Impact of using magnifying dental loupes on clinical performance during tooth preparation: A systematic review.

Background: To assess whether using magnification loupes affects tooth preparation working posture performed by undergraduate students and dentistry professionals and whether it influences the quality of the preparation, operator satisfaction and procedure time. Material and Methods: This review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (CRD42023482377). Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for relevant articles published up to August 2023. Clinical or laboratory studies evaluating cavities or dental preparations performed with and without magnification loupes were considered eligible. The outcomes were operator working posture, dental preparation quality, operator satisfaction, and procedure time. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the JBI Critical Appraisal tools for Quasi-Experimental Studies. Results: The searches retrieved 1493 articles. Based on the eligibility criteria, 11 laboratory studies were included, where 410 undergraduate and graduate dental students conducted dental preparations in 1851 dental specimens. Of the 11 selected studies, 6 evaluated the working posture, 6 assessed the quality of the dental preparations, 5 reported operator satisfaction, and 2 assessed procedure time. The results showed that magnifying loupes significantly improved operator working posture, but did not influence the quality of tooth preparations. Although satisfaction reports about experiences with magnifying loupes were favorable, no significant difference was found. Conclusions: Magnification loupes improved operator working posture. However, clinical studies with more scientific evidence are needed for steady conclusions regarding operator satisfaction and procedural time. Key words:Magnification, dental loupes, tooth preparation, cavity preparation, dental education.

Postoperative sensitivity in posterior resin composite restorations with prior application of a glutaraldehyde-based desensitizing solution: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of a glutaraldehyde-based desensitizer on the postoperative sensitivity (POS) in posterior resin composite restorations up to 12 months using a universal adhesive (Tetric N-Bond Universal) with selective enamel etching (SE) or an etch-and-rinse (ER) strategy. METHODS: Class I and class II resin composite restorations (n = 220) at least 3 mm deep were inserted in 55 subjects. The universal adhesive was applied using the SE (self-etch strategy on dentin with selective enamel etching) or the ER strategy, with or without prior application of a glutaraldehyde-based desensitizer (Gluma Desensitizer - GL) to form groups SEGL and ERGL. A bulk-fill resin composite (Tetric NCeram Bulk Fill) was used for all restorations. Spontaneous POS was assessed 7 days after the restorative procedure using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). After 7, 14, and 30 days of completing each restoration, the subjects were reassessed to evaluate POS caused by stimulation with an air blast, horizontal and vertical percussion. In addition, marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, fracture, and recurrence of caries were evaluated using the FDI (World Dental Federation) criteria after 7 days and at 12 months. RESULTS: No significant spontaneous or stimuli-induced POS was observed when restorations with or without GL were compared (p>0.05). A higher risk of spontaneous POS was observed within 7 days (40.0%; 95% CI 28.1 to 53.1), without statistically significant differences among groups. None of the participants reported POS at 12 months, however five restorations were considered clinically unsatisfactory (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The previous application of GL did not significantly reduce spontaneous or stimuli-induced POS in posterior resin composite restorations at any time, regardless of the adhesive strategy used. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of a glutaraldehyde-based desensitizing agent did not generate lower incidence of postoperative sensitivity in resin composite posterior restorations.

Thirty-six-month clinical evaluation of posterior high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composite restorations in a high caries incidence population: interim results of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the clinical performance of two bulk-fill (BF) and one conventional resin composite in a population with a high caries incidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 138 class I and II restorations were performed and randomly divided into three groups (n = 46) with equal allocation: Filtek BF (FBF; 3M ESPE), Tetric EvoCeram BF (TBF; Ivoclar Vivadent), and control Filtek Z250 (Z250; 3M ESPE). The evaluations were performed using the USPHS and FDI criteria at baseline and after 12 and 36 months by a previously calibrated evaluator. The Friedman and Wilcoxon tests for paired data were used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The DMFT index at baseline was 9.44, with 87% from the decayed component. After 36 months, 108 restorations (n = 36) were evaluated. Two failures were observed for TBF at marginal adaptation and recurrence of caries, resulting in a survival rate of 94.44% and an annual failure rate (AFR) of 1.26%. No equivalence was observed between the criteria for surface roughness, marginal adaptation, and discoloration. CONCLUSIONS: The 36-month clinical performance of high-viscosity BF resin composites was comparable to conventional incremental-filled resin composites. The FDI criteria better presented the restorations' clinical success. However, in the case of failure, both criteria provided the same result. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: High-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites showed excellent performance after 36 months in a high caries incidence population. It can be considered a simplified alternative restoration method that reduces operating time and minimizes possible operator errors.

