Bond Strength to Lithium-Disilicate Ceramic after Different Surface Cleaning Approaches.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different lithium-disilicate (LiSi) glass-ceramic surface decontamination procedures on the shear bond strength (SBS) to resin cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy CAD/CAM LiSi ceramic specimens (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar) were cut and sintered. Fifty specimens were treated with 5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) for 20 s, while 20 were left untreated. All 70 specimens were then contaminated with human saliva and try-in silicone paste. The following surface cleaning methods were investigated (n = 10): C: water rinsing (control); PA: 37% H3PO4 etching for 20 s; E: 70% ethanol applied for 20 s; CP: cleaning paste (Ivoclean, Ivoclar) brushed for 20 s; HFSEP: self-etching ceramic primer (Monobond Etch&Prime, Ivoclar) rubbed for 20 s; HF: 5% HF applied for 20 s or no HF etching prior to contamination; SEP: self-etching ceramic primer rubbed for 20 s and no HF etching prior to contamination. Composite cylinders were created and luted with an adhesive resin cement to the decontaminated surfaces. After storage for 24 h at 37°C, the SBS test was conducted. Two fractured specimens per group were observed under SEM to perform fractographic analysis. The data were statistically analyzed with p set at <0.05. RESULTS: The type of surface cleaning approach influenced bond strength (p < 0.001). HFSEP, SEP, and HF attained higher SBS (p < 0.001) compared to other groups. None of the approaches were able to completely remove contaminants from the ceramic surfaces. SEM images showed residual traces of contaminants on CP-treated surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: The self-etching ceramic primer enhanced bond strength to contaminated LiSi ceramic surfaces, irrespective of previous treatment with hydrofluoric acid.

Selective adhesive luting: A novel technique for improving adhesion achieved by universal resin cements.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to introduce the concept of "Selective adhesive luting-SAL" which is explained through clinical steps and supported by preliminary laboratory evidence. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Cementation with rubber dam is difficult to perform in case of short abutment teeth and/or subgingival crown margins. By means of universal resin cements/universal adhesive systems, which can be employed in self-adhesive as well as adhesive luting procedures, this paper presents a novel technique allowing clinicians to perform reliable cementation where rubber dam isolation is difficult. The SAL technique entails the application of a universal adhesive system only on easily accessible abutment surfaces, enabling simultaneous adhesive and self-adhesive luting in different portions of the abutment. The SAL clinical workflow is explained through prosthodontic rehabilitation of maxillary right central incisor affected by microdontia and restored with a lithium-disilicate crown. Furthermore, our laboratory microshear bond strength study supports the rationale behind SAL application demonstrating higher bond strength even when the adhesive resin is placed only on one portion of the cementation substrate. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This article advocates the application of SAL technique in clinical situations where effective adhesive luting is uncertain, since it can improve the adhesion between the tooth and universal resin cements.

Effect of Fluorographene Addition on Mechanical and Adhesive Properties of a New Core Build-Up Composite.

This study aims to develop a restorative material having such mechanical and adhesive properties that it can be used both as a reconstruction material and as a luting cement. The experimental core build-up composite (CBC) was derived from a self-adhesive cement by the modification of its chemical formula, requiring the use of dedicated dentin and ceramic primers. The adhesive properties to zirconia and dentin were analyzed with a micro-Shear Bond Strength test (mSBS). The mechanical properties were analyzed by a flexural strength test. The results were compared with those obtained for other commercially available cements and core build-up materials, both before and after addition of 2 wt.% fluorographene. The CBC obtained average values in the mSBS of 49.7 ± 4.74 MPa for zirconia and 32.2 ± 4.9 MPa for dentin, as well as values of 110.9 ± 9.3 MPa for flexural strength and 6170.8 ± 703.2 MPa for Young's modulus. The addition of fluorographene, while increasing the Young's modulus of the core build-up composite by 10%, did not improve the adhesive capabilities of the primers and cement on either zirconia or dentin. The CBC showed adhesive and mechanical properties adequate both for a restoration material and a luting cement. The addition of 2 wt.% fluorographene was shown to interfere with the polymerization reaction of the material, suggesting the need for further studies.

