Chlorhexidine-encapsulated mesoporous silica-modified dentin adhesive.

OBJECTIVES: This work aims to explore the feasibility of chlorhexidine-encapsulated mesoporous silica (CHX@pMSN) as a modifier of a commercial dental adhesive via the evaluation of physicochemical properties and antibacterial capabilities of adhesive-dentin interface. METHODS: Therapeutic adhesives were developed in the present study by incorporating CHX@pMSN into a commercial adhesive at four mass fractions (0, 1, 5 and 10 wt.%). The antibacterial capability on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm, conversion degree, adhesive morphology, microtensile bond strength (MTBS) and nanoleakage expression were evaluated comprehensively. RESULTS: MTT and CLSM evaluation showed that CHX@pMSN-doped adhesive inhibits S. mutans biofilm growth, while CHX is released from the modified adhesive continuously. The incorporation of CHX@pMSN did not affect immediate bond strength at the concentration of 1% and 5% (P > 0.05). Moreover, these bonds were mainly preserved in 5% CHX@pMSN group after one month of collagenase ageing. Meanwhile, CHX@pMSN-doped adhesive groups exhibited similar nanoleakage distribution compared with the control. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the 5% CHX@pMSN-modified adhesive achieved balance amongst unaffected immediate bonding strength, well-preserved bonds against collagenase ageing and effective inhibition of S. mutans biofilm growth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CHX@pMSN-modified dentin adhesive can potentially extend the service life of adhesive restoration in clinic.

Design Variability of the Push-out Bond Test in Endodontic Research: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: There is limited literature on the impact of testing variables on the push-out bond test (POBT). This review identified designs of the POBT used in the endodontic literature and aimed to determine which experimental variables may influence the push-out bond strength (POBS). METHODS: A systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines was performed by searching the PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane library databases using terms including push-out and dislocation resistance and descriptions of endodontic materials. Test variables assessed included method of root preparation, timing of sectioning compared with filling, thickness, diameter and taper of sections, and plunger size and velocity. The POBS of 3 common materials (gutta-percha and AH Plus, mineral trioxide aggregate, and Biodentine) were collected from investigations, and a comparison was attempted. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-three studies assessed the POBS of root-filling materials, 68 assessed root repair cements/root-end filling materials, and 16 assessed orifice barrier materials other than mineral trioxide aggregate. There was significant variation in all of the assessed variables, resulting in a large range of reported values for the POBS of the various materials. Because of this heterogeneity in study design, no further statistical analysis of the impact of the test variables on POBS was possible. CONCLUSIONS: There was considerable variation in the POBT design used in endodontic research. Greater standardization is required for future research as well as accurate reporting for all test variables to assess the impact of specific design variables on POBS.

Compliance of Randomized Clinical Trials in Noncarious Cervical Lesions With the CONSORT Statement: A Systematic Review of Methodology.

The literature was reviewed to evaluate the compliance of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with the CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT ) and the risk of bias of these studies through the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool (CCRT). RCTs were searched at Cochrane Library, PubMed, and other electronic databases to find studies about adhesive systems for cervical lesions. The compliance of the articles with CONSORT was evaluated using the following scale: 0 = no description, 1 = poor description, and 2 = adequate description. Descriptive analyses about the number of studies by journal, follow-up period, country, and quality assessments were performed with CCRT for assessing risk of bias in RCTs. One hundred thirty-eight RCTs were left for assessment. More than 30% of the studies received scores of 0 or 1. Flow chart, effect size, allocation concealment, and sample size were more critical items, with 80% receiving a score of 0. The overall CONSORT score for the included studies was 15.0 ± 4.8 points, which represents 46.9% of the maximum CONSORT score. A significant difference among countries was observed ( p<0.001), as well as range of year ( p<0.001). Only 4.3% of the studies were judged as at low risk; 36.2% were classified as having unclear risk and 59.4% as having high risk of bias. The adherence of RCTs evaluating adhesive systems to the CONSORT is low with unclear/high risk of bias.

Randomized clinical trials of dental bleaching - Compliance with the CONSORT Statement: a systematic review.

