Effect of shade and opacity on color differences and translucency of resin composite veneers over lighter and darker substrates.

To evaluate color differences (ΔE00) and translucency parameters (TP) from mono, bi, and trilayer resin composite veneers using different opacities and shades of resin composite over lighter and darker simulated tooth-colored substrates. Mono, bi, and trilayer veneers (1.5 mm) (n = 12) were made using two shades (A1 and A2) and three opacities (enamel, body, and dentin) of resin composite over simulated lighter (A1) and darker (C4, and C4+) tooth-colored substrates. CIEDE2000 formula was used to calculate ΔE00 considering simulated tooth-colored substrate versus opacities in distinct mono, bi, and trilayer combinations of resin composite over the simulated tooth-colored substrate. The TP was calculated using color coordinates measured over standard white and black backgrounds. Differences in ΔE00 and TP values were calculated with a Three-way Analysis of Variance followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. A1E and A1B monolayer veneers showed similar TP values. Significantly higher ΔE00 values were observed over darker (C4 and C4+), and lower over lighter (A1) simulated tooth-colored substrate. Bilayer and trilayer veneers using dentin opacity provided similar ΔE00 values over the darker tooth-colored substrate. Distinct shades and opacities of resin composite layer combinations over lighter and darker tooth-colored substrates significantly affected TP and ΔE00 values. A1 shade and dentin opacity of monolayer resin composite veneers yielded higher ΔE00 values over darker tooth-colored substrates.

Development of functional fillers as a self-healing system for dental resin composite.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incorporation of repairing capsules containing different monomers and polymerization modulators on the self-healing efficiency of an experimental photopolymerizable resin-based composite. METHODS: Self-healing capsules containing different monomers and polymerization modulators were prepared by emulsion polymerization: TCDHEPT (TEGDMA and DHEPT), BTCDHEPT (Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, and DHEPT), and BTCBPO (Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, and BPO). The capsules were analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The capsules were added into experimental photopolymerizable resin composites establishing the following groups: ER (Control without capsules), ER+BPO, ER+BPO+TCDHEPT, and ER+BTCBPO+BTCDHEPT. Filtek Z350 resin composite (3 M ESPE) was used as a commercial reference. The materials were tested for degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength (σf), elastic modulus (Ef), fracture toughness (virgin KIC), self-healing efficiency (healed KIC), and roughness. For statistical analysis, the significance value was established at an a = 0.05 level. RESULTS: When compared to the control material, the incorporation of repairing capsules did not affect DC, σf, and Ef. Fracture toughness was statistically similar between the experimental groups (p ≤ 0.05). Healed KIC was statistically different between the groups ER+TCDHEP and ER+BTCBPO+BTCDHEPT; the self-healing efficiency was higher for ER+TCDHEPT. Surface roughness was statistically similar among all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of self-healing capsules promoted repair of the material. Studies with material aging after the self-healing process are necessary to better demonstrate the effectiveness of this system. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The self-healing system seemed to be a promising technology to be used in self-repaired restorative materials, which may prevent restoration fractures.

Physicochemical characterization of two bulk fill composites at different depths.

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the physical-chemical behavior of 2 bulk fill resin composites (BFCs; Filtek Bulk Fill [FBF], and Tetric-N-Ceram Bulk Fill [TBF]) used in 2- and 4-mm increments and compared them with a conventional resin composite (Filtek Z250). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flexural strength and elastic modulus were evaluated by using a 3-point bending test. Knoop hardness was measured at depth areas 0-1, 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 mm. The translucency parameter was measured using an optical spectrophotometer. Real-time polymerization kinetics was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: Flexural strength was similar among the materials, while TBF showed lower elastic modulus (Z250: 6.6 ± 1.3, FBF: 6.4 ± 0.9, TBF: 4.3 ± 1.3). The hardness of Z250 was similar only between 0-1 mm and 1-2 mm. Both BFCs had similar hardness until 2-3 mm, and showed significant decreases at 3-4 mm (FBF: 33.45 ± 1.95 at 0-1 mm to 23.19 ± 4.32 at 3-4 mm, TBF: 23.17 ± 2.51 at 0-1 mm to 15.11 ± 1.94 at 3-4 mm). The BFCs showed higher translucency than Z250. The polymerization kinetics of all the materials were similar at 2-mm increments. At 4-mm, only TBF had a similar degree of conversion compared with 2 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The BFCs tested had similar performance compared to the conventional composite when used in up to 2-mm increments. When the increment was thicker, the BFCs were properly polymerized only up to 3 mm.

