Flexural Strength of Vitreous Ceramics Based on Lithium Disilicate and Lithium Silicate Reinforced with Zirconia for CAD/CAM.

The dental prosthesis market is rapidly evolving to meet patient and clinical demands. These new materials must have good flexural strength, toughness, aesthetic properties, and reliability in performance for structural applications. The present work aimed to compare the bending strength of 4 types of chairside lithium disilicate (Li2Si2O5) glass-ceramics used for dental prosthesis and to analyze the influence of heat treatment on the transformation of lithium metasilicate (Li2SiO3) into lithium disilicate. The three-ball test for the biaxial flexion test (B3B) was used. Weibull statistical analysis was used, and it showed that samples with a higher percentage of zirconia have a greater tendency to fail. The flexion tests showed that the addition of more than 10% of zirconia reduced the flexural strength. The heat treatment process improves and provides greater mechanical strength. The XRD results indicated that the samples with the lowest percentage of zirconia exhibited greater crystallinity and corroborated the microstructural analysis. SEM analyses showed a greater amount and elongated crystals of lithium disilicate when comparing samples with a higher percentage of zirconia. Therefore, samples with lower zirconia showed greater flexural strength than samples with higher additions of zirconia.

Galvanic Corrosion of Ti Dental Implants Coupled to CoCrMo Prosthetic Component.

Dental implant systems are composed of an implant, prosthetic components, and a crown. Since the implants are made of commercially pure Ti (cp Ti) and prosthetic components are often made of Ti and CoCrMo alloys, a galvanic couple between these two devices may lead to galvanic corrosion, ions release, and even loss of the implant. This study aimed to investigate the corrosion resistance and measure the galvanic potential between cp Ti alloys (annealed microstructured cp Ti G4 and cold-worked nanostructured cp Ti G4) and a CoCrMo alloy. The corrosion resistance has been characterized by measuring the open circuit potential, the potentiodynamic polarization, the potentiostatic polarization, and the zero-resistance current. The cp Ti has been tested before and after a surface acid treatment. The samples' surfaces have been examined by scanning electron microscopy, and their surface roughness has been measured by a 3D optical profilometer. The polarization results showed that the CoCrMo alloy showed lower corrosion resistance than cp Ti. The surface acid treatment improves dental implant corrosion resistance. The galvanic analysis showed that the cp Ti without surface treatment behaved as an anode and after the acid treatment has a cathodic behavior in relation to the CrCoMo alloy. The highest value of galvanic current was cp TiG4 acid etched in contact with CoCrMo, in pH 2 solution. The galvanic couple with the lowest current has been the nanostructured cp Ti in contact with CoCrMo alloy.

Effect of sintering process on microstructure, 4-point flexural strength, and grain size of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal for use in monolithic dental restorations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Modifications have been made in the microstructure and sintering parameters of monolithic zirconia to improve esthetics qualities and avoid chipping of 2-layer restorations. However, how these modifications affect the physical and mechanical properties of zirconia is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the influence of different sintering parameters on the microstructure, 4-point flexural strength, density, and grain size of 2 commercially available zirconia advocated for the fabrication of monolithic dental prostheses and 1 commercially available zirconia for use as a core material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three presintered blocks (Ceramill Zolid, Prettau, and IPS e.max ZirCAD) were used. Specimens were cut and sintered as per the manufacturer's recommendation or as per a modified heating protocol. Ceramill Zolid (Z1450) was sintered at 1450 °C, Prettau (P1600) was sintered at 1600 °C, and IPS e.max ZirCAD (I1530) was sintered at 1530 °C by following the manufacturer's heating protocol. Groups Ceramill Zolid Z1530 and Z1600 were sintered at temperatures higher than the manufacturer's recommendation. Specimens from each group (n=13) were analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD), density calculus, average grain size measurement, and 4-point flexural tests. Data were compared by using ANOVA (α=.05). RESULTS: XRD analysis showed the presence of a tetragonal metastable phase in all groups before and after sintering. No significant differences were found in relative density values for the 3 Ceramill groups (5.98 g/cm3). Groups I1530 (6.03 g/cm3) and P1600 (6.03 g/cm3) had similar density results greater than 6.00 g/cm3. The average grain size of all groups remained lower than 1 µm. P1600 had the highest grain size (0.817 µm), and Z1450 presented the lowest grain size (0.465 µm). P1600 showed the most homogeneous flexural strength and the highest Weibull modulus (m=8.22). Z1530 presented the lowest Weibull modulus (m=4.58). IPS e.max ZirCAD (I1530) had the highest flexural strength (1057.41 ±150.54 MPa), and Ceramill Zolid Z1450 had the lowest (621.01 ±138.08 MPa). CONCLUSIONS: The flexural strength, microstructure, crystal phase, and grain size of the analyzed zirconia varied as per the sintering processing. The IPS e.max ZirCAD had the highest flexural strength (1057.41 ±150.54 MPa), followed by Prettau zirconia (864.18 ±118.21), with a statistically significant difference (P<.05). The Ceramill Zolid zirconia presented the lowest flexural strength, as well as the lowest reliability for all sintering parameters used (Z1450: 621.01 ±138.08 MPa and m=5.42; Z1530: 713.10 ±175.44 MPa and m=4.58; Z1600: 630.15 ±112.08 MPa and m=6.87). At a lower heating rate (8 °C/min), the final density increased and excessive grain growth in group Z1530 was prevented.