We reviewed the literature to evaluate: a) The compliance of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on bleaching with the CONSORT; and b) the risk of bias of these studies using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool (CCRT). We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed and other electronic databases, to find RCTs focused on bleaching (or whitening). The articles were evaluated in compliance with CONSORT in a scale: 0 = no description, 1 = poor description and 2 = adequate description. Descriptive analyses of the number of studies by journal, follow-up period, country and quality assessments were performed with CCRT for assessing risk of bias in RCTs. 185 RCTs were included for assessment. More than 30% of the studies received score 0 or 1. Protocol, flow chart, allocation concealment and sample size were more critical items, as 80% of the studies scored 0. The overall CONSORT score for the included studies was 16.7 ± 5.4 points, which represents 52.2% of the maximum CONSORT score. A significant difference among journal, country and period of time was observed (p < 0.02). Only 7.6% of the studies were judged at "low" risk; 62.1% were classified as "unclear"; and 30.3% as "high" risk of bias. The adherence of RCTs evaluating bleaching materials and techniques to the CONSORT is still low with unclear/high risk of bias.

Randomized clinical trials of dental bleaching - Compliance with the CONSORT Statement: a systematic review

Abstract We reviewed the literature to evaluate: a) The compliance of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on bleaching with the CONSORT; and b) the risk of bias of these studies using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool (CCRT). We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed and other electronic databases, to find RCTs focused on bleaching (or whitening). The articles were evaluated in compliance with CONSORT in a scale: 0 = no description, 1 = poor description and 2 = adequate description. Descriptive analyses of the number of studies by journal, follow-up period, country and quality assessments were performed with CCRT for assessing risk of bias in RCTs. 185 RCTs were included for assessment. More than 30% of the studies received score 0 or 1. Protocol, flow chart, allocation concealment and sample size were more critical items, as 80% of the studies scored 0. The overall CONSORT score for the included studies was 16.7 ± 5.4 points, which represents 52.2% of the maximum CONSORT score. A significant difference among journal, country and period of time was observed (p < 0.02). Only 7.6% of the studies were judged at "low" risk; 62.1% were classified as "unclear"; and 30.3% as "high" risk of bias. The adherence of RCTs evaluating bleaching materials and techniques to the CONSORT is still low with unclear/high risk of bias.

Push-out Bond Strength of Fast-setting Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Pozzolan-based Cements: ENDOCEM MTA and ENDOCEM Zr.

INTRODUCTION: The present study investigated the root canal dentin bond strength of 2 newly developed fast-setting mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and pozzolan-based cements: ENDOCEM MTA (Maruchi, Wonju, Korea) and ENDOCEM Zr (Maruchi). White MTA (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) was used as the reference material for comparison. METHODS: Root slices (1 mm ± 0.1 mm) were obtained from the middle third of 15 maxillary incisors previously selected. Three canal-like holes (0.8 diameter) were drilled perpendicularly on the axial surface of each root slice. A standardized irrigation protocol was applied for all samples, and after drying, each hole was filled with 1 of 3 test repair materials. Finally, slices were stored in contact with phosphate-buffered saline solution (pH = 7.2) for 7 days at 37°C before the push-out assay. Data were nonparametrically evaluated at α = 5%. RESULTS: The Friedman test was unable to confirm a significant dissimilarity in push-out ranks among the tested cements (P = .220). CONCLUSIONS: The new fast-setting MTA and pozzolan-based cements ENDOCEM MTA and ENDOCEM Zr present suitable bond strength performance, which is comparable with white MTA.

Significant shear bond strength improvements of a resin-modified glass ionomer cement with a resin coating.

Previous evidence has suggested that resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs) may be sensitive to temperature and moisture changes for the first 24 hours after photopolymerization. To test the hypothesis that a resin coating placed over the surface of an RMGIC restoration would decrease the susceptibility to moisture and temperature conditions, 44 RMGIC samples were prepared in inverted-cone recesses drilled in epoxy resin plates. After abrasion of all samples with 800-grit silicon carbide paper to simulate a diamond bur finish on the surface, a coat of highly filled resin was applied to the experimental group (n = 22) and cured according to the manufacturer's instructions. The plates were thermocycled 500 times between 5°C and 55°C and then maintained at 37°C with 95% humidity. The thermocycled samples were bonded to a second epoxy resin plate filled with RMGIC and subjected to shear bond strength testing. The resin-coated group had a significantly greater mean shear bond strength than the control group (P < 0.05). The resin coating also appeared to affect the mode of failure by significantly increasing the number of mixed failures (P < 0.05). The results suggest that a resin coating protects RMGIC from moisture- and temperature-induced damage and increases shear bond strength.