Clinical Performance of Bulk-Fill Resin Composite Restorations Using the United States Public Health Service and Federation Dentaire Internationale Criteria: A 12-Month Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to compare the 12-month clinical performance of two full-body bulk-fill resin composites Filtek bulk fill/3M ESPE (FBF) and Tetric EvoCeram bulk fill/Ivoclar Vivadent (TBF) and a conventional microhybrid resin composite Filtek Z250/3M ESPE (Z250) using the modified the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) and Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) criteria. Also, the agreement between the two evaluation criteria was evaluated at baseline and after 12 months of follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 138 class I and II restorations were placed in posterior teeth (split-mouth design) of 46 volunteers following manufacturer's instructions and bonded with a self-etching bonding agent (Clear fill SE Bond/Kuraray). The restorations were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months of follow-up by three previously calibrated dentists (Cohen's K = 0.84). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Fisher's exact test and Pearson's Chi-squared test were used to evaluating the homogeneity of distribution of the clinical characteristics. Friedman's test was applied to evaluate differences among the resin composites. The results obtained for the USPHS and FDI criteria at the different observation times were compared using the Wilcoxon test. A level of significance of 0.05 was adopted for all tests. RESULTS: After 12 months (recall rate, 78.3%, n = 36 patients), the overall success rate was 99.07% for both criteria. Only one failed restoration (0.93%) was detected for each system during follow-up in the TBF group. CONCLUSION: The bulk-fill resin composites showed satisfactory clinical performance compared with conventional resin composite after 12 months. The percentage of the acceptable scores was significantly higher for the USPHS criteria, due to discrepancies in the score description for each criterion.

Complications with PMMA compared with other materials used in cranioplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) has been considered a suitable material for cranioplasty. However, no consensus has been reached concerning the best material for cranioplasty with regard to minimizing complications. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the complication rates of PMMA with those of autologous bone and titanium mesh. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016042725). Systematic searches were conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. The focus question was, "Do PMMA prostheses used in cranioplasty have complications rates similar to those of autologous bone and titanium mesh?" A meta-analysis of complication rates was performed on the basis of dichotomous outcomes assessed by risk ratio (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). From 1014 data sources, 11 articles were selected according to eligibility criteria. These articles involved 1,256 individuals and 1,278 cranioplasties using autologous bone (n = 408), PMMA (n = 379), or titanium (n = 151). The follow-up period ranged from 63 days to 54.3 months. No difference was observed between the complication rates of PMMA and autologous bone (p = 0.94; RR, 0.98; 95%CI, 0.54-1.75) or between PMMA and titanium (p = 0.38; RR, 1.59; 95%CI, 0.57-4.48). Sub-analysis of the reasons for craniotomy (trauma/non-trauma) was conducted, which revealed no significant difference (p = 0.91; RR, 0.95; 95%CI, 0.37-2.42). The meta-analysis indicated that the use of PMMA yields complication rates that are near those of autologous bone and titanium mesh.

Complications with PMMA compared with other materials used in cranioplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) has been considered a suitable material for cranioplasty. However, no consensus has been reached concerning the best material for cranioplasty with regard to minimizing complications. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the complication rates of PMMA with those of autologous bone and titanium mesh. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016042725). Systematic searches were conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. The focus question was, "Do PMMA prostheses used in cranioplasty have complications rates similar to those of autologous bone and titanium mesh?" A meta-analysis of complication rates was performed on the basis of dichotomous outcomes assessed by risk ratio (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). From 1014 data sources, 11 articles were selected according to eligibility criteria. These articles involved 1,256 individuals and 1,278 cranioplasties using autologous bone (n = 408), PMMA (n = 379), or titanium (n = 151). The follow-up period ranged from 63 days to 54.3 months. No difference was observed between the complication rates of PMMA and autologous bone (p = 0.94; RR, 0.98; 95%CI, 0.54-1.75) or between PMMA and titanium (p = 0.38; RR, 1.59; 95%CI, 0.57-4.48). Sub-analysis of the reasons for craniotomy (trauma/non-trauma) was conducted, which revealed no significant difference (p = 0.91; RR, 0.95; 95%CI, 0.37-2.42). The meta-analysis indicated that the use of PMMA yields complication rates that are near those of autologous bone and titanium mesh.

