Rubber dam isolation for restorative treatment in dental patients.

BACKGROUND: The effective control of moisture and microbes is necessary for the success of restoration procedures. The rubber dam, as an isolation method, has been widely used in dental restorative treatments. The effects of rubber dam usage on the longevity and quality of dental restorations still require evidence-based discussion. This review compares the effects of rubber dam with other isolation methods in dental restorative treatments. This is an update of the Cochrane Review first published in 2016. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of rubber dam isolation compared with other types of isolation used for direct and indirect restorative treatments in dental patients. SEARCH METHODS: Cochrane Oral Health's Information specialist searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (searched 13 January 2021), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2020, Issue 12) in the Cochrane Library (searched 13 January 2021), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 13 January 2021), Embase Ovid (1980 to 13 January 2021), LILACS BIREME Virtual Health Library (Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information database; 1982 to 13 January 2021), and SciELO BIREME Virtual Health Library (1998 to 13 January 2021). We also searched Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM, in Chinese) (1978 to 13 January 2021), VIP database (in Chinese) (1989 to 13 January 2021), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI, in Chinese) (1994 to 13 January 2021). We searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, OpenGrey, and Sciencepaper Online (in Chinese) for ongoing trials. There were no restrictions on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (including split-mouth trials) over one month in length assessing the effects of rubber dam compared with alternative isolation methods for dental restorative treatments. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened the results of the electronic searches, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Disagreement was resolved by discussion. We strictly followed Cochrane's statistical guidelines and assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: We included six studies conducted worldwide between 2010 and 2015 involving a total of 1342 participants (of which 233 participants were lost to follow-up). All the included studies were at high risk of bias. Five studies compared rubber dam with traditional cotton rolls isolation. One study was excluded from the analysis due to inconsistencies in the presented data. Of the four remaining trials, three reported survival rates of the restorations with a minimum follow-up of six months. Pooled results from two studies involving 192 participants indicated that the use of rubber dam isolation may increase the survival rates of direct composite restorations of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) at six months (odds ratio (OR) 2.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05 to 4.99; low-certainty evidence). However, the use of rubber dam in NCCLs composite restorations may have little to no effect on the survival rates of the restorations compared to cotton rolls at 12 months (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.45 to 4.28; 1 study, 30 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and at 18 months (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.45 to 2.25; 1 study, 30 participants; very low-certainty evidence) but the evidence is very uncertain. At 24 months, the use of rubber dam may decrease the risk of failure of the restorations in children undergoing proximal atraumatic restorative treatment in primary molars but the evidence is very uncertain (hazard ratio (HR) 0.80, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.97; 1 study, 559 participants; very low-certainty evidence). None of the included studies mentioned adverse effects or reported the direct cost of the treatment. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review found some low-certainty evidence that the use of rubber dam in dental direct restorative treatments may lead to a lower failure rate of the restorations compared with cotton roll usage after six months. At other time points, the evidence is very uncertain. Further high-quality research evaluating the effects of rubber dam usage on different types of restorative treatments is required.

Initial Mechanical Stabilization of Conventional Glass Ionomer Cements with Different Active Principles

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the initial mechanical stabilization of conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs) indicated for the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in different storage periods. Material and Methods: Specimens were divided according to the GIC (n=12): IZ - Ion-Z, KM - Ketac Molar Easymix, RS - Riva Self Cure, and GL - Gold Label 9. They were prepared and stored in distilled water. Superficial microhardness (SMH) was evaluated (KHN) in three phases: (A) after 1, (B) 3, and (C) 7 days of storage. Data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 5%). Results: The average KHN values for phases A, B, and C were, respectively, 33.05 ± 9.74; 33.21 ± 10.31 and 52.07 ± 11.75 (IZ); 50.35 ± 11.39; 66.05 ± 10.48 and 67.77 ± 13.80 (KM); 89.63 ± 15.59; 71.31 ± 23.86 and 57.70 ± 16.89 (RS); 42.18 ± 9.03; 68.54 ± 6.83 and 57.95 ± 8.24 (GL). Significant differences were observed: GIC, time, and interaction of both (p<0.05). KHN values differed between the groups, except in the GIC parameter for KM and GL. The time parameter values of phase A were lower than those of B and C, except for IZ and RS. Conclusion: The initial mechanical stabilization differed between the types of GIC tested and the storage time, and after the final period, all had similar SMH.

