Effect of bioactive glass particles on mechanical and adhesion properties of resin cements.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the mechanical and adhesive properties of three different resin cements with bioactive glass (BAG) incorporated in two different ratios. METHODS: BAG was added to different resin cements (3M Rely-X Ultimate, GC Link Ace, and GC Link Force) in different ratios (5% and 10% by weight). The three-point flexural strength, microhardness, and bond strength properties were evaluated. The fracture types of the groups were then analyzed using a stereo microscope. The data were analyzed using a multifactorial analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc tests (α < 0.05). RESULTS: The addition of BAG reduced the flexural strength of the resin cements (P < 0.05).The effect of BAG addition on the Vickers microhardness value was significantly different for each cement group (P < 0.05). In addition, with the exception of the GC link force group (10% BAG addition), the BAG addition decreased the bond strength of cements to dentin in all the groups (P = 0.171). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirmed that different resin cements comprising different ratios of BAG exhibited different flexural strength, hardness, and bond-strength properties. Since the bond strength values increased with the addition of 10% BAG in the GC Link Force cement group, the effects of different BAG compositions could be worth investigating in future studies.

Fiber-reinforced composites in dentistry - An insight into adhesion aspects of the material and the restored tooth construct.

OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to highlight the insight into adhesion aspects within the components of the glass FRC (i.e., fiber and matrix) and between resin luting material and the glass FRC construction. METHODS: The fundamentals of semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) based FRCs and their advantages in forming a solid adhesive interface with indirect FRC restoration, dental adhesive, and luting cement are elaborated. The important resin matrix systems and glass fibers used in FRCs are discussed. This is principally based on a survey of the literature over Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases and a review of the relevant studies and publications in scientific papers in international peer-reviewed journals for the specific topic of biomaterials science. The keywords used for the search approach were: adhesion, fiber-reinforced composite, glass fiber, and semi-interpenetrating polymer network. RESULTS: The polymer matrix systems of semi-IPN-based FRCs and formation of secondary-IPN layer are pivotal for bonding of multiphasic indirect dental constructs and repair. Additionally, describing areas of indication for FRCs in dentistry, explaining the adhesion aspects of FRC for the cohesion of the material itself, and for obtaining durable adhesion when the FRC construct is luted to tooth and remaining dentition. Current progress in the field of FRC research and future directions are summarized and presented. SIGNIFICANCE: By understanding the isotropic-anisotropic nature of fibers and the interfacial adhesion within the components of the FRC; between resin cement and the FRC construction, the clinically successful FRC-based multiphasic indirect tooth construct can be achieved. The interfacial adhesion within the components of the FRC and between resin luting material and the FRC construction play a key role in adhesion-based unibody dental restorations.

Interfacial Adhesion of a Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Network-Based Fiber-Reinforced Composite with a High and Low-Gradient Poly(methyl methacrylate) Resin Surface.

The research aimed to determine the tensile bond strength (TBS) between polymerized intact and ground fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) surfaces. FRC prepregs (a reinforcing fiber pre-impregnated with a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) resin system; everStick C&B) were divided into two groups: intact FRCs (with a highly PMMA-enriched surface) and ground FRCs (with a low PMMA gradient). Each FRC group was treated with: StickRESIN and G-Multi PRIMER. These groups were further divided into four subgroups based on the application time of the treatment agents: 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 min. Next, a resin luting cement was applied to the FRC substrates on the top of the photo-polymerized treating agent. Thereafter, weight loss, surface microhardness, and TBS were evaluated. Three-factor analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05) revealed significant differences in the TBS among the FRC groups. The highest TBS was recorded for the intact FRC surface treated with G-Multi PRIMER for 2 min (13.0 ± 1.2 MPa). The monomers and solvents of G-Multi PRIMER showed a time-dependent relationship between treatment time and TBS. They could diffuse into the FRC surface that has a higher PMMA gradient, further resulting in a high TBS between the FRC and resin luting cement.

Layer structure and load-bearing properties of fibre reinforced composite beam used in cantilever fixed dental prostheses.

This study evaluates the effect of fiber reinforcement quantity and position on fracture load of fixed dental prostheses specimens with different fibre reinforced composite (FRC)/ particulate filler composite (PFC) ratio in a cantilever beam test. Three types of specimen structures where made: Specimens with FRC, PFC, or with a combination of both. Specimen's size was 2.0×2.0×25 mm3 and the thicknesses of the FRC layers were 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mm. The layers of FRC were placed at the top or at the bottom. Eight groups of specimens were evaluated (n=15/group). The test specimens were statically-loaded until fracture. The fracture loads were linearly dependent on the quantity of the FRC reinforcement when placed at the top (R2=0.941) and bottom (R2=0.896) of the specimens. ANOVA revealed that reinforcement position on the tension side and higher FRC reinforcement volume in the test specimens had positive effect to load bearing capacity (p<0.001).