Pre-treating dentin with chlorhexadine and CPP-ACP: self-etching and universal adhesive systems.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of pre-treating dentin with chlorhexidine, at concentrations of 0.2% and 2%, and remineralizing paste containing CPP-ACP (MI Paste - GC) on the bond strength of adhesive systems. Material and methods: In total, 80 slides of dentin were used. These slides were 2 mm thick and were obtained from bovine incisors. Standard cavities were created using diamond bur number 3131. In the control groups, a Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SUA) self-etching adhesive system of 3M ESPE and a Clearfil SE Bond (CSE) adhesive system of Kuraray were applied, following the manufacturer's instructions. In the other groups, dentin was pretreated with chlorhexidine (0.2% and 2%) for 1 min and with MI Paste for 3 min. The cavities were restored with Z350 XT resin (3M ESPE). After 24 h of storage, the push-out test was applied at a speed of 0.5 mm/min. Results: The different dentin pretreatment techniques did not affect the intra-adhesive bond strength. There was a difference between treatment with MI Paste and chlorhexidine 0.2% in favor of the SUA, with values of 15.22 and 20.25 Mpa, respectively. Conclusions: The different pretreatment methods did not alter the immediate bond strength to dentin. Differences were only recorded when comparing the adhesives.

Impact of toothbrushing with a dentifrice containing calcium peroxide on enamel color and roughness.

This in vitro study sought to evaluate both the bleaching potential and changes to average surface roughness (Ra) of enamel after brushing with a dentifrice. Fifty-four enamel specimens (4 x 4 x 2 mm) were divided into 3 groups (n = 18) and treated with 1 of 3 dentifrices: 1 with calcium peroxide, and 2 without. The samples were submitted to 20,000 brushing cycles. Color and Ra were measured before and after brushing. Although the Ra increased in all groups after brushing, only the dentifrice containing calcium peroxide resulted in an increase in reflectance.

Bond strength to dentin of total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems / Resistência de união à dentina de sistemas adesivos convencionais e autocondicionante