Incorporação da técnica de restauração atraumática por equipes de saúde bucal da atenção básica à saúde do Recife/PE / Incorporation of the atraumatic restoration technique by oral health teams from the basic health care of Recife/PE

Resumo: Objetivou-se analisar aspectos referentes ao emprego da Técnica de Restauração Atraumática (TRA) nas atividades dos Cirurgiões-Dentistas (CDs) da Atenção Básica à Saúde (ABS) do Recife, no Distrito Sanitário IV, planejadas para o controle e tratamento da cárie dentária. Promoveu-se uma caracterização do perfil profissional e sobre aspectos relacionados ao emprego da técnica. Tratou-se de um estudo observacional de caráter descritivo. A amostra foi o universo dos CDs (23), que estavam em exercício profissional em 23 unidades de saúde do Distrito Sanitário IV, no primeiro semestre de 2017. Para a coleta de dados foi elaborado um questionário estruturado submetido à validação e foi aplicado face a face. A análise de dados realizou cálculos de estatística descritiva. Foram calculadas a distribuição de frequência absoluta e relativa das variáveis estudadas. Apenas dois dentistas não foram entrevistados por estarem afastados do trabalho, isto significou em uma perda de 8,69%. Prevaleceu entre os entrevistados a idade de 41 a 57 anos (52,83%); e o sexo feminino (80,95%); 80,95% ingressaram na ABS por concurso; 90,48% possuíam pós-graduação, sendo 80,95% na especialidade Saúde da Família. A maioria afirmou utilizar a TRA e que a ABS recomenda o uso (85,75%). A técnica era utilizada para restaurações provisórias e definitivas (61,11%) e quase 50% dos entrevistados relataram que a qualidade do produto interferia na execução, duração e adesão das restaurações. Os CDs indicaram a TRA para diferentes idades e condições de vida, onde prevaleceu o uso para crianças (42,86%) e gestantes (42,86%). A grande maioria dos CDs se declarou habilitado, mas com necessidade de capacitação (95,24%). Conclui-se que a TRA é indicada e está incorporada às práticas de cuidados da maioria dos entrevistados, contudo investimentos em educação permanente dos profissionais e provimento de material recomendado para o uso eficaz da técnica devem ser planejados.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the incorporation of the Atraumatic Restoration Technique (ART) in the planned activities for dental caries control and treatment performed by dentists in public healthcare services in Sanitary District IV of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Methods: The professional profile of dentists and aspects related to the use of ART was investigated. This is an observational and descriptive study. The sample (23) consisted of a universe of dentists of Sanitary District IV in the first half of 2017. Data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire that was validated face to face. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics calculations. Results: Only two dentists were not interviewed, because they were away from work, resulting in a drop out sample of 8.69%. Most of the participants were between 41 to 57 years of age (52.83%), female (80.95%), while 80.95% entered in the public service by a selective process; 90.48% had a postgraduate degree with a specialization in family health (80.95%). The majority claimed to use ART and its recommendation in the public health service (85.75%). The technique was used for provisional and definitive restorations (61.11%), and almost 50% of the respondents reported that the quality of the dental material interfered in the execution, longevity, and adhesion of the restorations. The respondents recommended ART for different ages and life conditions, mainly in children (42.86%) and pregnant women (42.86%). The great majority of dentists claimed to be qualified but needed training (95.24%). Conclusion: It was concluded that ART was recommended and incorporated in the dental care practices of most of the interviewed dentists, highlighting the need for investments in ongoing training of dental professionals in public healthcare services and the provision of recommended materials for the effective use of ART