Participation of integrin ß3 in osteoblast differentiation induced by titanium with nano or microtopography.

The major role of integrins is to mediate cell adhesion but some of them are involved in the osteoblasts-titanium (Ti) interactions. In this study, we investigated the participation of integrins in osteoblast differentiation induced by Ti with nanotopography (Ti-Nano) and with microtopography (Ti-Micro). By using a PCR array, we observed that, compared with Ti-Micro, Ti-Nano upregulated the expression of five integrins in mesenchymal stem cells, including integrin ß3, which increases osteoblast differentiation. Silencing integrin ß3, using CRISPR-Cas9, in MC3T3-E1 cells significantly reduced the osteoblast differentiation induced by Ti-Nano in contrast to the effect on T-Micro. Concomitantly, integrin ß3 silencing downregulated the expression of integrin αv, the parent chain that combines with other integrins and several components of the Wnt/ß-catenin and BMP/Smad signaling pathways, all involved in osteoblast differentiation, only in cells cultured on Ti-Nano. Taken together, our results showed the key role of integrin ß3 in the osteogenic potential of Ti-Nano but not of Ti-Micro. Additionally, we propose a novel mechanism to explain the higher osteoblast differentiation induced by Ti-Nano that involves an intricate regulatory network triggered by integrin ß3 upregulation, which activates the Wnt and BMP signal transductions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1303-1313, 2019.

Influence of acid treatment on surface properties and in vivo performance of Ti6Al4V alloy for biomedical applications.

The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of acid treatment on the surface properties and in vivo performance of titanium grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) alloy. Mini-implants with surface treatment were inserted into New Zealand rabbit tibia for 1, 4 and 8 weeks. SEM analysis showed intercommunicated micropores in acid treated samples. AFM showed micron and sub-micron roughness. The thickness of the titanium oxide layer increased with surface treatment, with a significant reduction of Al and V concentration. Acid treated implant removal torque was larger than without treatment. The implants/bone interface of acid treated implants showed dense adhered Ca/P particles with spreading osteoblasts after 4 weeks and newly formed bone trabeculae after 8 weeks. Analysis of rabbit blood that received treated implant showed lower Al and V contents at all times. Acid treatment improved surface morphology and mechanical stability, which allowed initial events of osseointegration, while Al-V ion release was reduced. GRAPHICAL ABTSRACT.