OBJECTIVE: To assess the bond strength to dentin of the Single Bond (3M ESPE) and XP Bond (Dentsply) total-etch and Adper SE Plus (3M ESPE) self-etch adhesive systems. METHODS: Fifteen healthy human third molars were randomly allocated across three different groups of five teeth each according to the adhesive system. The occlusal portion of each tooth was removed under refrigeration using a flexible diamond disc (EXTEC, Enfield, CT, USA) down to an area of dentin that did not reveal enamel, as confirmed under a 40X stereo microscope (Ramsor, São Paulo, Brazil). A standardized smear layer was created with #600 grit silicon-carbide paper. The adhesive systems were applied as per manufacturer recommendations, with the exception of the Adper SE Plus system, which was triple-polymerized. Composite resin blocks (5 mm) were placed on the dentin surface. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 hours at 37ºC. Using a flexible diamond disc (EXTEC, Enfield, CT, USA), toothpick-like specimens with an adhesive area of less than 1 mm² were obtained. A microtensile bond test was then carried out using a universal testing machine (KRATOS) with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test were used for comparisons. RESULTS: The bond strength values obtained with each adhesive system were as follows: XP Bond, 96.24 MPa; Adper Single Bond, 72.39 MPa; Adper SE Plus, 49.91 MPa. CONCLUSION: In terms of bond strength to dentin, conventional adhesives outperform self-etching systems. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o grau de resistência de união à dentina dos sistemas adesivos de condicionamento ácido total Adper Single Bond (3M ESPE) e XP Bond (Dentsply) e autocondicionante Adper SE Plus (3M ESPE). MÉTODOS: Quinze terceiros molares humanos hígidos foram utilizados, divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos de cinco dentes cada, conforme o adesivo que seria utilizado. A porção oclusal foi removida com o auxílio de um disco flexível diamantado sob refrigeração, até expor uma área de dentina que não apresentasse ilhas de esmalte, comprovado em lupa esterioscópica em aumento de 40X. A smear layer foi padronizada em lixa d'água n°600. Na sequência os sistemas adesivos foram aplicados conforme as recomendações do fabricante, exceto o Adper SE Plus que teve seu tempo de polimerização triplicado. Sobre os dentes preparados foram construídos blocos de resina composta com 5mm de altura. As amostras foram armazenadas por 24 horas a 37°C em água destilada. Utilizando o disco flexível diamantado, foram obtidos corpos de prova com formato de palitos com área adesiva menor que 1mm². Em seguida o teste de microtração foi realizado numa Máquina de Ensaios Universal numa velocidade de 0,5 mm/min. Foram utilizados o teste ANOVA e comparações pareadas de Tukey. RESULTADOS: Os valores da resistência de união para cada sistema adesivo em Mpa foram: 96,24 (XP Bond); 72,39 (Adper Single Bond) e 49,91 (Adper SE Plus). CONCLUSÃO: Dessa forma, em relação à resistência de união à dentina, os adesivos convencionais apresentaram desempenho superior ao autocondicionante. .

Filler morphology of resin-based low-viscosity materials and surface properties after several photoactivation times.

AIM: This study aimed to characterize the morphology of filler particles and to analyze the effect of shortened and extended photoactivation times on hardness (VHN) and cross-link density (CLD) of resin-based low-viscosity materials. METHODS: Sixteen commercially available materials were tested: four fissure sealants (Alpha Seal, Fluroshield Yellowed, Bioseal and Fluroshield White) and 12 flowable composites (Opallis T, Permaflo T, Opallis A2, Natural Flow A2, Master Flow A2, Permaflo A2, Filtek Z350 A2, Natural Flow O, Master Flow OA2, Opallis OA3.5, Filtek Z350 OA3, Opallis OP) at six curing times (10 s, 20 s, 30 s, 40 s, 50 s and 60 s). Specimens were fabricated (n = 5), analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, by VHN and by CLD. RESULTS: Unimodal and multimodal filler particles sizes with spherical and irregular shapes were observed. Unfilled materials were also detected. There were no differences among curing times for either VHN or CLD. Opallis A2 and Opallis OA3.5 showed the highest VHN at all curing times, whereas Master Flow A2 and Master Flow OA2 presented the lowest VHN. Opallis A2 presented the highest CLD at all curing times and Alpha Seal showed the lowest CLD. CONCLUSIONS: Filler particle morphology differed among the resin-based low-viscosity materials tested. The shortest photoactivation time tested could yield similar VHN and CLD means to those provided by the most extended photoactivation time.

Effect of dentin pre-treatment with a casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) paste on dentin bond strength in tridimensional cavities.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the push-out bond strength of dimethacrylate (Clearfil SE Bond/Filtek Z250; and Adper SE Plus/Filtek Z250) and silorane-based (Filtek P90 adhesive system/Filtek P90 composite resin) restorative systems following selective dentin pre-treatment with a CPP-ACP-containing paste (MI Paste). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty bovine incisors were utilized. The buccal surface was wet-ground to obtain a flat dentin area. Standardized conical cavities were then prepared. Adhesive systems were applied according to manufacturers' directions and the composites were bulk-inserted into the cavity. The push-out bond strength test was performed at a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min) until failure; failure modes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: For Clearfil SE Bond/Filtek Z250 and Filtek P90 adhesive system/Filtek P90 composite resin, the dentin pre-treatment did not influence bond strength means. For Adper SE Plus/Filtek Z250, dentin samples treated with MI Paste had statistically higher bond strength means than non-treated specimens. Adhesive failures were more frequent. CONCLUSION: Dentin pre-treatment with the CPP-ACP containing paste did not negatively affect bond strength for Clearfil SE Bond/Filtek Z250 and Filtek P90 adhesive system/Filtek P90 composite resin restorative systems and improved bond strength for the Adper SE Plus/Filtek Z250 restorative system.