Atraumatic Restorative Treatment compared to the Hall Technique for occluso-proximal cavities in primary molars: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In many parts of the world, school-age children have high dental treatment needs; however, there is often low, or no, dental care provision. Although Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) was developed to address this, its survival rate in occluso-proximal lesions is low. An alternative, the Hall Technique (HT) has shown better relative outcomes for occluso-proximal lesions, but has not been directly compared to ART or tested in field settings. This trial will compare ART and the HT for the most clinically- and cost-effective strategy for managing occluso-proximal lesions in primary molars, in a school setting, using low-technology and child-friendly dental techniques. METHODS/DESIGN: This two-arm, parallel group, patient-randomized controlled, superiority trial will have treatment provided in schools. Schoolchildren (n = 124, age 6-8) with at least one occluso-proximal carious primary molar lesion will have random allocation to treatment with ART or HT. Baseline measures and outcome data will be assessed through participant report, clinical examination and parent report/questionnaires. The primary outcome is survival rate, a composite measure of absence of Minor Failures (a defect in the restoration/crown, but not interfering with tooth health) and Major Failures (signs or symptoms of irreversible pulp damage, such as dental fistula/abscess, tooth fracture or failures that cannot be repaired). Secondary outcomes are: (1) child-reported discomfort, (2) childrens' and (3) parents' concerns around dental appearance and (4) acceptability of treatments, (5) occlusal-vertical dimensions (OVD) changes, (6) plaque index, (7) gingival health, (8) decayed, missing, filled teeth in permanent teeth (DMFT)/decayed, missing, filled teeth in primary teeth (dmft), (9) oral health-related-quality of life, reported by children and parents/caregivers, (10) the incremental cost-effectiveness, and (11) operator effect. A trained and calibrated examiner will evaluate the treated teeth after 1 week, then 1, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months post treatment. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression tests will be used to investigate the primary outcome. The Mann-Whitney or t test, Friedman test, paired t test or Wilcoxon test and Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis will be used to analyze the secondary outcomes. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial will support decision-making by clinicians and policy-makers for managing occluso-proximal lesions in settings with constrained resources and limited dental access. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02569047 , registered 5 October 2015.

One year survival of ART and conventional restorations in patients with disability.

BACKGROUND: Providing restorative treatment for persons with disability may be challenging and has been related to the patient's ability to cope with the anxiety engendered by treatment and to cooperate fully with the demands of the clinical situation. The aim of the present study was to assess the survival rate of ART restorations compared to conventional restorations in people with disability referred for special care dentistry. METHODS: Three treatment protocols were distinguished: ART (hand instruments/high-viscosity glass-ionomer); conventional restorative treatment (rotary instrumentation/resin composite) in the clinic (CRT/clinic) and under general anaesthesia (CRT/GA). Patients were referred for restorative care to a special care centre and treated by one of two specialists. Patients and/or their caregivers were provided with written and verbal information regarding the proposed techniques, and selected the type of treatment they were to receive. Treatment was provided as selected but if this option proved clinically unfeasible one of the alternative techniques was subsequently proposed. Evaluation of restoration survival was performed by two independent trained and calibrated examiners using established ART restoration assessment codes at 6 months and 12 months. The Proportional Hazard model with frailty corrections was applied to calculate survival estimates over a one year period. RESULTS: 66 patients (13.6 ± 7.8 years) with 16 different medical disorders participated. CRT/clinic proved feasible for 5 patients (7.5%), the ART approach for 47 patients (71.2%), and 14 patients received CRT/GA (21.2%). In all, 298 dentine carious lesions were restored in primary and permanent teeth, 182 (ART), 21 (CRT/clinic) and 95 (CRT/GA). The 1-year survival rates and jackknife standard error of ART and CRT restorations were 97.8 ± 1.0% and 90.5 ± 3.2%, respectively (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These short-term results indicate that ART appears to be an effective treatment protocol for treating patients with disability restoratively, many of whom have difficulty coping with the conventional restorative treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Netherlands Trial Registration: NTR 4400.