Influence of Surface Roughness on the Fatigue Life of Nickel-Titanium Rotary Endodontic Instruments.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of the present study was to evaluate the influence of surface grooves (peaks and valleys) resulting from machining during the manufacturing process of polished and unpolished nickel-titanium BR4C endodontic files on the fatigue life of the instruments. METHODS: Ten electropolished and 10 unpolished endodontic files were provided by the manufacturer. Specimens were from the same batch, but the unpolished instruments were removed from the production line before surface treatment. The instruments were evaluated with a profilometer to quantify the surface roughness on the working part of the instruments. Then the files were subjected to rotating bending fatigue tests. RESULTS: Analysis with the profilometer showed that surface grooves were deeper on the unpolished instruments compared with their electropolished counterparts. In the rotating bending fatigue test, the mean and standard deviation for the number of cycles until fracture (NCF) were greater for instruments with less pronounced grooves. Student t test revealed significant differences in all tests (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The results from the present study showed that the depth of the surface grooves on the working part affected the NCF of the instruments tested; the smaller the groove depth, the greater the NCF.

Fatigue Life of Reciproc and Mtwo instruments subjected to static and dynamic tests.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the influence of flexibility and reciprocating movement on the fatigue life of endodontic instruments subjected to static and dynamic tests. METHODS: The rotary nickel-titanium instruments used in this study were Reciproc and Mtwo. The instruments were initially subjected to a cantilever-bending test and then to static and dynamic fatigue tests. Reciproc instruments were operated in reciprocating movement, whereas Mtwo instruments were worked in continuous rotation. RESULTS: The means of bending resistance (maximum load in grams) of the instruments were 274.9 for Reciproc and 429 for Mtwo. The mean times (in seconds) to fracture of the instruments subjected to static and dynamic tests were 214.5 (static) and 286.3 (dynamic) for Reciproc and 38.9 (static) and 99 (dynamic) for Mtwo. The Student's t test revealed significant differences in all tests (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed longer fatigue life for instruments with higher flexibility, driven by reciprocating movement, and in the dynamic testing model. These findings reinforce the assumption that use of reciprocating movement is a means to prolong the fatigue life of rotary nickel-titanium endodontic instruments during instrumentation of curved canals.

Influence of the geometry of curved artificial canals on the fracture of rotary nickel-titanium instruments subjected to cyclic fatigue tests.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the influence of different features of canal curvature geometry on the number of cycles to fracture of a rotary nickel-titanium endodontic instrument subjected to a cyclic fatigue test. METHODS: BioRaCe BR4C instruments (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de Fonds, Switzerland) were tested in 4 grooves simulating curved metallic artificial canals, each one measuring 1.5 mm in width, 20 mm in total length, and 3.5 mm in depth with a U-shaped bottom. The parameters of curvature including the radius and arc lengths and the position of the arc differed in the 4 canal designs. Fractured surfaces and helical shafts of the separated instruments were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The Student's t test showed that a significantly lower number of cycles to fracture values were observed for instruments tested in canals with the smallest radius, the longest arc, and the arc located in the middle portion of the canal. Scanning electron microscopic analysis of the fracture surfaces revealed morphologic characteristics of ductile fracture. Plastic deformation was not observed in the helical shaft of the fractured instruments. CONCLUSIONS: Curvature geometry including the radius and arc lengths and the position of the arc along the root canal influence the number of cycles to fracture of rotary nickel-titanium instruments subjected to flexural load.

Comparison of the mechanical properties of rotary instruments made of conventional nickel-titanium wire, M-wire, or nickel-titanium alloy in R-phase.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the mechanical properties of endodontic instruments made of conventional nickel-titanium (NiTi) wire (K(3) and Revo-S SU), M-Wire (ProFile Vortex), or NiTi alloy in R-phase (K(3)XF). METHODS: The test instruments were subjected to mechanical tests to evaluate resistance to bending (flexibility), cyclic fatigue, and torsional load in clockwise rotation. Data were statistically evaluated by the analysis of variance test and the Student-Newman-Keuls test for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: In the bending resistance test, flexibility decreased in the following order: K(3)XF > Revo-S SU > ProFile Vortex > K(3). The ranking in the fatigue resistance test was the following: K(3)XF > K(3) > ProFile Vortex > Revo-S SU. In the torsional assay, the angular deflection at failure decreased in the following order: K(3)XF > Revo-S SU > K(3) > ProFile Vortex. For the maximum torque values, the ranking was K(3) > K(3)XF > ProFile Vortex > Revo-S SU. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the K(3)XF instrument, which is made of NiTi alloy in R-phase, had the overall best performance in terms of flexibility, angular deflection at failure, and cyclic fatigue resistance. In addition to the alloy from which the instrument is manufactured, the design and dimensions are important determinants of the mechanical performance of endodontic instruments.

