Effects of bicuspid extractions and incisor retraction on upper airway of Asian adults and late adolescents: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of bicuspid extractions and incisor retraction on airway dimension, hyoid position and breathing of adults and late adolescents. METHODS: The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Eight databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus were searched to August 2018. Minimum age of participants was 16 years. The intervention was dual-arch bicuspid extractions with incisor retraction. Outcomes were airway dimension, hyoid position and breathing assessment. RESULTS: All nine publications meeting inclusion criteria were from Asia. They were divided into three Asian subregions. All East Asian lateral cephalometric studies reported anteroposterior airway narrowing at the oropharynx and sometimes the hypopharynx. However, the narrowing was small, comparable to measurement errors, and highly variable. Two out of three East Asian computed tomography (CT) studies described reductions in airway dimensions. The single functional breathing study showed increased simulated flow resistance after incisor retraction in East Asians. South Asian studies had mixed findings, with some reporting significant airway narrowing. The single study from West Asia found no significant airway or hyoid changes. CONCLUSIONS: Airway response to bicuspid extractions and incisor retraction varied substantially when assessed with cephalometry. CT measurements present larger effect sizes and smaller variations, providing stronger evidence of airway narrowing. Orthodontic extractions for incisor retraction may be more frequently indicated in Asia, and East Asians seem particularly susceptible to airway narrowing and postero-inferior hyoid movement with incisor retraction. Better designed CT studies are needed for confirmation due to small effect size and large variability.

Condylar repair and regeneration in adolescents/young adults with early-stage degenerative temporomandibular joint disease: A randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Anterior repositioning splint (ARS) can facilitate regenerative condylar remodelling. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of ARS on osseous condylar changes in adolescents/young adults with early-stage degenerative joint disease (DJD). METHODS: Sixty-nine patients with early-stage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) DJD based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging were recruited and randomly allocated to two treatment groups: (a) conservative therapy with ARS and (b) conservative therapy without ARS. Subjects with acute TMJ closed-lock had their displaced discs physically reduced by mandibular manipulation prior to ARS therapy. Clinical and CBCT data of 59 patients (86.4% females, mean age 17.95 ± 4.53 years, 67 joints) were attained pre- and at 6 or 12 months post-treatment. Osseous changes after treatment were categorised into (a) progressed, (b) unchanged, (c) repaired (remodelled without new bone formation) and (d) regenerated (remodelled with new bone formation). Statistical analysis including chi-square test, independent samples t test or Mann-Whitney U test was conducted. RESULTS: About 85.5% of patients (59/69) completed the study, with 28 subjects (32 joints) in the splint group and 31 (35 joints) in the control group. The occurrence of condylar repair and regeneration was significantly higher with ARS (78.1%/[25/32] of joints) when compared to control group (48.6%/[17/35]) (P < 0.05). Moreover, condylar regeneration was exclusively observed in 50%/(16/32) of joints with ARS. For the 14 joints in splint group that received physical TMJ closed-lock reduction, 85.7%/(12/14) exhibited condylar regeneration. The splint group (3.1%/[1/32]) also had significantly lower incidence of progressive TMJ degeneration than the control (37.1%/[13/35]) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Condylar repair and regeneration in early-stage TMJ DJD are possible, and ideal spatial disc-condyle relationship appears important. The possibility of restoring TMJ form/structure by ARS therapy presents an attractive area of new basic science and clinical research (Bone defect repair in early osteoarthrosis of temporomandibular joint by joint distraction therapy: A randomized controlled trial/ChiCTR-TRC-14005172).