Glass ionomer ART sealants in Chinese school children-6-year results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate longitudinally ART sealants placed in Chinese school children under field conditions. METHOD: 191 ART sealants were placed in 140 children, aged 11-14 years, by five assistant dentists in four secondary schools in Deyang, Sichuan Province, China. Teeth selected for sealing were those with pits and fissures that were deep or showing early enamel caries. Teeth were excluded if there was obvious cavitation extending into dentine. Standard instruments and procedures for ART sealants were used. The material used was a high-viscosity glass-ionomer (Ketac-Molar, 3MESPE) that was inserted into the pits and fissures with the "press-finger" technique. The status of the sealants was evaluated annually over 6 years after placement by the same examiner who was not involved in the placement of the sealants using explorers, mouth-mirrors and an intra-oral fibre-optic light. No missing sealants were replaced during the study. RESULTS: 107 sealants (56% of the original) were examined after 6 years. The cumulative survival rates of the sealants (partially or fully retained) after 2, 4 and 6 years were 79%, 68% and 59%, respectively. Caries prevention lagged the fall in sealant survival but remained high throughout the study period, being over 90% in the first 4 years and 85% after 6 years. CONCLUSIONS: ART sealants placed under field conditions in Chinese schoolchildren have a high retention rate. Missing sealants should be replaced to maintain their preventive efficacy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The sealing of pits and fissures can be an effective caries preventive approach. Resin-based sealants have the disadvantage in that they require an optimal level of moisture control during placement. In children and in outreach situations glass ionomer ART sealants, which are more moisture tolerant, can offer a viable alternative.

Clinical evaluation of three caries removal approaches in primary teeth: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical performance and radiographic outcome of glass ionomer cement (GIC) restoration in primary molars using three caries removal techniques. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Randomised clinical controlled trial. CLINICAL SETTING: Two standard dental clinics in 2 hospitals near Bangkok. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 276 children, aged 6-11, having dentinal caries on the occlusal and/or proximal surface extending at least one-third of dentine without signs and/or symptoms of irreversible pulpitis. INTERVENTION: Children were randomly allocated into 3 study groups with different caries removal techniques: Group 1, partial soft caries removal at enamel-dentine junction (EDJ) by spoon excavation; Group 2, complete soft caries removal by spoon excavation; and Group 3, conventional caries removal by steel burs. All cavity preparations were restored with GIC (Fuji IX, GC Corp., Japan). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and radiographic evaluations were carried out at 6 and 12 months after restoration. RESULTS: After 12 months, 89, 89, and 88 restorations in Groups 1, 2 and 3 were evaluated. The cumulative survival rates of GIC restorations in Groups 1, 2 and 3 were 83%, 83%, and 89% while the cumulative survival rates of pulp were 99%, 100% and 98% respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the survival of GIC restorations or pulp in the three groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiographic evaluations after 12 months indicated that partial soft caries removal at EDJ followed by GIC restoration was comparable to that of ART and conventional approaches.

"MI" caries management--an overview.

Minimum intervention dentistry, with its non-operative prevention and control of disease, underpins the basis of a patient-centred, team-based approach to managing dental caries in patients, who must take an active responsibility in maintaining their personal oral health. In patients where cavities are present causing pain, poor aesthetics and/or functional problems, restorations will need to be placed. Minimally invasive caries excavation strategies can be deployed depending on the patient's caries risk, lesion-pulp proximity and vitality, the extent of remaining supra-gingival tooth structure and clinical factors (e.g., moisture control, access) present in each case treated. Excavation instruments, including burs/handpieces, hand excavators, chemo-mechanical agents and/or air-abrasives which limit caries removal selectively to the more superficial caries-infected dentine and partial removal of caries-affected dentine when required, help create smaller cavities with healthy enamel/dentine margins. Using adhesive restorative materials, the operator can, if handling with care, optimize the histological substrate coupled with the applied chemistry of the material so helping to form a durable peripheral seal and bond to aid retention of the restoration as well as arresting the carious process within the remaining tooth structure. Achieving a smooth tooth-restoration interface clinically to aid the co-operative, motivated patient in biofilm removal, is an essential pre-requisite to prevent further secondary caries.

A minimally invasive restorative approach for treatment of interproximal root caries lesions.

As the population ages, an increased prevalence of gingival recessions and root surfaces exposed to the oral environment has been reported. This in turn causes an increased risk for caries; it is estimated that the incidence of root caries in those older than 65 years of age is 23.7%. Published data support the use of glass ionomer as a restorative material that seems particularly suitable for restoring root lesions; the material has good esthetic and anticariogenic properties and has gained wide acceptance among practitioners. A minimally invasive approach for restoring interproximal root caries lesions with glass ionomer is described.

Effect of chlorhexidine disinfectant on bond strength of glass ionomer cement to dentin using atraumatic restorative treatment.

