Fluorescence intensity of composite resin for direct veneer removal using a fluorescence-aided identification technique.

OBJECTIVES: This laboratory study evaluated the influence of the fluorescence intensity of composite resins on additional tooth wear and the presence of restorative material in different dental thirds during the retreatment of direct veneers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The crown dimensions of 60 bovine incisors were reduced to 10 × 8 mm. The teeth were classified according to the fluorescence intensity of the composites: low (LOW) (TPH Spectra), medium (MED) (Opallis), and high (HIGH) (Essentia) groups. The teeth were divided according to the removal methods: conventional (CON) and fluorescence-aided identification technique (FIT). The specimens were scanned (T0), received veneer preparation, and scanned again (T1). After restorations, the composites were removed and the teeth were scanned (T2). Measurement assessments between T1 and T2 were performed to determine additional wear, presence of residual areas, and the average between additional wear and the presence of residual areas. Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Friedman, 2-way ANOVA, and post-Tukey tests were performed (α < 0.05). RESULTS: The comparison of composite resins indicated a smaller area of additional wear and greater residue presence in the HIGH group than the LOW group for both techniques in the cervical third. Regarding removal methods, the FIT produced greater additional wear than the CON method for the LOW and MED groups in the middle and cervical thirds. The incisal third exhibited greater additional wear than the other thirds. CONCLUSIONS: Composite resins with high fluorescence intensity removed using FIT had less tooth wear. The incisal third was the most affected area for direct veneer removal procedures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A FIT has been proposed for composite resin removal; however, the different fluorescence intensities of composite resins can influence tooth wear caused during this procedure.

Adhesion and sealing of different universal adhesive systems associated with bulk-fill resins after using endodontic irrigation solutions: An in vitro study.

This study aimed to evaluate the interface of universal adhesive (UA) with bulk-fill resin (BF) and dentin, after endodontic irrigation. The pulp chamber of 96 molars was irrigated with chlorhexidine 2% (CHX) or sodium hypochlorite 5.25% (NaOCl) and restored according to three restorative protocols. Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and nanoleakage tests were performed after 24 h of thermocycling. Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon were performed (p < 0.05). Comparing restorative systems, a difference was found only when irrigated with CHX after 24 h. CHX provided higher µTBS than NaOCl after 24 h for two restorative protocols; after thermocycling, NaOCl provided the greatest µTBS than CHX for one group. Decreased µTBS was observed for all restorative systems when CHX was used after thermocycling. NaOCl demonstrated the highest nanoleakage. The composition of UA influenced the immediate adhesion and sealing to BF when CHX was used; ageing has a deteriorating effect on adhesion and sealing for all restorative systems.

Influence of daily usage times on patients' compliance during at-home bleaching: a randomized clinical trial.

The effectiveness of at-home dental bleaching treatments depends on the time that bleaching products are in contact with the teeth surface and, consequently, on the adequate use of associated custom acetate trays. OBJECTIVE: This randomized single-blinded trial aimed to analyze if the daily usage time of these products influences the patient's compliance behavior when submitted to monitored at-home dental bleaching. Secondary outcomes were color change and tooth sensitivity. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-six volunteers were randomly distributed into three groups (n=22): patients were instructed to use the trays for 2 (G2), 4 (G4), and 8 (G8) hours daily. The daily dental bleaching compliance behavior was measured using a microsensor inserted into the trays. Subjective and objective color evaluation assessments were adopted at baseline (T0), one (T1), two (T2), and three weeks (T3) after the beginning of the bleaching treatment, as well as two weeks after the treatment (T4). Tooth sensitivity was analyzed using the VAS scale, ranging from T1 to T4. RESULTS: G2 showed a greater degree of cooperation than G8 and cooperation was inversely proportional to the recommended usage time. Significantly higher color change was observed in the upper arch for G8 when compared to G2 in subjective analysis, from T1 to T4. There were no statistical differences between the groups in objective analysis. CONCLUSION: Shorter recommended usage time of the bleaching product may improve the patient's compliance with at-home dental bleaching treatments. However, increased daily usage time may promote better subjective color change. Bleaching sensitivity was more significant in the first week for a longer time of use.

