Effect of handling, time of use and photoactivation on the contamination of dental composite resins

This study evaluated the effect of contamination of composite resins (CRs) handled by undergraduate students during restorative procedures, varying the time (baseline, 30 days and 60 days) and experimental condition (before and after handling, contamination with saliva [positive control] and photoactivation). Eight CR tubes were randomly distributed at the dental clinic and the samples were organized into four groups: CR fragments collected before (GB) and after (GA) the restorative procedure; CR fragments contaminated with saliva (GS) and photoactivated (GP) both collected after the procedure. These 4 groups were evaluated in 3 different times: baseline (after sealing), 30 days and 60 days of use of the CR. Samples that had positive turbidity in Brain HeartInfusion (BHI) broth were sown in BHI and Sabouraud Dextrose (SB) agars for subsequent counting of Colony Forming Units (CFU mL-1). The results showed that the handling was responsible for increasing contamination (p < 0.05) at the baseline (GB [n = 0] and GA [n = 3]), as well as after 30 (GB [n = 1] and GA [n = 6]) and 60 (GB [n = 1] and GA [n = 5]) days of use. Photoactivation was responsible for the reduction for microorganisms in T0 and T60. Additionally, the time use and conservation did not influencethe contamination of CRs. Handling was responsible for the increase of contamination of CR, the photoactivation seems to reduce the number of viable microorganisms and the time of use seems not to potentiate the effect of tube contamination.

Effect of Light-Curing Unit Type and Bulk-Fill Composite Resins with Different Photoinitiators on Marginal Gaps of Class II Restorations

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of two types of light-curing units (second and third generations) and two types of bulk-fill composite resins with different photoinitiators - Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill (TNCB) and Xtra Fil (XTF) on gap formation at the gingival margins of Cl II restorations. Material and Methods: Fifty-six standard Cl II cavities were prepared on the mesial and distal surfaces of premolar teeth, with the gingival margin of the cavities 1 mm apical to the CEJ. The samples were randomly assigned to two groups based on the composite resin type and two subgroups based on the light-curing unit type and restored. After 5000 rounds of thermocycling, gingival margin gap in each sample was measured in µm under an electron microscope at ×2000 magnification. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Results: Marginal gaps of TNCB composite resin were significantly smaller than those of XTF composite resin (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between the two light-curing units in each group (p=0.887 with XTF and p=0.999 with TNCB). Conclusion: The gaps at gingival margins of Cl II cavities with TNCB bulk-fill composite were smaller than XTF composite resin. Both composite resins can be cured with both the second- and third-generation LEDs (AU).

Effect of Light Curing Modes on the Color Stability of a Nanohybrid Composite Immersed in Different Beverages / Efecto de diferentes modos de fotopolimerización en la estabilidad del color de una resina compuesta nanohíbrida inmersa en diferentes bebidas

Abstract: Aim: Sufficient polymerization remains as crucial for composites to prevent discoloration. Both LEDs and halogen units are used for polymerization and different curing modes are improved to overcome inadequate polymerization. This in vitro study investigated staining susceptibility of a nano-hybrid resin composite light-cured in different modes and immersed in different staining media. Methods: Disc-shaped specimens were prepared from nano-hybrid resin composite (Filtek Z550) and light- cured according to following modes: Halojen (GI), LED standard (GII), LED pulse (GIII) or LED ramp (GIV). Half of the specimens of each group (n=7) were stored in one of the staining media (red wine or coffee) for 10 min/day during experimental period. Measurements were performed using spectrophotometer according to CIEL*a*b system at baseline and on 7, 28 and 56 days. Colour differences (∆E) between groups were submitted to statistical analysis. Results: Regarding 7-day evaluation, colour change values of specimens immersed in coffee revealed no remarkable difference among curing modes (p>0.05); whereas specimens in GIV were significantly less stained compared to specimens in GII and GIII when immersed in red wine. Regarding 56- days of evaluation, specimens of GIV showed statistically significant colour change in red wine compared to other groups. However specimens in GI revealed the least staining after 56-days of coffee immersion, and this result was statistically different from LED groups. Conclusion: This study suggest that light-curing mode influences the staining susceptibility of the tested composite. Composites polymerized with halogen unit showed lower staining than all LED modes. Despite novel light sources, halogen units may still used reliably at clinics.