This study investigated the effect of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) disinfectant on bond strength (BS) of high-density glass ionomer cement (HDGIC) to dentin following atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) and conventional preparations. Specimens were divided into four groups: Group 1--ART (control); Group 2--ART with CHX disinfection; Group 3--Conventional (control); Group 4--Conventional with CHX disinfection. HDGIC was packed in cylindrical molds placed over flat dentin surfaces; BS was measured after seven days. ART-prepared dentin surfaces disinfected with CHX provided bonding to HDGIC that was comparable to untreated dentin and to conventionally prepared dentin.

Current concepts and techniques for caries excavation and adhesion to residual dentin.

The advent of "Adhesive Dentistry" has simplified the guidelines for cavity preparation enormously. The design and extent of the current preparations are basically defined by the extent and shape of the caries lesion, potentially slightly extended by bevelling the cavity margins in order to meet the modern concept of minimally invasive dentistry. New caries excavation techniques have been introduced, such as the use of plastic and ceramic burs, improved caries-disclosing dyes, enzymatic caries-dissolving agents, caries-selective sono/air abrasion and laser ablation. They all aim to remove or help remove caries-infected tissue as selectively as possible, while being minimally invasive through maximum preservation of caries-affected tissue. Each technique entails a specific caries-removal endpoint and produces residual dentin substrates of different natures and thus different receptiveness for adhesive procedures. This paper reviews the newest developments in caries excavation techniques and their effect on the remaining dentin tissue with regard to its bonding receptiveness.

The correct use of the ART approach.

Confusion exists amongst dentists and scientists about the correct use of the caries management approach termed atraumatic restorative treatment (ART). Inconsistent use of the original definition of ART and suggested modifications (mART) have led to misunderstanding, misconception and miscommunication in the dental literature over the last decade. The aim of this paper is to contribute to a uniform understanding and use of the term ART. Adherence to its original description is suggested and two major aspects were addressed: the use of hand instruments only and the use of adhesive materials and systems.

The correct use of the ART approach

Confusion exists amongst dentists and scientists about the correct use of the caries management approach termed atraumatic restorative treatment (ART). Inconsistent use of the original definition of ART and suggested modifications (mART) have led to misunderstanding, misconception and miscommunication in the dental literature over the last decade. The aim of this paper is to contribute to a uniform understanding and use of the term ART. Adherence to its original description is suggested and two major aspects were addressed: the use of hand instruments only and the use of adhesive materials and systems.

The ART approach using glass-ionomers in relation to global oral health care.

Dental caries is the most prevalent non-communicable disease in the world. Its management in high-income countries over the last four decades has resulted in relatively low caries prevalence in child and adolescent populations. In low- and middle-income countries, caries management is virtually non-existent and this may lead to serious physical and mental complications, particularly in children. Toothache is predominantly treated by extracting the cavitated tooth. Absence of restorative oral care is partly due to the copying from high-income countries, of restorative treatment reliant on electrically driven equipment and often inappropriate for use in many low- and middle-income countries. Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART), which does not rely on electrically driven equipment, has yielded good results over the last two decades. ART uses hand instruments and high-viscosity glass-ionomers. Its introduction into public oral healthcare systems has been piloted in several countries. Initial short-term results show that the introduction of ART, using high-viscosity glass-ionomers, has increased the ratio of restorations to extractions. Moreover, the percentage of ART restorations in relation to the total number of restorations placed increased steeply after its introduction and has remained high. However, ART introduction faced a few barriers, the most important being high patient workloads and the absence of a constant supply of dental instruments and glass-ionomers. High-viscosity glass-ionomer has become an essential element in public oral healthcare systems, particularly in those operating inadequately.

Microhardness of glass ionomer cements indicated for the ART technique according to surface protection treatment and storage time.