Effects of Different Toothpastes on the Nanomechanical Properties and Chemical Composition of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement and Composite Resin Restorations.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the effects of different toothpastes on the nanohardness and chemical compositions of restorative materials and dental surfaces. METHODS: Bovine enamel (n = 72) and dentin (n = 72) blocks were obtained and restored using RMGIC (n = 36) or CR (n = 36) to create the following surfaces: dentin adjacent to RMGIC (DRMGIC), enamel adjacent to RMGIC (ERMGIC), dentin adjacent to CR (DCR), and enamel adjacent to CR (ECR). After restoration, one hemiface of each specimen was coated with an acid-resistant varnish to facilitate the creation of control (C) and eroded (E) sides; the latter were achieved by erosion-abrasion cycles as follows: erosion with 1% citric acid: 5 days, four times for 2 min each day; 1% citric acid/abrasion, two times for 15 s, followed by immersion in a toothpaste slurry for 2 min. Toothpastes without fluoride (WF; n = 12), with sodium fluoride (NaF; n = 12), and with stannous fluoride (SnF2; n = 12) were used for RMGIC or CR. The specimens were analyzed for nanohardness (H), and chemical composition using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman microscopy. The data were statistically analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Lower H values were obtained with NaF for DRMGIC-C, with a statistically significant difference from the H value obtained with WF (p < 0.05). The calcium and phosphorus concentrations in DCR-E were significantly lower with WF than with the other types of toothpaste (p < 0.05). Fluoride-containing toothpastes are capable of preserving the main chemical components of the dentin adjacent to the restorative materials under erosive-abrasive conditions.

An 8-year follow-up of resin infiltration on anterior white spot lesions.

White spot lesions (WSLs) are sites of enamel surface and subsurface demineralization that increases tissue porosity and affects the teeth appearance. The resin infiltration technique proved to be a valid alternative to arrest caries lesion progression and to masking a color change in noncavitated WSLs. Thus, this study aims to report a clinical case of anterior WSLs treated with resin infiltration technique with an 8-year follow-up. The resin infiltration protocol was performed in an 18-year-old female patient presenting WSLs on the maxillary right lateral incisor, left central incisor, and left canine. The protocol followed the manufacturer's recommendations. The patient reported satisfaction with the smile appearance, at the end of the appointment. Infiltrated areas remained unchanged after an 8-year follow-up, showing an acceptable result for the patient's esthetic desires. After 8 years of evaluation, the resin infiltration technique proved to be a resistant and reliable alternative in preventing caries progression and in color masking WSLs.

In vitro dentin permeability and tubule occlusion of experimental in-office desensitizing materials.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the dentin permeability (by hydraulic conductance) and tubule occlusion (by confocal and scanning electron microscopies) of in-office desensitizing materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bovine dentin blocks were immersed in EDTA to open dentinal tubules. Placebo varnish (PLA), fluoride varnish (FLU), NaF 5% + 5% nanoparticulate sodium trimetaphosphate varnish (TMP), universal adhesive system (SBU), S-PRG filler varnish (SPRG), Biosilicate (BIOS), and amelotin (AMTN) solution were the materials tested. After application, the specimens underwent an erosive-abrasive challenge. Dentin permeability was evaluated at T0 (initial), T1 (after treatment), and T2 (after challenge). Confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to evaluate, respectively, length and number of dentinal tubule occlusions and opened dentinal tubules, after challenge. Permeability and SEM data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's tests. Confocal data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Tukey's test, and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. Spearman and Pearson's correlation tests were also used. Significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: At T1, the AMTN group showed the lowest permeability value, following the increasing order at T2: AMTN = SBU < BIOS = SPRG < TMP < FLU < PLA. The SBU group had the highest value of occluded dentinal tubule length. The AMTN group presented more occluded dentinal tubules compared to PLA and FLU. AMTN and SBU had the lowest values of opened dentin tubules. Results showed a negative correlation between the analyses. CONCLUSION: The SBU and AMTN solution were more effective in reducing dentin permeability by occluding dentin tubules. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: All materials reduced permeability after challenge, except fluoride varnish.