Could light-curing time, post-space region and cyclic fatigue affect the nanomechanical behavior of a dual-curing cement for fiber post luting?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of curing time, post-space region and cyclic fatigue on the micromechanical properties of a fiber-post luting cement. The null hypotheses were that (1) curing time, (2) fatigue and (3) post-space region does not affect the nanoindentation modulus and hardness of the dual-curing cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 48 premolars were endodontically treated and a class I cavity and 8 mm deep post space was prepared. Fiber posts were luted with a universal, dualized adhesive system and a dual-curing cement following manufacturer's instructions. Specimens were divided into three groups (16 specimens for each group) according to light-curing time (no light-curing, 20 s light-curing and 120 s light-curing), which was performed with a LED lamp at 1000 mW/cm 2. The coronal part of the cavity was restored using a nano-filled resin composite. After 24 h, 8 specimens for each group were randomly extract in order to undergo to fatigue test in wet condition through a chewing simulator, while the other specimens were kept in distilled water as benchmark. All the restored teeth were then sectioned in 1 mm thick slices perpendicularly to the fiber post axis. Specimen slices were classified in coronal and apical to be tested through a nanoindenter. Data were analyzed through Kruskal-Wallis test with a significance level of 1%, in order to evaluate the influence of treatments (i.e., curing time and cyclic loading) on the micromechanical properties of the tested luting cement. RESULTS: Both fatigue and curing time significantly influenced nanoindentation modulus and hardness of dual-curing cement (p < 0.01). No significant differences were reported for post space region. A significant interaction was found among the analyzed factors (p < 0.01). SIGNIFICANCE: 120 s light-curing time is recommended in order to achieve optimal mechanical proprieties, independently from post space region and cyclic fatigue. As matter of fact, 120 s light-curing allowed to prevent strain hardening induced by the fatigue simulation.

Fatigue failure and success rate of lithium disilicate table-tops as a function of cement thickness.

Purpose Under thin, partial coverage restoration the proper cement thickness to be clinically employed still remains an issue. The aim of this study was to determine the failure and success rates of simplified lithium disilicate occlusal veneers as a function of cement thickness. The null hypothesis was that cement thickness has no effect on the fatigue resistance.Methods Sound human molars were severed in a plane parallel to the occlusal surface to create a flat dentin surface surrounded by enamel edges. Forty-five occlusal veneers 1.0 mm thick (IPS e.max CAD LT) were luted to the teeth with Multilink Automix resin cement, creating 3 experimental groups (n=15) with cement thicknesses of 50, 100, and 200 µm. The restorations were fatigue-cycled using a ball mill machine containing zirconia and stainless steel spheres. Twelve 60 min cycles were performed. Survival statistics were applied to "failure" and "success" events, comparing the three groups using a log-rank Mantel-Cox test and a log-rank test for trends (alpha = 0.05).Results The failure and success rates were not significantly influenced by cement thickness (P = 0.137 and P = 0.872, respectively); thus, the null hypothesis was accepted. However, when log-rank test for trends was applied to failure events, the tendency to have less failures with increasing thicknesses was found statistically significant (P = 0.047).Conclusions The cement thickness within the range adopted here did not have a significant effect on the failure or success rate of lithium disilicate occlusal veneers when exposed to randomized impact stresses generating fatigue phenomena.

