Effect of thickness of externally characterized stains on optical properties of high-translucency zirconia.

OBJECTIVES: There is insufficient information about the effects of the thickness of externally characterized stains or glazes on CIELAB color parameters and the translucency parameter (TP) of 5 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (5Y-PSZ). The present study evaluated the effect of a thickness reduction of the externally characterized or glazed layer on its CIE2000 color parameters and TP00 of 5Y-PSZ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight specimens were sectioned from 5Y-PSZ blanks. Three brands of powdered stains (namely VI, SH, and IV) and a glaze (GL) were used to extrinsically stain the specimen surfaces (n = 7 per group). After measuring the final thickness and color, specimens of each group were carefully ground and finally polished. The reduced thickness was carefully controlled in decrements of 0.02 mm on the characterized stains or glazed layers at each reduction cycle until the surface of the un-stained zirconia was exposed. The CIELAB color parameters of specimens were measured using a spectrophotometer. Subsequently, differences in lightness (∆L'), chroma (∆C'), and hue (∆H'), and TP00 values and color differences (ΔE00) were calculated using the CIEDE2000 formula to determine differences between the specimen and the un-stained zirconia at each reduction cycle. A paired-samples t-test, two-way mixed-design analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in lightness, chroma, hue, or TP00 values before or after glazing or after each reduction cycle of the glazed layer. Mean ΔE00 values ranged between 20.94 and 33.55 after applying the externally characterized stains. With a decreased thickness of the characterized stain layer, there were observed that significant decreases in ∆L', ∆H', ∆C', and ΔE00, and significant increases in TP00. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the thickness of externally characterized stains decreased the lightness and caused the alternation of chroma and hue, whereas these phenomena were not observed in the glazed group. There was a slight change of CIE2000 color parameters and TP00 when the thickness of the characterized layer exceeded 0.06 mm. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The application and thickness of externally characterized stains can sensitively affect CIE2000 color parameters and translucency of 5Y-PSZ.

Effect of toothbrushing on the optical properties and surface roughness of extrinsically stained high-translucency zirconia.

OBJECTIVES: The effect of toothbrushing on the color, relative translucency, and surface roughness of extrinsically stained zirconia dental restorations is still unclear. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the optical properties and surface textures of extrinsically stained or glazed partially stabilized zirconia with 5 mol% yttria (5Y-PSZ) after toothbrushing by determining changes in the color, translucency parameter (TP), and surface roughness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens (2 mm thick; n = 50) were sectioned from 5Y-PSZ blanks. Three brands of powdered stains (namely VI, SH, IV) and a glaze (GL) were used to extrinsically stain the specimen surfaces (n = 10 per group). The specimens were subjected to 10,000-50,000 simulated toothbrushing strokes using a toothpaste slurry (Ora2 PREMIUM Stain clear paste). The color parameters were measured before staining or glazing and before and after simulated brushing. The color changes and TP values can be calculated before and after simulated brushing. The surface roughness was also evaluated. RESULTS: Significant changes were found in the shade and TP values of 5Y-PSZ after extrinsic staining, but no significant changes were found after toothbrushing, irrespective of the staining brand (p > 0.05). The surface roughness of the characterized 5Y-PSZ specimens decreased after toothbrushing, whereas that of the non-characterized 5Y-PSZ group increased. CONCLUSIONS: Toothbrushing markedly affects the surface roughness of extrinsically stained or glazed 5Y-PSZ specimens, whereas no impacts on the color or translucency were observed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For esthetic reasons, clinicians and dental technicians prefer to apply extrinsic stains to zirconia restorations, which profoundly affects its appearance. The limited influence of toothbrushing on color and translucency of 5Y-PSZ is promising for clinical applications.