Effects of non-surgical rapid maxillary expansion on nasal structures and breathing: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to determine the effects of non-surgical rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on breathing and upper airway structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search of the scientific literature from January 2005 to June 2016 was done using Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source and PubMed databases. A combination of search terms "rapid maxillary expansion", "nasal", "airway" and "breathing" were used. Studies that involved surgical or combined RME-surgical treatments and patients with craniofacial anomalies were excluded. RESULTS: The initial screening yielded a total of 183 articles. After evaluation of the titles, abstracts and accessing the full text, a total of 20 articles fulfilled both inclusion/exclusion criteria and possessed adequate evidence to be incorporated into this review. CONCLUSIONS: Non-surgical RME was found to improve breathing, increase nasal cavity geometry and decrease nasal airway resistance in children and adolescents.

Bone-borne accelerated sutural expansion: A microcomputed tomography study in rabbits.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we evaluated the effect of bone-borne accelerated expansion protocols on sutural separation and sutural bone modeling using a microcomputed tomography system. We also determined the optimum instant sutural expansion possible without disruption of bone modeling. METHODS: Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits, 20 to 24 weeks old, were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups. Modified hyrax expanders were placed across their interfrontal sutures and secured with miniscrew implants located bilaterally in the frontal bone. The hyrax appliances were activated as follows: group 1 (control), 0.5-mm per day expansion for 12 days; group 2, 1-mm instant expansion followed by 0.5 mm per day for 10 days; group 3, 2.5-mm instant expansion followed by 0.5 mm per day for 7 days, and group 4, 4-mm instant expansion followed by 0.5 mm per day for 4 days. After 6 weeks of retention, sutural separation and sutural bone modeling were assessed by microcomputed tomography and quantified. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests and the Spearman rho correlation (P <0.05). RESULTS: Median amounts of sutural separation ranged from 2.84 to 4.41 mm for groups 1 and 4, respectively. Median bone volume fraction ranged from 59.96% to 69.15% for groups 4 and 3, respectively. A significant correlation (r = 0.970; P <0.01) was observed between the amounts of instant expansion and sutural separation. CONCLUSIONS: Pending histologic verifications, our findings suggest that the protocol involving 2.5 mm of instant expansion followed by 0.5 mm per day for 7 days is optimal for accelerated sutural expansion. When 4 mm of instant expansion was used, the sutural bone volume fraction was decreased.

Temporomandibular disorder symptoms and their association with quality of life, emotional states and sleep quality in South-East Asian youths.

Population studies on the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and their associations with quality of life (QoL), emotional states and sleep quality in South-East Asian youths are not available. This cross-sectional study assessed the presence of TMD and their relationships to QoL, depression, anxiety, stress and sleep quality in a cohort of South-East Asian adolescents/young adults. Three hundred and sixty-two students from a polytechnic were enrolled in the study and completed an online questionnaire consisting of the Fonesca's Anamnestic Index (FAI), Oral Health Impact Profile for TMD (OHIP-TMD), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The FAI appraises TMD severity while OHIP-TMD determines the effect of TMD on oral health-related QoL. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test for categorical data whilst one-way ANOVA/post hoc Bonferroni's tests were employed for numerical scores (P < 0.05). Of the 244 participants who completed the questionnaires in their entirety (37 males; 207 females, mean age 20.1 ± 3.2 years), 32.4% had mild TMD, 9.4% had moderate TMD and 58.2% were TMD free. The total prevalence of TMD was 41.8% (n = 102) and most OHIP-TMD domains including functional limitation (P = 0.000), physical pain (P = 0.000), handicapped (P = 0.000) and psychological discomfort (P = 0.001) showed significant differences in mean scores depending on TMD severity. A similar trend was observed for DASS-21. The majority of participants with TMD (69.6%; n = 71) had poor sleep quality (P = 0.004). TMD appear to be prevalent in South-East Asian youths with varying severity. Severity of TMD had some bearing on QoL, emotional states as well as sleep quality.

Effect of Piezoelectric Sutural Ostectomies on Accelerated Bone-Borne Sutural Expansion.