Assessment of impression material accuracy in complete-arch restorations on four implants.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: New polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) materials with enhanced properties have been developed to improve and facilitate implant impression techniques. However, studies on their accuracy are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the accuracy and precision of implant impressions made with some recently introduced materials on a simulated patient requiring an all-on-4 implant-supported prosthesis. Well-established polyether materials were also evaluated as a comparison. The variables considered were material type, consistency, splinting or not splinting techniques, and implant angulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A reference master model was made by inserting 4 implants at angles of 0, 5, and 10 degrees. Eighty impressions were made at 37 °C in wet conditions by using a standardized technique. Eight groups (n=10) were created using monophasic, single-viscosity materials (Hydrorise Implant Medium, HIM-ns; Hydrorise Implant Medium, HIM; Honigum Mono, HM; Impregum, IMP), and 2-viscosity materials (Hydrorise Implant Heavy+Light-ns, HIH+L-ns; Hydrorise Implant Heavy+Light, HIH+L; Honigum Heavy+Light, HH+L; and Permadyne and Garant [Heavy+Light, PeH+L]). Hydrorise materials were used with splinting and not splinting (ns) techniques. The reference points located on the connecting platforms of the transfer copings (TCP) were compared with the same points on the implant connecting platforms (ICP) located in the reference model. The accuracy and precision of the impressions were determined as linear 3D errors and standard deviation between each TCP-ICP couple by using an optical coordinate measuring machine (OCMM). RESULTS: PVS materials were generally better than polyether materials, with Hydrorise materials (HIM and HIH+L) showing significantly better accuracy and precision (30.9 ±14.4 µm and 28.7 ±15.5 µm, respectively) than IMP and PeH+L polyethers (44.2 ±16 µm and 43.8 ±17.6 µm, respectively; P<.001). Honigum materials were statistically similar to Hydrorise materials (P=.765). The values shown by Hydrorise nonsplinted groups (HIH+L-ns and HIM-ns) were not statistically different from those of the splinted polyether impressions (P=.386). The viscosities (monophasic or heavy+light) had no effect on accuracy, but monophasic material positively influenced precision (HIM and HIH+L, P=.001). No correlation was found between implant angulation and accuracy (multilevel analysis and Kendall rank correlation coefficient=-0.065; P=.133). CONCLUSIONS: Recently introduced materials designed for implant impressions showed significantly higher accuracy and precision; even with the unfavorable nonsplinting technique, the new materials performed similarly to, or better than, polyether materials. Although the transfer coping splinting technique generally improved the accuracy and precision of Hydrorise materials, the effect was significant only within HIH+L groups.

Effect of resin cement space on the fatigue behavior of bonded CAD/CAM leucite ceramic crowns.

This study evaluated the influence of occlusal resin cement space on the fatigue performance of bonded-leucite crowns to a dentin-analogue material. Leucite anatomical crowns were adhesively cemented to dentin-like preparations having distinct occlusal cement space (50, 100 and 300 µm) (n = 18), and subjected to step-stress fatigue testing (150 N - 350 N; step-size: 25 N; 20,000 cycles/step; 20 Hz). Fatigue data (load and number of cycles for failure) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Mantel-Cox (log-rank) tests (p <0.05). Fractographic analysis and occlusal internal space measurements were also performed. There was no significant difference for the distinct occlusal cement layer (50 µm: 289 N, 136,111 cycles; 100 µm: 285 N, 132,778 cycles; 300 µm: 246 N, 101,667 cycles). Occlusal internal space analysis showed a mean thickness of 120.4 (50 µm), 174.9 (100 µm) and 337.2 (300 µm). All failures were radial cracks originating at the ceramic-cement interface. Distinct occlusal cement spaces had no effect on the fatigue behavior of anatomical leucite crowns.

3D Interfacial Gap and Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Premolars Restored with Fiber-reinforced Composites.

