Composite veneers: The direct-indirect technique revisited.

OBJECTIVE: This article provides an update on the direct-indirect composite veneer technique. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Composite veneers have long been used as a conservative and esthetic treatment option for anterior teeth. While they are generally performed using a direct technique, there has been renewed interest in the direct-indirect composite veneer technique because of its advantages and broad indications for restoration of tooth color and morphology. In the direct-indirect composite veneer technique, the selected composites are initially applied on the tooth using a layering approach, without any bonding agent, sculpted to a primary anatomic form with slight excess, and light-cured. The partially polymerized veneer is then removed from the tooth, heat-tempered, and finished to final anatomy and processed extra-orally before being luted. Advantages of this technique include enhanced physical and mechanical properties afforded by the tempering process, unrivaled marginal adaptation, enhanced finishing and polishing, and the ability to try-in the veneer before luting, enabling a shade verification and modulation process that is not possible with the direct technique. The direct-indirect approach also affords enhanced gingival health and patient comfort. CONCLUSION: This article reviews the direct-indirect composite veneer technique, and outlines critical steps and tips for clinical success. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The direct-indirect technique for composite veneers combines advantages of the direct composite placement technique with those of the indirect veneer technique, including operator control, single-visit fabrication and delivery, increased material properties, and excellent esthetics.

Digital smile design and mock-up technique for esthetic treatment planning with porcelain laminate veneers.

The use of digital tools offers a new perspective to daily clinical activities. The digital information serves as a starting point for a wax-up and intraoral mock-up, which is widely reported in literature as an objective and efficient communication tool among dentist, patient, and technician. This case report of a maxillary anterior rehabilitation demonstrates esthetic planning with the digital smile design (DSD) system and a direct mock-up technique. After preoperative photographs were obtained, digital planning was created using DSD. However, due to differences in virtual simulation, a direct mock-up with composite resin was performed. Porcelain laminate veneers using feldspathic ceramics were used to restore the anterior teeth. Many times, the DSD simulation is not enough for the patient to understand and observe the changes that will be performed on the anterior teeth. This combination of techniques can offer predictability to results as well increasing the patient expectation satisfaction.

Esthetic and functional management of an ankylosed central incisor with a conservative restorative approach.

In this case report, we share a conservative and simple restorative management approach for a relatively complex esthetic situation on an adult patient with an ankylosed maxillary central incisor in infra-occlusion. A 37-year-old healthy female patient presented for a consultation with a chief complaint of an unappealing smile. The intraoral exam revealed tooth #8 (FDI 11) was in obvious and significant infra-occlusion due to altered eruption. Periapical radiographs of this area were non-contributory and all teeth responded within normal limits to pulp vitality tests. After review of several treatment options, the patient opted for a conservative restorative approach in which a partial ceramic veneer was planned for the ankylosed tooth, while composite resin was used on the contralateral central incisor to achieve a symmetric and pleasant result. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A relatively complex clinical problem was satisfactorily resolved with a very conservative option in which composite resin and a ceramic veneer were used to restore an asymmetric smile.

CAD/CAM post-and-core using different esthetic materials: Fracture resistance and bond strengths.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the fracture resistance (FR), and push-out bond strengths (BS) of custom-made CAD/CAM post-and-cores manufactured with different esthetic materials. METHODS: 90 single-rooted extracted teeth were selected, endodontically treated and prepared to receive the posts. The specimens were randomly divided into three equal groups according to the material: hybrid ceramic Vita Enamic (HC); nano-ceramic resin composite Lava Ultimate (RC); and experimental epoxy-resin reinforced by glass-fiber (FG). The post-and-cores were manufactured using CAD/CAM and cemented using a self-adhesive resin cement (Rely X Unicem2). A subgroup of 30 specimens (n=10) was subjected to fatigue (1,000,000 cycles at 5 Hz) and then to the FR test. Another subgroup with 60 specimens was submitted to the BS test, with and without fatigue. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (FR - one-way ANOVA; BS - two-way ANOVA) and Tukey's test (α= 0.05). RESULTS: The FR values (mean±SD, in Newtons) were 414.5±83.9 (HC), 621.3±100.3 (RC), and 407.6±109.0 (FG), with RC showing significantly higher FR values (P< 0.05). For BS, there was no statistically significant difference among the materials, with and without fatigue (P> 0.05). The type of material used to obtain the CAD/CAM-customized post-and-cores had a significant effect on the FR, but not on the BS of the specimens. Fatigue did not influence the BS for the tested materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CAD/CAM custom-made esthetic post-and-cores showed good performance relative to fracture resistance and bond strength to root canal dentin walls. The CAD/CAM materials tested could be used as an alternative to restore wide flared root canals in esthetically compromised teeth.