Resumen: Objetivo: La polimerización suficiente sigue siendo crucial para que los compuestos eviten la decoloración. Tanto los LED como las unidades halógenas se utilizan para la polimerización y se mejoran los diferentes modos de curado para superar la polimerización inadecuada. Este estudio in vitro investigó la susceptibilidad a la tinción de un compuesto de resina nano-híbrida curado a la luz en diferentes modos y se sumergió en diferentes medios de tinción. Métodos: Las muestras en forma de disco se prepararon a partir de un compuesto de resina nano-híbrida (Filtek Z550) y se curaron con luz de acuerdo con los siguientes modos: Halojen (GI), estándar de LED (GII), pulso de LED (GIII) o rampa de LED (GIV). La mitad de las muestras de cada grupo (n = 7) se almacenaron en uno de los medios de tinción (vino tinto o café) durante 10 minutos / día durante el período experimental. Las mediciones se realizaron utilizando un espectrofotómetro de acuerdo con el sistema CIEL * a * b en la línea de base y en 7, 28 y 56 días. Las diferencias de color (∆E) entre los grupos se sometieron a análisis estadístico. Resultados: Con respecto a la evaluación de 7 días, los valores de cambio de color de las muestras sumergidas en café no revelaron diferencias notables entre los modos de curado (p> 0.05); mientras que las muestras en GIV se tiñeron significativamente menos en comparación con las muestras en GII y GIII cuando se sumergieron en vino tinto. Con respecto a los 56 días de evaluación, las muestras de GIV mostraron un cambio de color estadísticamente significativo en el vino tinto en comparación con otros grupos. Sin embargo, las muestras en GI revelaron la menor tinción después de 56 días de inmersión en el café, y este resultado fue estadísticamente diferente de los grupos LED. Conclusión: este estudio sugiere que el modo de fotopolimerización influye en la susceptibilidad de tinción del material compuesto probado. Los compuestos polimerizados con una unidad halógena mostraron una tinción más baja que todos los modos LED. A pesar de las nuevas fuentes de luz, las unidades halógenas todavía pueden usarse de manera confiable en las clínicas.

Clinical long-term success of contemporary nano-filled resin composites in class I and II restorations cured by LED or halogen light.

OBJECTIVES: The use of LED light-curing units (LED LCUs) for polymerising resin-based composite restorations has become widespread throughout dentistry. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of clinical longitudinal studies that evaluate the comparative efficacy of LED-based polymerisation in direct posterior composite restorations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the performance of class I and II resin composite restorations for two successful composite restorative materials cured with LED versus halogen LCUs. METHODS: One hundred restorations were placed using the nano-filled composites Grandio® or Filtek™ Supremé. The following test groups were established: LED-Grandio® n = 23 (LG), LED-Filtek™ Supremé n = 21 (LS). As controls were used: Halogen-Grandio® n = 28 (HG), Halogen-Filtek™ Supremé n = 28 (HS). All restorations were evaluated according to the clinical criteria of the CPM index (C-criteria) at baseline and after 6, 12 and 36 months. RESULTS: After 12 and 36 months, there were no significant differences between restorations polymerised with LED or halogen light. At the end of the study, 97% of the restorations showed sufficient results regardless of the employed LCU or composite. Globally, after 36 months, 56% of all restorations were assessed with code 0 (excellent) and 41% with code 1 (acceptable). In detail, excellent results (code 0) among the criteria surface quality; marginal integrity and marginal discoloration were assigned in 72, 70 and 69%. CONCLUSIONS: For the current limitations in the clinical trial design, the results showed that LED-polymerisation is appropriate to ensure clinical success of direct posterior resin composite restorations in a range of 3 years. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The choice of LCU has no significant influence on the clinical performance of posterior direct resin composite restorations within 3 years of wear.

Light irradiance through novel CAD-CAM block materials and degree of conversion of composite cements.

