Propriedades mecânicas e ópticas das cerâmicas feldspáticas e dissilicato de lítio: Revisão de literatura / Mechanical and optical properties of feldspathic ceramics and lithium disilicate: literature review

Objetivo: o objetivo dessa revisão de literatura é apresentar os dados existentes sobre capacidade estética e resistência à fratura das cerâmicas feldspáticas e dissilicato de lítio confeccionadas para o uso em CAD/CAM. Material e Métodos: para realizar o estudo foram levantados artigos originais sobre as cerâmicas feldspáticas e dissilicato de lítio em periódicos na base de dados PubMed e ScienceDirect, desde 2015 até 2020 utilizando como termos de busca "lithium disilicate AND esthetic AND CAD/CAM", "lithium disilicate AND fadigue AND CAD/CAM", "lithium disilicate AND fracture AND CAD/CAM", "feldspathic AND esthetic AND CAD/CAM", "feldspathic AND fadigue AND CAD/CAM", "feldspathic AND fracture AND CAD/CAM". Ainda, foram selecionados artigos de relevância publicados em datas anteriores selecionados pelos autores. Constam trabalhos longitudinais, de revisão de literatura, casos clínicos e pesquisas in vitro. Resultados: no total, 209 artigos foram encontrados e somente 16 foram incluídos para comparação. Os dados apresentaram boa capacidade estética para ambos materiais, sendo o dissilicato com maior resistência à fratura. Conclusão: concluiu-se que cerâmicas feldspáticas e dissilicato de lítio para CAD/CAM apresentam capacidade ópticas satisfatórias para restaurações estéticas quando utilizado os blocos multicores, devendo-se optar pelo dissilicato de lítio em situações de maior esforço mastigatório ou menor espessura da peça protética

Objective: this literature review presents the existing data on the esthetic capacity and fracture resistance of feldspathic and lithium disilicate ceramics made for CAD/CAM. Material and Methods: original articles on feldspathic ceramics and lithium disilicate were collected in journals in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases from 2015 to 2020 using the search terms "lithium disilicate AND esthetic AND CAD/CAM," "lithium disilicate AND fatigue AND CAD/CAM," "lithium disilicate AND fracture AND CAD/CAM," "feldspathic AND esthetic AND CAD/CAM," "feldspathic AND fatigue AND CAD/CAM," "feldspathic AND fracture AND CAD/CAM." relevant articles published previously to 2015 were also selected by the authors. Longitudinal studies, literature reviews, clinical cases and in vitro studies were included. Results: in total, 209 articles were selected and 16 included for comparison. Data presented good esthetic capability for both materials, disilicate presented higher fracture strength. Conclusion: the study concluded that feldspathic ceramics and lithium disilicate for CAD/CAM have satisfactory optical capacity for esthetics restorations when multicolor blocks are used. Lithium disilicate should be chosen in situations of greater masticatory effort or thinness of the prosthetic piece

Functionalized Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas: Tunable Hydrophobic Solid Acids for Biomass Conversion.

The catalytic deoxygenation of bio-based feedstocks to fuels and chemicals presents new challenges to the catalytic scientist, with many transformations either performed in or liberating water as a byproduct during reaction. The design of catalysts with tunable hydrophobicity to aid product and reactant adsorption or desorption, respectively, is vital for processes including (trans)esterification and condensation reactions employed in sustainable biodiesel production and bio-oil upgrading processes. Increasing surface hydrophobicity of catalyst materials offers a means to displace water from the catalyst active site, and minimizes potential deactivation or hydrolysis side reactions. Hybrid organic⁻inorganic porous solids offer exciting opportunities to tune surface polarity and hydrophobicity, as well as critical parameters in controlling adsorption, reactant activation, and product selectivity in liquid and vapor phase catalysis. Here, we review advances in the synthesis and application of sulfonic-acid-functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMO) as tunable hydrophobic solid acid catalysts in reactions relevant to biorefining and biofuel production.