Marginal and Internal Adaptation of Zirconia Crowns: A Comparative Study of Assessment Methods.

Marginal and internal adaptation is critical for the success of indirect restorations. New imaging systems make it possible to evaluate these parameters with precision and non-destructively. This study evaluated the marginal and internal adaptation of zirconia copings fabricated with two different systems using both silicone replica and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) assessment methods. A metal master model, representing a preparation for an all-ceramic full crown, was digitally scanned and polycrystalline zirconia copings were fabricated with either Ceramill Zi (Amann-Girrbach) or inCoris Zi (Dentslpy-Sirona), n=10. For each coping, marginal and internal gaps were evaluated by silicone replica and micro-CT assessment methods. Four assessment points of each replica cross-section and micro-CT image were evaluated using imaging software: marginal gap (MG), axial wall (AW), axio-occlusal angle (AO) and mid-occlusal wall (MO). Data were statistically analyzed by factorial ANOVA and Tukey test (a=0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the methods for MG and AW. For AO, there were significant differences between methods for Amann copings, while for Dentsply-Sirona copings similar values were observed. For MO, both methods presented statistically significant differences. A positive correlation was observed determined by the two assessment methods for MG values. In conclusion, the assessment method influenced the evaluation of marginal and internal adaptation of zirconia copings. Micro-CT showed lower marginal and internal gap values when compared to the silicone replica technique, although the difference was not always statistically significant. Marginal gap and axial wall assessment points showed the lower gap values, regardless of ceramic system and assessment method used.

Marginal and Internal Adaptation of Zirconia Crowns: A Comparative Study of Assessment Methods

Abstract Marginal and internal adaptation is critical for the success of indirect restorations. New imaging systems make it possible to evaluate these parameters with precision and non-destructively. This study evaluated the marginal and internal adaptation of zirconia copings fabricated with two different systems using both silicone replica and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) assessment methods. A metal master model, representing a preparation for an all-ceramic full crown, was digitally scanned and polycrystalline zirconia copings were fabricated with either Ceramill Zi (Amann-Girrbach) or inCoris Zi (Dentslpy-Sirona), n=10. For each coping, marginal and internal gaps were evaluated by silicone replica and micro-CT assessment methods. Four assessment points of each replica cross-section and micro-CT image were evaluated using imaging software: marginal gap (MG), axial wall (AW), axio-occlusal angle (AO) and mid-occlusal wall (MO). Data were statistically analyzed by factorial ANOVA and Tukey test (a=0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the methods for MG and AW. For AO, there were significant differences between methods for Amann copings, while for Dentsply-Sirona copings similar values were observed. For MO, both methods presented statistically significant differences. A positive correlation was observed determined by the two assessment methods for MG values. In conclusion, the assessment method influenced the evaluation of marginal and internal adaptation of zirconia copings. Micro-CT showed lower marginal and internal gap values when compared to the silicone replica technique, although the difference was not always statistically significant. Marginal gap and axial wall assessment points showed the lower gap values, regardless of ceramic system and assessment method used.