OBJECTIVE: To assess light irradiance (LI) delivered by two light-curing units (LCU's) and to measure the degree of conversion (DC) of three composite cements, when cured through different thicknesses of two novel CAD-CAM block materials. METHODS: 100-µm-thick films of a dual-curable composite cement (G-CEM LinkAce, GC), a light-curable flowable resin-based composite (RBC) (G-ænial Universal Flo, GC) and a micro-hybrid RBC (G-ænial Posterior, GC) were investigated as luting agents. Two 'polymer-ceramic' CAD-CAM blocks (Cerasmart, GC; Enamic, Vita Zahnfabrik) were sectioned in slabs with different thicknesses (1, 3 and 5mm). LI at the bottom of the specimens was measured using a calibrated spectrometer, while being light-cured through the CAD-CAM block slabs for 40s with a low- (±500mW/cm2) or high- (±1,600mW/cm2) irradiance LCU (n=5). After light-curing, micro-Raman spectra of the composite films were acquired to determine DC at 5min, 10min, 1h and 24h. LI data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis followed by post-hoc comparisons, while a linear mixed-effect model was applied for the DC analysis. In addition, the CAD-CAM blocks ultrastructure was characterized upon argon-ion slicing using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Finally, light transmission (LT) through each CAD-CAM block material was assessed using a spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Curing-light attenuation and DC were significantly influenced by thickness and type of the overlying material. LCU only had a significant effect on DC of the micro-hybrid RBC. DC significantly increased over time for all composite cements. CAD-CAM block structural analysis revealed a relatively small and homogenous filler configuration (mean filler size of 0.2-0.5µm) for Cerasmart, while Enamic contained ceramic grains varying in shape and size (1-10µm), which were interconnected by the polymer-based network. LT was much higher at a wavelength range of 300-800nm for Cerasmart than for Enamic. SIGNIFICANCE: Light-curable composite cements can be cured through a restoration up to 2.7-mm thickness, depending on the kind of CAD-CAM material. A high-irradiance LCU only has a limited effect on the maximum thickness of the polymer-ceramic CAD-CAM material that can be cured through.

Bulk-Fill Composites: Effectiveness of Cure With Poly- and Monowave Curing Lights and Modes.

This study compared the effectiveness of cure of bulk-fill composites using polywave light-emitting diode (LED; with various curing modes), monowave LED, and conventional halogen curing lights. The bulk-fill composites evaluated were Tetric N-Ceram bulk-fill (TNC), which contained a novel germanium photoinitiator (Ivocerin), and Smart Dentin Replacement (SDR). The composites were placed into black polyvinyl molds with cylindrical recesses of 4-mm height and 3-mm diameter and photopolymerized as follows: Bluephase N Polywave High (NH), 1200 mW/cm2 (10 seconds); Bluephase N Polywave Low (NL), 650 mW/cm2 (18.5 seconds); Bluephase N Polywave soft-start (NS), 0-650 mW/cm2 (5 seconds) → 1200 mW/cm2 (10 seconds); Bluephase N Monowave (NM), 800 mW/cm2 (15 seconds); QHL75 (QH), 550 mW/cm2 (21.8 seconds). Total energy output was fixed at 12,000 mJ/cm2 for all lights/modes, with the exception of NS. The cured specimens were stored in a light-proof container at 37°C for 24 hours, and hardness (Knoop Hardness Number) of the top and bottom surfaces of the specimens was determined using a Knoop microhardness tester (n=6). Hardness data and bottom-to-top hardness ratios were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance/Scheffe's post hoc test at a significance level of 0.05. Hardness ratios ranged from 38.43% ± 5.19% to 49.25% ± 6.38% for TNC and 50.67% ± 1.54% to 67.62% ± 6.96% for SDR. For both bulk-fill composites, the highest hardness ratios were obtained with NM and lowest hardness ratios with NL. While no significant difference in hardness ratios was observed between curing lights/modes for TNC, the hardness ratio obtained with NM was significantly higher than the hardness ratio obtained for NL for SDR.

Diagnóstico e tratamento restaurador com resina composta e matriz oclusal em molar com lesão de cárie oculta / Diagnosis and restorative treatment with composite resin and occlusal matrix on molar with occult caries lesion

Atualmente, o diagnóstico de cárie tem sido mais difícil em razão do aparecimento de pacientes com cáries ocultas nos dentes posteriores, sendo necessários métodos auxiliares capazes de proporcionar ao dentista segurança quanto à intervenção restauradora. Este trabalho teve como objetivo demonstrar, com um relato de caso clínico, a utilização do aparelho DIAGNOdent® (Kavo) como método auxiliar no diagnóstico de cárie oculta num primeiro molar inferior e a técnica restauradora direta com resina composta com auxílio de uma matriz oclusal em acrílico autopolimerizável (AU).