Industry sponsorship bias in clinical trials in implant dentistry: Systematic review and meta-regression.

AIM: Industry sponsorship might distort the conduct and findings of studies in a large range of medical disciplines. The objective of this study was to assess whether industry sponsorship bias is present in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on dental implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two databases were searched (MEDLINE; Web of Science) to identify RCTs published between 1996 and 2016 assessing different implant systems, components or techniques, such as implant-abutment connections, geometries, surfaces, loading protocols or regions of placement. Studies' sponsorship status was classified as unclear, non-sponsored or sponsored. Our outcome was marginal bone loss per year (MBL/year) of follow-up. Random-effects meta-analysis of MBL/year with subgroup analysis according to sponsorship status was performed. Moreover, multivariable stepwise-selection meta-regression was performed to assess whether sponsorship status, among other covariates, was associated with MBL/year. RESULTS: One hundred and two RCTs (4,775 patients, 8,806 implants) were included. Overall mean (95% confidence interval) MBL/year was 0.74 mm (95% CI 0.67/0.82). There was no significant difference in MBL/year among sponsorship categories; unclear: 0.64 (95% CI 0.37/0.91); non-sponsored: 0.65 (095% CI 0.55/0.75); and sponsored: 0.82 (95% CI 0.71/0.94). CONCLUSION: Meta-regression did not demonstrate a significant association of MBL/year with sponsorship status or other covariates was found. We did not detect significant sponsorship bias in RCTs on dental implants.

A Modified Photoactivation Protocol Using Two Simultaneous Light-Curing Units for Bonding Brackets to Enamel.

UNLABELLED: This study investigated the effect of a modified photoactivation protocol using two simultaneous light-curing units on the shear bond strength (SBS) of brackets to enamel. Metal brackets were bonded to bovine incisors using the resin-based orthodontic cement Transbond XT (3M Unitek). Four photoactivation protocols of the orthodontic cement were tested (n = 15): CONTROL: photoactivation for 10 s on each proximal face of the bracket at a time; Simultaneous: photoactivation for 10 s on both proximal faces of the bracket at the same time; One side-20s: photoactivation for 20 s at one proximal face of the bracket only; and One side-10s: photoactivation for 10 s only at one proximal face of the bracket. SBS was tested immediately or after 1000 thermal cycles. Adhesive remnant index (ARI) was classified. Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls' test (α = 0.05). Pooled means ± standard deviations for SBS to enamel (MPa) were: 10.2 ± 4.2 (CONTROL), 9.7 ± 4.5 (Simultaneous), 5.6 ± 3.1 (One side-20s), and 4.6 ± 1.9 (One side-10s). Pooled SBS data for immediate and thermal cycled groups were 6.3 ± 2.6 and 8.8 ± 5.2. A predominance of ARI scores 1-2 and 0-1 was observed for the immediate and thermally cycled groups, respectively. In conclusion, simultaneous photoactivation of the orthodontic cement using two light-curing units, one positioned at each proximal face of the bracket, yielded similar bonding ability compared to the conventional light-curing method. Photoactivation of the orthodontic cement at one proximal face of the bracket only is not recommended, irrespective of the light-curing time used.

Effectiveness of Combination of Dentin and Enamel Layers on the Masking Ability of Porcelain.

This study evaluated the masking ability of different porcelain thicknesses and combination of enamel and/or dentin porcelain layers over simulated background dental substrates with higher (A2) and lower (C4) color values. Combination of the enamel (E) and dentin (D) monolayer porcelain disks with different thicknesses (0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1 mm) resulted in the following bilayer groups (n=10): D1E1, D1E0.8; D1E0.5; D0.8E0.8; D0.8E0.5, and D0.5E0.5. CIELAB color coordinates were measured with a spectrophotometer. The translucency parameter of mono and bilayer specimens and the masking ability estimated by color variation (ΔE*ab) of bilayer specimens over simulated dental substrates were evaluated. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the relationships translucency parameter × ΔE*, translucency parameter × porcelain thickness, and ΔE* × porcelain thickness. Data were analyzed statistically (α= 0.05). Thinner porcelain disks were associated with higher translucency. Porcelain monolayers were considerably more translucent than bilayers (enamel + dentin). Dentin porcelain was less translucent than enamel porcelain with same thickness. ΔE* was always lower when measured over A2 background. Higher ΔE* was observed for the C4 background, indicating poorer masking ability. Increased ΔE* was significantly associated with increased translucency for both backgrounds. Decreased translucency and ΔE* were associated with increased total porcelain thickness or increased dentin thickness for both backgrounds. In conclusion, increased porcelain thickness (particularly increased dentin layer) and increased porcelain opacity resulted in better masking ability of the dental backgrounds.