Resumo A adaptação marginal e interna é fundamental para o sucesso das restaurações indiretas e novos sistemas de imagem permitem avaliar esses parâmetros de maneira não-destrutiva e com precisão. Este estudo avaliou a adaptação marginal e interna de copings de zircônia fabricados com dois sistemas diferentes, utilizando as técnicas da réplica em silicone e micro-CT. Um modelo-mestre de metal, representando um preparo para uma coroa totalmente cerâmica foi digitalizado e copings de zirconia policristalina (Ceramill Zi, Amann Girrbach e inCoris Zi, Dentslpy Sirona, n=10) foram fabricados. Para cada coping, a adaptação marginal e interna foi avaliada pelas técnicas da réplica em silicone e micro-CT. Foram avaliados quatro pontos de cada seção transversal e imagem de micro-CT: adaptação marginal (MG), parede axial (AW), ângulo axial-oclusal (AO) e parede centro-oclusal (MO) utilizando um software de imagem. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente por ANOVA e teste de Tukey (a=0,05). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as duas técnicas para MG e AW. Para AO, houve diferenças significativas entre as técnicas para copings da Amann, enquanto que para copings da Dentsply Sirona foram observados valores semelhantes. Para o MO, ambas as técnicas apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Observou-se uma correlação positiva entre os valores de adaptação determinados pelas duas técnicas. O método de avaliação influenciou a avaliação da adaptação marginal e interna de copings de zircônia. Pode-se concluir que a micro-CT mostrou menores valores de adaptação marginal e interna quando comparado com a técnica de réplica em silicone. Os pontos de avaliação da margem e da parede axial mostraram os menores valores de adaptação, independente do sistema cerâmico e da técnica de avaliação utilizados.

Effect of finishing technique on the occurrence and length of microcracks in resin-based materials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the presence and length of microcracks in resin-based materials finished with different techniques, using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Standardized Class V preparations (3x2x2mm) were made in the facial and lingual surfaces of 20 recently-extracted human third molars. 20 preparations were restored with a resin-based composite material (RBC; Filtek Supreme Ultra) and the other 20 with a resin-modified glass-ionomer material (RMGI; Ketac Nano). After final polymerization, specimens were further stratified by finishing system: aluminum oxide discs (Sof-Lex) or spiral fluted carbide bur series (H48L). By random allocation, each extracted tooth therefore received one RBC and one RMGI restoration, and equal numbers of restorations from each material were finished using each finishing system (n= 10). After 24 hours of storage in 100% humidity at room temperature, the specimens were evaluated at x20 to x600 under environmental SEM. Cross-sectional occlusal-cervical B-mode images were obtained in increments of 25 mm from the mesial margin to the distal margin of the restoration using a spectral-domain (SD) OCT system and analyzed using Image J software to identify and measure microcrack penetration into each restoration. The total length (mm) at the point of the deepest microcrack penetration in each specimen was recorded. Data were statistically analyzed using a t-test. RESULTS: No microcracks were observed in the RBC samples. However, microcrack presence was identified in all of the RMGI specimens. The t-test showed a statistically significant difference (P< 0.05) in mean microcrack length values based on the finishing technique used for the RMGI samples. [SofLex: 0.67 (± 0.28) mm; carbide: 1.26 (± 0.30)] mm. Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences in the factors "finishing technique" and "restorative material" (P< 0.001). The interaction of these two factors was also statistically significant (P< 0.001). For the tested RMGI, Tukey post-hoc test revealed that the finishing with aluminum oxide groups resulted in statistically significant lower mean microcrack length when compared to spiral fluted carbide burs (P< 0.001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Resin-modified glass-ionomer (RMGI) is more susceptible to microcrack presence than resin-based composites. Also, aluminum oxide discs produced lower values of mean microcrack length than spiral fluted carbide burs after the finishing procedure of RMGI restorations.

