Effect of Fluoride Release on Enamel Demineralization Adjacent to Orthodontic Brackets.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the ability of fluoride-releasing adhesives to inhibit enamel demineralization surrounding orthodontic brackets. METHODS: Two groups of 40 sound human premolars were sectioned mesio-distally. The halves were varnished, and orthodontic brackets were bonded with different adhesive materials. An area 1 mm wide surrounding the brackets was left exposed. Each specimen was immersed daily in a pH cycle for 28 days. In the second group, the specimens were exposed daily to a fluoride solution (250 ppm F-) at 37°C. The fluoride release from different groups was measured. Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) was used to quantify fluorescence loss of enamel surfaces adjacent to the brackets. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA at (p<0.05). RESULTS: Fluoride released from the three fluoride-releasing adhesives was significantly higher (p<0.001) in the group with daily fluoride exposures than in the group without fluoride exposures. Enamel adjacent to brackets bonded with Fuji Ortho LC, Ketac Cem, and Dyract Cem showed significantly less (p<0.001) changes in (ΔQ) value (less demineralization) than enamel bonded with Transbond, the control adhesive material. CONCLUSIONS: Using fluoride-releasing adhesives significantly reduced the level of demineralization adjacent to orthodontic brackets.

Properties of indirect composites reinforced with monomer-impregnated glass fiber.

Sufficient flexural strength is required for long-term clinical use of fixed partial dentures made with fiber-reinforced composite. The flexural strengths of indirect composite materials reinforced with a monomer-preimpregnated glass fiber material were determined to evaluate the compatibility of the composites to glass fiber material. Four types (microhybrid, nanohybrid, microfilled, and minifilled) of indirect composites and a unidirectional long glass fiber material were selected for investigation. The composites were placed on a fiber plate and polymerized in accordance with the respective manufacturer's instructions. Rectangular bar fiber-composite specimens were machined and the flexural strength was calculated. The flexural strength of each indirect composite was also measured. The microfilled composite with the lowest filler content (70 wt%) exhibited the highest increase ratio using the fiber, although its strength without fiber reinforcement was the lowest (62.1 MPa). The fiber-microhybrid specimen demonstrated the highest mean strength (355.9 MPa), although the filler content of the microhybrid composite was comparatively low (73 wt%). The type of composite material should be considered for the selection of an optimal fiber-composite combination.

Complications associated with intravenous midazolam sedation in anxious dental patients.

AIM: This prospective study was designed to establish the nature, frequency and sequelae of complications arising in patients receiving dental treatment under intravenous midazolam sedation. METHODS: All patients attending the Sedation Department at New-castle Dental Hospital for intravenous sedation over a six-month period were audited. A standardised data-collection pro forma was designed in order to collect data relating to the patient, the sedation episode, the dental treatment and any complications arising. The published standard used in this study states that the incidence of complications should be no more than 8%. RESULTS: Four hundred and one patients were included. The mean dose of midazolam administered was 7.6 mg with a mean titration rate of 0.9 mg/min. Complications were reported in 12 patients (3%), 11 of which were minor and one moderate. All complications were managed successfully within the department with no lasting sequelae. Treatment was completed in 382 (95.7%) patients, with failure to complete treatment in 17 (4.3%) patients due to disinhibition (1), poor cooperation (10), and the sedation wearing off (6). CONCLUSION: The standard was met because complications arising were infrequent (3%) and predominantly minor in nature. Complications were managed conservatively and effectively, with all patients being discharged home the same day with no lasting sequelae. The study demonstrates that intravenous midazolam provides a safe sedation technique, suitable for adult dental patients in primary care, when administered by trained personnel on carefully selected patients and in accordance with nationally agreed protocols and guidelines.

Effect of an Er,Cr:YSGG laser on water perfusion in human dentine.

Changes in fluid perfusion through tubules may affect the sensitivity of exposed and restored dentine. The rate of perfusion is dependent on the structure and composition of dentine, particularly at the surface. This work analyzed the effect of treatment with an Erbium, Chromium-doped: Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser on dentine perfusion. Extracted molars were sectioned above the mid-coronal portion, and below the cemento-enamel junction, to create crown segments. The pulp was extirpated and the dentine treated with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser, a diamond bur or sandpaper. Each specimen was mounted, with the pulp chamber oriented upwards, on a petri-dish cover in order to permit a tube filled with water to be connected to the pulp. Movement of the water meniscus over 24 h provided a measurement of the volume of water that filtered across the dentine. The dishes contained water to provide a moist environment in the relevant specimens, or were left dry to provide dry conditions. Specimens were perfused for 24 h with water pressures ranging from 20 to 60 cm. The results (in µl mm(-2) d(-1) ) showed a significant difference in the perfusion rate between treatments. The difference between perfusion in wet and dry conditions was highly significant. Laser and bur treatment of dentine significantly affected perfusion, which was higher in the former than in the latter. Therefore, laser-treated dentine may be more sensitive than bur-cut dentine.