Currently the diagnosis of caries has been more difficult due to the presence of patients with occult caries in the posterior teeth, so ancillary methods are necessary to provide the dentist safety regarding restorative intervention. The objective of this study was to demonstrate through a clinical report, the use of the DIAGNOdent® (Kavo) device as an aid in the diagnosis of occult caries in a lower first molar and the direct restorative technique with a composite resin using an Acrylic self-curing occlusal matrix (AU).

Light curing in dentistry and clinical implications: a literature review.

Contemporary dentistry literally cannot be performed without use of resin-based restorative materials. With the success of bonding resin materials to tooth structures, an even wider scope of clinical applications has arisen for these lines of products. Understanding of the basic events occurring in any dental polymerization mechanism, regardless of the mode of activating the process, will allow clinicians to both better appreciate the tremendous improvements that have been made over the years, and will also provide valuable information on differences among strategies manufacturers use to optimize product performance, as well as factors under the control of the clinician, whereby they can influence the long-term outcome of their restorative procedures.

Light curing in dentistry and clinical implications: a literature review

Abstract Contemporary dentistry literally cannot be performed without use of resin-based restorative materials. With the success of bonding resin materials to tooth structures, an even wider scope of clinical applications has arisen for these lines of products. Understanding of the basic events occurring in any dental polymerization mechanism, regardless of the mode of activating the process, will allow clinicians to both better appreciate the tremendous improvements that have been made over the years, and will also provide valuable information on differences among strategies manufacturers use to optimize product performance, as well as factors under the control of the clinician, whereby they can influence the long-term outcome of their restorative procedures.

Effectiveness of high-power LEDs to polymerize resin cements through ceramics: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The cementation of ceramic veneers using light-polymerized resin cement is largely dependent on the proper light activation of the cement. Light activation using high irradiance could shorten the time required to lute multiple restorations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the light transmission of dental light-polymerizing units through ceramic cylinders and its effect on the polymerization kinetics of a resin cement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ceramic ingots (IPS Empress Esthetic, shade ET1) were sectioned to produce cylinders 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mm thick. Two light-emitting diode units were evaluated: SmartLite Focus and Valo Cordless, the latter used in either Standard or Xtra Power (XP) modes. Light transmission (average of irradiance, total energy, and light-emission profile) through the cylinders was measured (n=3). The polymerization kinetics of a resin cement light polymerized through the ceramic was monitored for 5 minutes (n=3). The degree of conversion was measured again after 72 hours. Data were individually analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (α=.05). RESULTS: Valo at XP presented the highest values of irradiance and SmartLite the lowest, irrespective of the ceramic thickness. Regarding the total energy, XP showed the lowest values. The total energy and irradiance lessened with the increase in ceramic thickness. In general, except for Valo at XP, the ceramic thickness did not affect the degree of conversion. Valo at XP and interposing 2.0 mm ceramic resulted in the lowest values of Rpmax. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of total energy and irradiance by ceramic interposition had only a slight effect on polymerization kinetics.

Técnicas para reduzir os efeitos da contração de polimerização das resinas compostas fotoativadas / Techniques for reducing the effects of polymerization shrinkage of composites photoactivated resins