The aim of this study was to assess the microhardness of 5 glass ionomer cements (GIC) - Vidrion R (V, SS White), Fuji IX (F, GC Corp.), Magic Glass ART (MG, Vigodent), Maxxion R (MR, FGM) and ChemFlex (CF, Dentsply) - in the presence or absence of a surface protection treatment, and after different storage periods. For each GIC, 36 test specimens were made, divided into 3 groups according to the surface protection treatment applied - no protection, varnish or nail varnish. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 h, 7 and 30 days and the microhardness tests were performed at these times. The data obtained were submitted to the ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey tests (alpha = 5%). The results revealed that the mean microhardness values of the GICs were, in decreasing order, as follows: F > CF = MR > MG > V; that surface protection was significant for MR, at 24 h, without protection (64.2 + or - 3.6a), protected with GIC varnish (59.6 + or - 3.4b) and protected with nail varnish (62.7 + or - 2.8ab); for F, at 7 days, without protection (97.8 + or - 3.7ab), protected with varnish (95.9 + or - 3.2b) and protected with nail varnish (100.8 + or - 3.4a); and at 30 days, for F, without protection (98.8 + or - 2.6b), protected with varnish (103.3 + or - 4.4a) and protected with nail varnish (101 + or - 4.1ab) and, for V, without protection (46 + or - 1.3b), protected with varnish (49.6 + or - 1.7ab) and protected with nail varnish (51.1 + or - 2.6a). The increase in storage time produced an increase in microhardness. It was concluded that the different GICs, surface protection treatments and storage times could alter the microhardness values.

Influence of the experience of operator and assistant on the survival rate of proximal ART restorations: two-year results.

AIM: The objective of the study was to determine the influence of the experience of the operator and the assistant on the survival rate of proximal ART- restorations after 2 years when placed using two methods of tooth-isolation and three glass ionomer cement-brands. STUDY DESIGN: A clinical intervention study. METHODS: Each of 804 children aged 6-8 years received one proximal restoration in their primary molars. The restorations were placed by 'experienced/inexperienced' operators randomly paired with 'experienced/ inexperienced' assistants. The atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) approach was used with 3 brands of glass ionomer cements (GIC) and 2 tooth-isolation methods (rubber dam vs cotton rolls). Trained and calibrated evaluators evaluated the restorations, soon after placement and after 2 years. STATISTICS: The data collected were analyzed using SPSS 14.0, to determine and relate the survival rate of the restorations to the operator and assistant with respect to the other factors such as the restorative material used and the isolation method applied. RESULTS: After 2 years, the survival rate of the restorations was 30.8%. In general, there were no statistical significant differences in the survival rate of the restorations made by the 'experienced' vs 'inexperienced' operators, but individually, the operator with more experience was associated with a significantly higher survival rate of the restorations. The experienced assistants were associated with significantly higher survival rates of the restorations. The most 'experienced' operator paired with any 'experienced' assistant and using rubber dam tooth-isolation method, was associated with a significantly higher survival rate of the restorations. CONCLUSION: The combination of the 'experienced' operator and assistant using rubber dam tooth-isolation method had the best chance of survival for proximal ART restorations, irrespective of the material-brand used.

Microhardness of glass ionomer cements indicated for the ART technique according to surface protection treatment and storage time

The aim of this study was to assess the microhardness of 5 glass ionomer cements (GIC) - Vidrion R (V, SS White), Fuji IX (F, GC Corp.), Magic Glass ART (MG, Vigodent), Maxxion R (MR, FGM) and ChemFlex (CF, Dentsply) - in the presence or absence of a surface protection treatment, and after different storage periods. For each GIC, 36 test specimens were made, divided into 3 groups according to the surface protection treatment applied - no protection, varnish or nail varnish. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 h, 7 and 30 days and the microhardness tests were performed at these times. The data obtained were submitted to the ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey tests (á = 5 percent). The results revealed that the mean microhardness values of the GICs were, in decreasing order, as follows: F > CF = MR > MG > V; that surface protection was significant for MR, at 24 h, without protection (64.2 ± 3.6a), protected with GIC varnish (59.6 ± 3.4b) and protected with nail varnish (62.7 ± 2.8ab); for F, at 7 days, without protection (97.8 ± 3.7ab), protected with varnish (95.9 ± 3.2b) and protected with nail varnish (100.8 ± 3.4a); and at 30 days, for F, without protection (98.8 ± 2.6b), protected with varnish (103.3 ± 4.4a) and protected with nail varnish (101 ± 4.1ab) and, for V, without protection (46 ± 1.3b), protected with varnish (49.6 ± 1.7ab) and protected with nail varnish (51.1 ± 2.6a). The increase in storage time produced an increase in microhardness. It was concluded that the different GICs, surface protection treatments and storage times could alter the microhardness values.