PURPOSE: To evaluate interfacial gap and fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary premolars, restored with different glass-fiber reinforced materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four extracted intact premolars were endodontically treated and MOD cavities prepared. Specimens were divided into 7 groups (n = 12 for each) as follows: sound teeth (G1); no restoration (G2); direct composite restoration with fiber-reinforced composite (everX Posterior GC) (G3); direct composite restoration (Filtek Supreme XTE, 3M Oral Care; "FSXTE") (G4); a horizontal layer of high-viscosity flowable composite (G-ænial Flow, GC) was placed on the pulp chamber floor, 10 mm x 3 mm glass fibers (everStick NET, GC) were inserted into the cavity (G5); same procedure as in group 5 except the direct restoration was made incrementally with FSXTE (3M Oral Care) (G6); composite overlays were placed (G7). Specimens were scanned with micro-CT to evaluate 3D interfacial gaps before and after chewing simulation using Mimics software to calculate voids between restoration and tooth (dentin and enamel). These data (in mm3) were collected for statistical analysis. Thereafter, specimens were loaded to fracture using a universal testing machine. Maximum breaking loads were recorded in Newton (N). The data obtained were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: ANOVA showed that horizontal glass-fiber insertions statistically significantly reduced interfacial gaps after chewing simulation. No differences in fracture resistance were found between Filtek Supreme XTE and everX Posterior; moreover, glass-fiber insertion did not significantly improve fracture resistance in either case. Composite overlays achieved significantly better fracture toughness than did direct restorations. CONCLUSIONS: For the direct restoration of endodontically treated premolars, the insertion of glass fibers into direct composite restorations was unable to guarantee a significant increase in the fracture resistance or a significant change in the fracture pattern. However, it significantly reduced interfacial gap volume after cycling fatigue.

Grinding of composite cores using diamond burs with different grit sizes: the effects on the retentive strength of zirconia crowns

Aim: To evaluate the retention of Y-TZP crowns cemented in aged composite cores ground with burs of different grit sizes. Methods: Sixty composite resin simplified full-crown preparations were scanned, while 60 Y-TZP crowns with occlusal retentions were milled. The composite preparations were stored for 120 days (wet environment-37°C) and randomly distributed into three groups (n=20) according to the type of composite core surface treatment. The groups were defined as: CTRL (control: No treatment), EFB (extra-fine diamond bur [25µm]), and CB (coarse diamond bur [107µm]). The grinding was performed with an adapted surveyor standardizing the speed and pressure of the grinding. The intaglio surfaces on the crowns were air-abraded with silica-coated alumina particles (30 µm) and then a silane was applied. The crowns were cemented with self-adhesive resin cement, thermocycled (12,000 cycles; 5/55°C), stored (120 days) and submitted to a retention test (0.5mm/min). The retentive strength data (MPa) were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test, as well as Weibull analysis. Failures were classified as 50C (above 50% of cement in the crown), 50S (above 50% of cement in the substrate) and COE (composite core cohesive failure). Results: No statistical difference was observed among the retention values (p=0.975). However, a higher Weibull modulus was observed in the CTRL group. The predominant type of failure was 50S (above 50% of cement in the substrate composite). Conclusion: The retention of zirconia crowns was not affected by grinding using diamond burs with different grit sizes (coarse/extra-fine) or when no grinding was performed

Retention strength of ball-attachment titanium post for removable partial denture or overdenture

Aim: To evaluate the retention of an endodontic titanium postwith a spherical head for removable partial denture or overdentureattachment according to surface treatment type. Methods: Sixtyhealthy single-rooted teeth, sectioned at the enamel/cementumjunction, were treated endodontically and steadily fixed in theembedding acrylic resin. The titanium posts were subdivided intofour groups: control, no surface treatment (Ctrl); posts with macroretentivegrooves (MR); air abrasion of the post surface (AB); andposts with macro-retentive grooves and air abrasion of the postsurface (MR+AB). The posts were luted in the root canal usingself-adhesive dual resin cement. Pull-out testing was performedusing a universal testing machine until complete detachment wasachieved. After pull-out testing, the metallic posts were examinedunder an optical microscope and the failures were classifiedbased on the cement distribution pattern on the extracted posts:0, no cement left on the post (cement/post failure); 1, postsurface partially covered by adhered cement (post/cement anddentin/cement mixed failure); 2, post surface completely coveredby cement (dentin/cement failure). The retention data wereanalyzed by one-way ANOVA, Bonferroni­Dunn test (p<0.05)and Weibull analysis. Results: AB showed the highest retentionvalue (485.37±68.36), followed by MR+AB (355.80±118.47), MR(224.63±42.54) and Ctrl (113.12 ± 51.32). AB and MR showedthe highest Weibull moduli. Conclusions: The data indicatedthat air abrasion alone could significantly increase the retentionof titanium posts/attachments for use with overdentures orremovable partial denture

Manufacturing of Metal Frameworks for Full-Arch Dental Restoration on Implants: A Comparison between Milling and a Novel Hybrid Technology.