Mechanical and hydrolytic degradation of an Ormocer®-based Bis-GMA-free resin composite.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the mechanical stability of bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) and Ormocer-based resin composites before and after water absorption and to examine water saturation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Disc-shaped specimens of the Bis-GMA (Grandio SO, Voco) and the Ormocer-based (Admira Fusion, Voco) dental resin composites were produced, stored in water, and weighed after pre-determined times to measure the absorbed water. Bend bars were produced and stored for 24 h in dry conditions as well as in distilled water for 14 days or 60 days at 37 °C. The initial flexural strength (FS) under quasi-static loading and flexural fatigue strength (FFS) under cyclic loading were determined under 4-point bending. Fracture toughness (KIc) of both composites was measured using the single-edge-V-notch-beam (SEVNB) technique after the same storage conditions under 3-point bending. RESULTS: Within the first 14 days, storage conditions did not affect the initial FS of Grandio SO, while a significant drop in initial FS was observed for Admira Fusion after 2 weeks in water and most of the water was absorbed within this time. FFS for the Bis-GMA composite was not reduced before 2 months in water, whereas for the Ormocer®-based composite, there has been a significant decrease in strength after cyclic fatigue already at 2 weeks of water storage. KIc of Admira Fusion decreased significantly after both storage periods, while KIc of Grandio SO decreased only significantly after 2 weeks of water storage. CONCLUSION: All mechanical properties of the Bis-GMA composite were superior to those of the Ormocer®-based material, except water sorption. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Water storage seems to have a much more pronounced effect on the mechanical properties of Ormocer®-based dental composites in comparison to Bis-GMA-based composites.

Mechanical and Physical Properties of Two Different Resin-based Materials: A Comparative Study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) of two different resin-based composite materials (nanofill composite and ormocer) and correlate it with some mechanical properties of these two restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two different resin-based materials (Filtek Supreme XT and Admira) were tested. A total of 30 samples of each type of selected composite were prepared. Specimens were immersed in distilled water for 24 hours. Then, the specimens were subjected to DC, hardness, and diametral tensile strength (DTS) measurements. The data obtained were tabulated for statistical analysis. The t-test was used to detect the significant difference among the variables tested in this study. Furthermore, the interrelationship between the studied parameters was investigated using a simple correlation coefficient statistical test. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed regarding DC, hardness, and DTS. Filtek Supreme XT presented the highest values. There was a positive correlation between DC and hardness. Also there was a correlation between DC and DTS, but it was not significant. CONCLUSION: Under the tested experimental conditions, the DC of Filtek Supreme XT was higher than that of ormocer. Accordingly, Filtek Supreme XT showed better mechanical properties. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Filtek Supreme XT showed superior mechanical properties. Therefore, orthodontic bracket-based composite combinations may also be expected to perform well clinically over the lifetime of a bonded orthodontic appliance.

Zein-based composites in biomedical applications.

Considerable research efforts have been devoted to zein-based biomaterials for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications over the past decade. The attention given to zein-based polymers is primarily attributed to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, due to the relatively low mechanical properties of these polymers, numerous inorganic compounds (e.g., hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate, bioactive glasses, natural clays) have been considered in combination with zein to create composite materials in an attempt to enhance zein mechanical properties. Inorganic phases also positively impact on the hydrophilic properties of zein matrices inducing a suitable environment for cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation. This review covers available literature on zein and zein-based composite materials, with focus on the combination of zein with commonly used inorganic fillers for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. An overview of the most recent advances in fabrication techniques for zein-based composites is presented and key applications areas and future developments in the field are highlighted. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1656-1665, 2017.

Color stability of nanohybrid resin-based composites, ormocers and compomers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the color stability of two nanohybrid resin-based composites, two organic modified ceramic resin composites (ormocers) and a compomer, following their immersion during 4 weeks in four usual drinks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty discs of each of the following materials were prepared: GrandioSO (GR), Esthet X (EX), Dyract EXTRA (DY), Ceram X duo (CX), and Admira Fusion (AD). The discs were polished and stored in distilled water during 24 h at 37 °C. Color according to the CIEL*a*b* scale was recoded. Ten randomly selected samples of each material were immersed in red wine (RW), coffee (CF), cola (CK), and distilled water (DW). The color was recorded after 1, 7, 21 and 28 days of immersion. The ΔE values between the baseline color and each of the study timepoints were calculated. The data were analyzed based on the Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon test, and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: After 1 day of immersion, all the materials showed ΔE > 3.3, except EX, CF, and CX in CK. RD was the most staining beverage (ΔE 15.36 to 31.09). EX and CX were significantly less stained than the rest of the materials (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All the staining solutions produced darkening beyond clinically acceptable limits. EX and CX were the materials who experimented less staining, followed by GD. AD and DY were the materials more stained. RW was the drink that produced more staining, followed by CF and CK. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: After 24 h of immersion in all the solutions, equivalent to 1 month of exposure in the mouth, the evaluated materials showed clinically unacceptable ΔE values.