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the effect of piezoelectric sutural ostectomies on accelerated bone-borne sutural expansion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen male New Zealand white rabbits (20 to 24 weeks old) were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups (n = 4): group 1, conventional rapid sutural expansion; group 2, accelerated sutural expansion; group 3, accelerated sutural expansion with continuous ostectomy; and group 4, accelerated sutural expansion with discontinuous ostectomy. All sutural ostectomies were performed using a piezoelectric instrument (Woodpecker DTE, DS-II, Guangxi, China) before expander application with the rabbits under anesthesia. Modified hyrax expanders were placed across the midsagittal sutures of the rabbits and secured with miniscrew implants located bilaterally in the frontal bone. The hyrax expanders were activated 0.5 mm/day for 12 days (group 1) or with a 2.5-mm initial expansion, followed by 0.5 mm/day for 7 days (groups 2 to 4). After 6 weeks of retention, the bone volume fraction, sutural separation, and new bone formation were evaluated using micro-computed tomography and histomorphometry. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman's rho correlation (P < .05). RESULTS: Ranking of the median sutural separation was as follows: group 1, 3.05 mm; group 2, 3.97 mm; group 4, 4.78 mm; and group 3, 5.66 mm. The least and most bone formation were observed in groups 1 (63.63%) and 3 (75.93%), respectively. Spearman's correlation showed a strong, positive, and significant correlation (r = 0.932; P < .01) between the new sutural bone formation and amount of sutural separation. CONCLUSIONS: Piezoelectric sutural ostectomies increased the rate of sutural separation and promoted new sutural bone formation/osteogenesis. Continuous ostectomy gave better results than discontinuous ostectomy.

Temporomandibular disorders symptoms in Asian adolescents and their association with sleep quality and psychological distress.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms and their association with sleep quality and psychological distress in Chinese adolescents. METHODS: Five hundred seventy-eight adolescents were enrolled in the study and completed a self-reported TMD symptom questionnaire and socio-demographics survey. Sleep quality and psychological distress were assessed. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed with TMD symptoms as the outcome variable. RESULTS: The prevalence of adolescents with at least one TMD symptom was 61.4%. One-third of subjects experienced disturbed sleep, depression, and stress; 65.2% experienced anxiety. Subjects with TMD symptoms had greater psychological distress and disturbed sleep than those who were symptom-free. Logistic regression analysis showed that sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction and anxiety were significantly related to TMD symptoms. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of TMD symptoms in Asian adolescents is high. Disturbed sleep and psychological distress are correlated with TMD; thus, a further longitudinal research of the causality is warranted.

Stem Cells for Temporomandibular Joint Repair and Regeneration.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) represent a heterogeneous group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles and/or associated structures. They are a major cause of non-dental orofacial pain. As a group, they are often multi-factorial in nature and have no common etiology or biological explanations. TMD can be broadly divided into masticatory muscle and TMJ disorders. TMJ disorders are characterized by intra-articular positional and/or structural abnormalities. The most common type of TMJ disorders involves displacement of the TMJ articular disc that precedes progressive degenerative changes of the joint leading to osteoarthritis (OA). In the past decade, progress made in the development of stem cell-based therapies and tissue engineering have provided alternative methods to attenuate the disease symptoms and even replace the diseased tissue in the treatment of TMJ disorders. Resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been isolated from the synovia of TMJ, suggesting an important role in the repair and regeneration of TMJ. The seminal discovery of pluripotent stem cells including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have provided promising cell sources for drug discovery, transplantation as well as for tissue engineering of TMJ condylar cartilage and disc. This review discusses the most recent advances in development of stem cell-based treatments for TMJ disorders through innovative approaches of cell-based therapeutics, tissue engineering and drug discovery.

Effects of environmental calcium and phosphate on wear and strength of glass ionomers exposed to acidic conditions.