Effects of build orientation on adaptation of casting patterns for three-unit partial fixed dental prostheses fabricated by using digital light projection.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The lost-wax technique is commonly used for fabricating partial fixed dental prostheses. The casting patterns can be fabricated by using vat photopolymerization (a type of additive manufacturing), but the adaptation of these casting patterns has not been elucidated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of build orientation on the adaptation of casting patterns fabricated by digital light projection (DLP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 3-unit partial fixed dental prosthesis with mandibular left second premolar and second molar abutment teeth was scanned and virtually designed with a computer-aided design software program. The cement space was designed to be 30 µm. Specimens were fabricated with 3 build orientations: 0 degrees (with the occlusal surface parallel to the platform), 30 degrees, and 45 degrees (by rotating the file along the long axis). The casting patterns were fabricated by using DLP (Cara Print 4.0) with a photopolymerizable monomer (dima Print Cast Q). Photopolymerization, cleaning, and postpolymerization processes were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The adaptation of the specimens was examined by using a silicone replica method. The vertical marginal discrepancy and axial wall, occlusal, and marginal gaps were measured by using a digital measuring microscope. The effect of build orientation at each cross-sectional area was statistically analyzed by using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the pairwise Wilcoxon rank sum test with Bonferroni correction (α=.05). RESULTS: Excess polymerized resin was observed along the intaglio buccal wall at build orientations of 30 degrees and 45 degrees. Vertical marginal discrepancies in the buccolingual section ranged from -50 to 248 µm, while those in the mesiodistal section ranged from -25 to 182 µm. The gaps in the buccolingual section ranged from 0 to 236 µm, while those in the mesiodistal section ranged from 0 to 177 µm. According to the observation of vertical marginal discrepancies and gaps, the 30-degree specimens inclined during insertion, and the 45-degree specimens were not completely seated. However, the marginal gaps of the 0- and 30-degree specimens were within the clinically acceptable limit of 120 µm. CONCLUSIONS: The limited data indicated that the build orientation influenced the adaptation of casting patterns for 3-unit partial fixed dental prostheses fabricated by using DLP. A build orientation of 0 degrees is recommended for fabricating casting patterns for 3-unit partial fixed dental prostheses because no excess polymerization of the intaglio buccal wall was observed.

Color stability of adhesive resin cements after immersion in coffee.

OBJECTIVES: Marginal discoloration of luting cement may affect the appearance of esthetic restorations. This study evaluated the color stability of current adhesive resin cements after immersion in coffee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four dual-cured resin cements (Clearfil SA cement Automix Universal, Maxcem Elite Clear, Maxcem Elite Yellow, and RelyX Unicem2 Automix A2) and two chemical-cured resin cements (Super-Bond C&B Clear and Super-Bond C&B Esthetic) were examined. The CIE L*a*b* of 2.0-mm-thick disc-shaped specimens was measured using a spectrophotometer on a white background (n = 6). The color differences (∆E) after 1-day and 1-week immersion in 37 °C water or coffee were analyzed by two-way ANOVA by selecting immersion solution and product as main factors, followed by Tukey's HSD test (α = 0.05). Water sorption and solubility were also evaluated. RESULTS: The two-way ANOVA of the ∆Es suggested that the two main factors and their interaction were significant. The ∆Es after coffee immersion were significantly greater than those after water immersion, except for Super-Bond C&B Esthetic. The ∆Es after water immersion were not significantly different among the products; those of Maxcem Elite Clear and Maxcem Elite Yellow after coffee immersion were significantly greater than the others. The water sorption and solubility significantly correlated with the ∆Es. CONCLUSIONS: The ∆Es of the adhesive resin cements examined after 1-week coffee immersion were significantly different among the products. The product showing greater water sorption and solubility displayed greater color change. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adhesive resin cements should be carefully selected when the marginal appearance of the ceramic restoration is important.

Fluoride release and mechanical properties after 1-year water storage of recent restorative glass ionomer cements.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between fluoride release and mechanical properties after 1-year water storage of five recent restorative glass ionomer cements (GICs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five GICs, FujiIX GP EXTRA (FEX), FujiIX GP (FIX), GlasIonomer FX-II (GFX), Ketac Molar Easymix (KME), and Riva Self Cure (RSC), were examined. Cumulative fluoride release, compressive strength, and surface hardness were measured up to 1-year storage (n = 5), and analyzed with one-way or two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05). Elemental compositions before and after 1-year storage were also examined (n = 3). RESULTS: The amounts of fluoride release were significantly different among the products. The highest amount of fluoride release occurred during the first day. Then, the amount of fluoride release rapidly decreased and still continued until 1-year storage. Compressive strengths indicated that two main factors were significant (GFX < FEX = RSC < FIX < KME; 1 day < 1 week = 1 month = 3 months = 6 months = 1 year), but surface hardness showed a slightly different tendency (GFX = RSC < FEX = FIX = KME; 1 year < 1 day < 1 week = 1 month = 3 months = 6 months). Significant correlation was found between decrease of silicon and decrease rate of the surface hardness. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoride releases were detected up to 1-year storage, but the mechanical properties slightly decreased due to decrease of Si after 1-year storage. Elution of Si instead of fluoride release was considered more critical to deteriorate the mechanical properties of GICs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Fluoride released for 1-year water storage will contribute to secondary caries prevention. The amount of fluoride release did not affect these mechanical properties. These results indicate the usefulness of these GICs.