Improvement of the orthodontic bracket bond strength with pre-heated composite restoratives.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pre-heated composite restoratives on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets. METHODS: The following materials were tested: a microhybrid composite restorative (Filtek Z250), two nanofilled composite restoratives (Filtek Z350 and NT Premium), a nanohybrid composite restorative (Brilliant) and a conventional orthodontic adhesive (Transbond XT). All materials were stored for 1 h in the incubator either at 25°C (room temperature simulation) or 60°C before bonding 100 orthodontic brackets on bovine lower incisors (n = 10). One Coat Bond SL and Transbond XT were used to bond the composite restoratives and the Transbond XT adhesive paste, respectively. After storage in distilled water for 24 h, the brackets were subjected to SBS test at a speed of 0.5 mm/min until bracket debonding. The Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was assigned to the fractured specimens. Data were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA and the Tukey post-hoc test (p < 0.05). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare ARI scores between the groups (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the materials at room temperature. Samples bonded with pre-heated materials showed a statistically higher SBS than those bonded with room temperature materials. Samples bonded with the pre-heated orthodontic adhesive showed the highest SBS among all the pre-heated materials. All preheated composite restoratives produced an SBS mean higher than that of Transbond XT stored at room temperature. CONCLUSION: The use of pre-heated composite restoratives and orthodontic adhesives might be an alternative approach to bond orthodontic brackets.

Arrest of non-cavitated dentinal occlusal caries by sealing pits and fissures: a 36-month, randomised controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the progression of sealed non-cavitated dentinal occlusal caries in a randomised controlled clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty teeth with non-cavitated dentinal occlusal caries were selected in patients with a high risk for caries. Patients were randomly divided into two groups so that each group included 30 teeth. Patients in the experiment group were given oral hygiene instructions and a fissure sealant. Patients in the control group were given oral hygiene instructions only. Caries progression and sealant loss were monitored over a period of 36 months by clinical and radiographic examinations. RESULTS: Clinical and radiographic progression of caries was significantly more frequent in the control group than in the experiment group. Three teeth lost their sealant and showed caries progression, but this was apparent only at the 12-month follow-up. At the 24- and 36-month recall appointments, neither sealant loss nor caries progression were observed. CONCLUSION: The pit and fissure sealant utilised in this study was shown to be effective in arresting carious lesions at 36 months.

Influence of etching time and bonding strategies on the microshear bond strength of self- and light-cured pit-and-fissure sealants

This study evaluated the impact of extended etching and bonding strategies on the microshear bond strength of three sealant materials. Two pit-and-fissure sealants [FluroShield, Dentsply (light-cured) and AlphaSeal, DFL (self-cured)] and one light-cured flowable composite resin (Permaflo, Ultradent) were evaluated according to different enamel etching times (15 s or 30 s) and bonding procedures (no adhesive application, application of primer/hydrophobic resin or hydrophobic resin only). Intact enamel blocks were obtained from bovine teeth and sealed via the tested protocols. After 24 h, the microshear bond strength test was performed in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Failure modes were classified by stereomicroscopy. Data were submitted to a three-way ANOVA and to Tukey's test (α=0.05). There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) among the materials. Permaflo showed higher bond strength when etched for 30 s alone. Enamel overetching decreased the bond strength of the light-cured sealant. Primer/bond previous treatment improved bond performance for AlphaSeal. In conclusion, from the tested conditions, all sealant materials presented similar bond strength values in relation to bonding protocol and etching time. The flowable composite can be used as a pit-and-fissure sealant. The use of a three-step adhesive system was essential for the self-cured sealant application.

