Surface Studies on Glass Powders Used in Commercial Glass-Ionomer Dental Cements.

The surface properties of three commercial ionomer glass powders, i.e., Fuji IX, Kavitan Plus and Chemadent G-J-W were studied. Samples were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and the density was determined by gas pycnometry. Morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser diffraction (LD) technique, whereas low-temperature nitrogen sorption measurements determined textural parameters like specific surface area and pore volume. Thermal transformations in the materials studied were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which was carried out in an inert atmosphere between 30 °C and 900 °C. XRF showed that Fuji IX and Kavitan Plus powders were strontium-based, whereas Chemadent G-J-W powder was calcium-based. Powders all had a wide range of particle sizes under SEM and LD measurements. Specific surface areas and pore volumes were in the range 1.42-2.73 m2/g and 0.0029 to 0.0083 cm3/g, respectively, whereas densities were in the range 2.6428-2.8362 g/cm3. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the glass powders lost mass in a series of steps, with Fuji IX powder showing the highest number, some of which are attributed to the dehydration and decomposition of the polyacrylic acid present in this powder. Mass losses were more straightforward for the other two glasses. All three powders showed distinct losses at around 780 °C and 835 °C, suggesting that similar dehydration steps occur in all these glasses. Other steps, which differed between glass powders, are attributed to variations in states of water-binding on their surfaces.

Heat transfer properties and thermal cure of glass-ionomer dental cements.

Under clinical conditions, conventional glass-ionomer dental cements can be cured by application of heat from dental cure lamps, which causes acceleration in the setting. In order for this to be successful, such heat must be able to spread sufficiently through the cement to enhance cure, but not transmit heat so effectively that the underlying dental pulp of the tooth is damaged. The current study was aimed at measuring heat transfer properties of modern restorative glass-ionomers to determine the extent to which they meet these twin requirements. Three commercial glass ionomer cements (Ionofil Molar, Ketac Molar and Equia™ Fill) were used in association with three different light emitting diode cure lamps designed for clinical use. In addition, for each cement, one set of specimens was allowed to cure without application of a lamp. Temperature changes were measured at three different depths (2, 3 and 4 mm) after cure times of 20, 40 and 60 s. The difference among the tested groups was evaluated by ANOVA (P < 0.05) and post hoc Newman-Keuls test. All brands of glass-ionomer showed a small inherent setting exotherm in the absence of heat irradiation, but much greater temperature increases when exposed to the cure lamp. However, temperature rises did not exceed 12.9 °C. Application of the cure lamp led to the establishment of a temperature gradient throughout each specimen. Differences were typically significant (P < 0.05) and did not reflect the nominal power of the lamps, because those lamps have variable cooling systems, and are designed to optimize light output, not heating effect. Because the thermal conductivity of glass-ionomers is low, temperature rises at 4 mm depths were much lower than at 2 mm. At no time did the temperature rise sufficiently to cause concern about potential damage to the pulp.

Can glass polyalkenoate (glass-ionomer) dental cements be considered bioactive? A review.

Objectives: This paper reviews the chemical behaviour of glass polyalkenoate (glass-ionomer) dental cements, both conventional and resin-modified, in contact with natural tissues, with the aim of determining whether these materials can be considered to be bioactive. Data: Relevant papers describing the behaviour of bioactive glasses and ceramics, and glass-ionomer (glass polyalkenoate) cements have been identified using PubMed and Science Direct. This has allowed a comparison to be made between the behaviour of glass-ionomers and the speciality glasses and ceramics that are widely classified as bioactive, a designation considered valid for over fifty years. More recent papers concerning bioactive metals and polymers have also been studied and both in vitro and in vivo studies are included. Sources: Have included general papers on the chemistry and biological behaviour of bioactive glasses and ceramics, as well as papers on glass-ionomers dealing with (i) ion release, (ii) bonding to the surface of teeth, (iii) influence on surrounding pH and (iv) interaction with bone. Conclusion: The literature shows that glass-ionomers (glass polyalkenoates) have three types of behaviour that are similar to those of bioactive glasses as follows: Formation of direct bonds to living tissue (teeth and bones) without fibrous capsule; release of biologically beneficial ions; and change of the local pH. However, in in vitro tests, they do not cause calcium phosphate to precipitate from solutions of simulated body fluid, SBF. Despite this, studies show that, in patients, glass-ionomers interact chemically with hard tissues and this suggests that may indeed be considered bioactive.

Fluoride exchange by glass-ionomer dental cements and its clinical effects: a review.