Influence of daily usage times on patients' compliance during at-home bleaching: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract The effectiveness of at-home dental bleaching treatments depends on the time that bleaching products are in contact with the teeth surface and, consequently, on the adequate use of associated custom acetate trays. Objective This randomized single-blinded trial aimed to analyze if the daily usage time of these products influences the patient's compliance behavior when submitted to monitored at-home dental bleaching. Secondary outcomes were color change and tooth sensitivity. Methodology Sixty-six volunteers were randomly distributed into three groups (n=22): patients were instructed to use the trays for 2 (G2), 4 (G4), and 8 (G8) hours daily. The daily dental bleaching compliance behavior was measured using a microsensor inserted into the trays. Subjective and objective color evaluation assessments were adopted at baseline (T0), one (T1), two (T2), and three weeks (T3) after the beginning of the bleaching treatment, as well as two weeks after the treatment (T4). Tooth sensitivity was analyzed using the VAS scale, ranging from T1 to T4. Results G2 showed a greater degree of cooperation than G8 and cooperation was inversely proportional to the recommended usage time. Significantly higher color change was observed in the upper arch for G8 when compared to G2 in subjective analysis, from T1 to T4. There were no statistical differences between the groups in objective analysis. Conclusion Shorter recommended usage time of the bleaching product may improve the patient's compliance with at-home dental bleaching treatments. However, increased daily usage time may promote better subjective color change. Bleaching sensitivity was more significant in the first week for a longer time of use.

Efeito de dentifrícios com alta concentração de flúor na remineralização de substrato dentário com cárie artificial / Effect of toothpaste with high fluoride concentration on remineralization of dental substrate with artificial caries

Introduction: fluoride toothpaste is widely used by the population. Objective: dentifrices with a high concentration of sodium fluoride and the presence of tricalcium phosphate were developed, providing additional protection to patients vulnerable to the development of caries. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different dentifrices on the surface and internal hardness and enamel wear after artificial caries, pH cycling, and toothbrushing. Material and method: enamel blocks (4x4 mm) were obtained from 20 bovine teeth. The specimens were submitted to artificial caries lesion and then to pH cycling and brushing according to the dentifrice: Colgate Total 12 and Clinpro + Tricalcium Phosphate. Result: after this period, they were submitted to analysis of superficial and internal hardness and profilometry. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed. The data obtained were evaluated by one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the mineral recovery and profilometry, and two-way repeated measures ANOVA to evaluate the superficial and internal hardness. Conclusion: analyzing the surface hardness, after caries induction, there was a significant reduction in hardness that was partially recovered regardless of the dentifrice used. For internal hardness, Clinpro obtained lower values on the control side and up to 90 micrometers on the test side. As for profilometry, Colgate Total 12 showed greater wear when compared to Clinpro. It was concluded that Clinpro promoted lower internal hardness, however, Colgate Total 12 resulted in greater surface wear of tooth enamel.