A new acrylic-based fluoride-releasing cement as a potential orthodontic bonding agent.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a fluoride-releasing, acrylic-based 'easy on, easy off' bracket cement as a potential orthodontic bonding agent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three experimental cements were prepared in powder/liquid forms by mixing different ratios of methylmethacrylate (MMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) to form the liquid (L) and sodium fluoride (NaF) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) to form the powder (P). The resultant materials were tested for setting characteristics, fluoride release, hardness, strength, shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index in comparison with resin composite and glass ionomer, which were used as control materials. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: The experimental groups had satisfactory setting characteristics. Fluoride release of the group containing P (10% NaF, 90% PMMA) and L (60% MMA and 40% HEMA) was similar to that of glass ionomer. When experimental materials were stored in water for 7 days, their hardness was reduced and stabilized at a value lower than those for composite and PMMA. Strength was only slightly affected by water storage. The SBSs of the experimental groups were considered clinically acceptable at both 30 min and 1 month. The group containing P (10% NaF, 90% PMMA) and L (90% MMA and 10% HEMA) had a higher mean SBS than the other two experimental groups. At 1 month, there were significantly less adhesive remnants observed on the surface of enamel after debonding for the experimental groups compared with the composite. CONCLUSION: The new cement could potentially be useful as an orthodontic bonding agent.

Crown retention for non-retentive preparations using adhesive resin cements.

This study examines the effect of preparing teeth with six varying convergence angles (ranging between 12 and 120 degrees) and height (1 and 2 mm) on the retention of cast gold crowns. Six groups of 4 human premolar teeth were prepared to give a flat occlusal surface in dentine with very short axial wall heights (1 or 2 mm) and variation in axial wall convergence (between 12 and 120 degrees). Impressions were recorded of the prepared teeth and custom castings made using a high copper content precious metal alloy. The castings were luted with an adhesive resin and stored in water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours prior to determining the pull-off force in an Instron Universal testing Machine at a cross head speed of 1mm min(-1). Twenty two of the twenty four tested specimens failed within the dentine of the tooth, irrespective of preparation orientation. Statistical testing using ANOVA demonstrated that there were no differences between the bond strength values for any of the preparation convergence angles or between preparations with 1 and 2 mm axial wall heights. This suggests that attachment strength of adhesively bonded castings with minimal axial wall height preparations is not influenced by the convergence angle of the preparation. The attachment strength exceeded that cohesive strength of the underlying dentine in nearly all of the adhesively luted restorations.

Surface detail reproduction of elastomeric impression materials related to rheological properties.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this work was to discern, for elastomeric impression materials, the important rheological properties and importance of hydrophilicity for detail reproduction. METHODS: Viscosity, modulus and tan delta were measured using a controlled-stress rheometer in cone/plate configuration. The flow of the materials, immediately after mixing and at the manufacturer's stated working time, was measured using a shark fin test and the interaction with moist surfaces was determined by taking impressions from two different sized grooves in moist gypsum casts. RESULTS: Tan delta was found to be the parameter most indicative of the accuracy of the impression and the flow of the material. Impregum samples, a polyether material, exhibited the highest initial tan delta (7.4), the largest shark fins at both time periods and the most accurate impressions from both grooves. Aquasil, a polyvinylsiloxane material, had similar initial tan delta values (6.9) and impressions taken on the deep groove with this material closely matched the groove. The other two polyvinylsiloxane materials (Affinis and Flexitime) had significantly lower initial tan delta values (3.1 and 2.9, respectively), exhibited much smaller shark fins and a worse ability to accurately reproduce the deep groove. SIGNIFICANCE: For large features, it is clear that the higher the initial tan delta of the impression material the better the ability to replicate larger features. However, with smaller features the relative hydrophobicity of the material becomes an important factor, with more hydrophilic materials better able to reproduce fine detail.

Determination of bactericidal activity of antibacterial monomer MDPB by a viability staining method.