Sliding resistance of polycarbonate self-ligating brackets and stainless steel esthetic archwires.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the sliding resistance forces produced by polycarbonate self-ligating brackets with esthetic archwires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of Opal, Oyster and conventional Blonde brackets were tested each one with 30 segments of .018x.025-in wires. The archwires were slipped at 8mm/min for 40 seconds with an universal testing machine. Two way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction were used. RESULTS: Blonde brackets presented the highest sliding resistance, followed in decreasing order by Oyster and Opal. The TP Shiny Bright Wire produced the highest surface friction, while the lowest was observed for Imagination archwires (except for Opal brackets where the TP Pearltone Wire achieved the best performance). CONCLUSIONS: Self-ligating system is more effective to reduce the sliding force resistance than conventional brackets. Esthetic stainless steel archwires produce less friction resistance than those without surface treatment. Polycarbonate self-ligating brackets are more effective to reduce the frictional forces than esthetic archwires with surface treatment.

Mechanical behavior of pathfinding endodontic instruments.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the mechanical properties of 3 pathfinding endodontic instruments. METHODS: The test instruments were subjected to mechanical tests to evaluate resistance to bending (flexibility), buckling, cyclic fatigue, and torsional load in clockwise rotation. Data were statistically evaluated by analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls test for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: In the buckling resistance test, the highest values were observed for C-Pilot files (VDW, Munich, Germany) and the lowest for Scout RaCe (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) instruments. In the bending resistance test, the lowest flexibility was observed for the C-Pilot instrument, and no significant difference was observed between Scout RaCe and PathFile (Maillefer/Dentsply, Ballaigues, Switzerland) instruments. The ranking in the fatigue resistance test was the following: PathFile > Scout RaCe > C-Pilot, with statistically significant differences observed in the number of cycles to fracture between all the instruments. In the torsional assay, the angular deflection to fracture decreased in the following order: Scout RaCe > PathFile > C-Pilot. As for the maximum torque values, the ranking was as follows: C-Pilot > PathFile > Scout RaCe. CONCLUSIONS: Findings revealed that the stainless-steel C-Pilot instrument showed increased resistance to buckling but decreased flexibility and cyclic fatigue resistance when compared with nickel-titanium pathfinding instruments. PathFile instruments showed the highest resistance to cyclic fatigue, and Scout RaCe files exhibited the highest angular deflection to fracture. The different mechanical behavior of the instruments indicates that the combined use of stainless steel hand instruments and rotary nickel-titanium instruments during the exploration of narrow curved canals may be necessary to exploit the best performance of each pathfinding instrument.

Assessment of surface friction of self-ligating brackets under conditions of angulated traction / Avaliação da fricção superficial apresentada por braquetes autoligáveis em condições de tracionamento sob angulação

