matrix ceramics before and after different surface treatments.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Surface treatments (STs) required for micromechanical interlocking can lead to alterations in the surface characterization and mechanical features of the resin-matrix ceramics (RMCs), which may jeopardize the long-term outcome of an indirect restoration. However, evidence on this issue is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the influence of different STs on the surface roughness (SR), water contact angle (WCA), and flexural strength (FS) of RMCs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred rectangular plates (12×14×1 mm) were prepared from 5 different RMC ingots, including a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (Vita Enamic [VE]), 2 resin nanoceramics (Lava Ultimate [LU], Grandio Blocks [GB]), a flexible nanoparticle-filled resin (GC Cerasmart [GC]), and a reinforced composite resin (Brilliant Crios [BC]). Plates of each RMC group were further divided into 4 subgroups according to the ST applied: Control, no treatment (C); airborne-particle abrasion with aluminum oxide particles (APA); 2W- and 3W-Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiations (LI2W, LI3W) (n=10 per ST). The SR (Ra) of each plate was recorded with a contact profilometer. WCAs (θ) of distilled water on the plates were determined by using the sessile-drop method. The FS (MPa) of each plate was measured with a universal testing machine. Data acquired for SR, WCA, and FS were statistically analyzed (α=.05). Weibull statistics were also conducted to determine the reliability of each material. RESULTS: The 2-way ANOVA showed that SR, WCA, and FS values were significantly influenced not only by all tested variables but also by their interaction terms (P<.001). All STs significantly increased the SR values (P<.05). Maximum and minimum SR values were recorded in GC-LI3W (7.06 ±0.16) and GC-C (0.07 ±0.02) groups. After STs, WCA values significantly diminished (P<.05). Maximum and minimum WCA values were recorded in LU-C (61.74 ±2.45) and VE-APA (40.38 ±1.56) groups. All STs significantly reduced the FS values (P<.05). The upper and lower FS bounds were 140.7 ±17.07 and 60.66 ±6.31, respectively, set by VG-C and GC-APA. Weibull distribution indicated that the untreated groups presented the highest m values. Among the treated groups, BC-LI3W demonstrated superior reliability (m=14.04). CONCLUSIONS: APA for LU, LI2W for VG and BC, and LI3W for GC and VE can be preferred. Although APA increased the SR and provided more wettable surfaces, it caused considerable loss of FS. Therefore, LI can be recommended as a safer ST for RMCs.

Effectiveness of screen-to-screen and face-to-face learning modalities in dental anatomy module during Covid-19 pandemic.

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced all dentistry faculties to quickly shift to the online supplementation or replacement of traditional modules to pursue education. However, there is limited research evaluating the effectiveness of this education modality on student performance in dental anatomy and manipulation module. Accordingly, it was aimed to compare the influence of different education modalities on the performances of the students enrolled in this module. The students were requested to perform 11 practical assignments throughout the fall term. A total of 220 face-to-face-educated (F2F) and 138 screen-to-screen-educated (S2S) students were included. To evaluate the influence of education modality on the performances of the students, cumulative success scores were calculated and compared using an independent t-test. The grades of the first (maxillary central), sixth (maxillary premolar), and eleventh assignments (mandibular first molar) were also analyzed to understand the manipulation-skill progress of each student within the same year. The grades of above-mentioned three assignments were converted into nominal data (excellent, very good, good, acceptable, and fail) based on certain thresholds, and a chi-square test was conducted. The cumulative success scores in F2F group were significantly lower than those in S2S group (P = 0.02). Differences between the first and eleventh tasks in both education modalities were significant (P < 0.05). The S2S-educated students achieved significantly higher achievement points in the sixth and eleventh assignments (P < 0.001). The S2S education can be suggested as an applicable modality for teaching dental anatomy and manipulation module. However, further work is needed to ascertain whether this result is replicable throughout dental anatomy education.

Micro-shear bond strengths of resin-matrix ceramics subjected to different surface conditioning strategies with or without coupling agent application.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the influence of various micromechanical surface conditioning (MSC) strategies with or without coupling agent (silane) application on the micro-shear bond strength (µSBS) of resin- matrix ceramics (RMCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: GC Cerasmart (GC), Lava Ultimate (LU), Vita Enamic (VE), Voco Grandio (VG), and Brilliant Crios (BC) were cut into 1.0-mm-thick slices (n = 32 per RMC) and separated into four groups according to the MSC strategy applied: control-no conditioning (C), air-borne particle abrasion with aluminum oxide particles (APA), 2W- and 3W-Er,Cr:YSGG group coding is missing. The specimens in each group were further separated into silane-applied and silane-free subgroups. Each specimen received two resin cement microtubules (n = 8 per subgroup). A shear force was applied to the adhesive interface through a universal test machine and µSBS values were measured. Data were statistically analyzed by using 3-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. Failure patterns were scrutinized under stereomicroscope. RESULTS: RMC material type, MSC strategy, and silanization influenced the µSBS values (P<.05). In comparison to the control group, µSBS values increased after all other MSC strategies (P<.05) while the differences among these strategies were insignificant (P>.05). For control and APA, there were insignificant differences between RMCs (P>.05). The silanization decreased µSBS values of RMCs except for VE. Considerable declines were observed in GC and BC (P<.05). CONCLUSION: MSC strategies can enhance bond strength values at the RMC - cement interface. However, the choice of MSC strategy is dependent on RMC material type and each RMC can require a dedicated way of conditioning.