Evaluation of bond strength in single-cone fillings of canals with different cross-sections.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of root canal cross-sectional shape on single-cone root filling bond strength, as well as to determine the percentage of gutta-percha-filled areas (PGFA) and sealer-filled areas (PSFA), establishing a relationship between these variables. METHODOLOGY: Distal roots of mandibular molars were selected using microcomputed tomography imaging and allocated into three groups (n = 10) according to canal shape: round, oval and long oval. The canals were prepared with an R40 reciprocating instrument and filled with matching single-cone gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. Two 1-mm-thick dentine slices were obtained from each third of each root. PGFA and PSFA were calculated in digital images (x25 magnification) of each slice. Next, the slices were subjected to a push-out test and the failure modes (adhesive, cohesive or mixed) were assessed. Data were analysed using parametric tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: In the coronal (2.17 ± 0.56MPa) and middle thirds (1.78 ± 0.45MPa), the round canals were associated with higher bond strength values (P < 0.01), with no difference between the groups for the apical third (P > 0.05). Adhesive and mixed failures predominated in round canals, whilst cohesive failures were more frequent in oval and long oval canals. Round canals had significantly higher PGFA and lower PSFA than all other groups (P = 0.000). The PGFA and PSFA had a positive (r = 0.521, P = 0.000) and a negative (r = -0.523, P = 0.000) correlation with bond strength, respectively. CONCLUSION: Bond strength values of gutta-percha and sealer were affected by canal shape. Higher percentage of gutta-percha-filled area resulted in higher bond strength to dentine.

In vitro analysis of shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index of different metal brackets

ABSTRACT Introduction: There is a great variety of orthodontic brackets in the Brazilian market, and constantly evaluating them is critical for professionals to know their properties, so as to be able to choose which product best suits their clinical practice. Objectives: To evaluate the bond strength and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) of different brands of metal brackets. Material and Methods: A total of 105 bovine incisors were used, and brackets of different brands were bonded to teeth. Seven different bracket brands were tested (MorelliTM, American OrthodonticsTM, TP OrthodonticsTM, Abzil-3MTM, OrthometricTM, TecnidentTM and UNIDENTM). Twenty-four hours after bonding, shear bond strength test was performed; and after debonding, the ARI was determined by using an optical microscope at a 10-fold increase. Results: Mean shear bond strength values ranged from 3.845 ± 3.997 (MorelliTM) to 9.871 ± 5.106 MPa (TecnidentTM). The majority of the ARI index scores was 0 and 1. Conclusion: Among the evaluated brackets, the one with the lowest mean shear bond strength values was MorelliTM. General evaluation of groups indicated that a greater number of bond failure occurred at the enamel/adhesive interface.

RESUMO Introdução: atualmente, há uma grande diversidade de braquetes ortodônticos no mercado brasileiro, e a avaliação desses é fundamental para que os profissionais conheçam suas propriedades e possam qualificar a sua escolha. Objetivo: avaliar o desempenho de diferentes braquetes metálicos - com diferentes características de base -, por meio da resistência de união e do Índice de Adesivo Remanescente (IAR). Material e Métodos: braquetes de sete marcas distintas foram testados (Morelli®, American Orthodontics®, TP Orthodontics®, Abzil-3M®, Orthometric®, Tecnident® e UNIDEN®). Os braquetes foram colados em incisivos bovinos totalizando 105 corpos de prova. O teste de resistência ao cisalhamento foi realizado 24h após a colagem e, em seguida, foi avaliado o IAR, por meio do uso de um microscópio óptico, em aumento de 10 vezes. Resultados: a média dos valores de resistência de união variou entre 3,845 ± 3,997 MPa (Morelli®) e 9,871 ± 5,106 MPa (Tecnident®). A maioria dos escores do IAR foi de 0 e 1. Conclusão: entre os braquetes avaliados, o que obteve a menor média de resistência de união foi o Morelli®. A avaliação geral dos grupos indicou maior número de falhas de colagem na interface esmalte/adesivo.

Delayed Application Effect on Bond Strength of a Unidose Bonding Adhesive.

Adequate bonding between tooth structure and a composite is among the factors affecting long-term clinical success. Adhesives contain solvents, which are known to evaporate. The researchers sought to determine whether bond strength could be adversely affected when a package of a popular adhesive was left open during a patient visit.