The topic of fluoride release and uptake by glass-ionomer (glass polyalkenoate) dental cements is reviewed. The study was based on a literature search carried out using PubMed. The main key words used were glass-ionomer and fluoride, and further refinements were made by adding the keywords anti-microbial, anti-caries and remineralization. Papers were selected from the initial search, which concentrated on fundamental aspects of fluoride release, including kinetics and the influence of the cement composition, and resulting clinical performance against caries. Other relevant papers were cited where they added useful and relevant data. From these published papers, it was possible to explain the detailed mechanism of fluoride release by glass-ionomer cements and also its uptake. Fluoride release has been shown to be a two-step process. In neutral solutions, the steps can be divided into early wash-out and long-term diffusion. In acid conditions, the early wash-out remains, though with greater amounts of fluoride released, and the long-term release becomes one of slow dissolution. The effect of fluoride on the viability of oral micro-organisms has been described, and glass-ionomers have been shown to release sufficient fluoride to reduce the size and viability of adjacent populations of oral bacteria. The effect of low levels of fluoride on the remineralization of tooth tissue has been considered. Levels needed to increase remineralization are much lower than those needed to adversely affect oral bacteria, from which we conclude that glass-ionomers release sufficient fluoride to promote remineralization. Despite this, there remains uncertainty about their overall contribution to sound oral health, given the widespread use of other sources of fluoride, such as toothpastes.

Apical Extrusion of Debris during Root Canal Preparation with ProTaper Next, WaveOne Gold and Twisted Files.

(1) Background: Apical extrusion of debris is an example of a complication that may arise during root canal treatment, and it has been proven to be an unavoidable occurrence during endodontic treatment by numerous authors. Even though it may not hinder the long-term outcome of treatment, it may lead directly to increased levels of postoperative pain and, therefore, lower levels of patient acceptance and satisfaction. The aim of the study was to assess the weight of apically extruded debris during root canal preparation with instruments that use different movement kinematics (rotary, reciprocating, and adaptive motion); (2) Methods: The study was performed using the Myers and Montgomery model. Sixty human premolar teeth were inserted into preweighed Eppendorf tubes and randomly classified into three groups. After manual glide-path preparation, teeth in each group were instrumented to working length set 1 mm short of the anatomical apex using the standard sequence provided by the manufacturers (for Group 1: ProTaper Next X1 & X2; for Group 2: WaveOne Gold Primary, for Group 3: Twisted Files SM1-SM3). Root canals were irrigated with 1 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution between each file insertion. The tubes with collected debris were stored in an incubator at 70 °C for 5 days in order to evaporate the liquid component. Measurement of the weight of extruded debris was performed by subtracting the preinstrumentation from the postinstrumentation weight of the tubes. The results were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, with significance level set at 0.05; (3) Results: The weight of extruded debris was 0.337 mg (SD = 0.148) for Group 1, 0.305 mg (SD = 0.201) for Group 2, and 0.348 mg (SD = 0.135) for Group 3. (4) Conclusions: Engine-driven root canal preparation with the use of instruments ProTaper Next, WaveOne Gold and Twisted Files that use different movement kinematics (rotary, reciprocating, and adaptive motion) was associated with apical extrusion of debris to a similar extent.

Novel nanosystems to enhance biological activity of hydroxyapatite against dental caries.

This work aimed to study for the first time to our knowledge the influence of the structure of the dental flosses (DF) coated by hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP NPs) on the biological performance of saliva probiotic bacteria (S. salivarius), and human dermal and osteoblast-like cells. We used three types of HAP@DF composites (based on two unwaxed dental flosses - "fluffy" and "smooth", and one waxed "smooth") with different morphologies. Obtained composites were characterized from the point of view of their structure, morphological characteristics, elemental and chemical composition. We observed that HAP NPs coated "smooth" dental flosses led to an increase of viability and proliferation of oral cavity probiotic bacteria (Streptococcus salivarius) and human cells (dermal fibroblasts and osteoblast-like). In contrast, the highest viability loss of probiotic bacteria (S. salivarius), fibroblasts, and osteoblast-like cells were observed for "fluffy" unwaxed dental flosses due to high cytotoxicity. Our studies showed that HAP NPs significantly improved the biological properties of "fluffy" dental floss. Pristine "smooth" DFs (waxed and unwaxed), as well as all HAP-coated DFs, induced acceptable biocompatibility toward selected human cells.

Inverse gas chromatography in the examination of adhesion between tooth hard tissues and restorative dental materials.