How will surface conditioning methods influence the translucency and color properties of CAD-CAM resin-matrix ceramics with different thicknesses?

OBJECTIVE: It was aimed to evaluate the effect of various surface-conditioning methods on the translucency and color properties of resin-matrix ceramics (RMCs) with different types and thicknesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rectangle-shaped RMCs were prepared from Voco Grandio, Brilliant Crios, Lava Ultimate, GC Cerasmart, and Vita Enamic blocks at 0.5 and 1.0 mm thicknesses. Specimens were divided into four groups: control, airborne-particle abrasion (APA), 2 and 3 W Er, Cr:YSGG laser irradiations (L2W , L3W ) (n = 15). The color values of specimens were recorded before and after surface-conditioning using a spectrophotometer. The translucency parameter (RTP00 ) and color difference (ΔE00 ) values were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. RESULTS: The translucencies of RMCs decreased after all surface-conditioning procedures. L caused more decline in translucency of materials than APA. All ΔE00 values were under the acceptability threshold except for APA-applied Voco Grandio at 0.5 mm. Differences in ΔE00 values between APA and L3W groups were significant (P˂0.05); while differences between L2W and L3W groups were insignificant (P > .05). In all experimental groups, ΔE00 values decreased with increasing thickness of RMCs. CONCLUSIONS: L and APA significantly affected the translucency and color properties of RMCs. APA was found more favorable than L. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians should carefully use surface conditioning methods, considering their impact on the optical characteristics of RMCs, especially when the restoration is thin.

Evaluation of shade correspondence between current monolithic CAD/CAM blocks and target shade tab by considering the influence of cement shade and restorative material thickness.

It was aimed to evaluate shade matching between novel CAD/CAM blocks and the A2 target shade tab by considering the influence of cement shade and restorative material thickness on the chromatic background. A total number of 120 rectangular-shaped specimens were subtracted from four different prefabricated CAD/CAM blocks [Vita Enamic (VE), Lava Ultimate (LU), GC Cerasmart (GC), and Vita Mark II (VMII)]. These specimens had thicknesses of 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm. Three different shades (A2, opaque, and translucent) of dual-polymerized resin cement were chosen. The dentin shade (A3.5) restorative composite foundation was incrementally fabricated in a silicon mold. For control group, the A2 shade tab of the Vitapan classical shade guide was used. Different restorative material-cement-foundation assemblies were generated with optic gel. Color readings were performed by using a clinical spectrophotometer, and CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) formula was used to assess color differences. Data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). With increasing thickness, color difference values decreased. Higher mean ΔE00 units were observed in all restorative material sub-groups for 0.5 mm thickness. In TR shade, no statistically significant difference was detected among the mean ΔE00 values of 0.5 mm-thick restorative materials. Color differences in groups 1.0 mm-opaque-LU and 1.0 mm-opaque-GC indicated perceptible but clinically acceptable values (0.8˂ΔE00 ≤ 1.8). The highest and lowest ΔE00 units were observed in the 0.5 mm-A2-VE group (ΔE00 = 7.07) and 1 mm-opaque-GC group (ΔE00 = 1.46), respectively. Luting cement shade, restorative material type, and thickness significantly influenced the resultant color of restoration. Opaque cement on dentin foundation exhibited lower color differences.