Introdução: dentifrícios fluoretados são amplamente utilizados pela população. Foram desenvolvidos dentifrícios com alta concentração de fluoreto de sódio e presença de tricálcio fosfato, fornecendo proteção adicional a pacientes vulneráveis ao desenvolvimento da cárie. Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de diferentes dentifrícios na dureza superficial, interna e desgaste do esmalte após cárie artificial, ciclagem de pH e escovação. Material e método: blocos de esmalte (4x4 mm) foram obtidos a partir de 20 dentes bovinos. Os espécimes foram submetidos à lesão de cárie artificial e, em seguida, à ciclagem de pH e escovação de acordo com o dentifrício: Colgate Total 12 e Clinpro + Tricálcio Fosfato. Após este período, foram submetidos à análise de dureza superficial e interna e perfilometria. Foi realizada microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Resultado: os dados obtidos foram avaliados por ANOVA um critério para avaliar a recuperação mineral e perfilometria, ANOVA dois critérios medidas repetidas para avaliar a dureza superficial e interna. Conclusão: analisando a dureza superficial, após a indução da cárie houve uma redução significativa na dureza que foi parcialmente recuperada independente do dentifrício utilizado. Para dureza interna, Clinpro obteve valores menores no lado controle e até 90 micrômetros no lado teste. Quanto à perfilometria, o Colgate Total 12 apresentou maior desgaste quando comparado ao Clinpro. Concluiu-se que Clinpro promoveu menor dureza interna, porém, o Colgate Total 12 resultou em maior desgaste superficial do esmalte dentário.

Surface characterization of indirect restorative materials submitted to different etching protocols.

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of different times and concentrations of hydrofluoric acid etching on the surface of indirect restorative materials obtained from blocks used in CAD-CAM technology. METHODS: Specimens (4 mm × 4 mm × 0.8 mm) were obtained for each indirect restorative material: zirconia-reinforced lithium monosilicate ceramic (Celtra Duo), nanoceramic resin (Lava Ultimate), and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network material (Vita Enamic). The materials were submitted to etching with 5% or 10% hydrofluoric acid for 20, 40, 60, or 90 s. A control group for each material was evaluated without any surface treatment, totaling nine experimental groups for each material (n = 10). The specimens were evaluated for surface roughness (Ra and Rz), confocal optical microscopy, the contact angle (θ), surface free energy (γs), total free interaction energy (∆G) using a goniometer, and microshear bond strength to resin cement. Specimen images were obtained using scanning electron microscopy, confocal optical microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Data on the surface roughness, the contact angle, surface free energy, total free interaction energy, and bond strength were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey´s test (α=0.05). RESULTS: In general, Celtra Duo showed better results after etching with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 40 or 60 s. Lava Ultimate showed better performance after etching with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 20 or 40 s, whereas Vita Enamic showed better results after etching with 5% hydrofluoric acid for 90 s. CONCLUSION: Each material showed different characteristics after etching with hydrofluoric acid. Knowledge of the proper protocol for each material is essential to ensure improvements in the adhesion process and durability of indirect restorations. In general, Celtra Duo presented mechanical properties superior to those of Lava Ultimate and Vita Enamic. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Specific etching protocols must be recommended for each indirect material because longer exposure to hydrofluoric acid can jeopardize the surface, thus affecting the mechanical and bond strength properties.

Direct dentin bleaching: Would it be possible?

This study aims to evaluate in vitro the effect of violet LED when applied directly to dentin tissue pigmented by different substances. We analyzed the chromatic alteration, the bleaching effect and the temperature variation. Hence, 60 bovine dentin tissue discs were divided into five groups: NNatural Pigmentation; T-Black Tea; C-Soluble Coffee; W-Red Wine; B-Equine Blood. Individualized pigmentation protocols were performed and all groups reached the same chromatic change value. Subsequently, we simultaneously performed a bleaching session and measured temperature variation using a K-type thermocouple device. Data on chromatic change (∆E, ∆E00, ∆a, ∆b and ∆L), whitening effect (WID) and temperature variation were subjected to one-way Anova and Tukey's post-test at a 5% significance level. The C group showed the most relevant chromatic change values, similar to the N group, responding positively to the treatment. However, the B group differed from the control group, which showed difficulty to respond to the treatment. Regarding the whitening index, only the W group showed lower results than the others. The B group showed the greatest temperature changes. We conclude that the violet LED offered chromatic change, which generated a bleaching effect. Pigmentations with red wine and blood showed the greatest difficulty to respond to treatment, also promoting a higher temperature rise in teeth pigmented with blood.