Flexural impact force absorption of mouthguard materials using film sensor system.

PURPOSE: Several methods have been used to measure the impact force absorption capacities of mouthguard materials; however, the relationships among these measurement systems have not been clearly determined. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact force-absorbing capability of materials using a drop-ball system with film sensors and load cells to clarify the relationship between these two sensor systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disk-shaped specimens (1, 2, and 3 mm thick) were prepared using three commercial thermoplastic mouthguard materials (Bioplast, Impact Guard, MG 21) and one experimental mouthguard material [mixture of Poly (ethyl methacrylate)]. Impact force was applied by letting a stainless steel ball drop free-fall onto the specimens and then measuring the impact load under each specimen using a film sensor system and a load cell sensor system. RESULTS: The total load measured with the film sensor system decreased with an increase in mouthguard thickness, while almost none of the transmitted impact forces measured with the load cell system were statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: The film sensor system was considered to be superior to the load cell system because the maximum stress and stress area could be determined.

Texture of composite resins exposed to two- and three-body wear in vitro.

PURPOSE: To analyze on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures from eight composite resins, taken in the centers of the initial, the middle and the terminal thirds of in vitro produced wear tracks morphological features to explain causative mechanisms for the material wear observed under two- and three-body wear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro wear behavior of eight composite resins, three conventional and five nanofiller containing marketed products was evaluated using a custom-made Zr-ball-on-disk sliding device. The composite specimens were subjected to 50,000 one-way sliding cycles (1.2 Hz, 50 N load), either simulating two-body wear with water as the intermediate medium or three-body wear using aqueous suspensions of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads and poppy seeds, respectively. Volume loss of the materials was determined in previous study. Representative specimens were selected for inspection by scanning electron microscopy at 500-fold magnification. From each of the 24 wear tracks microphotographs were taken in the central deepest parts of the initial, middle and terminal thirds of the tracks. RESULTS: For most materials morphological differences were detected depending on the location within the wear track. As a rule, the surface deterioration found increased toward the final part of the wear scar. According to common classification in tribology abrasive wear and fatigue wear, or a combination of both mechanisms were found for all materials tested. Wear was dependent both on the testing mode and on the composition of the individual composite resin material. CONCLUSION: The morphological assessment of wear tracks refects the nature of the abrasive and reveals insight into the mechanism generating wear patterns. Morphological details confirmed abrasive and fatigue-related wear as main failure mechanisms. Selection of food-like slurries as third-body media, such as poppy seed suspension is mandatory to simulate wear of composite restorations in occlusal cavities where three-body wear is the dominating determinant of loss of substance and surface deterioration.

Translucency of dental ceramics with different thicknesses.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The increased use of esthetic restorations requires an improved understanding of the translucent characteristics of ceramic materials. Ceramic translucency has been considered to be dependent on composition and thickness, but less information is available about the translucent characteristics of these materials, especially at different thicknesses. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between translucency and the thickness of different dental ceramics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six disk-shaped specimens of 8 glass ceramics (IPS e.max Press HO, MO, LT, HT, IPS e.max CAD LT, MO, AvanteZ Dentin, and Trans) and 5 specimens of 5 zirconia ceramics (Cercon Base, Zenotec Zr Bridge, Lava Standard, Lava Standard FS3, and Lava Plus High Translucency) were prepared following the manufacturers' instructions and ground to a predetermined thickness with a grinding machine. A spectrophotometer was used to measure the translucency parameters (TP) of the glass ceramics, which ranged from 2.0 to 0.6 mm, and of the zirconia ceramics, which ranged from 1.0 to 0.4 mm. The relationship between the thickness and TP of each material was evaluated using a regression analysis (α=.05). RESULTS: The TP values of the glass ceramics ranged from 2.2 to 25.3 and the zirconia ceramics from 5.5 to 15.1. There was an increase in the TP with a decrease in thickness, but the amount of change was material dependent. An exponential relationship with statistical significance (P<.05) between the TP and thickness was found for both glass ceramics and zirconia ceramics. CONCLUSIONS: The translucency of dental ceramics was significantly influenced by both material and thickness. The translucency of all materials increased exponentially as the thickness decreased. All of the zirconia ceramics evaluated in the present study showed some degree of translucency, which was less sensitive to thickness compared to that of the glass ceramics.