In this study, the bactericidal activity of antibacterial monomer MDPB (12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide) against Streptococcus mutans was tested by a rapid method for monitoring viability. To S. mutans culture containing fluorescence staining solution that distinguishes live from dead cells, MDPB was added at a concentration of 250, 100, 50, or 10 microg/ml. Bacterial cells were observed by fluorescence microscopy and the percentage of dead cells was calculated. After 10, 20, or 30 minutes' contact with MDPB, the live/dead ratio was measured by fluorometry and viable counts (CFU) determined by the conventional plating method. Viability staining revealed that MDPB exhibited significant bactericidal effects at 50 microg/ml or greater (ANOVA, Fisher's PLSD test), and complete killing of the cells at 250 microg/ml of MDPB was demonstrated in conjunction with a plating method. The staining method thus provided a sensitive means to determine loss of viability, and indicated the strong killing effects of MDPB on S. mutans.

Polymerisation shrinkage of luting agents for crown and bridge cementation.

The volumetric contraction of a variety of luting agents, including Panavia 21, All-Bond C&B Cement, Superbond., Variolink and zinc phosphate cement, was assessed and compared using a minimal transducer The contraction among the materials tested was determined from the post-gel linear displacement of a deflecting coverslip resting on 4 silicone rubber spacers between which a mixed material was centrally located. Finally, the rate and duration of shrinkage over a period of 60 minutes from the moment of rigid contraction for all materials were investigated, and the final shrinkage values among the materials tested were compared. The analysis of variance showed that there were highly significant differences (P< 0.001) between the materials and the mean of each group was significantly different from that of any of the other groups (Tukey's test). Superbond produced the highest values of the final polymerisation shrinkage, followed by All bond C&B, Variolink, Panavia 21 and zinc phosphate cement respectively. Also, there was a marked variation in the overall magnitude of shrinkage (from 1.34% to 4.62%) among the materials tested. The method used to measure the polymerisation shrinkage in the present study was shown to be a precise measure in that it produced consistent and reproducible results. It can also offer the ability to observe the development of polymerisation shrinkage against time, during the post-gelation phase, for a range of chemically-cured resin materials.

Bonding of adhesive resin luting agents to metal and amalgam.

The shear bond strength of three adhesives, Panavia 21, Superbond, All Bond C&B Cement, and a dual cure resin (Variolink), to Ni-Cr-Be (Rexillium III), Midigold (Type III gold) and Amalgam (Sybraloy) were determined. Fifteen samples were prepared using 800 grit abrasive papers for Ni-Cr and Midi-Gold, and 100 grit papers for amalgam. Ni-Cr-Be and Midi-Gold samples were sandblasted for 30 s and steam cleaned for 10 s. The adhesives were bonded to the samples using gelatine capsules and were matured for 24 h in water at 37 degrees C. The samples were debonded in shear using an Instron at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min. The data was analysed using ANOVA and a Tukey test. The bond strength of Superbond to both metal alloys was significantly higher (P<0.05) than any of the materials tested, with the exception Panavia 21 to gold. The bond strength of All Bond C&B cement had shown to be not significant difference from those of Panavia 21 and Variolink, when bonded to Rexillium and Midi-Gold, respectively. The bond strength of All Bond C&B Cement to amalgam was significantly greater (P<0.05) than those of the other materials tested. The shear bond strength to gold showed lower bonding for all adhesives when compared with Rexillium (P<.001). The ranking of bond strength to both alloys was as follows: Superbond>Panavia 21>All Bond C&B>Variolink. The nature of substrate to be used for bonding and the adhesive material itself are important factors in bonding which can be achieved between cast metals and prepared teeth with amalgam filling. Superbond should be successful as an adhesive for the attachment of all substrates tested, with the possible exception of amalgam, for which All Bond C&B Cement gives the best result.

Bonding of crown and bridge adhesive resins to dentine.

The shear bond strength of three adhesives, Panavia 21, Superbond, All Bond C&B Cement, and Variolink (a dual cure resin) to various dentine depths were determined. Fifteen human fully erupted permanent first and second molars were wet ground using 500 and then 800 grit abrasive papers to expose the superficial, middle and the deep dentine, for each adhesive tested. Five samples were prepared for each dentine depth. The adhesives were bonded to the samples using gelatine capsules and were matured for 24 h in water at 37 degrees C. The samples were debonded in shear using tensile testing machine at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min. The data were analysed using ANOVA and the Tukey test. The fracture surfaces were examined by optical microscopy. The bond strength of Superbond to dentine was significantly higher (P<0.05) than any of the materials tested. The bond strength of all materials tested was shown to be affected by dentine depth, except for Superbond. Fractured dentine specimens showed that the samples of Superbond are almost cohesive (>90%), and the samples of other adhesives are mostly adhesive (>70%). These results confirm that Superbond is capable of forming a bond at various dentine depths.