Randomized prospective clinical trial of class II restorations using flowable bulk-fill resin composites: 4-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized, prospective, and split-mouth study aimed to evaluate flowable bulk-fill resin composites in class II restorations, comparing it with a conventional layering technique after 4-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three subjects received three class II restorations according to the restorative systems: conventional microhybrid composite resin (PA - Peak Universal + Amelogen Plus, Ultradent); flowable bulk-fill and nanoparticulate composite resins (ABF - Adper Single Bond 2 + Filtek Bulk Fill Flow + Filtek Z350XT, 3M/Espe); and flowable bulk-fill and microhybrid composite resins, (XST - XP Bond + SDR + TPH3, Dentsply). The clinical performance and interproximal contacts were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier, equality test of two proportions, Friedman, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Logistic regression analysis tests (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: In total, 106 restorations were evaluated at 4 years. Both systems with bulk-fill composites presented higher marginal discoloration than PA. About surface texture, ABF restorative system showed superior bravo scores being statistically similar to XST. Better performance for wear and surface staining was found for XST restorative system. All restorative systems resulted in the decreased interproximal contacts, occurring early for XST. CONCLUSIONS: The restorative systems that used flowable bulk-fill resin composites showed satisfactory clinical performance compared with conventional resin composite after 4 years. All restorative systems had decreased proximal contact after 4 years. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Initial marginal discoloration was observed in more than 50% of class II restorations performed with restorative systems that used flowable bulk-fill resin composite. All restorative systems had decreased proximal contact strength over time.

Influence of knowledge on Brazilian student's perception of life and clinical classes during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The current pandemic associated with SARS-CoV-2 has negatively influenced several activities, including teaching in Operative Dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of knowledge in Operative Dentistry on undergraduate students' perception related to personal life and return to clinical practices classes during pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present research was a cross-sectional, observational, and qualitative survey. The 16-item based questionnaire was sent to undergraduate students in 2020, which were divided into two groups, according to the Operative Dentistry knowledge: G1-not started clinical practice; G2-already started or completed clinical practice. Questions were focused on the impact of the pandemic in relation to their personal lives and return to clinical practice classes. Chi-square association test was performed using the SigmaPlot 12.0 software (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The response rate was 55.5% for G1 and 44.4% for G2. Regarding the questions related to personal life, G1 demonstrated higher percentages of fear of contracting the virus during theoretical classes. Same observations were found when students answered about their fear of contracting coronavirus during the clinical practice classes. However, G2 presented the highest agreement responses for the preparedness feeling to return to theoretical classroom, clinical practice classes, and the possibility of applying online learning. CONCLUSIONS: In general, students' knowledge had little influence on perception of personal life. However, students who have more knowledge in operative dentistry presented more security about returning to clinical classes.

Effect of bleaching gel volume on color change and postoperative sensitivity: a randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: Although bleaching therapy is considered a dose-dependent treatment, the effect of the volume of product used is yet to be studied. This study thus aimed to evaluate the influence of bleaching gel volume on chromatic alteration and postoperative sensitivity. METHODOLOGY: Thirty patients were selected and allocated into three groups; the lower canines were analyzed according to the volume of gel used: GI-0.025 mL, GII-0.05 mL, and GIII-0.10 mL. Chromatic alteration analysis was performed using a portable digital spectrophotometer by calculating the ΔE, ΔE00, ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* values and the whiteness index (WID). Spontaneous sensitivity was assessed using a questionnaire, and sensitivity was stimulated by thermo-sensory analysis. Analyses were conducted in five stages: baseline, after 1st, 2nd, and 3rd bleaching sessions, and 14 days after the end. Data were analyzed using the two-way ANOVA test with repeated measures and Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: It was observed that ΔE, ΔE00, and ΔL* were similar between groups at the end of the bleaching therapy; and the values of Δa*, Δb*, and WID were higher in the GIII group. For sensitivity, it was found that the GI was the one with the lowest values; o GII intermediate values; while the GIII group presents the highest values of spontaneous and stimulated sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Gel volume influenced the response to bleaching and significantly influenced the spontaneous sensitivity and cold stimulus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The amount of bleaching gel used during therapy is key to both the response to color change and postoperative sensitivity.