Correlation of elution and sensitivity of cell lines to dental composites.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to understand the role played by composition on the elution of dental composites and the subsequent cytotoxicity, the sensitivity of different cell lines to eluates on a temporal basis and the correlation of the two parameters elution and cytotoxicity. METHODS: LC-MS was done to analyze the eluates. MTT assay was done to assess cytotoxicity on two cell lines. RESULTS: Eluates were found to have matrix monomers, photoinitiators and their degradation products. The short-term viability of other mammalian cell line was inferior to human cell line. However human cell line became more sensitive to long-term incubation with composites. There was a strong inverse correlation to elution of monomers and photoinitiators and cell viability for both cell lines. Bisphenol A elution did not correlate to cell viability. SIGNIFICANCE: Other mammalian cell lines may be more sensitive to acute toxin build-up than human cell line while the latter may be more sensitive to prolonged toxin exposure. Dimethacrylate based composites elute more and exert strong cytotoxicity than Ormocer and Silorane based composites. Most of the eluates correlated linearly to cytotoxicity.

Randomized 3-year clinical evaluation of Class I and II posterior resin restorations placed with a bulk-fill resin composite and a one-step self-etching adhesive.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 3-year clinical durability of the flowable bulk-fill resin composite SDR in Class I and Class II restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight pairs of Class I and 62 pairs of Class II restorations were placed in 44 male and 42 female patients (mean age 52.4 years). Each patient received at least two extended Class I or Class II restorations that were as similar as possible. In all cavities, a one-step self-etching adhesive (XenoV+) was applied. One of the cavities of each pair was randomly assigned to receive the flowable bulk-fill resin composite SDR in increments up to 4 mm as needed to fill the cavity 2 mm short of the occlusal cavosurface. The occlusal part was completed with an ormocer-based nanohybrid resin composite (Ceram X mono+). In the other cavity, only the resin composite CeramX mono+ was placed in 2 mm increments. The restorations were evaluated using slightly modified USPHS criteria at baseline and then annually for 3 years. Caries risk and bruxing habits of the participants were estimated. RESULTS: No post-operative sensitivity was reported. At the 3-year follow-up, 196 restorations - 74 Class I and 122 Class II - were evaluated. Seven restorations failed (3.6%), 4 SDR-CeramX mono+ and 3 CeramX mono+ only restorations, all of which were Class II. The main reason for failure was tooth fracture, followed by resin composite fracture. The annual failure rate (AFR) for all restorations (Class I and II) was 1.2% for the bulkfilled restorations and 1.0% for the resin composite-only restorations (p > 0.05). For the Class II restorations, the AFR was 2.2% and 1.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The 4-mm bulk-fill technique showed good clinical effectiveness during the 3-year follow-up.

Do new matrix formulations improve resin composite resistance to degradation processes?

The aim of this study was to determine the degradation resistance of three new formulations-silorane-, Ormocer- and dimer-acid-based materials-and compare them to the traditional dimethacrylate-based materials. One silorane- (Filtek P90, P90), one Ormocer- (Ceram-X, CX), one dimer-acid- (N'Durance, ND) and two dimethacrylate-based (Filtek P60, P60; Tetric Ceram, TC) materials were investigated. Water sorption (Wsp) and solubility (Wsl) were determined after the materials were immersed in water for 28 days. Knoop hardness (KH) was determined before and after 24 h immersion in pure ethanol. The flexural-strength (FS) was determined by the bending test after one-week storage in a dry environment or after one-week immersion in pure ethanol. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (95%). The three new formulations showed lower Wsp than the dimethacrylate-based formulation. CX (0.50 ± 0.17%) and ND (0.72 ± 0.19%) exhibited the lowest Wsp, whereas P90 (0.02 ± 0.03%) and P60 (0.04 ± 0.03%) showed the lowest Wsl. All resins showed reduced Knoop hardness number (KHN) after ethanol immersion. P60 presented the lowest decrease in KH value (19 ± 5%). TC (48 ± 3%) and P90 (39 ± 9%) showed the highest KHN decrease after ethanol storage. The FS of CX, ND and TC were affected by ethanol storage. The new formulations did not improve the degradation resistance, as compared with the traditional methacrylate-based materials.