Dentin decontamination using chloramine T prior to experiments involving bacteria.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the importance of ISO11405 recommended storage regime for extracted teeth in surface disinfectant chloramine T (chlT) prior to use in biofilm or in vitro caries studies involving microorganisms. ChlT may be absorbed into dentin and undergoes breakdown with organic material. METHODS: Extracted roots were stored in chlT (2 days), rinsed and transferred to distilled deionised water. HPLC at regular intervals determined chlT elution. At 4 weeks roots were boiled in water and eluent assessed with HPLC. ChlT breakdown (+/-organic material) over time was monitored with HPLC. ChlT minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC) against Lactobacillus acidophilus was evaluated using L. acidophilus broth and chlT serial dilutions. RESULTS: No significant increase in chlT elution was detected between 2h and 4 weeks (ANOVA, Tukeys, p>0.05), although levels tended to increase with time. ChlT detected in water was 0.005%, corresponding to 0.05% in dentin. After boiling (4 weeks) chlT breakdown products in water corresponded to 0.015% in dentin. MIC/MBC of chlT against L. acidophilus was 0.031%. SIGNIFICANCE: ChlT breakdown is accelerated by organic material. L. acidophilus is highly sensitive to chlT. ChlT readily leaches from dentin but rinsing does not reduce chlT concentration below MIC/MBC. Low levels of chlT may remain but will probably be in a less active form. Teeth disinfected in chlT for use in research involving bacteria must be stored in distilled water for at least 2h to reduce chlT concentration below MBC, although longer will give greater elution and breakdown.

Response to thermal stimuli of glass ionomer cements.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine the dimensional changes of glass ionomers caused by thermal stimuli under both dry and wet conditions. METHODS: Eight cylindrical specimens (6 mm x 4 mm) were made (using a stainless steel mold) of each of the following materials: a conventional luting glass ionomer, two high viscosity restorative glass ionomers, a resin-modified glass ionomer and a resin composite which was used as a control. The thermal expansion characteristics were determined by a thermal mechanical analyzer (TMA) under wet and dry conditions by heating the samples from 25 to 70 degrees C at 10 degrees C min (-1). RESULTS: All materials showed contraction on heating in dry ambient conditions. In wet conditions, all glass ionomers maintained their original dimensions on heating, but the resin-modified glass ionomer expanded. The resin composite showed expansion in both wet and dry conditions. The results are explained in terms of the opposing effects of thermal expansion and desiccation on heating. SIGNIFICANCE: Under wet conditions glass ionomers maintain their original dimensions when heated. This kind of behavior may be considered as 'smart' behavior.

Hardness measured with traditional Vickers and Martens hardness methods.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the differences, if any, between hardness measured with traditional Vickers and Martens hardness test methods on denture teeth under 2, 10 and 50 N loads. METHOD: Hardness of acrylic resin (VIV), composite resin (ORT) and porcelain (POR) denture tooth materials was measured using a traditional Vickers hardness (HV) method and Martens hardness (HM) method at 2, 10 and 50N test loads. Vickers hardness was also calculated from the force-indentation depth curves (HVfid) that were recorded during Martens hardness. Indentation creep of the three test materials was also determined during Martens hardness testing. RESULTS: HM values were the same irrespective of the test force used. However, HV values were different for the three test forces. ANOVA using Tukey's test of the HM data showed that the hardness of POR was significantly higher than VIV or ORT (P<0.001). Moreover, ORT had a significantly higher hardness than VIV (P<0.001). The statistical analysis of HVfid data showed similar results. ANOVA of the HV data showed the hardness of VIV to be significantly higher than ORT (P<0.001) under 2, 10 and 50 N test load. The HV values for POR under 2 and 10 N test load could not be calculated because of inability to measure the indentation diagonals. Under the 50 N load, the hardness of POR was significantly higher than VIV and ORT. POR had a significantly lower creep value than any other material tested while VIV showed a statistically significantly higher creep than ORT. SIGNIFICANCE: This study confirms that the visco-elastic recovery of the materials has a very significant effect on the outcome of the hardness tests of denture teeth and the Martens hardness test method has obvious advantages when testing dental materials.