Effect of composite containing an iodonium salt on the bond strength of brackets to bovine enamel.

This study investigated the effect of the incorporation of an iodonium salt in experimental composites, on the bond strength of metallic brackets bonded to bovine teeth. Two hundred and seventy bovine teeth were embedded in self-curing acrylic resin and divided into 18 groups (n=15), according to the experimental composite with an iodonium salt at molar concentrations 0 (control), 0.5, or 1%; the light-activation times (8, 20 and 40 s); and the storage times (10 min or 24 h). Metallic brackets were fixed on the tooth surface using experimental composites. Photoactivation was performed with a quartz-tungsten-halogen light-curing unit curing unit for 8, 20 and 40 s. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 10 min or 24 h and submitted to bond strength test at 0.5 mm/min. The data were subjected to three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was used to classify the failure modes. The shear bond strengths (MPa) at 10 min for light-activation times of 8, 20 and 40 s were: G1 - 4.6, 6.9 and 7.1; G2 - 8.1, 9.2 and 9.9; G3 - 9.1, 10.4 and 10.7; and at 24 h were: G1 - 10.9, 11.1 and 11.7; G2 - 11.8, 12.7 and 14.2; G3 - 12.1, 14.4 and 15.8. There was a predominance of ARI score 3 for groups with 10 min storage time, and ARI score 2 for groups with 24 h storage time. In conclusion, the addition of iodonium salt (C05 and C1) to the experimental composite may increase the bond strength of brackets to bovine enamel using reduced light exposure times.

Bond strength of self-adhesive resin cements to composite submitted to different surface pretreatments.

OBJECTIVES: Extensively destroyed teeth are commonly restored with composite resin before cavity preparation for indirect restorations. The longevity of the restoration can be related to the proper bonding of the resin cement to the composite. This study aimed to evaluate the microshear bond strength of two self-adhesive resin cements to composite resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: COMPOSITE DISCS WERE SUBJECT TO ONE OF SIX DIFFERENT SURFACE PRETREATMENTS: none (control), 35% phosphoric acid etching for 30 seconds (PA), application of silane (silane), PA + silane, PA + adhesive, or PA + silane + adhesive (n = 6). A silicone mold containing a cylindrical orifice (1 mm(2) diameter) was placed over the composite resin. RelyX Unicem (3M ESPE) or BisCem (Bisco Inc.) self-adhesive resin cement was inserted into the orifices and light-cured. Self-adhesive cement cylinders were submitted to shear loading. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Independent of the cement used, the PA + Silane + Adhesive group showed higher microshear bond strength than those of the PA and PA + Silane groups. There was no difference among the other treatments. Unicem presented higher bond strength than BisCem for all experimental conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatments of the composite resin surface might have an effect on the bond strength of self-adhesive resin cements to this substrate.

The effect of time between handling and photoactivation on self-adhesive resin cement properties.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the degree of conversion, absorption, and solubility in water of self-adhesive resin cements subjected to different time intervals between material preparation and the photoactivation procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two dual self-adhesive resin cements were tested: RelyX Unicem and SmartCem2. The degree of conversion as a function of time was evaluated by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy using the attenuated total reflectance technique. Three time intervals between handling and photoactivation were applied: Group 1 = immediately; Group 2 = a 1-minute interval; Group 3 = a 4-minute interval. All specimens were irradiated with a light-emitting diode source for 40 seconds. Thirty discs of each cement (1 mm thick × 6 mm diameter, n = 10) were prepared for the absorption and solubility tests. These specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 90 days. The results were subjected to ANOVA with two factors (material and activation time intervals) and Tukey's test (95% significance). RESULTS: The 4-minute interval significantly reduced the degree of conversion of SmartCem2 (30.6% ± 8.3%). No other significant changes were observed for the degree of conversion; however, the time intervals before photoactivation interfered significantly in the water absorption of the RelyX Unicem specimens but not the SmartCem2 specimens. The time intervals did not affect the solubility of either cement. In all cases, SmartCem2 had higher solubility than RelyX Unicem. CONCLUSION: The time interval between handling and photoactivation significantly influenced the degree of conversion and water sorption of the resin-based cements. In general, one can say that the self-adhesive resin cements should be photoactivated as soon as possible after the material handling process.