Do new matrix formulations improve resin composite resistance to degradation processes?

The aim of this study was to determine the degradation resistance of three new formulations-silorane-, Ormocer- and dimer-acid-based materials-and compare them to the traditional dimethacrylate-based materials. One silorane- (Filtek P90, P90), one Ormocer- (Ceram-X, CX), one dimer-acid- (N'Durance, ND) and two dimethacrylate-based (Filtek P60, P60; Tetric Ceram, TC) materials were investigated. Water sorption (Wsp) and solubility (Wsl) were determined after the materials were immersed in water for 28 days. Knoop hardness (KH) was determined before and after 24 h immersion in pure ethanol. The flexural-strength (FS) was determined by the bending test after one-week storage in a dry environment or after one-week immersion in pure ethanol. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (95%). The three new formulations showed lower Wsp than the dimethacrylate-based formulation. CX (0.50 ± 0.17%) and ND (0.72 ± 0.19%) exhibited the lowest Wsp, whereas P90 (0.02 ± 0.03%) and P60 (0.04 ± 0.03%) showed the lowest Wsl. All resins showed reduced Knoop hardness number (KHN) after ethanol immersion. P60 presented the lowest decrease in KH value (19 ± 5%). TC (48 ± 3%) and P90 (39 ± 9%) showed the highest KHN decrease after ethanol storage. The FS of CX, ND and TC were affected by ethanol storage. The new formulations did not improve the degradation resistance, as compared with the traditional methacrylate-based materials.

Viscoelastic stability of resin-composites aged in food-simulating solvents.

OBJECTIVE: To study time-dependent viscoelastic deformation (creep and recovery) of resin-composites, after conditioning in food-simulating solvents, under a compressive stress at 37°C. METHODS: Five dimethacrylate-based composites: (Spectrum TPH, Premise Body, Tetric Ceram HB, Filtek P60, X-tra fil), and two Ormocers (Experimental Ormocer V 28407, Admira) were studied. Three groups of cylindrical specimens (4mm×6mm) were prepared and then conditioned in 3 solvents: methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), ethanol, and water for 1 month at 37°C. The compressive creep-strain under 35MPa in 37°C water was recorded continuously for 2h and then the unloaded recovery-strain was monitored for another 2h. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's test. RESULTS: The materials all exhibited classic creep and recovery curves, with most parameters being significantly different (p<0.0001) for each solvent condition. All materials showed lower creep-strain in water than in ethanol or MEK solvents. Maximum creep-strain and permanent-set gave negative linear-regression (r(2)>0.98) with logarithm of the solvent solubility-parameter. The % mean (SD) creep-strain ranged from a minimum of 0.82 (0.01) for the Exp. Ormocer in water to the maximum of 4.19 (0.30) for Admira in MEK. Similar trends were found for permanent-set. The dimethacrylate-based composites behaved as an intermediate group, apart from X-tra fil that had similar stability to the Exp. Ormocer. SIGNIFICANCE: The viscoelastic stability (low creep and permanent-set) of the Exp. Ormocer, compared to many dimethacrylate-based composites, in food-simulating solvents may be due to its diluent-free formulation. This was closely matched by a highly-filled dimethacrylate material (X-tra fil).

Mechanical properties of contemporary composite resins and their interrelations.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize a spectrum of mechanical properties of four representative types of modern dental resin composites and to investigate possible interrelations. METHODS: Four composite resins were used, a microhybrid (Filtek Z-250), a nanofill (Filtek Ultimate), a nanohybrid (Majesty Posterior) and an ormocer (Admira). The mechanical properties investigated were Flexural Modulus and Flexural Strength (three point bending), Brinell Hardness, Impact Strength, mode I and mode II fracture toughness employing SENB and Brazilian tests and Work of Fracture. Fractographic analysis was carried out in an SEM to determine the origin of fracture for specimens subjected to SENB, Brazilian and Impact Strength testing. The results were statistically analyzed employing ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (a=0.05) while Pearson correlation was applied among the mechanical properties. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the mechanical properties of materials tested apart from mode I fracture toughness measured by Brazilian test. The latter significantly underestimated the mode I fracture toughness due to analytical limitations and thus its validity is questionable. Fractography revealed that the origin of fracture is located at notches for fracture toughness tests and contact surface with pendulum for Impact Strength testing. Pearson analysis illustrated a strong correlation between modulus of elasticity and hardness (r=0.87) and a weak negative correlation between Work of Fracture and Flexural Modulus (r=-0.46) and Work of Fracture and Hardness (r=-0.44). Weak correlations were also allocated between Flexural Modulus and Flexural Strength (r=0.40), Flexural Strength and Hardness (r=0.39), and Impact Strength and Hardness (r=0.40). SIGNIFICANCE: Since the four types of dental resin composite tested exhibited large differences among their mechanical properties differences in their clinical performance is also anticipated.