Introdução: uma complicação inerente a todas as resinas compostas é o stress gerado pela contração de polimerização. As resinas compostas da atualidade, após a polimerização, perdem entre 2% a 3% de todo o seu volume. Essa perda pode acarretar em alterações fortemente comprometedoras a nível micro e macroscópico. Objetivo: abordar a importância do uso de técnicas e manobras clínicas, que visam diminuir a contração de polimerização das resinas compostas, reduzindo seus efeitos na cavidade, para que se tenha um procedimento restaurador com elevado índice de sucesso clínico e boa aceitação pelos pacientes. Material e Métodos: foi realizada uma revisão da literatura por meio de uma busca bibliográfica nas seguintes bases de pesquisa online: PUBMED/MEDLINE, LILACS, BBO e SCIENCE DIRECT, através do rastreio de artigos relevantes publicados entre o período de 2000 a 2015. Resultados: comparando as formas de ativação dos compósitos, os compósitos fotopolimerizáveis possuem um menor escoamento e maior stress de contração se comparados a compósitos com ativação química, isso se dá devido à fotoativação que se destaca por ser uma reação rápida quando comparada a outros métodos, não dispondo de tempo para a resina se acomodar na cavidade e ter uma boa interação com o sistema adesivo previamente aplicado, levando a grande parte dos problemas clínicos das restaurações. Conclusão: questionamentos sobre os efeitos da contração de polimerização, ainda não foram completamente elucidados no meio científico, por isso algumas técnicas como a escolha de fotopolimerizadores a LED, manutenção da fase pré gel, manutenção do Fator C e técnica de inserção incremental, podem ser usadas para minimizar os efeitos dessa contração nas restaurações feitas com resina, afim de reduzir insucessos como, sensibilidade pós operatória, infiltração marginal e riscos de agressão pulpar levando a uma maior longevidade dos procedimentos restauradores com materiais resinosos. (AU)

Introduction: a complication inherent in all composite resins is the stress generated by the polymerization contraction. The present composite resins, after polymerization, lose between 2% and 3% of their entire volume. This loss can lead to strongly compromising micro and macroscopic changes. Objective: to address the importance of using technical and clinical maneuvers, which aim to reduce polymerization shrinkage of composite resins, reducing its effects in the cavity, in order to have a restorative procedure with high clinical success rate and good patient acceptance. Material and Methods: a review of the literature through a literature search in the following search online databases was performed: PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, BBO and SCIENCE DIRECT, through the screening of relevant articles published between 2000 to 2015. Results: comparing both activation of composites, the dental composites have a lower flow and higher stress of contraction compared to composites with chemical activation, this is the due to photoactivation that stands out for being a quick reaction when compared to other methods, not providing time for the resin to settle in well and have a good interaction with the previously applied adhesive system, leading to much of the clinical problems of restorations. Conclusion: questions about the effects of polymerization shrinkage have not been fully elucidated in the scientific community, so some techniques such as the choice of curing lights to LED, the pre gel phase maintenance, maintenance of Factor C and incremental insertion technique can It is used to minimize the effects of this contraction in restorations made with resin in order to reduce failures as post-operative sensitivity, microleakage and pulp assault risks leading to increased longevity of restorative procedures with resinous materials. (AU)

An experimental in vivo procedure for the standardised assessment of sealants retention over time.

AIM: The elaboration of an experimental system to obtain reproducible and comparable photographs of the occlusal surface to monitor sealants retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An intraoral camera connected to a computer was used to obtain photos of the occlusal surfaces. A specific software was utilized to perform measurements on archived pictures. An experimental two-part system, consisting of a dental arch support and a camera support, connected to each other through holes and pins, was made to obtain a standardised and reproducible placement of the camera in the mouth. In the first part, to test the degree of reliability of the procedure and the percentage of image distortion, 120 first molars were sealed and for each molar ten photographs were taken, using the intraoral camera connected with the dental arch support, the camera support and the dedicated software. In the second part, 165 first molars were sealed and photographed, as above described, immediately after sealing (T0), 6 months (T1) and 1 year later (T2). With the software, the sealed areas were measured. The comparison of the selected sealed areas between T0 and T1, T0 and T2, T1 and T2 determined the percentage of sealant loss. RESULTS: In the first part, the experimental procedure showed a reliability of 96.85%. In the second part, the difference in the rate of lost sealant between T0-T1 and T1-T2 was statistically significant (p <0.001). STATISTICS: ANOVA analysis was made. CONCLUSIONS: Photographs, obtained through the experimental two-part system, allowing a reproducible positioning of the intraoral camera in oral cavity, could represent a standardised and useful method to monitor sealants retention over time.

Surface roughness and maintenance of surface sealants for resin composites after toothbrushing.