Este trabalho avaliou o impacto de tempos aumentados de condicionamento ácido e da estratégia adesiva na resistência de união por microcisalhamento de três materiais utilizados como selantes de fóssulas e fissuras. Dois tradicionais selantes, [FluroShield, Dentsply (fotoativado) e AlphaSeal, DFL (quimicamente ativado)] e uma resina composta de baixa viscosidade (Permaflo, Ultradent) foram utilizados de acordo com diferentes tempos de condicionamento ácido (15 s e 30 s) e diferentes estratégias de união (sem aplicação de sistema adesivo, aplicação de um primer + resina hidrófoba, e aplicação apenas de uma resina hidrófoba). Fragmentos de esmalte intacto foram obtidos de incisivos bovinos e os materiais foram aplicados respeitando-se os protocolos anteriormente descritos. Após 24 h, o teste de microcisalhamento foi executado utilizando-se uma máquina de ensaio universal, com velocidade de 0,5 mm/min. O padrão de fratura foi classificado com auxílio de lupa estereoscópica. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes ANOVA a três critérios e de Tukey (α=0.05). Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os materiais. Permaflo apresentou maior resistência de união quando o esmalte foi condicionado por 30 s apenas. O sobrecondicionamento do esmalte diminuiu a resistência de união do selante fotopolimerizável. O tratamento prévio do esmalte com primer + resina hidrófoba melhorou a performance adesiva para o AlphaSeal. Todos os materiais apresentaram valores de resistência de união estatisticamente similares em relação ao protocolo adesivo e ao tempo de condicionamento ácido. A resina composta de baixa viscosidade poderá ser utilizada como selante de fóssulas e fissuras. A aplicação de um sistema adesivo de três passos é essencial durante o selamento com selante quimicamente ativado.

In vitro evaluation of incompatibility between simplified adhesive systems and dual-cure resin cement / Avaliação in vitro da incompatibilidade entre sistemas adesivos e cimento resinoso dual

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incompatibility between simplified adhesive systems and dual-cure resin cement by means of marginal micro-leakage testing. Methods: Standardized cavity preparations were performed in 30 bovine teeth. The adhesive systems Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) - Group A, Excite (Ivoclar/Vivadent, AG, Liechtenstein) - Group B, and Adper Prompt L-Pop (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) - Group C, were applied and the cavities were filled with dual-cure resin cement (Enforce - Denstply, Milford, DE, USA). The samples were submitted to five hundred thermal cycles, after which they were immersed in 2% buffered methylene blue. Results: Group A presented the lowest mean percentage of micro-leakage (3.34%), followed by Group B (13.60%) and Group C (48.33%). Significant differences were found among the groups after the application of the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test (P=0.00). Conclusion: The highest mean marginal micro-leakage values were shown with the use of the one-bottle etch-and-rinse adhesive system and the all-in-one self-etch system, which demonstrates the incompatibility between these materials.

Objetivo: Avaliar a incompatibilidade entre sistemas adesivos e cimento resinoso dual através de teste de microinfiltração marginal. Métodos: Foram realizados preparos cavitários padronizados em 30 dentes bovinos divididos em 3 grupos: A) Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA); B) Excite (Ivoclar/Vivadent, AG, Liechtenstein) e C) Adper Prompt L-Pop (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA). Após aplicação dos adesivos, as cavidades foram preenchidas com cimento resinoso dual Enforce (Denstply, Milford, DE, USA), submetidos à ciclagem térmica (500 ciclos) e imersos em azul de metileno 2% tamponado. Resultados: O grupo A apresentou os menores percentuais de microinfiltração (3,34%), seguido pelo grupo B (13,60%) e pelo grupo C (48,33%). Após aplicação do teste estatístico Kruskal-Wallis, foram detectadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os três grupos (P=0.00). Conclusão: Houve incompatibilidade na associação entre os sistemas adesivos, convencional de dois passos (Excite, Ivoclar/Vivadent, AG, Liechtenstein) e autocondicionante de passo único (Adper Prompt L-Pop (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), e o cimento resinoso dual Enforce (Denstply, Milford, DE, USA).

Preliminary study of a novel in-office bleaching therapy modified with a casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate.