Prevalence of carious and non-carious cervical lesions in archaeological populations from North America and Europe.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence of carious and non-carious cervical lesions in the teeth of five archaeological populations. A secondary purpose was to report the association between age, gender, diet, tooth wear, carious cervical lesions, and non-carious cervical lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and four archaeological specimens from subjects originating from five distinct geographical areas were examined to detect the presence of carious cervical lesions, non-carious cervical lesions, and tooth wear. Data were tabulated and statistics used to describe prevalence and non-causal associations. RESULTS: Carious cervical lesions were prevalent in all populations except among Labradoreans, while non-carious cervical lesions were found predominantly in Mexicans. The authors found no association between non-carious cervical lesions and age, gender, and diet in any of the populations. Tooth wear was noted in all populations, but the highest rates of severe wear were noted among the Labradoreans and New Mexicans. Age was associated with tooth wear in all populations except Ohioans. There was no association between tooth wear and non-carious cervical lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of carious cervical lesions among the five archaeological populations studied ranged from 0 to 65%. Non-carious cervical lesions were not prevalent among these populations, being found predominantly in Mexicans (26%). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Historically, carious and non-carious cervical lesions can be found in individuals with no access to modern oral hygiene tools. The findings of this study are not conclusive, however, as the associations described are not causal. (J Esthet Restor Dent 21:324-335, 2009).

In vitro microTBS of one-bottle adhesive systems: sound versus artificially-created caries-affected dentin.

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate a pH-cycling model for simulation of caries-affected dentin (CAD) surfaces, by comparing the bond strength of etch-and-rinse adhesive systems on sound and artificially-created CAD. Dentin substrates with different mineral contents and morphological patterns were created by submitting buccal bovine dentin to the following treatments: (1) immersion in artificial saliva during the experimental period (sound dentin, SD), or (2) induction to a CAD condition by means of a dynamic pH-cycling model (8 cycles, demineralization for 3 h followed by mineralization for 45 h). The bond strength of Excite or Prime and Bond NT adhesive systems was assessed using the microtensile bond strength (microTBS) test. Dentin microhardness was determined by cross-sectional Knoop evaluations. Resin-dentin morphology after the treatments was examined by scanning electron microscopy. SD produced significantly higher microTBS than CAD for both adhesives evaluated, without differences between materials. CAD exhibited lower microhardness than SD. Morphological analysis showed marked distinctions between SD and CAD bonded interfaces. Under the conditions of this study, differences in morphological pattern and dentin mineral content may help to explain resin-dentin bond strengths. The proposed pH-cycling model may be a suitable method to simulate CAD surfaces for bonding evaluations.

Effect of photoactivation systems and resin composites on the microleakage of esthetic restorations.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of four photoactivation systems [quartz tungsten halogen (QTH), light-emitting diode (LED), argon ion laser (AL), and plasma arc curing PAC)] on cementum/dentin and enamel microleakage of Class II restorations using a microhybrid [Z250-3M ESPE] and two packable composites [(SureFil-Dentsply and Tetric Ceram HB-Ivoclair/Vivadent]. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Three hundred sixty "vertical-slot Class II cavities" were prepared at the mesial surface of bovine incisors using a 245 carbide bur in a highspeed handpiece. Specimens were divided into twelve groups (composite-photoactivation systems). Half of the specimens had the gingival margin placed in enamel (n=15) and the other half in cementum/dentin (n=15). Composites were inserted and cured in 2 mm increments according to manufacturers' recommended exposure times. After polishing, the samples were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution, sectioned, and evaluated at the gingival margins. Data were submitted to statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: No significant differences were found among the photoactivation systems and among resin composites (p>0.05). Microleakage was not significantly affected by location (enamel vs. cementum/dentin, p>0.05). These findings suggested neither the photoactivation systems nor the resin composite types might have an effect on the microleakage at gingival margins Class II cavities.