This study evaluated the effects of environmental calcium and phosphate on wear resistance, strength, and surface morphology of highly viscous glass-ionomers (HVGICs) (Fuji IX Fast [FN] and KetacMolar [KM]) when exposed to acidic conditions. Fabricated specimens were randomly divided into five groups and kept in acidic solutions (pH 3) with varied levels of calcium and phosphate ranging from 0 to 2.4 mM. After 4 weeks of conditioning, the specimens were subjected to wear testing, shear punch, and surface roughness testing as well as SEM evaluation. Multiple comparisons of wear depth (microm), shear strength (MPa), and surface roughness (Ra) between acidic conditions were performed using ANOVA/post-hoc Scheffe's test (p < 0.05). Results showed that FN and KM exposed to acidic conditions had varied wear resistance, shear strength, surface roughness, and structure depending on environmental phosphate level. Increased level of environmental phosphate led to rougher surface, greater wear resistance, and strength of FN and KM than the controls (acid of pH 3). Under SEM, the surface of both FN and KM specimens were covered by numerous small particles when environmental phosphate was high. Results suggest that environmental phosphate may improve wear resistance and shear strength of HVGICs when challenged by acids.

Effect of chain modifications on the physicomechanical properties of silsesquioxane-based dental nanocomposites.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicomechanical properties of a series of polyhedral silsesquioxane (SSQ) methacrylate monomers developed for dental applications. The effect of chain modifications on the properties of the SSQ-based monomers was also evaluated. Physicomechanical properties that are investigated include polymerization shrinkage, degree of conversion, hardness, and modulus. Results obtained were compared with unfilled 1:1 (control) bis-GMA/TEGDMA materials (typical monomers used in dental composites). All samples investigated were cured using 400-500 nm light at 500 mW/cm(2) for 40 s. Shrinkage associated with curing and post-gel reactions for all synthesized SSQ compounds were found to range from (0.04 +/- 0.01)% to (0.33 +/- 0.03)% with degree of conversion ranging from (56.68 +/- 2.81)% to (84.53 +/- 2.62)%. At all time intervals, post-gel shrinkage associated with control was found to be significantly greater than all SSQ compounds. No significant difference in degree of conversion was observed for control, and all SSQ compounds except for SSQ attached with eight equivalents of short-chain methacrylate. Mechanical properties associated with SSQ compounds were found to be significantly lower than control. However, through chain modifications, mechanical properties of SSQ compounds can be improved by approximately 50%.

Physicomechanical evaluation of low-shrinkage dental nanocomposites based on silsesquioxane cores.

This study aimed to determine the modulus, hardness, and polymerization shrinkage of novel silsesquioxane (SSQ)-based nanocomposites synthesized for dental applications. Four novel SSQ materials were developed and mixed with control monomers in 5, 10, 20, and 50 wt% SSQ nanocomposite ratios and were evaluated for use as potential low-shrinkage composite restoratives. The postgel polymerization shrinkage of the hybrid materials was then investigated and compared with unfilled 1:1 (control) bisphenol A glycerolate (1 glycerol/phenol) dimethacrylate/tri(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA/TEGDMA) materials using a strain-monitoring device and test configuration. Mechanical properties, such as hardness and modulus, were determined using the depth-sensing microindentation approach. All samples investigated were polymerized using a dental light-curing unit (BISCO VIP) at 500 mW cm(-2) for 40 s. The results obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance/Scheffe's posthoc test at a significance level of 0.05. At 60 min postlight polymerization, postgel shrinkage associated with the control was found to be significantly higher than for all control/SSQ mixtures. Hardness and modulus were found to decrease with increased amount of SSQ monomers added, indicating that the incorporation of SSQ monomers into the control generally helps to reduce both the rigidity and the polymerization shrinkage. Therefore, in the correct formulation, SSQ materials have great potential to be used as low-shrinkage composite restoratives.

Environmental degradation of glass-ionomer cements: a depth-sensing microindentation study.

