Effect of adhesive application methods on bond strength to bovine enamel.

Single-step self-etch adhesive systems have been developed to simplify and shorten bonding procedures. With the gain in popularity of these simplified systems, their reliability has become a focus of interest. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adhesive application method on enamel bond strength. Two commercial single-step self-etch adhesive systems, Clearfil tri-S Bond, and G-Bond, were used. Bovine mandibular incisors were mounted in self-curing resin and the facial enamel surfaces were ground wet on 600-grit SiC paper. Adhesives were only applied without agitation (inactive) or were agitated by a brush (active), and resin composites were condensed into the mold on the enamel surface and light-activated. Ten specimens per test group were stored in water at 37 degrees C for 24 h, then shear-tested at a cross-head speed of 1.0 mm/min. Two-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey HSD test were used. The bond strengths for active application were higher than those for inactive application. Significant differences were found for both adhesive systems. From the results of this study, active application of single-step self-etch adhesive may help to ensure the creation of a roughened enamel surface and enhance the penetration of resin monomer into the subsurface demineralized enamel.

Influence of light intensity on contraction stress of flowable resins.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of power density on contraction stress of resin composite restorative materials during photo-polymerization. Six flowable resin composites, and a hybrid resin composite for comparison, were used. The composites were polymerized with the power density adjusted to either 100 or 600 mW/cm(2). Stress development was determined with a custom-made tensilometer. The adhesive was placed in a thin layer on a steel rod and resin paste was packed into the mold. The contraction force (N) generated during polymerization was continuously recorded and the maximum contraction stress (MPa) was calculated. Data were analyzed statistically. When the power density was adjusted to 100 mW/cm(2), the average contraction stress ranged from 0.30 to 0.50 MPa for the flowable composites, compared with 0.35 MPa for the hybrid composite. When the power density was adjusted to 600 mW/cm(2), the average contraction stress ranged from 0.34 to 1.00 MPa for the flowable composites and 0.69 MPa for the hybrid composite comparison. For all materials tested except Estelite Flow Quick, contraction stress increased with higher power density. The present results indicate that contraction stress during polymerization is influenced by power density and resin composite type.

The effect of bleaching on the elastic modulus of bovine enamel.

The purpose of this study was to determine the elastic modulus of enamel during bleaching procedure with the use of an ultrasonic device. Enamel sections were obtained from freshly extracted bovine incisors. Specimens were exposed to 10% carbamide peroxide for two hours, followed by an application of a fluoride-containing toothpaste for five minutes and stored in artificial saliva (pH 7.0). An ultrasonic device was used to measure the sound velocities of longitudinal and shear waves as well as elastic modulus. The mean elastic modulus of bleached enamel decreased with time, from 15.5 GPa to 10.1 GPa. Conversely, the elastic modulus of bleached enamel followed by application of a fluoride-containing toothpaste increased with time, from 15.2 GPa to 20.2 GPa. Results of this study indicated that a decrease in elastic modulus associated with bleaching occurred, and that fluoride-containing toothpaste reversed this effect.

Effect of CPP-ACP paste on tooth mineralization: an FE-SEM study.

Milk and milk products, such as cheese, have been shown to exhibit anticariogenic properties in human and animal models. CPP-ACP shows an anti-caries effect by suppressing demineralization, enhancing remineralization, or possibly a combination of both. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of CPP-ACP paste on demineralization by observing the treated tooth surface using an FE-SEM. The specimens were prepared by cutting enamel and dentin of bovine teeth into blocks. A few specimens were stored in 0.1 M lactic acid buffer solution for 10 min and then in artificial saliva (negative control). The remaining specimens were stored in a 10 times-diluted solution of CPP-ACP paste or a placebo paste containing no CPP-ACP for 10 min, followed by 10 min immersion in a demineralizing solution (pH = 4.75, Ca) twice a day before storage in artificial saliva. After treatment of the specimens for 3, 7, 21 and 28 days, they were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in cacodylate buffer solution, dehydrated in ascending grades of tert-butyl alcohol, and then transferred to a critical-point dryer. The surfaces were coated with a thin film of Au in a vacuum evaporator, and were observed under field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The SEM observations revealed different morphological features brought about by the various storage conditions. Demineralization of the enamel and dentin surfaces was more pronounced with the longer test period in the control and negative control specimens. On the other hand, enamel and dentin specimens treated with CPP-ACP paste revealed slight changes in their morphological features. From the morphological observations of the enamel and dentin surfaces, it could be considered that the CPP-ACP paste might prevent demineralization of the tooth structure.

Influence of irradiation time on volumetric shrinkage and flexural properties of flowable resins.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of irradiation time on volumetric change and flexural properties of flowable resins. Four commercially available flowable resins were employed. For volumetric shrinkage measurement, resin pastes were inserted into a mold (2 mm in height, 4 mm in diameter) and put into a water-filled dilatometer. This was followed by light irradiation for 10, 20, or 30 seconds at 600 mW/cm2. Volumetric shrinkage of the specimens was then determined from the change in the height of water meniscus, and the percentage volumetric change thereof was calculated. For flexural strength measurement, resin pastes were filled into a stainless steel mold (25 x 2 x 2 mm), and the middle one-third of the specimen was first irradiated. The remaining two-thirds were irradiated under the same irradiation conditions as volumetric shrinkage measurement. After 24-hour storage in 37 degrees C water, three-point flexural tests were performed with a span length of 20 mm at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD test were used for statistical analysis. For all materials tested except Estelite Flow Quick, both volumetric shrinkage and flexural strength increased with longer light irradiation time. Results of this study indicated that both volumetric shrinkage and flexural properties were influenced by light irradiation time and resin composite type.