Effect of surface conditioning on adhesion of glass ionomer cement to Er,Cr:YSGG laser-irradiated human dentin.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to show the effect of dentin conditioner on the bond strength of glass ionomer cement to Er,Cr:YSGG-laser-irradiated dentin compared to conventional bur-prepared dentin. BACKGROUND DATA: Glass ionomer cement bonds to tooth structure via direct chemical bonding without using any adhesive system. To improve the adhesion of this material, pretreating the dentin surface with a conditioner is recommended. Recently, lasers for tooth drilling have been used for cavity preparation, especially the Er,Cr:YSGG laser. However, there is a lack of research on the bond strength of glass ionomer cement to conditioned Er,Cr:YSGG-laser-irradiated dentin. METHODS: Extracted human teeth were divided into eight experimental groups and prepared by using either Er,Cr:YSGG laser or a conventional bur. In half of these two groups, the relevant conditioner was applied on the dentin before building up with glass-ionomer cement. After 24 h, all teeth were sectioned, and the microtensile bond strength was determined. The mode of failure was observed, and the fractured surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The use of conditioner was found to significantly affect bond strength for laser-prepared samples (analysis of variance [ANOVA], p < 0.05). Failure analysis showed no adhesive failures in the laser-prepared teeth, and this suggests an effective bond between glass ionomer cement and Er,Cr:YSGG laser-cut dentin. CONCLUSION: To obtain the maximum retention of a glass ionomer restoration to Er,Cr:YSGG laser-irradiated dentin, the results of this study confirm that pretreatment of the laser-prepared dentin with dentin conditioner is advantageous.

Micro-tensile bond strength to surface and subsurface enamel.

UNLABELLED: Testing of bond strength to enamel has been undertaken on both surface and subsurface enamel on the assumption that it is the same substrate. Over recent years, the micro-tensile method has become widely used for the evaluation of dental adhesives. However, there have been no micro-tensile bond strength studies comparing surface and subsurface enamel using orthodontic adhesives. It has been proposed that the bond strength to subsurface enamel is greater than that to surface enamel. OBJECTIVE: The micro-tensile bond strength (MTBS) of Transbond (light activated paste, 3 M Unitek, USA) to surface and subsurface enamel was investigated. METHODS: Ten sound freshly extracted lower human first molars were divided into two groups of five each. Surface enamel of the first group was removed with 500-grit silicone carbide paper, whilst in the second group it was left intact. Gelatin capsules filled with Transbond composite paste were bonded perpendicular to the enamel using light cure adhesive Primer (Transbond XT, 3 M Unitek, USA) in both groups, and stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Crowns of all specimens were sectioned bucco-lingually into vertical slabs of approximately 0.6 mm thickness. Slabs in each group were prepared into an hourglass shape of 1mm width and 0.6 mm thickness. Micro-tensile bond strength was determined using a mini tensile testing machine (COMPACT Gauge, DILLON). RESULTS: Mean values of MTBS were: 31.2 MPa (SD14.5) for surface enamel and 47.9 (SD15.0) for subsurface enamel. SIGNIFICANCE: There was a significant difference between the two groups P = 0.001. It was concluded that subsurface enamel has significantly higher bond strength than surface enamel. This has implications for bonding in restorative dentistry and orthodontics.

Light exposure required for optimum conversion of light activated resin systems.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the degree of conversion (DC) of composites and the light intensity using LED-curing units and also to determine the amount of exposure required to achieve optimal curing. METHOD: The light outputs of light-curing units and the depths of cure of composites exposed to these units were determined using the methods outlined in modified ISO standards, ISO/TS10650 and ISO 4049, respectively. The distributions of DC in composites were investigated by IR spectra of microareas obtained at various depths from the irradiated surface of thin specimens cut out from the cured composites. IR spectra were measured using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer equipped with a microscopic unit. DC was calculated from the changes in the amount of C=C double bonds in the IR spectra. RESULTS: The light intensity at various depths through the cured composite was calculated from the attenuation coefficient of each material, obtained from the linear relationship between the depth of cure and the logarithm of the amount of exposure, which is defined as the product of the irradiance and irradiation time. There was a third or fourth order regression relationship between DC and the logarithm of total light energy at a particular depth. SIGNIFICANCE: The minimum light energy required to produce a saturated DC was about 1000 s mW/cm2.