PURPOSE: To determine the trueness and precision of frameworks manufactured with a selective laser melting/milling hybrid technique (SLM/m) and conventional milling by comparing the implant-platform/framework interface with those of the original computer-aided design (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a virtual 6-implant-supported full-arch framework CAD drawing, 27 titanium replicas were manufactured by 3 independent manufacturing centers (n = 9/center) using a hybrid SLM/m technology (labs 1 and 2) or the conventional milling technique (lab 3). Using an opto-mechanical coordinate measuring machine, the frameworks' misfit distribution and patterns were analyzed, and the position error between paired platform positions within each framework was evaluated to calculate the misfit tendency for each group. A multilevel analysis using a mixed-effects model was conducted (α = 0.05). The trueness was evaluated as the dimensional difference from the original, while the precision as the dimensional difference from a repeated scan. RESULTS: The 3 dimensional misfits differed significantly among the 3 groups, with the milled group exhibiting the least accurate outcome (p = 0.005). The mean 3D positioning errors ranged from 8 to 16 µm and from 9 to 22 µm for the SLM/m technique (labs 1 and 2, respectively), and from 20 to 35 µm for conventional milling (lab 3). Regarding the misfit distribution pattern, the misfit increased with the distance between paired platform positions in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: All groups had 3D misfits well within the error limits reported in the literature. The 3D misfits of new hybrid (SLM/milling) and conventional (milling) procedures differed significantly among them, with the milling technique the less accurate and precise. The largest errors in all groups were found between the most distant implants, resulting in a correlation between the framework span and the inaccuracies.

Fatigue resistance of monolithic lithium disilicate occlusal veneers: a pilot study.

The use of thin lithium disilicate (LD) occlusal veneers is an effective method to increase the vertical dimension of occlusion in cases of tooth wear. However, doubt remains regarding the threshold thickness to be used in this restoration class. This study aims to evaluate the effect of ceramic thickness on the survival rate and failure pattern of LD molar veneer restorations using a simplified fatigue testing machine. Sixty sound, freshly extracted human molars were used. Three groups (n = 20) were randomly created with different ceramic thicknesses (0.5, 0.8, and 1.2 mm), and 60 LD IPS e.max Press LT occlusal veneers were fabricated. The ceramic restorations were luted with a resin cement. The stainless-steel rotating drum of the ball mill contained 10 zirconia (Y-TZP) and 10 stainless steel spheres, in 500 mL of distilled water at 37 ± 1 °C. Crack growth in the LD restorations was evaluated under a stereomicroscope following each fatigue testing run (12 60-min runs). Progressive damage was observed as a function of cycling time. Survival was significantly influenced by the restoration thickness (p = 0.002, log-rank test), with thicker restorations exhibiting a higher survival rate. Thinner restorations (0.5 mm) showed significantly lower survival rate than 0.8- and 1.2-mm restorations (p < 0.016); no significant difference was observed between the 0.8- and 1.2-mm restorations. A threshold value of 0.8 mm may represent an acceptable compromise between fatigue resistance and tooth reduction.

Implant Digital Impression in the Esthetic Area.