An in situ evaluation of the polymerization shrinkage, degree of conversion, and bond strength of resin cements used for luting fiber posts.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The behavior and magnitude of the deformations that occur during polymerization and the behavior of the luting agents of glass fiber posts inside the root canal require quantification. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the in situ polymerization shrinkage, degree of conversion, and bond strength inside the root canal of resin cements used to lute fiber posts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty maxillary canines were prepared to lute fiber posts. The teeth were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=15) according to the cementation system used, which included ARC, the conventional dual-polymerized resin cement RelyX ARC, and the U200 system, a self-adhesive resin cement, RelyX U200. Two fiber optic sensors with recorded Bragg gratings (FBG) were attached to each post before inserting the resin cement inside the root canal to measure the polymerization shrinkage (PS) of the cements in the cervical and apical root regions (µÎµ). Specimens were sectioned (into cervical and apical regions) to evaluate bond strength (BS) with a push-out test and degree of conversion (DC) with micro-Raman spectroscopy. Data were statistically analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc test (α=.05). RESULTS: The ARC and U200 system showed similar PS values (-276.4 ±129.2 µÎµ and -252.1 ±119.2 µÎµ, respectively). DC values from ARC were higher (87.5 ±2.7%) than those of U200 (55.9 ±9.7%). The cervical region showed higher DC values (74.8 ±15.2%) and PS values (-381.6 ±53.0 µÎµ) than those of the apical region (68.5 ±20.1% and -146.9 ±43.5 µÎµ, respectively) for both of the resin cements. BS was only statistically different between the cervical and apical regions for ARC (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The ARC system showed the highest PS and DC values compared with U200; and for both of the resin cements, the PS and DC values were higher at the cervical region than at the apical region of the canal root. BS was higher in the cervical region only for ARC.

A randomized controlled trial of cluster audit and feedback on the quality of dental sealant for rural schoolchildren.

THE OBJECTIVE: To examine whether audit and feedback could improve the quality of the application of dental sealant in rural Thai school children. RESEARCH DESIGN: A single blind, cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted. CLINICAL SETTING: Hospital-based and school-based school sealant applied by dental nurses in Southern province of Thailand. PARTICIPANTS: Dental nurses and school children who received dental sealant were involved. INTERVENTION: The intervention consisted of confidential feedback of data and tailor-made problem-solving workshops. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sealant quality was measured by sealant retention and caries on sealed surfaces at six-month after sealing. The teeth examinations were done among different groups of children prior and after the intervention. RESULTS: After the intervention, the sealant retention rate increased dramatically in the intervention group, whereas in the control group the rate was similar to that found at baseline. The rate of caries after the intervention was stable in the intervention group and increased slightly in the control group. At the beginning of the study, the adjusted odds ratio of complete sealant retention between the intervention and control group was 0.47 which increased to 1.99 at the end of the study. However, no effect on caries on sealed surfaces was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The intensive focus on actual problems during the audit and feedback improved the dental nurses' performance and the quality of the dental service, although it had no statistical impact on the incidence of caries.

Effect of surface treatment and aging on bond strength of composite resin onlays.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Additional polymerization of indirect composite resins enhances their physical properties but lessens the potential for chemical bonding. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of different surface treatments and 6-month water storage on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of composite resin onlays. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Composite resin onlays (Filtek Z250) randomly received 6 different surface treatments: (1) airborne-particle abrasion with 27-µm alumina particles+Adper Scotchbond 1XT adhesive application, (2) airborne-particle abrasion with alumina particles+silane application (ESPE SIL)+Adper Scotchbond 1XT, (3) airborne-particle abrasion with alumina particles+Scotchbond Universal adhesive, (4) tribochemical silica coating with 30-µm particles (CoJet Sand)+Adper Scotchbond 1XT adhesive, (5) tribochemical silica coating+silane application+Adper Scotchbond 1XT, and (6) tribochemical silica coating+Scotchbond Universal adhesive. Onlays were luted to fresh composite resin specimens with RelyX Ultimate resin cement. Bonded assemblies were stored in water for 24 hours or 6 months at 37°C and subjected to the µTBS test. Additional surface-treated composite resin onlays were analyzed with a contact profilometer to determine average roughness, and micromorphologic changes were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Airborne-particle abrasion with alumina followed by Adper Scotchbond 1XT or Scotchbond Universal adhesive application provided the highest bond strength values at 24 hours. Lower values were obtained after tribochemical silica coating. After 6 months of artificial aging, airborne-particle abrasion with alumina or silica-coated alumina particles followed by Scotchbond Universal application yielded the greatest bond strength results. Airborne-particle abrasion with alumina produced the highest roughness values and a more irregular surface. CONCLUSION: Adhesive selection seems to be relevant to the µTBS of luted composite resin onlays after 6 months of water aging, as specimens treated with Scotchbond Universal, after alumina airborne-particle abrasion or tribochemical silica coating, yielded the highest values and better aging stability.