Efeito do clareamento caseiro sobre o equilíbrio mineral dos tecidos dentais: revisão da literatura / The effect of home bleaching on dental mineral equilibrium: a literature review

O tratamento clareador caseiro consiste na utilização de um gel á base de peróxido de carbamina, o qual permanece em íntimo contato com os tecidos bucais por certo período, diariamente, durante alguns dias ou semanas. Ao longo do clareamento, os processos de des/remineralização podem ocorrer na estrutura dental, alterando o conteúdo mineral do esmalte e da dentina. Neste artigo, revisam-se estudos que descrevem o processo dinâmico do clareamento, outros que discutem os efeitos do clareamento no equilíbrio mineral do dente e os possíveis fatores que levam às alterações no conteúdo mineral. A partir desses artigos, verifica-se que não existem ainda evidências que comprovem o efeito permanente do tratamento clareador sobre o equilíbrio mineral das estruturas dentais. Fortes evidências sugerem que fatores protetores, principalmente os componentes salivares, previnem perda mineral significativa e restabelecem o conteúdo mineral durante e após o tratamento clareador. Para favorecer a remineralização e minimizar a desmineralização durante o clareamento, a escolha do agente clareador parece ser de extrema importância. Nas características esperadas de agentes clareadores caseiros pode-se incluir o pH neutro e a presença de flúor e devem-se evitar altas concentrações de peróxido.

Home bleaching requires that a peroxide-based bleaching gel be in contact with intraoral tissues for a number of hours a day for several days. Throughout bleaching treatment, demineralization and remineralization events likely occur at the dental structure, affecting the tooth mineral content. Studies considering the bleaching dynamic process were reviewed and attention was given to those that discuss the effects of the treatment on the dental mineral equilibrium and the conditions that lead to alteration of the mineral content. There is no definitive conclusion whether home bleaching affects permanently or not dental mineral equilibrium. Strong evidence suggests that protective factors mainly salivary components prevent significant mineral loss and/or restore mineral content during and after bleaching treatment. To favor remineralization and minimize demineralization during bleaching, the choice of bleaching agent is important. Ideal characteristics of home bleaching agents include neutral pH and fluoride content. Furthermore, high concentrations of peroxide should be avoided.

Bond strengths and adhesive remnant index of self-etching adhesives used to bond brackets to instrumented and uninstrumented enamel.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated bond strengths of orthodontic brackets to instrumented and uninstrumented enamel using self-etching adhesive systems when compared to a total-etch adhesive system. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was also determined after debonding. METHODS: 140 bovine incisors were included in acrylic resin, and divided randomly in two groups: instrumented vs. uninstrumented enamel. For the instrumented enamel, specimens had their facial enamel ground flat to 600-grit. In each group, specimens were subdivided into four experimental subgroups according to the adhesive technique used: Transbond Plus, Adper Prompt L-Pop, iBond, and Adper Single Bond, applied following manufacturers' instructions. Orthodontic brackets were bonded to the treated instrumented or uninstrumented enamel with Transbond XT light-cured resin-based composite cement, and the bond strength was tested in shear mode after 7 days. One group where no etch and no adhesive were used served as a control. ARI scores were determined after debonding. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in mean bond strengths between instrumented and uninstrumented enamel for any of the adhesive systems (P > or = 0.05). No significant differences were observed for bond strengths among the adhesives tested (P = 0.308), and all experimental groups resulted in mean bond strengths significantly higher than the controls (P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were identified when ARI scores were compared, with less adhesive remnants being observed for iBond (uninstrumented enamel) and the control groups (P < 0.05).

Critical appraisal. To bevel or not in anterior composites.

Composites are widely used for the functional and esthetic restorations of anterior teeth. The placement of a cavosurface margin bevel on the enamel margins of anterior composite preparations traditionally has been recommended to enhance retention and for esthetic reasons, as bevels result in a gradual transition between the restoration and the tooth. However, advances in adhesive and composite technology, as well as careful composite selection and application techniques, have made it possible to place adequate anterior composites without a bevel. Elimination of bevels results in more conservative cavity preparations, a simpler technique, a reduced restored surface area, and the preservation of tooth structure when the restoration is replaced. This Critical Appraisal summarizes clinical reviews and laboratory publications related to the influence of cavity preparation and, more specifically, cavosurface bevels on the performance of anterior composite restorations.