The aim of this report is to describe two standardized protocols for digital impression when implant support rehabilitation is used in the esthetic area. The two techniques were used to transfer all provisional crown parameters to definitive restorations in different clinical scenarios. In the direct technique, an impression (STL1) is made of the provisional restorations attached to the implants, with surrounding gingival tissue. The second scan (STL2) captures the sulcular aspect of the peri-implant soft tissue immediately after removal of the provisional restoration. The last impression (STL3) of the complete arch is made with a standardized scanbody attached to the implant to capture the 3D location of the implant. The direct technique is indicated when the peri-implant soft tissues are stable upon removal of the provisional restoration. The indirect technique is used when the gingival tissue collapses rapidly after the removal of the provisional crown. The impressions of the provisional restoration and the position of the implant are similar to those obtained with the direct technique, and the shape of the peri-implant tissue is extrapolated from the negative shape obtained from making the digital impression when the provisional restoration is taken out of the mouth. Finally, in both techniques the 3 scans are superimposed to obtain a file, which contains the details of the peri-implant soft tissue. The direct and indirect digital techniques allowed realization of a predictable definitive restoration in the esthetic zone in different clinical scenarios, reducing the duration of clinical procedures.

Influence of Particle and Air-Abrasion Moment on Y-TZP Surface Characterization and Bond Strength.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of particle and air-abrasion on the surface characterization and shear bond strength (SBS) of a Y-TZP ceramic with a resin cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Y-TZP specimens were air-abraded with 50 µm alumina particles; 120 µm alumina particles; 30 µm silica-coated alumina particles (Rocatec Soft); 110 µm silica-coated alumina particles (Rocatec Plus). Air-abrasion was performed before (BS); after (AS); before and after (BAS) zirconia sintering. Surface characterization included roughness (n = 10), wettability (n = 10), morphology (n = 2), and elemental composition (n = 2). For SBS (n = 11), composite resin discs were bonded to the air-abraded and silane-treated zirconia surface, with the resin cement RelyX ARC. Failure mode was determined. Roughness, wettability, and SBS data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA with pairwise interaction and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Air-abrasion performed with coarser particles at BS and BAS moments provided the highest roughness values, while the lowest roughness values were observed with particles combined with AS moment (p < 0.01). Rocatec Plus provided lower contact angle than the 120 µm alumina particles (p = 0.013), and BAS exhibited lower contact angle than BS (p = 0.002). The combinations 120 µm/BS and the silica-coated alumina particles/AS and /BAS showed the highest SBS (p < 0.05). The combination of each particle/BAS was statistically similar to the same particle/AS. Failure mode was 100% adhesive for all groups. The interaction particle size/air-abrasion moment determined the morphological pattern. Silicon was observed only in the Rocatec groups. CONCLUSIONS: Roughness was influenced by the particle size and was higher when the zirconia was air-abraded in its green stage. The particle composition played an important role in the wettability and both studied air-abrasion moments provided similar wettability than the one in which air-abrasion is usually performed. The highest SBS values were observed in the three moments, by using certain particles for each moment.

Fracture load and shear stress of prefabricated glass fiber posts

Aim: This study evaluated the fracture load and pattern failure of different prefabricated glass fiber posts (GFPs) of the same diameter. Methods: Seventy-eight (n=13 for six groups) GFPs of 1.6 mm coronal diameter of different brands were evaluated­ Exacto (Angelus), Power Post (BM4), White Post DC (FGM), HiRem (Overfibers), MAQ (Maquira), and SD (Supordont). The posts were subjected to fracture load testing (45° of inclination and 1 mm/min until fracture). Each factor (load (N) and shear stress (MPa)) was analyzed separately using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test (α=0.05). Results: The type of failure was evaluated on a stereomicroscope (×10). The Power Post samples presented higher values of fracture load (p<0.001) followed by Maquira fiber post, White Post , HiRem, Superpost, and the Exacto posts. The failure pattern observed was intralaminar mode II in-plane shear, such as a failure occur parallel to fibers. Conclusion: Despite the same diameter of GFPs, the fracture load and shear resistance were brand-dependent

Evaluation of marginal leakage after mechanical fatigue cycling of composite inlays luted with different cements.