Influence of Cavity Margin Design and Restorative Material on Marginal Quality and Seal of Extended Class II Resin Composite Restorations In Vitro.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of three cavity designs on the marginal seal of large Class II cavities restored with low-shrinkage resin composite limited to the enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty (120) intact human molars were randomly divided into 12 groups, with three different cavity designs: 1. undermined enamel, 2. box-shaped, and 3. proximal bevel. The teeth were restored with 1. an extra-low shrinkage (ELS) composite free of diluent monomers, 2. microhybrid composite (Herculite XRV), 3. nanohybrid composite (Filtek Supreme XTE), and 4. silorane-based composite (Filtek Silorane). After artificial aging by thermocycling and storage in physiological saline, epoxy resin replicas were prepared. To determine the integrity of the restorations' approximal margins, two methods were sequentially employed: 1. replicas were made of the 120 specimens and examined using SEM, and 2. the same 120 specimens were immersed in AgNO3 solution, and the dye penetration depth was observed with a light microscope. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and the Dunn-Bonferroni tests. RESULTS: After bevel preparation, SEM observations showed that restorations did not exhibit a higher percentage of continuous margin (SEM-analysis; p>0.05), but more leakage was found than with the other cavity designs (p<0.05). The lowest percentage of continuous margin was observed in ELS restorations (p<0.05). More fractured margins were observed in the undermined enamel cavity design groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Bevel preparation failed to improve margin quality in large Class II composite restorations and is no longer recommended. However, undermined enamel should be removed to prevent enamel fractures.

In vitro analysis of shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index of different metal brackets.

INTRODUCTION:: There is a great variety of orthodontic brackets in the Brazilian market, and constantly evaluating them is critical for professionals to know their properties, so as to be able to choose which product best suits their clinical practice. OBJECTIVES:: To evaluate the bond strength and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) of different brands of metal brackets. MATERIAL AND METHODS:: A total of 105 bovine incisors were used, and brackets of different brands were bonded to teeth. Seven different bracket brands were tested (MorelliTM, American OrthodonticsTM, TP OrthodonticsTM, Abzil-3MTM, OrthometricTM, TecnidentTM and UNIDENTM). Twenty-four hours after bonding, shear bond strength test was performed; and after debonding, the ARI was determined by using an optical microscope at a 10-fold increase. RESULTS:: Mean shear bond strength values ranged from 3.845 ± 3.997 (MorelliTM) to 9.871 ± 5.106 MPa (TecnidentTM). The majority of the ARI index scores was 0 and 1. CONCLUSION:: Among the evaluated brackets, the one with the lowest mean shear bond strength values was MorelliTM. General evaluation of groups indicated that a greater number of bond failure occurred at the enamel/adhesive interface.

Depth of cure of bulk-fill flowable composite resins.

In recent years, manufacturers have introduced flowable composite resins that reportedly can be placed in increments of 4 mm or greater. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the depth of cure of bulk-fill flowable composite resins (SureFil SDR Flow, Grandio Flow, and Venus Bulk Fill) and a conventional flowable composite resin (Revolution Formula 2). Depth of cure was measured in terms of bottom-maximum Knoop hardness number (KHN) ratios and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4049 scrape technique. Shades A2 and A3 of SureFil SDR Flow, Grandio Flow, and Revolution Formula 2 were tested. Venus Bulk Fill was tested in its only available shade (universal). Specimens in thicknesses of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm were polymerized for 20 or 40 seconds, and a hardness tester was used to determine the hardness ratios for each shade at each thickness. For the scraping technique, after specimens were exposed to the curing light, unpolymerized composite resin was removed with a plastic instrument, the polymerized composite was measured, and the length was divided by 2 per ISO guidelines. According to the KHN ratios and the scrape test, Venus Bulk Fill predictably exceeded the manufacturer's claim of a 4-mm depth of cure at both 20 and 40 seconds of curing time. The overall results for depth of cure showed that Venus Bulk Fill ≥ SureFil SDR Flow ≥ Grandio Flow ≥ Revolution Formula 2.