Two-year randomized clinical trial of different restorative techniques in non-carious cervical lesions and MMP activity in gingival crevicular fluid.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate different restorative techniques for non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) and the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in gingival crevicular fluid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred restorations were performed in 50 patients using resin composite restorative system without (I) and with selective enamel conditioning (II) and resin-modified glass-ionomer cement without (III) and with EDTA pretreatment (IV). Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected in 15 patients. Restorations were evaluated using USPHS criteria at baseline and after 2 years. Percentages of MMP activity were assessed by zymography as a surrogate outcome. Equality tests of two proportions, logistic regression analysis, survival analysis, ANOVA repeated measures, and Fisher tests were used. RESULTS: No differences in clinical performance were found among groups. Group I had lower retention at 2 years than at baseline. Decreased alpha scores for marginal integrity and marginal discoloration were observed for all groups after 2 years. MMP-2 decreased after 1 year, and its activity increased back to the initial level after 2 years, mainly for groups I, II, and III. MMP-9 increased after 1 year, and it was reduced to the initial level after 2 years, mainly for group I. CONCLUSIONS: All restorative techniques performed similarly in NCCLs after 2 years with initial marginal defect alterations. MMP-2 reestablished its initial levels after 2 years, and MMP-9 had few alterations over time in crevicular fluid. Clinical relevance The different restorative techniques are equally successful in NCCLs after 2 years of clinical functioning and have similar effects on MMPs present in crevicular fluid.

Three-year evaluation of different adhesion strategies in non-carious cervical lesion restorations: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) restored with different adhesion strategies. METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, split-mouth study. An adhesive restorative system (Single Bond Universal/Filtek Z350XT - SBU) was evaluated both without and with selective enamel conditioning (E-SBU), resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (Vitremer; RMGIC), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid pretreatment (EDTA; E-RMGIC). In total, 200 restorations, placed in 50 patients, were evaluated at baseline and at a 3-year follow-up using the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Data were analyzed using the two-proportion equality test, multinomial logistic regression, Wilcoxon test, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. RESULTS: In total, 42 (84%) patients returned for the 3-year follow-up. SBU showed restoration losses statistically different from RMGIC. Retention was also statistically different in SBU between baseline and the 3-year follow-up. Marginal defects and surface texture were statistically significant for all groups in the period studied, except for the surface texture of SBU and the marginal integrity in E-RMGIC. We observed no statistically significant difference in wear, secondary caries, anatomical form, surface staining, and color over time. Recession degree was the only factor to influence retention rates. Cumulative survival (%) was 89, 98, 98, and 95.3, for SBU, SE-SBU, RMGIC, and E-RMGIC, respectively, without significant differences among them. There was a statistically significant difference between survival curves; however, multiple comparison procedures found no statistical differences. CONCLUSION: Selective enamel etching affected the retention of non-carious cervical restorations. Adhesion using EDTA and resin-modified glass-ionomer cements delayed marginal defects over time. The degree of gingival recession influenced retention rates. Resin composite restorations showed initial marginal defects, and ionomer restorations, reduced surface luster. EDTA pre-treatment followed by resin-modified glass-ionomer cements may be a promising adhesion strategy for NCCL restorations.

Use of auxiliary devices during retreatment of direct resin composite veneers.