Glass Fiber Reinforced Composite Orthodontic Retainer: In Vitro Effect of Tooth Brushing on the Surface Wear and Mechanical Properties.

Fiber reinforced composites (FRCs) are metal free materials that have many applications in dentistry. In clinical orthodontics, they are used as retainers after active treatment in order to avoid relapse. However, although the modulus of the elasticity of FRCs is low, the rigidity of the material in the form of a relatively thick retainer with a surface cover of a flowable resin composite is known to have higher structural rigidity than stainless steel splints. The aim of the present study is to measure load and bending stress of stainless steel wires, as well as flowable resin composite covered and spot­bonded FRC retainer materials after tooth brushing. These materials were tested with a three point bending test for three different conditions: no brushing, 26 min of brushing, and 60 min of brushing. SEM images were taken before and after different times of tooth brushing. Results showed that stainless steel was not significantly affected by tooth brushing. On the other hand, a significant reduction of values at maximum load at fracture was reported for both FRC groups, and uncovered FRCs were most affected. Concerning maximum bending stress, no significant reduction by pretreatment conditions was reported for the materials tested. SEM images showed no evident wear for stainless steel. Flowable resin composite covered FRCs showed some signs of composite wear, whereas spot­bonded FRCs, i.e., without the surface cover of a flowable resin composite, showed signs of wear on the FRC and exposed glass fibers from the FRC's polymer matrix. Because of the significant changes of the reduction of maximum load values and the wear for spot­bonded FRCs, this technique needs further in vitro and in vivo tests before it can be performed routinely in clinical practice.

Surface wettability and nano roughness at different grit blasting operational pressures and their effects on resin cement to zirconia adhesion.

This study analyzed the effect of grit blasting pressures on resin cement to zirconia (ZrO2) adhesion using enclosed mold shear bond test (EM-SBS). ZrO2 blanks were pre-treated with Rocatec™ Soft as follows: group 1: control, group 2: specimens treated at 80 kPa, group 3: at 180 kPa, group 4: at 280 kPa, and group 5: at 380 kPa. Monobond® N and Multilink® Speed were used as the silane and resin cement, respectively. Next, the blanks were assigned into three sub-groups (n=8, N=108) according to storage conditions. A non-linear relation was observed between EM-SBS and contact angle versus grit blasting pressure (r=-0.542, p=0.01). According to ANOVA (p<0.05), the EM-SBS values with both 180 kPa (17.4±6.7 MPa) and 280 kPa (19.4±4.8 MPa) were statistically higher after 12,000 thermo-cycles. Relatively equal thermo-cycled bond strength might also be achieved with intermediate (180 kPa) grit blasting pressure instead of the recommended 280 kPa.

Comparative color and surface parameters of current esthetic restorative CAD/CAM materials.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to derive and compare the inherent color (hue angle, chroma), translucency (TPSCI), surface gloss (ΔE*SCE-SCI), and surface roughness (Ra) amongst selected shades and brands of three hybrid CAD/CAM blocks [GC Cerasmart (CS); Lava Ultimate (LU); Vita Enamic (VE)]. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens (N = 225) were prepared into square-shaped (12 × 12 mm2) with different thicknesses and shades. The measurements of color, translucency, and surface gloss were performed by a reflection spectrophotometer. The surface roughness and surface topography were assessed by white light interferometry. RESULTS: Results revealed that hue and chroma values were influenced by the material type, material shade, and material thickness (P < .001). The order of hue angle amongst the materials was LU > CS > VE, whereas the order of chroma was VE > CS > LU. TPSCI results demonstrated a significant difference in terms of material types and material thicknesses (P ≤ .001). TPSCI values of the tested materials were ordered as LU > CS > VE. ΔE*SCE-SCI and Ra results were significantly varied amongst the materials (P < .001) and amongst the shades (P < .05). The order of ΔE*SCE-SCI amongst the materials were as follows LU > VE ≥ CS, whereas the order of Ra was CS ≥ VE > LU. CONCLUSION: Nano-ceramic and polymer-infiltrated-feldspathic ceramic-network CAD/CAM materials exhibited different optical, inherent color and surface parameters.

Load-bearing capacity of novel resin-based fixed dental prosthesis materials.