Bond strength of repaired amalgam restorations.

This in vitro study investigated the interfacial flexural strength (FS) of amalgam repairs and the optimal combination of repair materials and mechanical retention required for a consistent and durable repair bond. Amalgam bricks were created, each with 1 end roughened to expose a fresh surface before repair. Four groups followed separate repair protocols: group 1, bonding agent with amalgam; group 2, bonding agent with composite resin; group 3, mechanical retention (slot) with amalgam; and group 4, slot with bonding agent and amalgam. Repaired specimens were stored in artificial saliva for 1, 10, 30, 120, or 360 days before being loaded to failure in a 3-point bending test. Statistical analysis showed significant changes in median FS over time in groups 2 and 4. The effect of the repair method on the FS values after each storage period was significant for most groups except the 30-day storage groups. Amalgam-amalgam repair with adequate condensation yielded the most consistent and durable bond. An amalgam bonding agent could be beneficial when firm condensation on the repair surface cannot be achieved or when tooth structure is involved. Composite resin can be a viable option for amalgam repair in an esthetically demanding region, but proper mechanical modification of the amalgam surface and selection of the proper bonding system are essential.

Tensile bond strength of different universal adhesive systems to lithium disilicate ceramic.

BACKGROUND: Today, many adhesive systems with different coupling agents for tooth structures and restorative materials are available. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the tensile bond strength (TBS) of different universal adhesive systems to etched lithium disilicate ceramic. METHODS: The authors etched and bonded 96 disk-like lithium disilicate ceramic specimens (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) with 4 different adhesive bonding systems to Plexiglas tubes filled with a composite resin. The authors stored the specimens in water at 37°C for 3 days without thermal cycling or for 30 or 150 days with 7,500 or 37,500 thermal cycles between 5°C and 55°C, respectively. Then, all specimens underwent TBS testing. The authors performed statistical analysis by using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests with a Bonferroni-Holm correction for multiple testing. RESULTS: Initially, all adhesive systems exhibited considerable TBS, but some showed a significant reduction after 30 days of storage. After 3, 30, and 150 days, the Monobond Plus and Multilink Automix (Ivoclar Vivadent) silane-containing adhesive system showed significantly higher bond strengths to lithium disilicate ceramic than did the other universal adhesive systems, some of which do not contain silanes. CONCLUSIONS: The bond strength to lithium disilicate ceramic is affected significantly by the adhesive bonding system used. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Universal adhesive systems that do not contain a silane should be avoided for bonding lithium disilicate ceramic restorations because of their inferior bond strength.

Longitudinal Evaluation of Bond Strength to Enamel of Dental Adhesive Systems Associated with Nd:YAG Laser.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the durability of bond strength to enamel using total-etch (Single Bond/SB) and self-etch (Clearfil SE Bond/CSEB) adhesives associated with neodymium:yttrium-aluminu-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation through the uncured adhesives. METHODS: Bovine incisors were worn to expose an area of enamel and were divided into four groups: group 1 (control) SB + polymerization; group 2 (control) CSEB + polymerization; group 3 (laser) - SB + Nd:YAG laser (174.16 J/cm(2)) + polymerization; and group 4 (laser) CSEB + Nd:YAG (174.16 J/cm(2)) + polymerization. Blocks of composite were fabricated and stored for 24 hours or 12 months, sectioned into beams, and submitted to microtensile tests. Results were analyzed by three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (adhesive, technique, and storage time) and Tukey tests. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed significant differences for adhesive × technique and technique × storage time (p<0.05). The mean values (MPa) for interaction adhesive × technique (standard deviation) were as follows: SB/control = 35.78 (6.04)a; SB/laser = 26.40 (7.25)b, CSEB/control = 26.32 (5.71)b, CSEB/laser = 23.90 (7.49)b. For interaction technique × storage time the mean values were as follows: control/24 hours = 32.58 (6.49)a; control/12 months = 29.52 (8.38)a; laser/24 hours = 29.37 (5.71)a; laser/12 months = 20.92 (6.5)b. Groups with the same letters showed no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: Scanning electron microscope analysis showed evident areas of micromorphological alterations in lased samples after 12 months of water storage. Nd:YAG laser irradiation of enamel through unpolymerized total-etch adhesive significantly reduced bond strength compared with the control. Bond strength decreased when enamel samples irradiated with Nd:YAG laser through unpolymerized adhesives were stored in water for 12 months.