The removal of direct composite veneers, when the retreatment is necessary, represents a challenge to the clinician, since the healthy dental structure must be preserved. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the accuracy provided by different auxiliary devices during retreatment of direct composite veneers. Seventy-five bovine teeth were prepared for direct composite veneers, scanned (T1), and restored. Specimens were divided into 5 groups for retreatment: conventional high-speed handpiece without auxiliary device (WD); high-speed handpiece with a white LED (WL); high-speed handpiece with an UV light (UL); electric motor and multiplier 1/5 handpiece (EM); and conventional high-speed handpiece using magnifying loupe (ML). After retreatments, other scanning was performed (T2). Changes on dental wear or composite residues areas, as well as, the average between wear and presence of residues were measured. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-test (p≤ 0.05). There were greater areas of wear for ML, being statistically superior to WD and EM groups. The ML presented smaller residues areas, being statistically lower than the WD and EM groups. Regarding the average between wear and the presence of resin residues, additional wear occurred after re-preparation, regardless of the group. Magnifying loupe promoted greater areas of wear and smaller areas of resin residues than conventional high-speed handpiece and electric motor. Both techniques using light accessories did not differ from other ones.

Consensus on glass-ionomer cement thresholds for restorative indications.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to present the results of a consensus meeting on the threshold property requirements for the clinical use of conventional glass-ionomer cements (GICs) for restorative indications. METHODS: Twenty-one experts on GICs evaluated the results of tests on mechanical and optical properties of 18 different brands of restorative GICs: Bioglass R [B], Chemfil Rock [CR], Equia Forte [EF], Gold Label 2 [GL2], Gold Label 9 [GL9], Glass Ionomer Cement II [GI], Ionglass [IG], Ion Z [IZ], Ionomaster [IM], Ionofil Plus [IP], Ionostar Plus [IS], Ketac Molar Easymix [KM], Magic Glass [MG], Maxxion R [MA], Riva Self Cure [R], Vidrion R [V], Vitro Fil [VF] and Vitro Molar [VM]. All experiments were carried out by a team of researchers from Brazil and England following strict protocols, under the same laboratory conditions throughout, and maintaining data integrity. RESULTS: There was consensus on: determining as primary properties of the material: compressive strength, microhardness, acid erosion and fluoride release, and as secondary properties: contrast ratio and translucency parameter, in order to rank the materials. Seven brands were below the thresholds for restorative indications: IZ, IM, IG, MA, VF, B and MG. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the primary properties adopted as being essential for restorative indications, the conventional restorative GICs that met the thresholds and could be considered suitable as long-term restorative materials were: EF, GI, GL9, KM, IP, GL2, IS, CR, V, VM and R. A decision-making process to select the best GIC must also include results from clinical trials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides a ranking of GICs that could be considered suitable as long-term restorative materials based on their main properties.

Dental bleaching with violet LED: Effects on dentin color change, resin-dentin bond strength, hybrid layer nanohardness and dentinal collagen biostability.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a novel dental bleaching technique with Violet LED on enamel color change, bond strength and hybrid layer nanomechanical properties in resin-dentin restoration, and dentin biostability. METHODS: A total of 125 bovine incisors were distributed into a control group, violet LED group (LED), and 35 % peroxide hydrogen bleaching gel (BLG) groups (n = 15). Three 45-minute sessions were performed for both bleaching procedures every week. Enamel color change (ΔE, ΔL, and Δb) was determined after every bleaching session. After color analysis, dentin was exposed for the resin-dentin bond strength analysis using microtensile test and evaluation of the nanomechanical properties at the hybrid layer (nanohardness). While half of the specimens were tested immediately, the remaining were evaluated after 10,000 thermal cycles (TC). Thirty additional teeth were used to investigate dentin ultimate tensile strength (UTS) after the bleaching treatments. UTS was evaluated before and after an enzymatic challenge. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's post-test were used for the statistical analysis (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Enamel bleaching effect was observed in the LED and BLG groups with significant alterations in the ΔE, ΔL, and Δb in the BLG group. No difference was observed in the resin-dentin bond strength among the groups (p > 0.05), however, TC negatively affected the bond strength values for all the groups. Nanomechanical properties ​​remained unchanged when comparing immediate and after TC results (p > 0.05). Bleaching with BLG reduced significantly the dentin UTS, while all groups showed major decrease in UTS after the enzymatic challenge. CONCLUSIONS: Although violet LED was able to promote a bleaching effect, less color changes was observed when compared to BLG. None of the bleaching techniques effected the resin-bond strength or the nanomechanics of the hybrid layer. Violet LED did negatively effect dentin biostability as observed for BLG and it may promote less changes to the organic content of dentin.