Effect of hygroscopic expansion of resin filling on interfacial gap and sealing: a confocal microscopy study.

PURPOSE: To measure dimensional changes due to hygroscopic expansion and their effect on interface gaps and sealing in four light-cured restorative materials using an original confocal microscopic methodology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The materials tested were an ormocer (Admira [Voco]), a compomer (Dyract AP [Dentsply]), a hybrid composite (Spectrum [Dentsply]), and a nanohybrid composite (Esthet·X [Dentsply]). Water sorption was evaluated by weighing material disks after immersion. Hygroscopic expansion was measured from volumetric variations of material fillings in cylindrical cavities in dentin slices; the interfacial gap size was obtained from the same cavities using a novel confocal microscopic method. Microleakage was evaluated in cavities prepared in extracted third molars. Measurements followed water immersion for 24 h, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. A factorial ANOVA, the Student Newman Keuls test for post-hoc comparisons, the Student's t-test, and the Pearson test were used for the statistical analysis (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Positive correlations were found among water sorption, hygroscopic expansion, and sealing. Hygroscopic expansion reduced post-polymerization interfacial gaps and improved cavity sealing. Dyract AP and Admira showed the highest water sorption, hygroscopic expansion, and gap size reduction. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The proposed methodology is valid to measure hygroscopic expansion and interfacial gap. 2. Water sorption and hygroscopic expansion are positively correlated, and hygroscopic expansion, gap size, and sealing are also positively correlated. 3. The adhesive influences the interfacial gap size and its variation after hygroscopic expansion. 4. Hygroscopic expansion reduces the interfacial gaps generated by polymerization shrinkage and improves cavity sealing.

Combining technologies to create bioactive hybrid scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Combining technologies to engineer scaffolds that can offer physical and chemical cues to cells is an attractive approach in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this study, we have fabricated polymer-ceramic hybrid scaffolds for bone regeneration by combining rapid prototyping (RP), electrospinning (ESP) and a biomimetic coating method in order to provide mechanical support and a physico-chemical environment mimicking both the organic and inorganic phases of bone extracellular matrix (ECM). Poly(ethylene oxide terephthalate)-poly(buthylene terephthalate) (PEOT/PBT) block copolymer was used to produce three dimensional scaffolds by combining 3D fiber (3DF) deposition, and ESP, and these constructs were then coated with a Ca-P layer in a simulated physiological solution. Scaffold morphology and composition were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX) and Fourier Tranform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Bone marrow derived human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) were cultured on coated and uncoated 3DF and 3DF + ESP scaffolds for up to 21 d in basic and mineralization medium and cell attachment, proliferation, and expression of genes related to osteogenesis were assessed. Cells attached, proliferated and secreted ECM on all the scaffolds. There were no significant differences in metabolic activity among the different groups on days 7 and 21. Coated 3DF scaffolds showed a significantly higher DNA amount in basic medium at 21 d compared with the coated 3DF + ESP scaffolds, whereas in mineralization medium, the presence of coating in 3DF+ESP scaffolds led to a significant decrease in the amount of DNA. An effect of combining different scaffolding technologies and material types on expression of a number of osteogenic markers (cbfa1, BMP-2, OP, OC and ON) was observed, suggesting the potential use of this approach in bone tissue engineering.