This study investigated the effects of various environmental conditions on the hardness and elastic modulus of restorative glass-ionomer cements (GICs). Two resin-modified GICs (RMGICs) (Fuji II LC [FL]; Photac-Fil Quick [PQ]) and three highly viscous GICs (HVGICs) (Fuji IX Fast [FN]; KetacMolar [KM]; KetacMolar Quick [KQ]) were evaluated in this study. Specimens were fabricated according to the manufacturers' instructions and stored under a variety of conditions (n = 7): 100% humidity, distilled water, pH 5 demineralization solution, and pH 7 remineralization solution. The hardness and elastic modulus were measured using a depth-sensing microindentation test after 4 weeks. The results were analyzed using the independent samples T-test and ANOVA/Scheffe's post hoc test (p < 0.05). HVGICs showed significantly higher hardness and elastic modulus than RMGICs under all storage conditions. Storage in distilled water significantly increased the hardness and elastic modulus of FN, but decreased that of PQ. All HVGICs and RMGICs stored in remineralization solution had hardness values and elastic moduli comparable to those stored in water. Compared to remineralization solution, demineralization solution had no significant effects on the modified GICs with the exception of KQ. The results suggest that the mechanical properties of glass-ionomer restoratives are material-type and storage condition dependent. Therefore, the clinical selection of a glass-ionomer material should be based on the oral environment to which it will be subjected.

Occlusion and periodontal disease--where is the link?

The effect of occlusion on the periodontium has been the subject of much debate. Interest on this subject has decreased over the years but has been renewed with the popularity of implant dentistry. This paper reviews the literature and explores the relationship between trauma from occlusion with periodontal disease and peri-implant bone loss. With regards to periodontal disease, there are two schools of thought on the effect that trauma from occlusion has on the periodontium. One believes that trauma from occlusion is a co-destructive factor in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. The other believes that it is not. Up till now, there are no conclusive explanations on the association between trauma from occlusion and periodontal disease. For dental implants, current literature suggests that there is an association between occlusal overloading and peri-implant bone loss even in the absence of inflammation. However, there is a need for more randomized clinical trials to validate this relationship.

Effect of early water exposure on the strength of glass ionomer restoratives.

This study examined the effect of early water exposure on the shear strength of a spectrum of glass ionomer restoratives. The materials evaluated included conventional auto-cured (Fuji II [FT], GC), resin-modified light-cured (Fuji II LC [FL]) and, recently introduced, high strength auto-cured (Fuji IX GP Fast [FN], GC; Ketac Molar Quick [KQ], 3M-ESPE; Ketac Molar [KM], 3M-ESPE) cements. Sixteen specimens (8.7-mm in diameter and 1-mm thick) of each material were prepared in metal washers and randomly divided into 2 groups. The specimens were allowed to set for 6 minutes between polyester strips, to ensure completion of the initial set. The strips were subsequently removed, and the surfaces of Group 1 specimens were coated on both sides with resin (Fuji Coat LC, GC) and light cured for 10 seconds. Group 2 specimens were left uncoated. All specimens were then conditioned in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 4 weeks. After conditioning, the specimens were restrained with a torque of 2.5 Nm and subjected to shear punch testing using a 2-mm diameter punch at a crosshead speed of 0.5-mm/minute. The mean shear strengths of the materials were computed and subjected to Independent Samples t-test and ANOVA/Scheffe's tests at significance level 0.05. Mean strength ranged from 78.34 to 99.36 MPa and 79.88 to 95.78 MPa for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. No significant difference in shear strength was observed between the 2 groups. For both groups, KM and KQ were significantly stronger than FT. Contrary to current teaching, early exposure to water did not weaken glass ionomer restoratives. A marginal increase in strength was actually observed for some materials.

Effectiveness of composite cure associated with different light-curing regimes.