The adhesion is a crucial issue in the bonding of dental restorative materials to tooth hard tissues. A strong and durable bond between artificial and natural materials is responsible for the success of the restoration in the oral cavity; therefore it has to be thoroughly examined before new restorative material is introduced to the market and used clinically. Among all methods used to examine bonding strength, most of them require a large number of healthy teeth to be conducted. In this paper, the bond strength between tooth hard tissues (dentin and enamel) and an exemplary restorative composite was examined with the non-conventional method, i.e. inverse gas chromatography. Dentin and enamel from bovine teeth were separated and subjected to the standard preparation procedure using the 3-component etch-and-rinse commercial bonding system. Tissues, as well as commercial restorative composite, were examined using inverse gas chromatography. The work of adhesion between dentin/enamel and composite was calculated. Obtained results were compared with the values of shear bond strength of six configurations, i.e. etched dentin/enamel-composite, primed dentin/enamel-composite, and bonded dentin/enamel-composite. All obtained results proved that there is a correlation between the values describing bond strength obtained from inverse gas chromatography and direct mechanical tests (shear bond strength tests). It proves that inverse gas chromatography is a powerful perspective tool for the examination of bond strength between tooth hard tissues and potential dental materials without using a large number of health tooth tissues.

Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Glass-Ionomer Dental Cements: A Review.

This paper reviews the strategies that have been reported in the literature to attempt to reinforce glass-ionomer dental cements, both conventional and resin-modified. These cements are widely used in current clinical practice, but their use is limited to regions where loading is not high. Reinforcement might extend these applications, particularly to the posterior dentition. A variety of strategies have been identified, including the use of fibres, nanoparticles, and larger particle additives. One problem revealed by the literature survey is the limited extent to which researchers have used International Standard test methods. This makes comparison of results very difficult. However, it does seem possible to draw conclusions from this substantial body of work and these are (1) that powders with conventional particle sizes do not reinforce glass-ionomer cements, (2) certain fibres and certain nanoparticles give distinct improvements in strength, and (3) in the case of the nanoparticles these improvements are associated with differences in the morphology of the cement matrix, in particular, a reduction in the porosity. Despite these improvements, none of the developments has yet been translated into clinical use.

The biocompatibility of resin-modified glass-ionomer cements for dentistry.

OBJECTIVES: The biological effects of resin-modified glass-ionomer cements as used in clinical dentistry are described, and the literature reviewed on this topic. METHODS: Information on resin-modified glass-ionomers and on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), the most damaging substance released by these materials, has been collected from over 50 published papers. These were mainly identified through Scopus. RESULTS: HEMA is known to be released from these materials and has a variety of damaging biological properties, ranging from pulpal inflammation to allergic contact dermatitis. These are therefore potential hazards from resin-modified glass-ionomers. However, clinical results with these materials that have been reported to date are generally positive. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Resin-modified glass-ionomers cannot be considered biocompatible to nearly the same extent as conventional glass-ionomers. Care needs to be taken with regard to their use in dentistry and, in particular, dental personnel may be at risk from adverse effects such as contact dermatitis and other immunological responses.

[Smoking and periodontal disease--results of an epidemiological survey]. / Palenie a choroby przyzebia--wyniki badan epidemiologicznych.

A questionnaire concerning oral health designed for young people aged between 18 and 30 and based on one produced by Tokyo University entitled Medical Outcome Study (MOS) and Oral Health Score) 8020, was submitted to a group of Poznan citizens. One of the 10 questions in the OHS part of the questionnaire concerned smoking habits. A condition for participation in the survey was an absence of professional or educational connections with medicine, dentistry or pharmacy. 506 persons (398 women and 198 men) living in Poznan, with an average of age 20.1 years took part. For a clearer evaluation of the health habits in this group, an additional comparison was made between the youngest (18 y old) and oldest (25-30 y old) groups. The Oral health Score (with a possible maximum 20 points) for the examined group was 14.4 which is one of the lowest among evaluated European countries. Smoking was most frequent among the 18 year olds (20.7%) whereas among the respondents in the older group it was approximately only half of this value (11.29%). Moreover in, both age groups, women were more often smokers than men; 22% of 18 year old women smoked and 7.5% in the older group whereas in younger men 7.5% smoked and 3.8% in the older group. Comparing the answers relating to oral health with the frequency of smoking revealed a connection between this habit and the presence of periodontal disease.

Kinetic studies of the effect of varnish on water loss by glass-ionomer cements.

