Microtensile bond strength of etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives to artificially created carious dentin.

This article evaluates a pH-cycling model for simulation of caries-affected and caries-infected dentin (CAD and CID, respectively) surfaces, by comparing the bond strength of an etch-and-rinse and a self-etch adhesive system. For both adhesives, bonding to sound dentin (SD) showed that the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) values of SD, CAD, and CID were SD > CAD > CID (P < 0.05). Knoop microhardness number mean values followed the same trend. Adhesive systems were not able to totally penetrate into CAD and CID, forming more irregular resin-dentin interdiffusion zones and atypical resin tags than SD. The tested in vitro pH-cycling caries model allowed the evaluation of specific dentin substrate alterations in response to µTBS. The type of dentin and its histological structure played an important role in etch-and-rinse and self-etch bonding, as lower µTBS values were attained in CAD and CID.

Effects of 3D Airway Geometry on the Airflow of Adults with Cleft Lip and Palate and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Functional Imaging Study.

Objective Individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP) are at a high risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Hypothetically, the severity of OSA might be associated with the morphology of the upper airway (UAW) and the characteristics of the airflow. Thus, the present study aimed to assess and compare, in adults with CLP and skeletal class-III discrepancy, with or without OSA, simulations of airflow resistance and pressure according to the geometrical characteristics of the UAW and cephalometric parameters. Materials and Methods According to the results of type-I polysomnography tests, the sample ( n = 21) was allocated in 2 groups: 1) without OSA (N-OSA; n = 6); and 2) with OSA (OSA; n = 15). Cephalometric measurements were performed on the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of the groups. After three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions, the volume (V) and minimal cross-sectional area (mCSA) of the UAW were generated. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to assess key airflow characteristics. The results were presented at a significance level of 5%. Results The UAW pressure values and airway resistance did not differ between the groups, but there was a tendency for more negative pressures (26%) and greater resistance (19%) in the OSA group. Volume and mCSA showed a moderate negative correlation with resistance and pressure. The more inferior the hyoid bone, the more negative the pressures generated on the pharyngeal walls. Conclusion The position of the hyoid bone and the geometry of the UAW (V and mCSA) exerted effects on the airway-airflow resistance and pressure. However, key airflow characteristics did not differ among subjects with CLP, were they affected or not by OSA.

Influence of different exposure time required to stabilize hardness values of composite resin restorations.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if Knoop hardness values (KHN) for top and bottom surfaces of resin composite materials can reach a plateau within a clinically acceptable photoactivation time. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Four light-curing units (LCUs) were evaluated in this study (n=5): QTH (Optilux501: 550 mW/cm2) and LEDs (FreeLight2: 1100 mW/cm2; UltraLume5: 900 mW/cm2; and Radii: 750 mW/cm2). Composite resin discs (4 mm x 2 mm) of Heliomolar (Ivoclar/Vivadent) and Herculite XRV (Kerr) were tested using five photoactivation times (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 seconds). KHN were obtained for each test specimen and comparisons between LCUs, depths, and photoactivation times were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and polynomial regression analysis. RESULTS: Data for Heliomolar discs using linear regression found a relationship between the independent variables KHN and time with the Optilux501 at the top and bottom surfaces (r2=0.68/ r2=0.66). Radii presented a linear regression at the top surface (r2=0.75) and a quadratic regression at the bottom (r2=0.94). A quadratic regression was also detected for UltraLume5 and FreeLight2 at both top (r2=0.84/ r2=0.94) and bottom surfaces (r2=0.97/ r2=0.90), respectively, reaching a plateau at 80 seconds in all cases. For Herculite XRV, a quadratic regression was observed for all LCUs at the top and bottom surfaces and 80 seconds irradiation time was needed to reach a plateau in KHN. CONCLUSION: There is a specific, but not clinically acceptable, photoactivation time that KHN at both top and bottom surfaces can reach a plateau and is dependent on LCUs and the resin-composite tested. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The LCUs and the resin-composite formulation affected the exposure time required to stabilize hardness values. The overall performance of LED LCUs was better than the QTH LCU regardless of the material evaluated.

Effect of light curing units on marginal adaptation and hardness of Class II composite resin restorations.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to test the influence of different curing protocols on dentin marginal adaptation and the hardness of two composites. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Three light-curing-units (LCUs): Quartz-Tungsten-Halogen (QTH: 541 mW/cm2), Argon-Ion-Laser (AL: 277 mW/cm2), and Plasma-Arc-Curing (PAC: 1818 mW/cm2) and two composites FiltekZ250 (F) and Tetric Ceram HB (TC) were tested. Sixty standardized "vertical-slot-Class II-cavities" were prepared at the mesial surface of bovine incisors and divided into six groups (n=10). Composites were placed using the Single Bond adhesive system and cured in 2 mm increments according to the manufacturers' instructions. After polishing, epoxy replicas were processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) marginal adaptation analysis at 500x magnification. The specimens were then sectioned transversally to the dental long axis, embedded in polyester resin, then polished and submitted to the Knoop hardness test at gingival and occlusal portions of the restoration. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p=0.05). RESULTS: The gap margins ranged between 4.3 to 5.8 microm, and no statistically significant differences were revealed in marginal adaptation for LCUs or for composites (p>0.05). Location influenced hardness (p=0.01). The occlusal portion presented significantly higher KHN than the gingival portion for all composite-LCU combinations. Regardless of the LCU used, TC produced statistically significant lower hardness values (ranging between 82.8 to 110.7 KHN) than F (ranging between 105.9 to 117.3 KHN). CONCLUSIONS: Hardness and gap formation were not dependent on the LCUs tested in this study. Different resin composite was found to be a significant factor with regards to hardness but not gap formation.