This in vitro study evaluated the marginal microleakage of composite inlays luted with 3 different cement systems. The null hypothesis was that the luting materials would not influence dye penetration, showing the same degree of microleakage. Thirty-six sound molars were selected, mesio-occlusodistal cavities were prepared, and the teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 12). Composite resin inlay restorations were made and cemented using a dual-curing resin cement (Calibra), a light-curing flowable composite (Charisma Flow), or a self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX Unicem). The restored teeth were subjected to fatigue cycles and immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin dye for 24 hours. Two orthogonal cuts were made to enable evaluation of dye penetration at the cervical and occlusal margins. The sections were evaluated with a 4-point scale ranging from 0 (no penetration) to 3 (penetration up to the cavity floor [occlusal margins] or axial wall [cervical margins]). The Calibra and Charisma Flow groups showed greater microleakage, notably at the cervical margins, whereas RelyX Unicem specimens showed the least dye penetration. Significant differences were found between the Calibra and Charisma Flow groups and between the Charisma Flow and RelyX Unicem groups (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were detected between the Calibra and RelyX Unicem groups. The microleakage associated with the flowable composite was significantly greater than that associated with both resin cements, results that discourage its use for luting of Class II composite inlays.

Ceramic Surface Treatment with a Single-component Primer: Resin Adhesion to Glass Ceramics.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the microshear bond strength (µSBS) of composite cement bonded to two machined glass ceramics and its durability, comparing conventional surface conditioning (hydrofluoric acid + silane) to a one-step primer (Monobond Etch & Prime). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Machined slices of lithium disilicate ceramic (LDC) (IPS e.max CAD) and feldspathic ceramic (FC) (VITA Mark II) glass ceramics were divided into two groups (n = 10) according to two factors: 1. surface treatment: HF+S (ca 5% hydrofluoric acid [IPS Ceramic Etching GEL] + silane coupling agent [SIL; Monobond Plus]) or MEP (single-component ceramic conditioner; Monobond Etch & Prime); 2. storage condition: baseline (without aging; tested 24 h after cementing) or aged (70 days of water storage + 12,000 thermal cycles). Composite cement (Multilink Automix, Ivoclar Vivadent) was applied to starch matrices on the treated ceramic surfaces and photoactivated. A µSBS test was performed (0.5 mm/min) and the failure pattern was determined. Contact angle and micromorphological analyses were also performed. Data were analyzed with Student's t-test (α = 5%). RESULTS: For both ceramic materials, HF+S resulted in higher mean µSBS (MPa) at baseline (LDC: HF+S 21.2 ± 2.2 > MEP 10.4 ± 2.4; FC: HF+S 19.6 ± 4.3 > MEP 13.5 ± 5.4) and after aging (LDC: HF+S 14.64 ± 2.31 > MEP 9 ± 3.4; FC HF+S: 14.73 ± 3.33 > MEP 11.1 ± 3.3). HF+S resulted in a statistically significant decrease in mean µSBS after aging (p = 0.0001), while MEP yielded no significant reduction. The main failure type was adhesive between composite cement and ceramic. HF+S resuted in the lowest contact angle. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrofluoric acid + silane resulted in higher mean µSBS than Monobond Etch & Prime for both ceramics; however, Monobond Etch & Prime had stable bonding after aging.

In vitro assessment of the accuracy of digital impressions prepared using a single system for full-arch restorations on implants.

PURPOSE: This study describes a method for measuring the accuracy of the virtual impression. METHODS: In vitro measurements according to a metrological approach were based on (1) use of an opto-mechanical coordinate measuring machine to acquire 3D points from a master model, (2) the mathematical reconstruction of regular geometric features (planes, cylinders, points) from 3D points or an STL file, and (3) consistent definition and evaluation of position and distance errors describing scanning inaccuracies. Two expert and two inexpert operators each made five impressions. The 3D position error, with its relevant X, Y, and Z components, the mean 3D position error of each scanbody, and the intra-scanbody distance error were measured using the analysis of variance and the Sheffe's test for multiple comparison. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in the accuracy of the impression were observed among the operators for each scanbody, despite the good reliability (Cronbach's [Formula: see text] = 0.897). The mean 3D position error of the digital impression was between 0.041 ± 0.023 mm and 0.082 ± 0.030 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, which was performed using a single commercial system for preparing digital impressions and one test configuration, the data showed that the digital impressions had a level of accuracy comparable to that reported in other studies, and which was acceptable for clinical and technological applications. The distance between the individual positions (#36 to #46) of the scanbody influenced the magnitude of the error. The position error generated by the intraoral scanner was dependent on the length of the arch scanned. Operator skill and experience may influence the accuracy of the impression.