An alcohol-free tissue conditioner--a laboratory evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: An alcohol-free tissue conditioner based on a n-butyl methacrylate/i-butyl methacrylate copolymer has recently been developed. The purpose of the present study was to compare some key properties of the new tissue conditioner with those of poly(ethyl methacrylate)-based conventional materials containing ethyl alcohol. The effect of a coating, which consisted of poly(ethyl methacrylate) and methyl methacrylate, was also evaluated. METHODS: The new alcohol-free tissue conditioner (Fictioner) and three tissue conditioners containing ethyl alcohol (FITT, Hydro-Cast, SR-Ivoseal) were evaluated. The coated alcohol-free material was also used. Gelation characteristics, dynamic viscoelastic properties and compatibility with dental stones were measured using a displacement rheometer, dynamic viscoelastometer and profilometer, respectively. In addition, weight changes during immersion in water were determined. RESULTS: The working time and gelation time of the alcohol-free tissue conditioner were similar to those of the conventional materials. This alcohol-free material had significantly lower shear storage modulus and shear loss modulus, and higher loss tangent (P<0.05) than FITT and SR-Ivoseal at 0.01 and 1 Hz. The alcohol-free material maintained its inherent viscoelastic properties and exhibited only a slight change in weight during 14 days of water immersion when compared to the conventional materials. The application of the coating significantly reduced the loss of the initial viscoelastic properties and surface quality during the test periods. CONCLUSIONS: The coated alcohol-free tissue conditioner would be superior to the conventional materials containing ethyl alcohol in view of viscoelastic properties after gelation, compatibility with dental stones and durability.

Film thickness and rheological properties of luting agents for crown cementation.

The film thickness and rheological properties [viscosity and tan sigma], of different resin based crown and bridge luting agents, including Panavia 21, Superbond, All Bond C&B Cement, Variolink were compared with zinc phosphate cement. A modification of the method in ISO 9917 (1991) and a controlled stress rheometer were used to monitor the changes in the film thickness and rheological properties respectively. For each material, the film thickness and rheological characteristics were determined at 60s after start of mixing and then made at regular intervals until immediately before the material was set. For the initial film thickness, the difference among the values for Varionk, Superbond and zinc phosphate cement was not significant (P>0.05), and less than 25microm. The values for All Bond C&B Cement and Panavia 21 were at least twice that of the other materials tested. All Bond C&B Cement produced the highest film thickness value at both the initial period and at 240s. Regarding viscosity, Superbond had the lowest initial value but the highest value at 240s. Variolink gave the highest initial value of viscosity, but the differences in the initial values among the other materials were small. During the whole period of testing, zinc phosphate cement gave the highest values of tan sigma, and Panavia 21 showed no significant change in any of the measured properties. The methods were able to distinguish the behaviour of different cement materials. Some resin cements produce larger than optimal values of film thickness and in some cases this is related to a rapid increase in viscosity after mixing. It is expected that differences in the ability of cements to form thin films will affect the seating of cemented restorations.

Fluoride release from aged resin composites containing fluoridated glass filler.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride release from aged resin composites containing different types of fluoridated glass filler into both deionized distilled water and lactic acid solution. METHODS: Three resin composites, UniFil S (containing fluoro-alumino-silicate glass filler), Reactmer (containing pre-reacted glass-ionomer filler) and Beautifil (containing both types of fillers) were used. A conventional glass-ionomer cement, Ketac-Fil, was used as a control. Five disk specimens of each material were prepared and aged in water for 10 weeks. After aging, specimens were immersed in deionized distilled water for a further 6 days and then in aqueous lactic acid (pH 4.0) for 2 days. This process was repeated twice more and the specimens were subsequently immersed in water for a further 12 days. Fluoride release was measured every 2 days throughout the post-aging period. RESULTS: The amount of fluoride release for aged UniFil S and Beautifil markedly increased in acid solution compared with water storage. The difference was not so great for aged Reactmer and Ketac-Fil. UniFil S and Beautifil gave significantly greater fluoride release in water following immersion in acid solution (p<0.05, two-way ANOVA and Scheffe's test), but Reactmer and Ketac-Fil showed no such increase in fluoride release after acid immersion. SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggested that the nature of the fluoridated glass filler within a resin composite and the way in which the material interacts with an acidic environment affected the amount of fluoride released.