Three-year evaluation of different adhesion strategies in non-carious cervical lesion restorations: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) restored with different adhesion strategies. Methodology: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, split-mouth study. An adhesive restorative system (Single Bond Universal/Filtek Z350XT - SBU) was evaluated both without and with selective enamel conditioning (E-SBU), resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (Vitremer; RMGIC), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid pretreatment (EDTA; E-RMGIC). In total, 200 restorations, placed in 50 patients, were evaluated at baseline and at a 3-year follow-up using the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Data were analyzed using the two-proportion equality test, multinomial logistic regression, Wilcoxon test, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results: In total, 42 (84%) patients returned for the 3-year follow-up. SBU showed restoration losses statistically different from RMGIC. Retention was also statistically different in SBU between baseline and the 3-year follow-up. Marginal defects and surface texture were statistically significant for all groups in the period studied, except for the surface texture of SBU and the marginal integrity in E-RMGIC. We observed no statistically significant difference in wear, secondary caries, anatomical form, surface staining, and color over time. Recession degree was the only factor to influence retention rates. Cumulative survival (%) was 89, 98, 98, and 95.3, for SBU, SE-SBU, RMGIC, and E-RMGIC, respectively, without significant differences among them. There was a statistically significant difference between survival curves; however, multiple comparison procedures found no statistical differences. Conclusion: Selective enamel etching affected the retention of non-carious cervical restorations. Adhesion using EDTA and resin-modified glass-ionomer cements delayed marginal defects over time. The degree of gingival recession influenced retention rates. Resin composite restorations showed initial marginal defects, and ionomer restorations, reduced surface luster. EDTA pre-treatment followed by resin-modified glass-ionomer cements may be a promising adhesion strategy for NCCL restorations.

Effects of different toothpastes on the prevention of erosion in composite resin and glass ionomer cement enamel and dentin restorations.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different toothpastes on the surface wear of enamel, dentin, composite resin (CR), and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), and to perform a topographic analysis of the surfaces, based on representative images generated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) after erosion-abrasion cycles. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and forty bovine incisors were collected and divided into two groups: 72 enamel and 72 dentin blocks (4×4 mm). Half of the specimens were restored with CR (Filtek Z350 XT) and the other half with RMGIC (Fuji II LC). Then, samples were submitted to a demineralization cycle (5 days, 4×2 min/day, 1% citric acid, pH 3.2) and exposed to three different toothpastes (2×15 s/day): without fluoride (WF, n=12), sodium fluoride-based (NaF, n=12), and stannous fluoride-based (SnF2, n=12). Surface wear, as well as restoration interfaces wear, were investigated by profilometry of the dental substrates and restorative materials. All representative surfaces underwent AFM analysis. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: NaF-based toothpaste caused the greater dentin surface wear (p<0.05). Toothpastes affected only enamel-restoration interfaces. AFM analysis showed precipitate formation in dentinal tubules caused by the use of fluoride toothpastes. CONCLUSIONS: NaF-based toothpastes had no protective effect on enamel adjacent to CR and RMGIC against erosion-abrasion challenges, nor on dentin adjacent to RMGIC material. SnF2-based toothpastes caused more damage to interfaces between enamel and RMGIC.