Translucency of IPS e.max and cubic zirconia monolithic crowns.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although several monolithic zirconia ceramics have recently been introduced, the need for improved optical properties remains. The newest cubic-zirconia has been claimed to have optimal translucency characteristics for esthetic restorations. PURPOSE: This in vitro study evaluated the optical properties of novel cubic ultratranslucent (UT) and supertranslucent (ST) zirconia by comparing them with lithium disilicate (L-DIS) glass-ceramic for the manufacture of monolithic computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) molar crowns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The UT and ST multilayered zirconia and the low-translucency grade L-DIS were milled. Eighty monolithic crowns were made from 2 CAD files, corresponding to thicknesses of 1.0 and 1.5 mm, and subdivided (n=20) into 4 groups: UT1.0, UT1.5, ST1.0, and L-DIS1.5. All groups were shaded using A2 color standard. Translucency of the crowns was measured by total transmission, using a photoradiometer in a dark chamber; furthermore, the contrast ratio was analyzed using a dental spectrophotometer applied to the buccal surface of the crowns. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc multiple Mann-Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction (α=.05 divided by the number of tests performed in each set). RESULTS: When the ceramic types were analyzed, using total transmission and contrast methods, they showed significantly different translucency levels: UT1.0>ST1.0>UT1.5>L-DIS1.5 (total transmission P<.001). Contrast ratio evaluation yielded similar results (P≤.006); however, the differences between ST1.0 and UT1.5 were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Both the ST1.0 and UT1.0 crowns, even at the maximum thickness tested (UT1.5), showed significantly higher translucency than L-DIS. Zirconia translucency was improved by eliminating the tetragonal phase, which is responsible for the toughening effect; thus, further studies are advocated to investigate the mechanical resistance of cubic zirconia.

Prosthetically CAD-CAM-Guided Bone Augmentation of Atrophic Jaws Using Customized Titanium Mesh: Preliminary Results of an Open Prospective Study.

This study evaluated the outcomes of computer-aided design-computer-aided machining (CAD-CAM)-customized titanium mesh used for prosthetically guided bone augmentation related to the occlusion-driven implant position, to the vertical bone volume gain of the mandible and maxilla, and to complications, such as mesh exposure. Nine patients scheduled for bone augmentation of atrophic sites were treated with custom titanium mesh and particulate bone grafts with autologous bone and anorganic bovine bone in a 1:1 ratio prior to implant surgery. The bone volume needed to augment was virtually projected based on implant position, width, and length, and the mesh design was programmed for the necessary retaining screws. After 6 to 8 months, bone augmentations of 1.72 to 4.1 mm (mean: 3.83 mm) for the mandibular arch and 2.14 to 6.88 mm (mean: 3.95 mm) for the maxilla were registered on cone-beam computerized tomography. Mesh premature (within 4 to 6 weeks) exposure was observed in 3 cases and delayed (after 4 to 6 weeks) in 3 other cases. One titanium mesh was removed before the programmed time but in all augmented sites was possible implant insertion. No complication occurred during prosthetic follow-up. Using CAD-CAM technology for prosthetically guided bone augmentation showed important postoperative morbidity of mesh exposure (66%). Because of this high prevalence of mesh exposure and the potential infection that could affect the expected bone augmentation, this study suggests a cautious approach to this procedure when designing the titanium mesh, to avoid flap tension that may cause mucosal rupture.