This study investigated the use of various light-curing regimens with standardized light energy density on the effectiveness of cure of a visible light activated resin composite (Z100, 3M-ESPE). A light-cure unit (Variable Intensity Polymerizer (VIP), BISCO Inc) which permitted individual control over time and intensity, was used. The five light-curing modes investigated include Pulse Delay (PD), Pulse Cure (PC), Soft-start (SS), Turbo (T) and Control (C). Effectiveness of cure was established by measuring the top and bottom Knoop hardness of 2-mm thick composite specimens using a digital microhardness tester (n=5, load=500g; dwell time=15 seconds) immediately and at one-day post-polymerization. Data obtained was analyzed using one-way ANOVA/Scheffe's post hoc test and Independent Samples t-tests (p<0.05). Top KHN observed immediately after polymerization with C was significantly lower than PD. At one day post-polymerization, the top KHN obtained with C was significantly lower than PD, SS and T. No significant difference in bottom KHN was observed among the different curing modes immediately after curing. At one day post-polymerization, the bottom KHN obtained with C was significantly lower than SS and T. Regardless of curing regimens, top and bottom values at one day were significantly higher than those observed immediately after light polymerization. No significant difference in mean hardness ratio was observed among the different curing regimens immediately and one day later. Effectiveness of the cure at the bottom surfaces of composites may be increased by soft-start and turbo polymerization regimens.

Curing efficacy of a new generation high-power LED lamp.

This study investigated the curing efficacy of a new generation high-power LED lamp (Elipar Freelight 2 [N] 3M-ESPE). The effectiveness of composite cure with this new lamp was compared to conventional LED/halogen (Elipar Freelight [F], 3M-ESPE; Max [M], Dentsply-Caulk) and high-power halogen (Elipar Trilight [T], 3M-ESPE; Astralis 10 [A], Ivoclar Vivadent) lamps. Standard continuous (NS, FS, TS; MS), turbo (AT) and exponential (NE, FE, TE) curing modes of the various lights were examined. Curing efficacy of the various lights and modes were determined by measuring the top and bottom surface hardness of 2-mm thick composite specimens (Z100, 3M-ESPE) using a digital microhardness tester (n=5; load=500 g; dwell time=15 seconds) one hour after light polymerization. The hardness ratio was computed by dividing HK (Knoops Hardness) of the bottom surface by HK of the top surface. The data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA/Scheffe's test and Independent Samples t-test at significance level 0.05. Results of the statistical analysis were as follows: HK top--E, FE, NE > NS and NE > AT, TS, FS; HK bottom--TE, NE > NS; Hardness ratio--NS > FE and FS, TS > NE. No significant difference in HK bottom and hardness ratio was observed between the two modes of Freelight 2 and Max. Freelight 2 cured composites as effectively as conventional LED/halogen and high-power halogen lamps, even with a 50% reduction in cure time. The exponential modes of Freelight 2, Freelight and Trilight appear to be more effective than their respective standard modes.

Effects of pH on the microhardness of resin-based restorative materials.

This study determined the effect of pH on the microhardness of commonly used resin-based restorative materials which included a resin composite (Esthet-X, Dentsply), a new generation compomer (Dyract Extra, Dentsply) and a giomer (Beautifil, Shofu). Fifty-four specimens (3-mm wide x 3-mm long x 2-mm deep) were made for each material. The specimens were divided into six equal groups and conditioned in the following solutions at 37 degrees C for one week: 0.3% citric acid at pH 2.5, sodium hydroxide-buffered citric acid at pH 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. After conditioning, the specimens were subjected to hardness testing using a digital microhardness tester (load 500gf; dwell time 15 seconds). Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Scheffe's test at a significance level of 0.05. The effects of pH on the microhardness of resin-based restoratives were material dependent. The compomer and giomer materials were more affected by acids of low pH than the composite material that was evaluated.

Post-gel polymerization shrinkage associated with different light curing regimens.