To evaluate the influence of different materials on the load-bearing-capacity of inlay-retained fixed-dental-prosthesis (FDP). Ten types of FDPs were evaluated (n=7/group): Group PEEK: CAD-CAM polyetheretherketone (PEEK-TechnoMed), Group RC, made of discontinuous-fiber-composite (EverX Posterior); Group FRC1, made of discontinuous-fiber-composite (EverX Posterior) with two-bundles of continuous-unidirectional fiber-reinforced-composite (FRC) (Everstick C&B); Group FRC2, made of discontinuous-fiber-composite (EverX Posterior) with two-bundles of continuous-unidirectional-FRC (Everstick C&B) covered by two-pieces of short-unidirectional-FRC (Everstick C&B) placed perpendicular to the main-framework; Group FB, CAD-CAM fiber-block (Fibra-Composite Bio-C); Group PMMA, CAD-CAM polymethyl methacrylate block (Temp basic); Group RP, resin-paste; Group FRP1, made of resin-paste (G-Fix) with two-bundles of continuous-unidirectional-FRC (Everstick C&B); Group FRP2, made of resin-paste (G-Fix) two-bundles of continuous-unidirectional-FRC covered by two-pieces of short unidirectional-FRC placed perpendicular to the main-framework and Group exp-FRC, experimental CAD-CAM FRC. The bridges were statically-loaded until fracture. Fracture modes were visually examined. ANOVA revealed that significant differences were observed between FDP-materials (p<0.05). In addition, fiber addition to the framework significantly affected load-bearing-capacity (p<0.05).

Effect of ethanol treatment on mechanical properties of heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate denture base polymer.

This laboratory study was assessing the nano-mechanical properties (NMP), surface roughness (Sa), and topographic changes caused by ethanol on the surface of heat-polymerized denture base polymers at different time past dough stage. Specimens of heat polymerizing acrylic resin (Interacryl Hot, Interdent, Celje, Slovenia) of size 10×10×3 mm were prepared, wet ground, and polished for uniform smoothness and treated with ethanol in concentrations of 40, 70, and 99.9% for 30, 60, and 120 s and statistical analysis was done. Some statistical significance for Sa were highest with 120 s exposure to 40% ethanol. NMP were the highest for specimens treated with 99.9% ethanol concentration for 120 s, on specimens prepared 30 min past the dough stage. This study suggested that heat-polymerized denture base polymers are prone for changes by ethanol which alters mechanical properties and surface topography. Dough time influenced the ethanol resistance.

Properties of discontinuous S2-glass fiber-particulate-reinforced resin composites with two different fiber length distributions.

PURPOSE: To investigate the reinforcing efficiency and light curing properties of discontinuous S2-glass fiber-particulate reinforced resin composite and to examine length distribution of discontinuous S2-glass fibers after a mixing process into resin composite. METHODS: Experimental S2-glass fiber-particulate reinforced resin composites were prepared by mixing 10wt% of discontinuous S2-glass fibers, which had been manually cut into two different lengths (1.5 and 3.0mm), with various weight ratios of dimethacrylate based resin matrix and silaned BaAlSiO2 filler particulates. The resin composite made with 25wt% of UDMA/SR833s resin system and 75wt% of silaned BaAlSiO2 filler particulates was used as control composite which had similar composition as the commonly used resin composites. Flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM) and work of fracture (WOF) were measured. Fractured specimens were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Double bond conversion (DC) and fiber length distribution were also studied. RESULTS: Reinforcement of resin composites with discontinuous S2-glass fibers can significantly increase the FS, FM and WOF of resin composites over the control. The fibers from the mixed resin composites showed great variation in final fiber length. The mean aspect ratio of experimental composites containing 62.5wt% of particulate fillers and 10wt% of 1.5 or 3.0mm cutting S2-glass fibers was 70 and 132, respectively. No difference was found in DC between resin composites containing S2-glass fibers with two different cutting lengths. CONCLUSION: Discontinuous S2-glass fibers can effectively reinforce the particulate-filled resin composite and thus may be potential to manufacture resin composites for high-stress bearing application.

Micro-shear bond strength of different resin cements to ceramic/glass-polymer CAD-CAM block materials.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydrofluoric acid treatment on bond strength of resin cements to three different types of ceramic/glass containing CAD-CAM block composite materials. METHODS: CAD-CAM block materials of polymer infiltrated (Vita Enamic), resin nanoceramic (Lava Ultimate) and nanoceramic (Cerasmart) with a thickness of 1.5mm were randomly divided into two groups according to the surface treatment performed. In Group 1, specimens were wet-ground with silicon carbide abrasive papers up to no. 1000. In Group 2, 9.6% hydrofluoric acid gel was applied to ceramics. Three different resin cements (RelyX, Variolink Esthetic and G-CEM LinkAce) were applied to the tubes in 1.2-mm thick increments and light-cured for 40s using LED light curing unit. Half of the specimens (n=10) were submitted to thermal cycling (5000 cycles, 5-55°C). The strength measurements were accomplished with a universal testing machine (Lloyd Instruments) at a cross-head speed of 0.5mm/min until the failure occurs. Failure modes were examined using a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. The data were analyzed with multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: There were significant differences between ceramics and resin cements (p<0.001). However, hydrofluoric acid gel treatment had no effect on bond strength values (p=0.073). In addition, thermal cycling significantly decreased bond strength values of resin cements to ceramics (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Use of appropriate resin cement systems with different ceramic/glass-polymer materials might promote the bonding capacity of these systems.