Clinical strategies for success in proximoincisal composite restorations. Part II: Composite application technique.

UNLABELLED: Reproducing the form, function, and optical characteristics of natural dental structures with direct composites in large and moderately large proximoincisal (Class IV) restorations represents a great challenge for clinicians in general. Understanding color is fundamental to achieving success when restoring these defects, as was discussed in Part I of this two-part article (Volume, 16, Number 6). The proper restoration of the functional lingual contour is also a challenge that cannot be overcome without close attention to the restorative technique. In this second article, the composite application technique is discussed and presented in detail. Clinical photographs illustrate the proposed technique. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The proposed clinical protocol, including a try-in of the shades in a mock-up restoration to more accurately define color and shape, and a silicone guide to transfer the lingual and proximoincisal contour of the mock-up to the final restoration, is of great help to successfully restore proximoincisal defects.

Stability of dentin bond strengths using different bonding techniques after 12 months: total-etch, deproteinization and self-etching.

This study evaluated the influence of (1) different dentin treatments and (2) storage time on dentin shear bond strengths. Two hundred and twenty-five bovine incisors were collected, ground to expose a flat dentin surface and randomly divided into three groups according to dentin surface treatment: (1) Total etch + Single Bond; (2) Total etch + collagen depletion with 10% NaOCl + Single Bond and (3) No etch + experimental self-etching adhesive. Composite was applied to the treated surfaces using a 3 x 5 mm cylindrical Teflon matrix and was light-cured. Each group was further stratified in five subgroups according to storage time in water at 37 degrees C: 1 day, 7 days, 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. Shear bond strengths (SBS) were determined and expressed in MPa. Data was analyzed for statistical significance with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p=0.05). No interaction was observed between surface treatment and storage time. Storage time did not significantly affect bond strengths. Statistically significant differences were observed among the different surface treatments. Single Bond applied after total-etch presented higher mean SBS when compared to the other surface treatment methods. Collagen removal negatively influenced SBS, and the experimental self-etching adhesive presented intermediate values.

Clinical strategies for success in proximoincisal composite restorations. Part I: Understanding color and composite selection.

The restoration of proximoincisal (Class IV) defects with direct resin-based composites requires attention to many technical and artistic details. This article is the first of a series of two articles that aim at presenting clinical strategies for optimal success when direct resin-based composites are used for the restoration of moderate or large proximoincisal defects. Concepts of natural anatomy, color as it relates to dental structures, and composite selection are discussed in this article and are illustrated with a preclinical exercise and two clinical cases in which these concepts are applied.

In situ effect of 10% carbamide peroxide on resin-dentin bond strengths: a novel pilot study.

PURPOSE: This pilot study used a novel study design to evaluate the effect of a 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel on the bond strength of a resin-based composite system to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentin disks were obtained from human third molars, polished to 600 grit, and mounted on the palatal aspect of a removable orthodontic retainer. Two disks were exposed to a 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel for 2 h/d for 21 days, whereas two disks were not treated and served as controls. A retainer was worn by the participant regardless of whether bleaching was used, simulating the action of the saliva/oral fluids on the dentin specimens. After the treatment phase, the dentin disks were retrieved and a resin-based composite system was applied to the specimens following manufacturer's instructions. Composite dentin "sticks" were obtained and tested in microtensile mode. Bond strength values were obtained for treated (n = 20) versus nontreated (n = 26) dentin and were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Mean bond strengths values (SD) were 29.9 MPa (6.2) and 39.2 MPa (5.8) for treated and nontreated dentin specimens, respectively (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that nightguard (home) bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide for 2 h/d for 21 days significantly affects resin-dentin bond strengths when dentin is exposed to bleaching material. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The findings of this novel pilot study imply that dentin bonding, such as to exposed root surfaces and cervical areas of the teeth, should not be performed immediately after bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide.