This study compared post-gel polymerization shrinkage associated with five different light curing regimens of similar light energy density. A light-cure unit (VIP, BISCO) that allowed for independent command over time and intensity was used. The five regimens investigated were pulse delay (PD), soft-start (SS); pulse cure (PC), turbo cure (TC) and standard continuous cure (C) [control]. With the exception of TC, the light energy density for all curing regimens was fixed at 16 J/cm2. A strain-monitoring device and test configuration were used to measure the linear polymerization shrinkage of 2-mm thick composite specimens (Z100, 3M ESPE) during and post-light polymerization up to 60 minutes. Five samples were made for each curing mode. The results were analyzed using ANOVA/Scheffee's post-hoc test at significance level 0.05. Post-gel shrinkage ranged from 0.30% to 0.46 % at 60 minutes. The use of PD resulted in significantly lower shrinkage compared to PC, TC, SS and C. Shrinkage associated with SS was, in general, significantly lower than C. No significant difference in shrinkage was observed between PC, TC and C at all time intervals. The use of pulse delay and soft-start regimens decreased post-gel polymerization shrinkage.

Effect of prophylaxis regimens on surface roughness of glass ionomer cements.

This study investigated the surface roughness of conventional (Fuji II Capsulated [FC], GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), resin-modified (Fuji II LC [FL], GC Corporation) [FL] and highly viscous (Fuji IX GP Fast [FN], GC Corporation) glass ionomer cements [GICs] after exposure to five prophylaxis regimes. The surface roughness obtained was compared to untreated polished specimens (control). The prophylaxis regimes evaluated were rotating brush with pumice-water slurry [PB]; rotating rubber cup with pumice-water slurry [PC]; rotating rubber cup with prophylaxis paste [PP]; rotating rubber cup with prophylaxis gel [PG] and air-powder polishing [PJ]. Forty-eight specimens (3-mm long x 3-mm wide x 2-mm deep) were made for each material. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for one month, polished with 1200 grit sandpaper using a lapping device and randomly divided into six groups (n=8). They were then stored for an additional two months in distilled water at 37 degrees C prior to exposure to the various prophylaxis regimens. The mean surface roughness value (Ra; microm) was measured with a profilometer. Data was subjected to ANOVA/Scheffe's tests at significance level 0.05. Mean Ra ranged from 0.30 to 1.70 microm for FC, 0.40 to 2.52 microm for FL and 0.36 to 1.79 microm for FN. Regardless of the type of glass ionomer, treatment with PJ resulted in significantly rougher surfaces when compared to the control group. For FC and FN, a significant increase in roughness was observed after treatment with PB and PP, respectively. Glass ionomer restorations may require re-polishing after exposure to some prophylaxis regimens.

Effect of hygiene maintenance procedures on surface roughness of composite restoratives.

This study investigated the effect of various hygiene maintenance procedures on the surface finish of minifill (Filtek A110 [AO], 3M-ESPE), flowable (Filtek Flow [FF], 3M-ESPE) and poly-acid-modified (F2000 [FT], 3M-ESPE) composites. Procedures included pumice-water slurry with rotating brush (PB), pumice-water slurry with rotating rubber cup (PC), prophylaxis paste with rubber cup (ZC), prophylaxis gel with rubber cup (GC) and air-powder polishing (AP). Specimens not exposed to these procedures were used as the control group. For each material, 48 specimens (3-mm long x 3-mm wide x 2-mm deep) were made and stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for one month. The specimens were then treated with 1200 grit sandpaper using a lapping device, stored for an additional two months in distilled water at 37 degrees C and randomly divided into six groups (n=8). The mean surface roughness (Ra, microm) of the specimens after exposure to the various hygiene procedures was determined using a surface profilometer. Data was subjected to ANOVA/Scheffe's test at significance level 0.05. Mean Ra values ranged from 0.09 to 2.17, 0.06 to 1.38 and 0.38 to 1.25 for AO, FF and FT, respectively. The effect of hygiene procedures on surface roughness was material dependent. Among the various procedures, the smoothest surface was observed after treatment with prophylaxis gel and the roughest with air-powder polishing. For all materials, the use of pumice-water slurry with brush also caused significant roughening. Composite restorations may require re-polishing after exposure to some hygiene maintenance procedures, as Ra values exceeded the critical threshold surface roughness for bacterial adhesion (0.2 microm).