Effect of color of the cement and the composite resin foundation on the resultant color of resin-matrix ceramics.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: An improper restoration color match to the adjacent natural teeth can jeopardize esthetic success. The type of resin-matrix ceramic (RMC), the shade of the underlying foundation, and the shade of cement may affect the optical behavior of RMC materials, but studies on this issue are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the cumulative effect of different shades of composite resin foundation (CRF) and cement on the optical behaviors of 3 different RMCs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five rectangular RMC specimens (14×12×1 mm, shade A2) were prepared from 3 different blocks, including a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (Vita Enamic [VE]), a resin nanoceramic (Lava Ultimate [LU]), and a flexible nanoparticle-filled resin (GC Cerasmart [GC]) (n=15 per RMC block). CRFs (14×12×4 mm) were fabricated in white and dentin shades (n=1 per composite resin shade). Cement specimens (G-CEM LinkForce) were prepared from 3 shades (A2, opaque [OP], and translucent [TR]) (n=15 per shade). For control groups, 3 rectangular RMC foundations (14×12×4 mm) were also milled from RMC blocks (n=1 per block). Color coordinates were recorded by using a digital spectrophotometer. The coordinates of 4-mm-thick RMC foundations served as the control groups. The coordinates of RMC specimens on each combination of CRF and cement served as test groups. The CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) formula was used to assess color differences. Data were subjected to 3-way ANOVA and Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) tests (α=.05). RESULTS: ΔE00 values of specimens were influenced by the CRF shade, cement shade, RMC type, as well as the interaction terms of the 3 variables (P<.001). Color differences in groups VE-A2-dentin, VE-OP-dentin, LU-OP-dentin, and GC-OP-dentin showed perceptible but clinically acceptable values (0.8<ΔE00≤1.8). The highest and lowest ΔE00 values were observed in the white-OP-LU (5.32 ±0.34) and dentin-OP-VE (0.94 ±0.31) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Opaque cement on the white foundation led to the highest ΔE00 values in the resultant colors of all RMC groups. When used with the same shade on the dentin foundation, this cement produced clinically acceptable results.

Does the application of surface treatments in different sintering stages affect flexural strength and optical properties of zirconia?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of surface treatments conducted in presintering and postsintering stages on flexural strength and optical properties of zirconia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens were milled from partially sintered zirconia blocks in different geometries and divided into three main groups as presintered, postsintered, and control groups. Test groups were further divided into three subgroups (n = 10) according to the surface treatments conducted (grinding, Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation, air-borne particle abrasion [APA]). Four-point flexural strength (σ) test and Weibull analysis were conducted. Color differences (ΔE00 ) and translucency parameter (TPab ) were calculated with a spectrophotometer. Surfaces of specimens were scrutinized under FESEM. Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Postsintered groups exhibited higher σ values (P < .05). Within all groups, highest and lowest σ values were detected at postsintered and presintered APA groups, respectively (P < .05). All ΔE00 values were above the perceptibility threshold (ΔE00 > 0.8). Higher TPab values were obtained and deeper scratches were observed in presintered groups. CONCLUSIONS: Surface treatments performed at postsintering stage had a favorable effect on the flexural strength of all specimens. Surface treatments performed before sintering increased translucency and caused higher ΔE00 values. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surface treatments performed at different sintering stages can alter mechanical and optical properties of zirconia.

Influence of repeated firings on marginal, axial, axio-occlusal, and occlusal fit of metal-ceramic restorations fabricated with different techniques.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Ill-fitting restorations can jeopardize dental, periodontal, and systemic health. Repeated ceramic firing may influence the fitting accuracy of restorations, but scientific information regarding this issue is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess and compare the influence of repeated firings on the marginal, axial, axio-occlusal, and occlusal fit of metal-ceramic 3-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) manufactured with different framework methods, including casting, fully sintered hard alloy milling (FHAM), presintered soft alloy milling (PSAM), and selective laser sintering (SLS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 Co-Cr metal frameworks for 3-unit FPDs were fabricated with 3 different computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) techniques and conventional casting for a typodont model. The discrepancy values for premolar and molar abutments were measured by using the silicone replica technique after fabrication of the framework, second firing, fourth firing, and seventh firing. The replicas were separated into mesiodistal and buccolingual cross-sections, and digital images of the cross-sections were obtained with a stereomicroscope at ×80 magnification. The measurement points were examined to record the discrepancy values (µm) with in-built measuring software. The recorded data were subjected to repeated-measures 4-way ANOVA and the Bonferroni post hoc test (α=.05). RESULTS: For all measurement periods, the marginal, axial, axio-occlusal, and occlusal discrepancy values differed significantly among the manufacturing groups (P<.001). Moreover, the repeated firings had a statistically significant influence on the discrepancy values of PSAM, FHAM, and SLS groups (P<.05). The cast group was not significantly affected by repeated firings (P>.05). The PSAM group revealed the lowest discrepancy values at all measurement periods (P<.05), except after the second firing in the marginal and axial locations. CONCLUSIONS: The PSAM-fabricated restorations demonstrated superior fitting accuracy. All manufacturing groups were influenced by repeated firings, except the cast group. The marginal discrepancy values of all manufacturing groups were within the range of clinical acceptability (<120 µm).