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess resistance to sliding of stainless steel passive self-ligating brackets with 0° and 2.5° angulations and to compare them to active self-ligating brackets at zero angulation. The hypothesis to be tested was that passive self-ligating brackets produce lower frictional forces than active self-ligating brackets. METHODS: Twenty five 0.022 x 0.028-in slot maxillary canine brackets were divided into 5 groups of 5 brackets: Damon SL II (Ormco, CA, USA) self-ligating bracket and Gemini (3M/Unitek, CA, USA) conventional bracket with angulation of 0 and 2.5° and a group of Speed 2 (American Orthodontics, WI, USA) active clip self-ligating system with zero angulation. Twenty five segments of stainless steel 0.020-in archwire (TP Orthodontics, IN, USA) were tested and each bracket/wire interface was evaluated at 4 successive points during sliding. Overall, 100 frictional values were analyzed by parametric analysis of variance and Bonferroni tests. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Frictional tests were performed with an Emic DL 10000 testing machine (Emic, Brazil) with a load cell of one kilogram. Passive self-ligating brackets produced lower frictional forces than active self-ligating brackets (p < 0.01). Under angulation, brackets with a slide mechanism produced higher friction than the same brackets under zero angulation (p < 0.01). Nevertheless, the slide system under angulation produced smaller friction values than conventional brackets tied with elastomeric ligatures in 0° tests.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a fricção apresentada por braquetes autoligáveis de aço inoxidável com sistema passivo de tampa deslizante sob angulação de 0 grau e 2,5 graus, e comparar o comportamento desse grupo sob angulação nula com o de um grupo de braquetes autoligáveis com sistema ativo de tampa resiliente. MÉTODOS: foram utilizados 25 braquetes de caninos superiores, divididos em 5 grupos - braquetes autoligáveis passivos Damon SL II sob angulação de 0 grau e de 2,5 graus; braquetes convencionais Gemini amarrados com ligaduras elásticas sob as mesmas angulações; e um grupo formado pelo sistema ativo Time 2, sob angulação nula. A hipótese a ser testada é se artefatos autoligáveis com sistema de tampa passiva são mais efetivos no controle da fricção do que dispositivos contendo coberturas ativas. O tracionamento foi realizado segundo emprego de 25 segmentos de fio de aço inoxidável 0,020" na máquina de ensaios EMIC DL 10000 com célula de carga de 2,0kg. Cada conjunto braquete/fio foi responsável pela geração de quatro corpos de prova, totalizando-se 100 leituras. As comparações entre médias dos valores foram realizadas através da Análise de Variância (one-way ANOVA) com correções pelo coeficiente de Bonferroni. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: as médias de fricção encontradas confirmaram a hipótese em teste, de que o sistema de braquetes Damon SL II é mais eficiente no controle do atrito do que o sistema de tampa ativa sob angulação de 0 grau (p<0,01). Quando submetidos a angulações de 2,5 graus, a fricção aumentou significativamente (p<0,01), porém mantendo-se ainda muito inferior aos patamares evidenciados no grupo de braquetes convencionais amarrados com ligaduras elásticas.

Bleaching effects on shear bond strengths of orthodontic brackets.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of 35% hydrogen peroxide on orthodontic bracket adhesion at zero hour, 24 hours, 7, 21 and 56 days after dental bleaching. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety bovine incisors were prepared for adhesion test and adhesive remnant index (ARI) determination. The 35% hydrogen peroxide was used as a bleaching agent and the Transbond XT as a bonding agent. RESULTS: Statiscally significant differences were observed between all the groups (p<0.001) and were observed in the comparison of zero hour and control group (p<0.001) and in the comparison of zero hour and 24 hours (p<0.001). ARI scores (0, 1, 2 e 3) also showed statiscally differences between all the groups (p=0.011) and at the comparison of all the test groups with the control: zero hour (p=0.001), 24 hours (p=0.009), 7 days (p=0.018), 21 days (p<0.001) e 56 days (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The shear bond strength values became significantly lower when the bracket was bonded immediately after bleaching and quickly returned to control level in 24 hours. In seven days, there was a slight increase that was not significant and recovered to normal values in the next weeks. Different patterns of fractures were observed in bleached enamel when ARI scores were analyzed. The control group showed a high frequency of 3 score and none of zero score, the opposite behavior was observed in the test groups.

Buckling resistance of pathfinding endodontic instruments.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the buckling resistance of the following endodontic pathfinding instruments: C-Pilot file (VDW, Munich, Germany), C+ file (Maillefer/Dentsply, Ballaigues, Switzerland), and PathFile (Maillefer/Dentsply). METHODS: The test instruments were subjected to a devised buckling resistance test, which consisted of the application of an increasing load in the axial direction of the instrument by using a universal testing machine. The maximum load required to generate a lateral elastic displacement of 1 mm was recorded for each instrument. RESULTS: The results indicated that the buckling resistance decreased in the following order: C+ file > C-Pilot file > PathFile. The difference was statistically significant (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The stainless steel instruments (C+ and C-Pilot) were more resistant to buckling than the nickel-titanium instrument (PathFile). Considering that buckling resistance may influence the performance of instruments during the negotiation of constricted canals, the C+ files showed significantly better results than the other instruments tested.

Understanding the shape-memory alloys used in orthodontics.

Nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape-memory alloys (SMAs) have been used in the manufacture of orthodontic wires due to their shape memory properties, super-elasticity, high ductility, and resistance to corrosion. SMAs have greater strength and lower modulus of elasticity when compared with stainless steel alloys. The pseudoelastic behavior of NiTi wires means that on unloading they return to their original shape by delivering light continuous forces over a wider range of deformation which is claimed to allow dental displacements. The aim of this paper is to discuss the physical, metallurgical, and mechanical properties of NiTi used in Orthodontics in order to analyze the shape memory properties, super-elasticity, and thermomechanical characteristics of SMA.

Force relaxation characteristics of medium force orthodontic latex elastics: a pilot study.

To evaluate force extension relaxation of different brands and diameters of latex elastics subjected to static tensile testing under an apparatus designed to simulate oral environments, sample sizes of 5 elastics from American Orthodontics (AO), Tp, and Morelli Orthodontics (Mo) of equivalent medium force, (3/16, 1/4, and 5/16 inch size) were tested. The forces were read after 1-, 3-, 6-, 12- and 24-hour periods in Emic testing machine with 30 mm/min cross-head speed and load cell of 20 N. Two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests were used to identify statistical significance. There were statistically differences among different manufacturers at all observation intervals (P < 0.0001). The relationships among loads at 24-hour time period were as follows: Morelli>AO>Tp for 3/16, 1/4, and 5/16 elastics. The force decay pattern showed a notable drop-off of forces until 3 hours, a slight increase in some groups from 3-6 hours and a more homogeneous force pattern over 6-24 hours.

Influence of different manufacturing methods on the cyclic fatigue of rotary nickel-titanium endodontic instruments.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate, by static and dynamic cyclic fatigue tests, the number of cycles to fracture (NCF) 2 types of rotary NiTi instruments: Twisted File (SybronEndo, Orange, CA), which is manufactured by a proprietary twisting process, and RaCe files (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), which are manufactured by grinding. METHODS: Twenty Twisted Files (TFs) and 20 RaCe files #25/.006 taper instruments were allowed to rotate freely in an artificial curved canal at 310 rpm in a static or a dynamic model until fracture occurred. RESULTS: Measurements of the fractured fragments showed that fracture occurred at the point of maximum flexure in the midpoint of the curved segment. The NCF was significantly lower for RaCe instruments compared with TFs. The NCF was also lower for instruments subjected to the static test compared with the dynamic model in both groups. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed ductile morphologic characteristics on the fractured surfaces of all instruments and no plastic deformation in their helical shafts. CONCLUSIONS: Rotary NiTi endodontic instruments manufactured by twisting present greater resistance to cyclic fatigue compared with instruments manufactured by grinding. The fracture mode observed in all instruments was of the ductile type.

Torsional resistance of retreatment instruments.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the torsional resistance of two brands of rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments indicated for endodontic retreatment. METHODS: Mtwo retreatment instruments #15 and #25 (VDW, Munich, Germany) and ProTaper Universal retreatment instruments D2 and D3 (Maillefer/Dentsply, Ballaigues, Switzerland) were subjected to a torsional assay in clockwise rotation. The two parameters evaluated were maximum torque and angular deflection at failure. Fractured instruments had their fractured surfaces and helical shafts examined by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The results indicated that the angular deflection at fracture decreased in the following order: Mtwo retreatment file #15 > Mtwo retreatment file #25 > ProTaper Universal retreatment file D2 > ProTaper Universal retreatment file D3. As for the maximum torque values, the results revealed the following descending order: ProTaper Universal file D2 > Mtwo retreatment file #25 > ProTaper Universal file D3 > Mtwo retreatment file #15. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that plastic deformation occurred along the helical shaft of the fractured instruments. Fractured surfaces were of the ductile type. CONCLUSIONS: The instruments tested showed different torsional behavior depending on the parameter evaluated. If one considers that high angular deflection values may serve as a safety factor, then the Mtwo retreatment instruments showed significantly better results.