Influence of load cycling on marginal microleakage with two self-etching and two one-bottle dentin adhesive systems in dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of occlusal load cycling on cervical microleakage of proximal slot restorations located in dentin, using two self-etching and two one-bottle dentin adhesive systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 240 proximal slot cavities were prepared in 120 bovine teeth and divided into two groups, one with load cycling and one without. The groups were then subdivided into four subgroups according to the adhesive system used (Experimental EXL 547 Self-etching 3M, Clearfil SE Bond, Single Bond, and Optibond Solo Plus) and restored following the manufacturers' instructions. The teeth were then submitted to mechanical load cycling with a force of 80 N and a frequency of 5 Hz, simultaneously over both restorations of each tooth, for a total of 50,000 cycles per specimen. All specimens were subsequently immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution (pH 7.0), and sectioned to examine the extent of dye penetration under a stereomicroscope (40X). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.00002) between the loaded and unloaded teeth. However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the adhesive systems used. The experimental self-etching EXL 547 presented the lowest mean microleakage, but was only statistically significantly different from the Single Bond loaded and unloaded groups and the Clearfil SE Bond unloaded group. CONCLUSION: The application of 50,000 loading cycles did not affect the microleakage of the two self-etching and the two one-bottle adhesive systems evaluated. In vitro mechanical load cycling is an important factor to consider when evaluating the performance of adhesive systems under simulated masticatory conditions.

In situ effect of 10% carbamide peroxide on microhardness of human enamel: function of time.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of two home bleaching regimens (1 h/day versus 7 h/day for a total of 21 days) on the microhardness of superficial enamel treated with 10% carbamide peroxide gel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rectangular enamel specimens (2.5 x 2.5 x 1 mm) were obtained from human third molars and mounted on the palatal aspect of removable orthodontic retainers. Nine enamel specimens were mounted in each of 10 retainers, used by 10 volunteers during the active phase of the study. Modified 0.089 cm thick bleaching trays were fabricated for each participant. Each bleaching tray fit a participant's arch and the retainer containing the enamel specimens. Enamel specimens were treated with a 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel (Nite White Excel 2Z, Discus Dental, Culver City, CA, USA) for either 1 h/day (n = 30) or 7 h/day (n = 30), both for 21 days. Three enamel specimens in each retainer were never treated and served as controls. The retainers were worn by the participants whether or not they underwent bleaching. This simulated the natural action of the saliva/oral fluids on the enamel specimens. Enamel specimens were subjected to pre- and post-treatment microhardness measurements. Post-treatment Knoop hardness numbers were compared with baseline values and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Bleaching treatment resulted in a nonsignificant reduction in microhardness values when compared with values of the control nontreated specimens (1.7% and 2.5% reduction in hardness for 1 h/day and 7 h/day, respectively). There was no difference in microhardness between the different treatment regimens. CONCLUSION: Home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide for up to 7 h/day for 21 days does not significantly affect enamel microhardness. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide for 1 h/day or 7 h/day for a total of 21 days is safe for human enamel.

Using opaquers under direct composite resin veneers: an illustrated review of the technique.

UNLABELLED: In restorative dentistry direct composite resin materials can be used to conservatively resolve many esthetic problems. Opaque resins are often necessary to mask discolorations and/or dark backgrounds when restoring anterior teeth. This article presents a direct composite resin veneer technique using opaquers. Potential problems with the tone of restorations after the use of opaquers are discussed. Advantages, limitations, and the clinical technique are presented. Training, as well as attention to the technique, contributes to an acceptable result. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Resinous opaquers can be used as a valid adjunct to the direct composite resin veneer technique when conservatively restoring dark teeth.