Effect of chemical and microwave disinfection on the surface microhardness of acrylic resin denture teeth.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of simulated disinfections (2% glutaraldehyde, 1% sodium hypochlorite, and microwave energy) on the surface hardness of Trilux, Biocler, Biotone, New Ace, and Magister commercial artificial teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens (n = 10) were made with the teeth included individually in circular blocks of acrylic resin, leaving the labial surface exposed. Cycles of simulated chemical disinfection were accomplished with the specimens immersed in the solutions at room temperature for 10 minutes, followed by tap water washing for 30 seconds and storage in distilled water at room temperature for 7 days until the next disinfection. Simulated disinfection by microwave energy was carried out in a domestic oven with 1300 W at a potency of 50% for 3 minutes with the specimens individually immersed in 150 ml of distilled water. Control (no disinfection) and the experimental groups (first and third disinfection cycles) were submitted to Knoop hardness measurements with indentations at the center of the labial tooth surface. Data were submitted to repeated measure two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Biocler, Magister, and Trilux showed lower surface microhardness when submitted to microwave. Lower microhardness for Biotone was promoted by hypochlorite, while no significant difference was shown for New Ace. The third disinfection cycle significantly decreased the tooth surface hardness only for microwave. CONCLUSIONS: Different disinfection methods promoted different effects on the microhardness of different types of artificial teeth. Surface microhardness of the teeth was less affected by the simulated chemical disinfections when compared to microwaved specimens.

Marginal leakage and microhardness evaluation of low-shrinkage resin-based restorative materials.

This study sought to compare the marginal leakage and microhardness of low-shrinkage resin-based dental restorative materials containing ormocer- and silorane-based composites to that of conventional methacrylate-based systems. A total of 50 noncarious extracted human teeth were collected after debridement and standard Class V cavities were prepared. Teeth were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10) and restored with 5 types of resin-based restorative material composites: hybrid, microhybrid, nanohybrid, ormocer-based, and silorane-based. After thermocycling, all teeth were placed in a silver nitrate solution, sectioned longitudinally in a buccolingual direction, and observed under a stereomicroscope to determine the degree of dye penetration. Data were analyzed using a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.05). For the microhardness test, five specimens were made for each restorative material, using Teflon molds with disk-shaped specimen wells. Specimens were photocured and placed in distilled water (at 37°C) for 24 hours. Vickers Hardness Number (VHN) measurements were performed using a microhardness tester. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests. In terms of microhardness, there was no statistically significant difference among the resin-based restorative materials (P > 0.05). The degree of microleakage at the gingival margins was lowest for the silorane composite, followed by microhybrid and nanohybrid. The silorane composite was significantly lower than that of the ormocer and hybrid composites (P < 0.05). Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that the silorane-based composite material could provide a marginal seal comparable to that provided by microhybrid or nanohybrid resin composites.

The effect of home-bleaching application on the color and translucency of five resin composites.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of home bleaching agents on the color and translucency of resin composites. METHODS: Thirty disc shaped specimens (1mm thick) were fabricated from each resin composite (Reflexions, Grandio, Gradia Direct, Clearfil Majesty Esthetic, Ceram-X Mono) and divided into 3 subgroups as carbamide peroxide (CP, Opalescence 10% PF), hydrogen peroxide (HP, 10% Opalescence Treswhite Supreme) and control group (n=10). Baseline CIE L*a*b* color coordinates were measured with spectrophotometer and translucency parameters (TP) were calculated. CP and HP groups were treated with bleaching agents according to manufacturers' instructions and control group was stored in distilled water (DW) for 14 days. Color and translucency measurements were repeated and color differences were calculated, ΔE values>3.3 were considered as clinically unacceptable. RESULTS: Clinically unacceptable color change was detected for all resin composites exposed to bleaching agents and there was significant color difference between the control group and bleached specimens (P<0.05). However no significant color difference was found between CP and HP groups. Intragroup comparison revealed that Ceram-X Mono showed the highest color change but there was no significant difference among the other tested materials for both CP and HP groups. Intergroup comparison of TP values of CP, HP and control groups at the end of 14th day revealed that there was no statistical significant translucency difference among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Application of CP and HP resulted in clinically unacceptable color change for all resin composites. Translucencies of the resin composites were not affected by bleaching procedure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this in vitro study suggest that patients should be informed regarding a potential color change of existing resin composite restorations with the use of home bleaching agents.

Repair of dental resin-based composites.