Flexural properties and shock-absorbing capabilities of new face guard materials reinforced with fiberglass cloth.

AIM: Experimental materials incorporating fiberglass cloth were used to develop a thin and lightweight face guard (FG). This study aims to evaluate the effect of fiberglass reinforcement on the flexural and shock absorption properties compared with conventional thermoplastic materials. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Four commercial 3.2-mm and 1.6-mm medical splint materials (Aquaplast, Polyform, Co-polymer, and Erkodur) and two experimental materials were examined for use in FGs. The experimental materials were prepared by embedding two or four sheets of a plain woven fiberglass cloth on both surfaces of 1.5-mm Aquaplast. The flexural strength and flexural modulus were determined using a three-point bending test. The shock absorption properties were evaluated for a 5200-N impact load using the first peak intensity with a load cell system and the maximum stress with a film sensor system. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The flexural strength (74.6 MPa) and flexural modulus (6.3 GPa) of the experimental material with four sheets were significantly greater than those of the 3.2-mm commercial specimens, except for the flexural strength of one product. The first peak intensity (515 N) and maximum stress (2.2 MPa) of the experimental material with four sheets were significantly lower than those of the commercial 3.2-mm specimens, except for one product for each property. These results suggest that the thickness and weight of the FG can be reduced using the experimental fiber-reinforced material.

Fracture resistance of CAD/CAM restorative materials in mismatched removable partial denture rests: An in vitro experimental and finite element analysis.

To evaluate the fracture resistance of computer-aided design and computer-assisted manufacturing restorations as the abutment of removable partial dentures, experimental blocks, with the rest seat made of feldspar, hybrid resin composite, lithium disilicate glass ceramic, or zirconia, were subjected to loading by a metallic occlusal rest. The rest contacted the rest seat with an accurate fit and two mismatch contact conditions: bottom and sidewall contact. Zirconia exhibited the highest fracture load, and the fracture load of the accurate fit was significantly higher than that of the sidewall contact (p<0.05) and insignificantly higher than that of the bottom contact (p>0.05). A finite element analysis of the sidewall contact revealed a higher tensile stress concentration at the bottom of the rest seat than the other contact conditions. The mismatch between the rest and the restoration reduced fracture resistance, while zirconia as the abutment withstood the average occlusal force of the posterior region.

Effect of retention hole designs in artificial teeth on failure resistance of the connection with thermoplastic resin.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of retention hole designs in artificial teeth on failure resistance of the connection with a thermoplastic denture base resin. Artificial teeth with the following retention hole designs were attached to polyester and polyamide resins: no hole, vertical hole, horizontal hole, and vertical and horizontal holes. An artificial tooth with no hole attached to polymethyl methacrylate was prepared as the control. The load was applied until connection failure occurred between the artificial tooth and resin, and failure resistance was detected. Although the control showed the highest resistance, the artificial tooth with vertical and horizontal holes showed higher resistance than those with other retention hole designs in both thermoplastic resins. Providing vertical and horizontal retention holes in artificial teeth may be effective in improving failure resistance of the connection with thermoplastic resins.

Flexural and fatigue properties of polyester disk material for milled resin clasps.