Torsional properties of pathfinding instruments.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the torsional properties of 2 stainless steel endodontic pathfinding instruments: C-Pilot (VDW, Munich, Germany) and C(+) files (Maillefer/Dentsply, Ballaigues, Switzerland). Stainless steel conventional K-type instruments (KCC(+), VDW) were used as controls. METHODS: File sizes 10 were subjected to a torsional assay in clockwise rotation. The 2 parameters evaluated were maximum torque and angular deflection at failure. The fractured surfaces and the helical shafts of the fractured instruments were then examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The results indicated that the angular deflection to fracture decreased in the following order: KCC(+) > C-Pilot > C(+). As for the maximum torque values, the results revealed the following descending order: C(+) > KCC(+) > C-Pilot. SEM analysis revealed that plastic deformation occurred along the helical shaft of the fractured instruments and that the fractured surfaces were of the ductile type. CONCLUSIONS: The instruments tested showed different torsional behavior depending on the parameter evaluated. Considering that high angular deflection values may serve as a safety factor for instruments used as pathfinders, the conventional K file showed significantly better results than both C-Pilot and C(+) files.

Influência da secção transversa de fios ortodônticos na fricção superficial de braquetes autoligados / Influence of the cross-section of orthodontic wires on the surface friction of self-ligating brackets

OBJETIVO: o objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar a força de atrito estático entre braquetes de aço inoxidável autoligados com sistema de fechamento resiliente e fios ortodônticos redondos e retangulares do mesmo material. MÉTODOS: empregaram-se 30 braquetes referentes aos caninos superiores divididos em 6 grupos formados por braquetes autoligados Smartclip, In-Ovation R e convencionais Gemini amarrados com ligaduras elásticas. A hipótese testada neste trabalho foi quanto à possibilidade dos braquetes autoligados ativos serem suscetíveis à elevação da força de atrito com o aumento e alteração da secção transversal dos fios ortodônticos. Os ensaios foram realizados com tração de 30s em fios de aço inoxidável 0,020" e 0,019"X0,025" na máquina de ensaios Emic DL 10000, com uma célula de carga de 20 newtons. Cada conjunto braquete/fio foi responsável pela geração de quatro corpos de prova, totalizando 120 leituras. As comparações entre as médias foram realizadas através da Análise de Variância (one way ANOVA) com correções pelo coeficiente de Bonferroni. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: os braquetes autoligados apresentaram maior força de atrito do que os braquetes convencionais amarrados com ligaduras elásticas. O grupo Smartclip foi o mais efetivo no controle do atrito (p<0,01). A hipótese em teste, influência da forma da seção transversal do fio na força de atrito, foi confirmada, uma vez que os fios de secção retangular 0,019"X0,025" apresentaram maior força de atrito ao serem tracionados do que os fios redondos 0,020" (p<0,01). O sistema Smartclip foi mais efetivo mesmo quando o tracionamento de fios retangulares foi comparado com o ensaio de braquetes In-Ovation R conjugados a fios redondos (p<0,01).

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the surface friction produced by self-ligating stainless steel brackets equipped with a resilient closure system and compare the friction generated during traction of round and rectangular orthodontic wires made from the same material. METHODS: Thirty maxillary canine brackets were divided into six groups comprising SmartClip and In-Ovation R self-ligating brackets, and conventional Gemini brackets tied with elastomeric ligatures. This investigation tested the hypothesis that self-ligating brackets are susceptible to increases in friction that are commensurate with increases and changes in the cross-section of orthodontic wires. Traction was performed with the aid of thirty segments of 0.020" and 0.019" x 0.025" stainless steel wires in an EMIC DL 10000 testing machine with a 2N load cell. Each set of bracket/wire generated four samples, totaling 120 readings. Comparisons between means were performed using analysis of variance (one way ANOVA) corrected with the Bonferroni coefficient. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The self-ligating brackets exhibited lower friction than conventional brackets tied with elastomeric ligatures. The SmartClip group was the most effective in controlling friction (p <0.01). The hypothesis under test was confirmed to the extent that the traction performed with rectangular 0.019" x 0.025" cross-section wires resulted in higher friction forces than those observed in the 0.020" round wire groups (p<0.01). The SmartClip system was more effective even when the traction produced by rectangular wires was compared with the In-Ovation R brackets combined with round wires (p<0.01).