OBJECTIVES: This paper reports a study of the water loss behaviour of two commercial glass-ionomer cements coated with varnishes. METHODS: For each cement (Fuji IX Fast or Chemflex), specimens (6mmdiameterx2mm depth) were prepared and cured for 10min at 37 degrees C. They were exposed to a desiccating environment over H(2)SO(4) either uncoated or coated with the appropriate varnish (Fuji Varnish, a solvent-based lacquer, or Fuji Coat, a light-cured varnish). Four specimens were prepared for each material. They were weighed at hourly intervals for 6h, daily for up to 5 days, then weekly thereafter until equilibration. RESULTS: Unlike the uncoated specimens, water loss from varnished cements was not Fickian, but followed the form: mass loss=A/t+B, where t is time, A and B are constants specific to each cement/varnish combination. A varied from 1.22 to 1.30 (mean 1.26, standard deviation 0.04), whereas B varied from 1.54 to 2.09 (mean -1.83, standard deviation 0.29). At equilibrium, varnished specimens lost much less water than unvarnished ones (p>0.01) but there was no significant difference between the solvent-based and the light-cured varnishes. SIGNIFICANCE: Varnishes protect immature glass-ionomer cements from drying out by altering the mechanism of water loss. This slows the rate of drying but does not necessarily change the total amount of water retained. It confirms that, in clinical use, glass-ionomer restoratives should be varnished to allow them to mature satisfactorily.

The effect of bonding system application on surface characteristics of bovine dentin and enamel.

The main objective of this study was to examine the surface changes of bovine teeth hard tissues (dentin and enamel) after surface preparation with the use of commercial 3-component etch-and-rinse bonding system. Surface composition changes, morphology, BET specific surface area and surface energy parameters were examined after etching, application of primer and adhesive. Characteristic of tissues composition was carried out with the use of Raman spectroscopy. Morphological changes were followed by scanning electron microscopy, while specific surface area values were measured by the means of gas porosimetry. For the first time surface energy of prepared teeth hard tissues was studied with the use of inverse gas chromatography. A detailed characteristic of surface parameters of bovine teeth hard tissues was made. Obtained results show that each step of dentin and enamel preparation is reflected in all studied parameters. Application of etchant, primer and adhesive causes an increase of surface activity of all examined tissues, measured as surface energy parameters. Surface parameters changes caused by the application of bonding system are crucial from dentin/enamel - restorative material adhesion point of view.

A preliminary study of the interaction of glass-ionomer dental cements with amino acids.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine how the presence of low concentrations of the amino acids glycine and alanine affected the interaction of restorative glass-ionomer cements with water. METHODS: For each material (Fuji IX and Ketac Molar, both handmixed), sets of six cylindrical specimens of 4 mm diameter x 6 mm height were prepared and weighed; then stored individually in one of: deionized water, 0.1% by mass glycine, 0.5% glycine, 0.1% alanine (Sigma Aldrich) and 0.5% alanine. After 1 week, the specimens were re-weighed and the pH of each solution determined. The solutions were then bulked and analyzed for ion content (Na, Ca, Al, Si and P) using ICP-OES. In a separate series of experiments, disks (12 mm diameter x 1 mm thick) were prepared, and exposed to similar solutions for periods of a week, after which Vicker's hardness was determined. Differences were analysed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Neumann-Keuls post-hoc analysis (P<0.05). RESULTS: All specimens increased in weight, and altered pH of the storage solution to similar values. Both cements released less aluminum, but generally more sodium, calcium and silicon in the presence of amino acids. Little or no phosphorus was found to be released under any conditions. Surface hardness of Fuji IX was not influenced by the presence of amino acids, but for Ketac Molar it was generally lower in the presence of amino acids. SIGNIFICANCE: These results show that the interaction of glass-ionomer cements with water is influenced by the presence of low concentrations of amino acids, and that this may alter surface hardness.

Ion release by resin-modified glass-ionomer cements into water and lactic acid solutions.

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to gain a fuller picture of the interaction of resin-modified glass-ionomers with aqueous solutions in terms of water sorption, solution buffering and ion-release. METHODS: Two commercial materials were employed (Fuji II LC, GC; Photac Fil Quick, 3M ESPE). Light-cured cylindrical specimens (6mm highx4mm diameter) were prepared and stored for up to 6 weeks in either water (pH 5.3) or aqueous lactic acid (2.7), six specimens of each materials per storage medium. Solutions were changed at weekly intervals. Specimens were weighed at weeks 1, 2, 4 and 6; solution pH values measured, and Na, Ca, Sr, Al, P and Si ion release determined using ICP-OES. Results were analysed by ANOVA. RESULTS: Materials altered solution pH, and gained mass under all conditions. However, the net mass gain in lactic acid declined with time, suggesting that water sorption was partly offset by erosion under acid conditions. Na, Ca, Sr, Al, P and Si were detected in all solutions, with greater amounts in lactic acid than in water. Phosphorus release was much lower than found previously for conventional glass-ionomers. SIGNIFICANCE: Like their conventional counterparts, resin-modified glass-ionomers have been found to buffer their storage media and release ions. Hence the resin phase does not significantly alter these aspects of the interaction with aqueous solutions.