Solvent content and dentin bond strengths using water-wet, ethanol-wet and deproteinization bonding techniques.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of solvent content in two-step, etch-and-rinse adhesives on the dentin bond strengths obtained via water-wet, ethanol-wet or deproteinization techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A model photocurable Bis-GMA/HEMA blend was diluted in ethanol (7.5, 15 or 30 mass%) or acetone (15, 30 or 60 mass%) (low, medium or high solvent content, respectively). Viscosity of the solutions was measured with an oscillatory viscometer and data analyzed using ANOVA on Ranks (5%). Dentin bond strengths were evaluated using microshear bond test. After acid-etching and rinsing, the dentin was kept wet (water-wet), treated with ascending ethanol concentrations (ethanol-wet) or with 10% NaOCl solution (deproteinization). Composite cylinders built-up on the surfaces for the microshear test. Data from each bonding technique were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Fisher's LSD method (5%). Failure modes were classified under magnification and data analyzed using chi-square tests (5%). RESULTS: Viscosity of ethanol-based agents was remarkably higher than acetone solutions. For the water-wet technique, lower bond strength was observed for the low compared with medium and high ethanol contents. For the ethanol-wet technique, the bond strength for both solvents types was low < medium = high solvent content. For the deproteinization technique, no significant differences were observed among groups. Significant differences in failure modes were observed between the bonding techniques. The ethanol-wet technique had more adhesive failures, whereas the other techniques showed a predominance of mixed failures. CONCLUSIONS: The solvent content may interfere with the dentin bond strengths for the conventional and ethanol bonding techniques.

Tetrahydrofuran as solvent in dental adhesives: cytotoxicity and dentin bond stability.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity and 1-year dentin bond stability of solvated etch-and-rinse dental adhesives based on tetrahydrofuran (THF), acetone, or ethanol, containing water or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven primers were prepared using the following solvents: THF, acetone, ethanol, water, THF/water, acetone/water, and ethanol/water. Bovine dentin was used, and specimens for microtensile bond strength (µTBS) test were prepared. Specimens were tested after storage in distilled water for 24 h or 1 year. Cytotoxicity of the solvents was evaluated in 3T3/NIH mouse fibroblasts using a colorimetric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay after exposure for 24 h. RESULTS: No significant differences were detected among solvents after storage for 24 h, except for the water-based group, which showed the lowest µTBS values. After storage for 1 year, the THF-based adhesive system resulted in more stable bonds. Yet, THF showed an intermediate cytotoxicity when compared with the other solvents, being less toxic than phosphate monomer and similar to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. CONCLUSION: THF seems to be a suitable solvent for adhesive systems. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: THF is a promising solvent that can be used to improve dentin bond stability.

Hardness and microshear bond strength to enamel and dentin of permanent teeth with hypocalcified amelogenesis imperfecta.

BACKGROUND: Adhesive procedures are often required to restore teeth affected by hypocalcified amelogenesis imperfecta (HAI). AIM: To evaluate the hardness of enamel/dentin of teeth affected by HAI and the bond strength to these substrates, as well the influence of 5% NaOCl on bond strength. DESIGN: Permanent molars presenting HAI and sound third molars were used. Enamel surfaces were wet-flattened and Knoop hardness was assessed. The two-step, etch-and-rinse adhesive Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE) was applied and resin cylinders bonded to the surfaces and submitted to microshear testing. The subjacent medium dentin was then exposed by wet-grinding. Hardness readings and microshear testing were carried out again. The relationship between hardness and bond strength was assessed by nonlinear regression analysis. RESULTS: Hardness of normal enamel was higher than hardness of enamel affected by HAI, whereas dentin hardness did not differ from normal to HAI-affected teeth. Enamel and dentin hardness were similar for teeth affected by HAI. Higher bond strengths were obtained to the normal tooth tissues. Dentin bond strength was higher than enamel bond strength. NaOCl exposure did not influence bond strengths. A positive linear relationship between enamel hardness and bond strength was observed. CONCLUSION: HAI imposes challenges to bonding to enamel and dentin.