PURPOSES: (1) To evaluate in vitro the surface roughness of a resin composite covered with three surface sealants and submitted to simulated toothbrushing for different periods; (2) Verify, through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the presence of surface sealants after simulated toothbrushing; and (3) To evaluate whether the type of dentifrice influences the maintenance of the surface sealant. The study hypothesis was that neither variable would influence the surface roughness of the composite and the maintenance of the surface sealant. METHODS: 108 specimens were prepared with the resin Amelogen Plus, and divided into six groups (n = 18) according to the type of surface sealant [Fortify (F), BisCover LV (B) and Permaseal (P)] and toothpaste [Total 12 Clean Mint (CT) and Colgate Total 12 Professional Whitening (PW)]. The samples were subjected to brushing cycles, simulating periods of 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. After each period, the surface roughness of the samples was measured. An additional group of 48 samples was prepared for SEM analysis. The results were analyzed by ANOVA with three fixed variables (sealants, time and toothpaste) and by Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: BisCover had the lowest mean surface roughness (0.06 µm) compared with the sealants Fortify (0.09 µm) and Permaseal (0.08 µm), which were not statistically different. Fortify, at 12 months of brushing, had the highest mean roughness (0.13 µm). The mean roughness for the dentifrice CT was lower (0.07 µm) when compared with PW (0.08 µm) and was statistically different. Roughness increased up to 12 months of simulated brushing (0.04 µm, 0.08 µm and 0.11 µm), decreasing from the 18th month (0.08 µm) to the 24th month of brushing (0.07 µm). None of the sealants was observed (with SEM) to be completely removed from the resin at 24 months of brushing.

Depth and distribution of the cure in a resin-based composite cured in a simulated Class II cavity.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect that a stainless steel (SS) matrix band has on the depth and distribution of cure of a resin-based composite (RBC) in a simulated Class II cavity. METHODS: RBC was cured for 20 seconds in a simulated Class II cavity with and without a SS matrix band, and after 24 hours the specimens were scraped back and ground to expose a vertical central plane where Knoop micro-hardness (KHN) mapping was conducted from 0.05-1.5 mm from the band and in 0.5 mm intervals from the top of the specimens. The effect of different angles of the light guide on the distribution of hardness was also examined. RESULTS: KHN values near the SS matrix band were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than within the bulk of the specimen and were lower than those found without the matrix band. Angles of incidence for the curing light-guide produced changes in the distribution of KHN within the specimens, but particularly near the matrix band, and with a 35° angle of incidence, the depth of cure was significantly different from that of normal incidence of the light.

Influence of Light Irradiation Through Zirconia on the Degree of Conversion of Composite Cements.

PURPOSE: To assess the light irradiance (LI) delivered by two light-curing units and to measure the degree of conversion (DC) of three composite cements and one flowable composite when cured through zirconia or ceramic-veneered zirconia plates with different thicknesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three dual-curing composite cements (Clearfil Esthetic Cement, Panavia F2.0, G-CEM LinkAce) and one light-curing flowable composite (G-aenial Universal Flo) were investigated. Nine different kinds of zirconia plates were prepared from three zirconia grades (YSZ: Aadva and KATANA; Ce-TZP/Al2O3: NANOZR) in three different thicknesses (0.5- and 1.5-mm-thick zirconia, and 0.5-mm-thick zirconia veneered with a 1.0-mm-thick veneering ceramic). Portions of the mixed composite cements and the flowable composite were placed on a light spectrometer to measure LI while being light cured through the zirconia plates for 40 s using two light-curing units (n = 5). After light curing, micro-Raman spectra of the composite films were acquired to determine DC at 5 and 10 min, 1 and 24 h, and at 1 week. RESULTS: The zirconia grade and the thickness of the zirconia/veneered zirconia plates significantly decreased LI. Increased LI did not increase DC. Only the Ce-TZP/Al2O3 (NANOZR) zirconia was too opaque to allow sufficient light transmission and resulted in significantly lower DC. CONCLUSION: Although zirconia-based restorations attenuate the LI of light-curing units, the composite cements and the flowable composite could be light cured through the YSZ zirconia. LI is too low through Ce-TZP/Al2O3 zirconia, necessitating the use of self-/dual-curing composite cements.