The effect of petroleum jelly, light-cured varnish and different storage media on the flexural strength of glass ionomer dental cements.

This study determined the influence of coating with either petroleum jelly or light-cured varnish and storage medium on the flexural strength of glass-ionomer cements (GIC). The flexural strength of two glass-ionomer cements (Fuji Equia Fil and Ketac Molar Aplicap) was measured. Specimens (2 × 2 × 25 mm) were prepared in three groups: uncoated, coated with petroleum jelly, or coated with light-cured varnish (EquiaCoat) cured for 20 s using a cure lamp (Bluephase G2, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein). Specimens were stored for 1 week at 37 °C in water, artificial saliva or 20 mmol dm-3 lactic acid, then flexural strength was determined in 3-pont bend. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc test (p < 0.05). In addition, the mold was filled with water and the temperature change caused by the cure lamp was measured with a thermocouple. For both materials, storage in water gave the lowest flexural strength. It was slightly higher in either saliva or lactic acid, and was improved by coating in petroleum jelly. Specimens coated with light-cured varnish, that also involved heating with a cure lamp, gave the highest flexural strength. The heating effect of the lamp was demonstrated by the temperature rise in the water in the mold after light exposure from 21.9 (± 1.0) °C to 26.8 (± 1.0) °C. hence, sealing of GIC from aqueous media improves flexural strength. The cure lamp emitted heat, which may enhance the flexural strength of specimens coated with light-cured varnish.

Surface energy of bovine dentin and enamel by means of inverse gas chromatography.

Adhesion between tooth tissues and dental fillings depends on the surface energy of both connected materials. Bond strength can be determined directly or indirectly as a work of adhesion on the basis of values of surface energy of these materials. Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) is one of the methods of surface energy examination. In this study the values of total surface energy components of wet and dry teeth fragments (enamel, crown dentin and root dentin) were determined with the use of inverse gas chromatography. Inverse gas chromatography has never been used for investigation of surface energy of natural tooth tissues. Different storage conditions were examined - wet and dry. Different values of surface energy are observed according to the type of tooth tissue (dentin or enamel), occurring place (crown or root) and storage conditions (dry or wet). The effect of tissue type and occurring place was the greatest, while storage conditions were of secondary importance. Surface energy depends on composition of tissue, its surface area and the presence of pores.

Buffering and ion-release by a glass-ionomer cement under near-neutral and acidic conditions.

Specimens of an experimental glass-ionomer cement were stored in water (initial pH 5.9) and aqueous lactic acid (initial pH 2.7) for storage periods of 1 week up to 6 weeks. Change in mass, solution pH and fluoride release were measured at weekly intervals, and other ions were determined at weeks 1, 2, 4 and 6. In water, cements raised the pH consistently to 6.7-6.9 from weeks 2 to 6, but this did not correspond to uniform amounts of ions released, nor even to consistent mole ratios of ions in solution. Similarly, in lactic acid, pH was raised to between 3.6 and 4.5, but without a consistent concentration of ions in solution. In near neutral conditions, calcium was found to be virtually insoluble and remained within the cement, whereas reasonable amounts of sodium, aluminium, phosphorus, silicon and fluoride were released at all time intervals, with downward trends over time. In acidic conditions, considerable amounts of calcium were released over time, and amounts of calcium, aluminium, phosphorus and silicon increased with time, reaching a maximum in week 4. This suggests that as maturation proceeds, there is an increase in the acid-soluble fraction of the cement containing these elements. Fluoride release was found to be as previously reported, i.e. greater amounts in the early stages of the experiment, and with a gradual decline, and with greater amounts in acid than in water. Determination of fluoride with and without the decomplexing reagent TISAB showed that 70-75% of the total fluoride was released in "free" form in water for most weeks, whereas in acid, it declined sharply and by week 6, an estimated total of 96% of the fluoride released was complexed.