Morphological analysis of glass, carbon and glass/carbon fiber posts and bonding to self or dual-cured resin luting agents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology of glass (GF), carbon (CF) and glass/carbon (G/CF) fiber posts and their bond strength to self or dual-cured resin luting agents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Morphological analysis of each post type was conducted under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bond strength was evaluated by microtensile test after bisecting the posts and re-bonding the two halves with the luting agents. Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). Failure modes were evaluated under optical microscopy and SEM. RESULTS: GF presented wider fibers and higher amount of matrix than CF, and G/CF presented carbon fibers surrounded by glass fibers, and both involved by matrix. For CF and GF, the dual-cured material presented significantly higher (p<0.05) bond strength than the self-cured agent. For the dual agent, CF presented similar bond strength to GF (p>0.05), but higher than that of G/CF (p<0.05). For the self-cured agent, no significant differences (p>0.05) were detected, irrespective of the post type. For GF and G/CF, all failures were considered mixed, while a predominance of adhesive failures was detected for CF. CONCLUSION: The bonding between fiber posts and luting agents was affected by the type of fibers and polymerization mode of the cement. When no surface treatment of the post is performed, the bonding between glass fiber post and dual-cured agent seems to be more reliable.

Nanohybrid resin composites: nanofiller loaded materials or traditional microhybrid resins?

Nanohybrid resin composites present conventional particles to be mixed with nanomeric fillers and, therefore, it is unknown whether they may perform similarly to nanofilled or microhybrid resins. The current study investigated the properties of nanohybrid resins (TPH3, Grandio, Premise, Concept Advanced) in comparison with a nanofilled (Supreme XT) and a microhybrid (Z250) composite. The inorganic fillers were characterized by SEM/EDS analysis. Diametral tensile strength (DTS), surface roughness before and after toothbrush abrasion, Knoop Hardness (KHN), water sorption and solubility were evaluated. The data were separately analyzed by ANOVA and the Student-Newman-Keuls' tests (p < 0.05). The results of all analyses were material-dependent. Noticeable differences in filler size and shape were detected among the materials. Supreme XT generally showed higher DTS and KHN compared to all the nanohybrids and also showed lower surface roughness before and after toothbrush abrasion compared to most of the materials tested. Similar results were generally detected for the nanohybrids compared with the microhybrid material. In conclusion, the nanohybrid resins generally presented inferior properties compared with the nanofilled composite and either similar or slightly better properties compared to the microhybrid material. Under clinical conditions, nanohybrid resins may not perform similarly to nanofilled materials.

UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis and light irradiance through hot-pressed and hot-pressed-veneered glass ceramics.

This study evaluated the irradiance of curing units through core and veneered hot-pressed ceramics as well as the transmittance of these materials. Discs of 0.7, 1.4 and 2 mm in thickness of Empress (EMP) and Empress Esthetic (EST), and 0.8 (n=5) and 1.1 mm (n=5) thickness of Empress 2 (E2) were obtained. For E2, two of the 0.8-mm-thick discs were covered with dentin (1.2- and 1.4-mm-thick) and two with dentin + enamel (1.5-mm-thick). The 1.1-mm-thick specimens were submitted to the same veneering procedures. Specimens were evaluated by UV-Vis transmittance analysis and the percentage of transmittance was recorded. Irradiance through each specimen was evaluated with a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH), used in continuous or intermittent exposure modes, or a blue light-emitting diode (LED). Data were analyzed by Dunnett's test, ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. Exposure through ceramic decreased the irradiance for all ceramics. Irradiance through EST was significantly higher than through EMP. For E2, reduction in irradiance depended on the core and/or veneer thickness. The QTH intermittent mode showed higher irradiance than the continuous mode, and both showed higher irradiance than LED. The ceramic significantly influenced irradiance and transmittance, which were found to decrease with the increase in thickness.

Transdental photo-activation technique: hardness and marginal adaptation of composite restorations using different light sources.