Effective Expansion: Balance between Shrinkage and Hygroscopic Expansion.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between hygroscopic expansion and polymerization shrinkage for compensation of polymerization shrinkage stresses in a restored tooth. One resin-modified glass-ionomer (RMGI) (Ketac Nano, 3M ESPE), 2 compomers (Dyract, Dentsply; Compoglass, Ivoclar), and a universal resin-based composite (Esthet•X HD, Dentsply) were tested. Volumetric change after polymerization ("total shrinkage") and during 4 wk of water storage at 37°C was measured using an optical method (n= 10). Post-gel shrinkage was measured during polymerization using a strain gauge method (n= 10). Extracted human molars with large mesio-occluso-distal slot preparations were restored with the tested restorative materials. Tooth surfaces at baseline (preparation), after restoration, and during 4 wk of 37°C water storage were scanned with an optical scanner to determine cuspal flexure (n= 8). Occlusal interface integrity was measured using dye penetration. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and post hoc tests (significance level 0.05). All tested materials shrunk after polymerization. RMGI had the highest total shrinkage (4.65%) but lowest post-gel shrinkage (0.35%). Shrinkage values dropped significantly during storage in water but had not completely compensated polymerization shrinkage after 4 wk. All restored teeth initially exhibited inward (negative) cuspal flexure due to polymerization shrinkage. Cuspal flexure with the RMGI restoration was significantly less (-6.4 µm) than with the other materials (-12.1 to -14.1 µm). After 1 d, cuspal flexure reversed to +5.0 µm cuspal expansion with the RMGI and increased to +9.3 µm at 4 wk. After 4 wk, hygroscopic expansion compensated cuspal flexure in a compomer (Compoglass) and reduced flexure with Dyract and resin-based composite. Marginal integrity (93.7% intact restoration wall) was best for the Compoglass restorations and lowest (73.1%) for the RMGI restorations. Hygroscopic expansion was more effective in compensating shrinkage stress than would be assumed based on total shrinkage, because only post-gel shrinkage needed compensation. Effective expansion is therefore hygroscopic expansion minus post-gel shrinkage.

In-vitro bond strengths and clinical failure rates of metal brackets bonded with different light-emitting diode units and curing times.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical failure rates and the in-vitro bond strengths of metal brackets bonded with different light-emitting diode (LED) devices and curing times. METHODS: Forty patients were included in the clinical part of this study. A split-mouth design was used, with the adhesive in group 1 cured for 10 seconds with an LED unit (Elipar S10; 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif), and the adhesive in group 2 cured for 3 seconds with another LED unit (VALO Ortho; Ultradent Products, South Jordan, Utah). Bond failures during 12 months of orthodontic treatment were recorded. In-vitro performance of the brackets was also compared by bonding brackets to extracted premolars and using the same light units and curing times (n = 20 for each group). The adhesive remnant index was used to determine the bond failure interface. RESULTS: Clinical bond failure rates were 2.90% for the Elipar and 3.16% for the VALO curing units. The difference in bracket failure rates between the 2 LED devices was not statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was found between the in-vitro bond strengths of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings regarding long-term clinical survival rates and in-vitro bond strengths indicate that bracket bonding can be safely accomplished in 10 seconds of light-curing with an Elipar LED and 3 seconds of light-curing with a VALO LED.

Clinical Evaluation of Indirect Composite Resin Restorations Cemented with Different Resin Cements.

PURPOSE: To clinically evaluate the performance of indirect composite resin restorations cemented with conventional and self-adhesive resin cements over a 12-month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients fulfilled all the inclusion criteria. Twenty-four composite resin restorations were performed using an indirect technique and cemented with a resin cement (RelyX ARC) or a self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U100). Two independent evaluators analyzed the restorations using modified USPHS criteria after periods of two weeks and 6 and 12 months. Statistical significance between the cements at each timepoint was evaluated with the Wilcoxon test and between timepoints with the Mann-Whitney test, both at a significance level of 5%. Fisher's exact test was used to assess the occurrence of absolute failures. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups at the same timepoint nor between groups at different timepoints. The only significant difference was found for color match for both groups after 12 months. CONCLUSION: After 12 months, indirect composite resin restorations cemented with self-adhesive resin cement performed similarly to those cemented with conventional resin cement.