To evaluate the flexural and fatigue properties of a polyester disk material used in milled resin clasps of removable partial dentures, experimental polyester disk (mPE), injection-molded polyester (iPE), and polymethyl methacrylate disk (mPMMA) were examined by three-point bending tests and cyclic fatigue tests at 0.75 or 1.50 mm deflection. The mPE exhibited significantly higher flexural strength than the iPE (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the mPMMA displayed higher flexural modulus and strength than the polyesters. The mPE exhibited a significantly lower residual strain than the iPE at the cyclic 0.75 mm deflection (p<0.05); however, microcracks were observed in the mPE at the 1.50 mm deflection. The mPMMA showed a high residual strain at the 0.75 mm deflection and fractured within 1,000 cycles at the 1.5 mm deflection. The higher flexural strength and lower residual strain of the mPE compared with the iPE suggest the advantages of milled resin clasps within a limited deflection.

Effects of investment type and casting system on permeability and castability of CP titanium.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Several factors, such as casting systems and investment properties, are important to obtain a sound titanium casting. Although various casting systems and investments for titanium are commercially available, their effects on CP titanium castability are not clear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine permeability of investments and to evaluate the effects of investment type and casting system on titanium castability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three investments for titanium (experimental gypsum-bonded investment, Selevest CB, and Speed Titan) and 4 titanium casting systems (Cyclarc, Ti-Cascom, Vulcan T, and Ticast Super R) were used. Permeability was measured using a flow meter and argon gas at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 MPa. Castability was calculated as the percentage of reproduced holes compared to a perforated wax pattern. Data for castability and permeability were analyzed separately with 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The ANOVA for permeability and castability showed significant interaction (P<.001 and P=.004, respectively). Differences in permeability among the 3 investments increased with a higher gas pressure. Permeability of the experimental investment at each pressure level was significantly greater than that of the other investments, except for Speed Titan at 0.1 MPa (P<.05). The permeability of Selevest CB at each pressure level was significantly less than that of the other investments (P<.05). Cyclarc and Ti-Cascom specimens were not significantly different, in terms of castability, using the investments evaluated, but castability of Vulcan T and Ticast specimens varied significantly by the investment used (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, investment type, pressure level, and their combinations influenced permeability. Castability of titanium was influenced by investment type, casting system, and their combinations. The investment with the highest permeability did not demonstrate the best result for castability.

Effects of build conditions and angle acuteness on edge reproducibility of casting patterns fabricated using digital light projection.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of build conditions and angle acuteness on edge reproducibility of the casting patterns fabricated using a digital light process. The prism-shaped patterns with various vertex angles were fabricated in three build orientations. The height from the base to the vertex angle point of the fabricated pattern was measured and the incomplete height was calculated as the discrepancy between the original and measured heights. Two-way ANOVA revealed that the vertex angle and build orientation and their interaction were significant (p<0.05). The incomplete height significantly decreased with an increase of the vertex angle. When the vertex angle was 20° and the build-up direction was parallel to the edge of vertex angle and perpendicular to the triangular base, the incomplete height was the smallest. Therefore, build orientation and angle acuteness influenced the edge reproducibility of the casting patterns fabricated using a digital light process.

Application of Glass Fiber and Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastics in Face Guards.

Face guards (FGs) are protectors that allow for the rapid and safe return of athletes who are to play after sustaining traumatic facial injuries and orbital fractures. Current FGs require significant thickness to achieve sufficient shock absorption abilities. However, their weight and thickness render the FGs uncomfortable and reduce the field of vision of the athlete, thus hindering their performance. Therefore, thin and lightweight FGs are required. We fabricated FGs using commercial glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (GFRTP) and carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) resins to achieve these requirements and investigated their shock absorption abilities through impact testing. The results showed that an FG composed of CFRTP is thinner and lighter than a conventional FG and has sufficient shock absorption ability. The fabrication method of an FG comprising CFRTP is similar to the conventional method. FGs composed of commercial FRTPs exhibit adequate shock absorption abilities and are thinner and lower in weight as compared to conventional FGs.

Properties of a gypsum-bonded magnesia investment using a K2SO4 solution for titanium casting.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a K2SO4 solution on the improvement of the properties of an experimental magnesia-based gypsum-bonded investment. The characteristics of the experimental investment with different ratios of a K2SO4 solution were as follows: setting time ranged from 34 to 152 minutes, green and fired compressive strengths were approximately 2.15 to 5.81 MPa and 1.63 to 2.45 MPa, respectively; thermal expansion was 0.38 to 0.47% at 700 degrees C, which did not show any significant differences due to the concentration of the K2SO4 solution. Titanium casting could be obtained using the experimental investment mixed with a 1% K2SO4 solution, and the reaction layer thickness of the casting was less than 200 microm. The results suggest that the experimental investment mixed with 1% K2SO4 showed acceptable physical properties and casting characteristics for titanium casting.