Although in-office bleaching has been proven successful for bleaching teeth, controversy exists from morphological alterations in enamel morphology due to mineral loss and tooth sensitivity. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel in-office tooth bleaching technique modified with a casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) paste (MI paste-MI) and its effect on the enamel morphology and tooth sensitivity. Three patients received a 35% hydrogen peroxide (Whiteness HP-HP) dental bleaching system. HP was prepared and applied on the teeth on one of the hemiarches, whilst teeth on the other hemiarch were bleached with a mixture of HP and MI. Tooth color, epoxy resin replicas, and sensitivity levels were evaluated in the upper incisors. The results were analyzed descriptively. Right and left incisors showed similar color change after bleaching. Incisors bleached with the mixture of HP and MI presented unaltered enamel surfaces and lower sensitivity levels. The currently tested tooth bleaching technique did not reduce the gel effectiveness while decreasing hypersensitivity levels and protecting the enamel against surface alterations caused by the high-concentration bleaching peroxide tested. The concomitant use of MI Paste and high-concentration hydrogen peroxide might be a successful method for decreasing tooth sensitivity and limiting changes in the enamel morphology during in-office bleaching.

Impact of adhesive and photoactivation method on sealant integrity and polymer network formation

We evaluated the influence of photoactivation method and hydrophobic resin (HR) application on the marginal and internal adaptation, hardness (KHN), and crosslink density (CLD) of a resin-based fissure sealant. Model fissures were created in bovine enamel fragments (n = 10) and sealed using one of the following protocols: no adhesive system + photoactivation of the sealant using continuous light (CL), no adhesive system + photoactivation of the sealant using the soft-start method (SS), HR + CL, or HR + SS. Marginal and internal gaps and KHN were assessed after storage in water for 24 h. The CLD was indirectly assessed by repeating the KHN measurement after 24 h of immersion in 100% ethanol. There was no difference among the samples with regard to marginal or internal adaptation. The KHN and CLD were similar for samples cured using either photoactivation method. Use of a hydrophobic resin prior to placement of fissure sealants and curing the sealant using the soft-start method may not provide any positive influence on integrity or crosslink density.

Impact of adhesive and photoactivation method on sealant integrity and polymer network formation.

We evaluated the influence of photoactivation method and hydrophobic resin (HR) application on the marginal and internal adaptation, hardness (KHN), and crosslink density (CLD) of a resin-based fissure sealant. Model fissures were created in bovine enamel fragments (n = 10) and sealed using one of the following protocols: no adhesive system + photoactivation of the sealant using continuous light (CL), no adhesive system + photoactivation of the sealant using the soft-start method (SS), HR + CL, or HR + SS. Marginal and internal gaps and KHN were assessed after storage in water for 24 h. The CLD was indirectly assessed by repeating the KHN measurement after 24 h of immersion in 100% ethanol. There was no difference among the samples with regard to marginal or internal adaptation. The KHN and CLD were similar for samples cured using either photoactivation method. Use of a hydrophobic resin prior to placement of fissure sealants and curing the sealant using the soft-start method may not provide any positive influence on integrity or crosslink density.

Influence of etching time and bonding strategies on the microshear bond strength of self- and light-cured pit-and-fissure sealants.

This study evaluated the impact of extended etching and bonding strategies on the microshear bond strength of three sealant materials. Two pit-and-fissure sealants [FluroShield, Dentsply (light-cured) and AlphaSeal, DFL (self-cured)] and one light-cured flowable composite resin (Permaflo, Ultradent) were evaluated according to different enamel etching times (15 s or 30 s) and bonding procedures (no adhesive application, application of primer/hydrophobic resin or hydrophobic resin only). Intact enamel blocks were obtained from bovine teeth and sealed via the tested protocols. After 24 h, the microshear bond strength test was performed in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Failure modes were classified by stereomicroscopy. Data were submitted to a three-way ANOVA and to Tukey's test (α=0.05). There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) among the materials. Permaflo showed higher bond strength when etched for 30 s alone. Enamel overetching decreased the bond strength of the light-cured sealant. Primer/bond previous treatment improved bond performance for AlphaSeal. In conclusion, from the tested conditions, all sealant materials presented similar bond strength values in relation to bonding protocol and etching time. The flowable composite can be used as a pit-and-fissure sealant. The use of a three-step adhesive system was essential for the self-cured sealant application.