This study investigated the influence of different light sources associated with a transdental photoactivation technique on the marginal adaptation and hardness of composite restorations. Cavities (3 mm wide x 3 mm long x 1.5 mm in deep) were prepared on flattened bovine dentin and filled with Z250 composite (3M ESPE). Nine groups (n=10) were defined according to the curing technique (direct; transdental--photo-activation through 1 mm of enamel and 2 mm of dentin; mixed--transdental + direct) and light source (QTH XL2500, 3M ESPE; PAC Apollo 95E, DMD; LED Ultrablue Is, DMC) combination. Marginal adaptation was evaluated using a dye staining method, and the percentage of stained margins was recorded. Knoop Hardness readings were made across the transversal section of the fillings. Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p< or =0.05). For margin analysis, although none of the curing conditions provided perfect adaptation, the mixed technique showed lower gap formation. No significant differences were detected between the transdental and other techniques, and no significant differences were detected among the light sources. For hardness, the direct technique showed slightly greater hardness than the mixed technique. Also, the mixed technique yielded greater hardness than the transdental technique. Among the light sources, the LED showed greater hardness than the PAC; whereas, no significant differences between the QTH and other sources were detected. The mixed technique might improve the marginal adaptation of restorations, while not being detrimental to composite hardness.

Effects of 6 months of aging in water on hardness and surface roughness of two microhybrid dental composites.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the effect of 6 months of aging in water on surface roughness and surface/subsurface hardness of two microhybrid resin composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Filtek Z250 and Charisma were tested. Cylindrical specimens were obtained and stored in distilled water for 24 hours or 6 months, at 37 degrees C. For Knoop hardness evaluation, the specimens were transversely wet-flattened, and indentations were made on surface and subsurface layers. Data were submitted to three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha < or = 0.05). Surface roughness baseline measurements were made at 24 hours and repeated after 6 months of storage. Data were submitted to repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha < or = 0.05). RESULTS: Surface hardness (KHN, kg/mm(2)) means (+/- standard deviation) ranged from 55 +/- 1 to 49 +/- 4 for Z250 and from 50 +/- 2 to 41 +/- 3 for Charisma, at 24 hours and 6 months, respectively. Subsurface means ranged from 58 +/- 2 to 61 +/- 3 for Z250 and from 50 +/- 1 to 54 +/- 2 for Charisma, at 24 hours and 6 months. For both composites, the aged specimens presented significantly softer surfaces (p < 0.01). For the subsurface hardness, alteration after storage was detected only for Charisma, which presented a significant rise in hardness (p < 0.01). Z250 presented significantly harder surface and subsurface layers in comparison with Charisma. Surface roughness (Ra, mum) means ranged from 0.07 +/- 0.00 to 0.07 +/- 0.01 for Z250 and from 0.06 +/- 0.01 to 0.07 +/- 0.01 for Charisma, at 24 hours and 6 months, respectively. For both composites, no significant roughness alteration was detected during the study (p= 0.386). CONCLUSIONS: The 6-month period of storage in water presented a significant softening effect on the surfaces of the composites, although no significant deleterious alteration was detected for the subsurface hardness. In addition, the storage period had no significant effect on the surface roughness of the materials.

Effect of different photo-activation methods on push out force, hardness and cross-link density of resin composite restorations.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate push out force, hardness and cross-link density (CLD) of composite restorations photo-activated by different methods. METHODS: Z250 (3M ESPE) and XL2500 halogen unit (3M ESPE) were used. For push out force and hardness tests, conical restorations were made in bovine incisors. For CLD evaluation, cylindrical specimens were prepared. Different activation methods were tested: high-intensity continuous (HIC), low-intensity continuous (LIC), soft-start (SS) or pulse-delay (PD), with constant radiant exposure. Knoop readings were performed on bottom and top surfaces. Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). Push out force data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). Failure modes were classified under magnification (40x). CLD was estimated by hardness readings before and after storage in ethanol. Data were submitted to RM-ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: No significant differences in top hardness (KHN, N/mm2) were observed for HIC (598), LIC (564), SS (585) and PD (573). LIC presented significantly lower bottom hardness (520) than HIC (574), SS (562) and PD (572). Push out force (N) for SS (246) and PD (238) were similar, but significantly higher compared to LIC (198) and HIC (193). For HIC and LIC, only adhesive and mixed failures were observed. For SS and PD, cohesive failures also occurred. After storage, HIC and LIC presented significantly lower softening than PD. HIC also presented lower softening than SS, and similar results were observed for SS and PD. SIGNIFICANCE: Different activation methods can interfere with push out force, hardness and CLD of composite restorations.