OBJECTIVES: The study analyzed the reparability and compatibility of light-curing resin-based composites (RBCs) of the categories "microhybrid," "nanohybrid," and "packable." MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six RBCs with different matrix and filler formulation--purely methacrylate-based composites (MBCs), ormocer-based composites (OBCs), and silorane-based composites (SBCs)--were used for the specimens. Every material was combined with itself and with the other five RBCs, resulting in a total of 36 combination groups (n = 20). The specimens were polymerized, aged for 8 weeks in distilled water at 37 °C, and then repaired by means of a repair kit. Shear bond strength and fracture mode were measured after aging of the specimens, undergoing storage for 24 h in distilled water at 37 °C followed by thermocycling (5,000 cycles, 5-55 °C) and an additional 4-week storage in distilled water at 37 °C. RESULTS: Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA with TUKEY HSD post hoc test (α = 0.05). On average, the OBC Admira reached the highest value as a substrate material (30.41 MPa), and the SBC Filtek Silorane reached the lowest value (8.14 MPa). Filtek Silorane was identified as the repair material with the highest bond strength value (28.70 MPa), while a packable composite reached the lowest bond strength value (15.55 MPa). The analysis of the break modes showed that adhesive breaks are typical when strength is at its lowest (6.27 MPa). A large number of cohesive fractures are conspicuous when identical materials are used for repair, except Filtek Silorane (2 % cohesive fractures). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that the effect of the different materials on bond strength varies strongly, depending on whether the material is used as filling or as repair material. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is generally advisable but not compulsory to combine identical RBCs.

Effect of polymerisation and ageing on the incremental bond strength of ormocer-based dental materials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of polymerisation and ageing on the incremental bond strength (IBS) and fracture mechanics of experimental and commercial, well established ormocer-based materials. METHODS: An experimental dimethacrylate-diluent-free ormocer was compared with two commercial products (Admira (VOCO); Ceram X Duo (Dentsply)). For Ceram X Duo, the strength between dentin shades (DD) and between dentin and enamel shades (DE) was measured. In order to simulate clinical conditions, when a direct access to the composite surface is impeded, the curing unit was applied at different distances (1, 3 or 6 mm) from the sample's surface. IBS was measured after the samples were stored in distilled water (24 h/37 °C) and after ageing (5,000 cycles between 5 and 55 °C followed by storage (28 days/37 °C) in distilled water). Additionally, the degree of cure (DC) was measured in a thin film (~50 µm). A multivariate analysis, an additional one-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD post hoc test (α = 0.05), an independent t test (α = 0.05), and Weibull statistics were used to assess the results. RESULTS: After 24 h, the values for IBS were statistically the same. Differences revealed after ageing, whereby the experimental material achieved the significant highest and Admira the lowest results. By evaluating after 24 h and after ageing, the experimental material obtained the smallest Weibull modulus "m". The predominant breaking mechanism is cohesive, even though the number decreases in favour for the mixture and adhesive fractures after ageing. Clear differences arose with regard to DC. The experimental material reached considerably lower values (31.9-33.2 %) unlike Ceram X Duo (45.6-48.3 %) and Admira (52.9-58.8 %). CONCLUSIONS: The IBS and the DC are far more dependent on the parameter filler volume percent and material than on the polymerisation distance. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A dimethacrylate-diluent-free ormocer matrix offers a better stability opposite ageing but achieves a lower DC and reliability.

Flowable composite an alternative orthodontic bonding adhesive: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical applicability of Ormocer based fowable adhesive (Admira fow) in comparison with BisGMA based adhesive (Transbond XT) and Ormocer based packable adhesive (Admira). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty human premolars, divided into group I (n = 20) Transbond XT, group II (n = 20) Admira and group III (n = 20) Admira fow were bonded with metal brackets using adhesives. Brackets were debonded in shear on an Instron universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 1 mm per minute. The mode of bond failure was determined by modifed ARI index. RESULTS: The results obtained from SBS evaluation and modifed ARI showed highest shear bond strength for Transbond XT (SD 11.64) 3.68 followed by Admira fow (SD 11.0) 2.87 and least for Admira (SD 9.42) 2.21. However, the difference was not statistically signifcant, but an intergroup comparison done using Independent student 't' test, showed statically signifcant difference between Transbond XT and Admira. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed least survival median value for Admira, but the survival median value is not statistically signifcant among the three groups. All groups had modifed ARI score of three (60-70%), suggestive of cohesive type of failure. CONCLUSION: The in vitro study showed that fowable Ormocer can be an good alternative to commonly used BisGMA based adhesive but the its effcacy needs clinical assessment through a survival analysis. CLINICAL SIGNIFCANCE: Admire fow can defnitely be considered as an alternative bonding system due to their comparable bond strength and debonding characters and reported properties of biocompatibility.