Effect of fiberglass orientation on flexural properties of fiberglass-reinforced composite resin block for CAD/CAM.

A fiberglass-reinforced composite resin (FRP) block using a plain woven fiberglass sheet for CAD/CAM has been introduced in dental practice. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the fiberglass sheet orientation on the flexural properties of an FRP block. The flexural properties of five types of fiberglass sheet-assigned specimens were examined using a three-point bending test. A one-way analysis of variance revealed that the orientation of fiberglass sheet significantly influenced the flexural strength, 0.2% yield strength, and flexural modulus. The values of the flexural properties of the FRP were the largest when the fiberglass sheets were perpendicular to the applied force, and the smallest when the fiberglass was parallel to the same. The flexural properties of the FRP block were anisotropic and they were significantly influenced by the orientation of fiberglass sheet.

Effect of polymorphism of SiO2 addition on mechanical properties of Feldspathic porcelains.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of SiO2 polymorphism on the mechanical properties of feldspathic porcelains. Seven kinds of experimental feldspathic porcelains were prepared using chemical reagents; three types of low-fusing feldspathic glasses and four types of two-phase porcelains by adding 10 or 20 mass% of fused silica (T-F) or cristobalite (T-C). Flexural strength and fracture toughness of these porcelains were evaluated. Flexural strengths of two-phase porcelains did not show any significant increase when compared with those of single-phase glasses. On the other hand, fracture toughnesses of porcelains with cristobalite showed a significant increase when compared with those of single-phase glasses. Circumferential cracks were observed in the porcelains with cristobalite. These results suggested that cristobalite could strengthen fracture toughness of feldspathic porcelains, but not flexural strength.

Effect of incorporation of surface pre-reacted glass ionomer filler in tissue conditioner on the inhibition of Candida albicans adhesion.

We investigated the effects of incorporation of surface pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) filler in tissue conditioner (TC) on Candida albicans adhesion. We prepared specimens containing 0, 5, 10, or 20 wt% of S-PRG filler, and measured the amount of C. albicans on the surface using a colony forming unit (CFU) assay and scanning electron microscopic images. In addition, we measured the consistency, penetration depth, and surface roughness (Ra). CFU values for 10 and 20 wt% were significantly lower than that for the control (p<0.05). Hyphal density on the surface was greater in the control. The 10 and 20 wt% specimens showed significantly higher consistency and Ra, lower penetration depth ratio than control (p<0.05). These results suggest that incorporation of S-PRG filler may reduce C. albicans adhesion onto TC surface; however, the optimal amount of filler is dictated by the influence of filler incorporation on mechanical and surface characters of TC.

Improvement of the Shock Absorption Ability of a Face Guard by Incorporating a Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic and Buffering Space.

This study aimed to evaluate the shock absorption ability of trial face guards (FGs) incorporating a glass-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (GF) and buffering space. The mechanical properties of 3.2 mm and 1.6 mm thick commercial medical splint materials (Aquaplast, AP) and experimental GF prepared from 1.6 mm thick AP and fiberglass cloth were determined by a three-point bending test. Shock absorption tests were conducted on APs with two different thicknesses and two types of experimental materials, both with a bottom material of 1.6 mm thick AP and a buffering space of 30 mm in diameter (APS) and with either (i) 1.6 mm thick AP (AP-APS) or (ii) 1.6 mm thick GF (GF-APS) covering the APS. The GF exhibited significantly higher flexural strength (64.4 MPa) and flexural modulus (7.53 GPa) than the commercial specimens. The maximum load of GF-APS was 75% that of 3.2 mm AP, which is widely used clinically. The maximum stress of the GF-APS only could not be determined as its maximum stress is below the limits of the analysis materials used (<0.5 MPa). Incorporating a GF and buffering space would enhance the shock absorption ability; thus, the shock absorption ability increased while the total thickness and weight decreased.