Adhesion of resin-modified glass-ionomer cements may affect the integrity of tooth structure in the open sandwich technique.

OBJECTIVE: To study the interfaces between model cavities prepared in teeth and four glass ionomer cements (two conventional and two resin-modified). METHODS: Ten non-cavitated molars and premolars were used and, in each, two 3mm deep slot preparations were created on opposing sides of the tooth. The teeth were conditioned as appropriate, then restored using the open sandwich technique, using a conventional glass ionomer (Fuji IX, Ketac Molar) or resin modified glass ionomer (Fuji II LC or N100), followed by completion with composite resin. The teeth were then embedded in a transparent acrylic resin and cut parallel to the long axis through both restorations, using a low speed diamond wheel saw. Samples were evaluated using a metallographic light microscope (100×). Three areas were assessed: the axial wall, the axial gingival line angle and the cavo-surface line angle. Bonding was categorized as inadequate or adequate based on the appearance and inadequate bonding was further studied and classified. Data were analysed statistically using the McNamara analysis. RESULTS: The majority of materials failed to make adequate contact with the axial wall, and there were also flaws at the axial/gingival line angle in several samples. By contrast, the cavo-surface line angle was generally soundly filled and the materials showed intimate contact with the tooth surface in this region. The most serious inadequacy, though, was not lack of intimate contact and/or adhesive bond, but the presence of perpendicular cracks in 30% of the Fuji II LC samples which extended into the underlying dentin. SIGNIFICANCE: The problems of placement and dentin cracking experienced with these materials demonstrate that adhesive bond strength alone cannot be used as the criterion of success for restorative materials. In fact good adhesion can, in certain cases, promote cracking of the dentin due to stresses within the material, an outcome which is undesirable.

Maturation affects fluoride uptake by glass-ionomer dental cements.

OBJECTIVES: Four commercial glass-ionomer cements have been studied for their ability to take up fluoride from aqueous solution following variable maturation times in the dry at 37°C. METHODS: Sets of five specimens of four different materials were cured for times of 10 min, 24 h and 1 month, then transferred to a neutral solution of NaF at approximately 1000 ppm in fluoride. Fluoride concentration was then measured at regular time intervals up to 1 month using a fluoride ion selective electrode. RESULTS: Specimens cured for 1 month showed little or no uptake over 24 h, specimens cured for 24 h showed fluctuating uptake over time, and specimens cured for 10 min showed the greatest fluoride uptake. For the latter specimens, simple kinetic models were found to apply in two cases (pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order for Chemflex and Ketac Molar Quick respectively). SIGNIFICANCE: The ability to take up fluoride has been shown to decline with age of cement which suggests that in clinical use glass-ionomers may become less effective at undergoing fluoride recharge than has been previously assumed.

Effect of denture cleansers on chemical and mechanical behavior of selected soft lining materials.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of storage in disinfectants and artificial saliva on a series of commercial soft lining materials for dentures. Changes in mechanical properties and the nature of chemicals released into these solutions were studied. METHODS: Four soft lining materials were studied (Vertex Soft® and Villacryl Soft®, both of which are plasticized acrylics; Molloplast B® and Mollosil®, both of which are silicone elastomers). All were cured according to manufacturers' instructions, and then cylindrical specimens (6 mm height × 10 mm diameter) prepared. These were stored under various conditions then loaded in uniaxial compression and the stress measured at a strain corresponding to a 10% deformation to determine Young's modulus. Storage involved exposure either to the following disinfectants: 2% aqueous chlorhexidine gluconate, 2% aqueous sodium hypochlorite, Corega Tabs® cleansing tablets or 3% aqueous hydrogen peroxide; or to artificial saliva. For the latter, storage involved either immersion in artificial saliva at 37°C for the whole study, or immersion for 16h a day and dry at room temperature for the next 8h each day. GC/MS was used to determine species leached into these solutions. RESULTS: The acrylic materials Villacryl Soft and Vertex Soft became less elastic on storage for up to 28 days whereas the silicone materials Molloplast B and Mollosil, showed no change in elastic properties. Various compounds were found to be released from these materials, including EGDMA, methyl methacrylate and dibutyl phthalate. Generally, the silicones were more stable than acrylics, releasing smaller amounts of the various eluants. In all cases, amounts eluted were well below permitted exposure limits. SIGNIFICANCE: Practical denture cleansing agents affect the properties of soft lining materials, reducing their elastomeric character, acrylics being more adversely affected than the silicones. These changes are associated with the loss of various chemicals, including plasticizers and monomers, from the soft lining materials.