Effect of photoactivation systems and resin composites on the microleakage of esthetic restorations.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of four photoactivation systems [quartz tungsten halogen (QTH), light-emitting diode (LED), argon ion laser (AL), and plasma arc curing PAC)] on cementum/dentin and enamel microleakage of Class II restorations using a microhybrid [Z250-3M ESPE] and two packable composites [(SureFil-Dentsply and Tetric Ceram HB-Ivoclair/Vivadent]. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Three hundred sixty "vertical-slot Class II cavities" were prepared at the mesial surface of bovine incisors using a 245 carbide bur in a highspeed handpiece. Specimens were divided into twelve groups (composite-photoactivation systems). Half of the specimens had the gingival margin placed in enamel (n=15) and the other half in cementum/dentin (n=15). Composites were inserted and cured in 2 mm increments according to manufacturers' recommended exposure times. After polishing, the samples were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution, sectioned, and evaluated at the gingival margins. Data were submitted to statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: No significant differences were found among the photoactivation systems and among resin composites (p>0.05). Microleakage was not significantly affected by location (enamel vs. cementum/dentin, p>0.05). These findings suggested neither the photoactivation systems nor the resin composite types might have an effect on the microleakage at gingival margins Class II cavities.

The effect of light-curing source and mode on microtensile bond strength to bovine dentin.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different light-curing techniques on the microtensile bond strength of hybrid and packable resin composite to dentin. The null hypotheses were that different light-curing techniques do not affect the adhesion of resin composites to tooth structure and that different resin composites do not have a similar bond to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred four box-shaped buccal preparations were made and dentin/enamel adhesive was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions (Single Bond 3M ESPE). A hybrid resin composite (Filtek Z250, A2, 3M ESPE) or a packable resin composite (Solitaire 2, A2, Heraeus Kulzer) were inserted in bulk and polymerized using one of these techniques (n = 13): (a) Soft-start (SS) using a halogen lamp (QTH); (b) LED low intensity; (c) Plasma arc (PAC) curing for 6 s for packable resin composite and 3 s for the hybrid resin composite; (d) Conventional (C) QTH curing for 40 s. Afterwards, specimens were thermocycled 1,000 times between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C in tap water, and were sectioned into beams with a rectangular cross-sectional area of approximately 1 mm2. Microtensile bond strength testing was performed using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. RESULTS: Bond strength means +/- (SD) in MPa were: Filtek Z250: SSQTH = 17.9 (5.4); LED = 17.9 (6.4); PAC = 16.8 (6.8); CQTH = 16.1 (4.6). Solitaire 2: SSQTH = 12.4 (6.4); LED = 15.5 (4.3); PAC = 16.2 (4.4); CQTH = 13.8 (5.7). The data were structured in a split-plot design and analyzed by a two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (alpha = 0.05). CONCLUSION: The light-curing method did not significantly affect bond strengths. However, the bond strengths of the packable resin composite were significantly lower than those of the hybrid resin composite for all polymerization techniques, suggesting that the restorative material itself might be a more critical factor in adhesion than the curing method.

Microtensile bond strengths of composite to dentin treated with desensitizer products.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to analyze the influence of desensitizing procedures on dentin bond strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty bovine incisors were used, divided into four groups (n = 10): G1: control; G2: Gluma Desensitizer (Heraeus Kulzer); G3: Oxa-Gel (Art-Dent); G4: low-intensity laser (MMOptics). The buccal surface was wet ground flat with 180-, 400- and 600-grit silicon carbide abrasive paper to expose midcoronal dentin and create a uniform surface. After the application of the desensitizing agents to the exposed dentin, the specimens were etched with 35% phosphoric acid for 30 s, and an adhesive (Single Bond) was applied and light cured. A 4-mm high crown of composite resin (Filtek Z250) was then built up. Specimens were trimmed to an hourglass shape with cross sections of 1 mm2. Each specimen was individually fractured by a microtensile testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The data, recorded in MPa, were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and the Duncan test (p = 0.05). RESULTS: Specimens treated with dentin desensitizers (except Gluma) yielded significantly lower mean bond strengths than nontreated control specimens. The mean values in MPa (+/- SD) were: G1: 13.4 (6.2); G2: 13.2 (4.8); G3: 7.15 (4.3); G4: 7.21 (4.6). CONCLUSIONS: Among the desensitizing agents studied, only Gluma Desensitizer did not detrimentally influence the bond strength values. It is a useful material for dentin desensitization.

Influence of thermal and mechanical load cycling on microtensile bond strengths of total and self-etching adhesive systems.

This study evaluated the influence of different thermal (TC) and mechanical (MC) cycling protocols on microtensile bond strength (muTBS) to cervical dentin margins of Class II restorations using two total-etch (TE) adhesives and one self-etching (SE) primer. Class II slot cavities were prepared on the mesial surfaces of 168 bovine incisors and were divided into three groups according to the bonding system used: Single Bond, OptiBond Solo Plus and Clearfil SE Bond. All cavities were restored with Filtek Z250 composite. Following restorative procedures, the restored teeth were allocated to seven subgroups (n = 8) according to the thermal/mechanical protocol performed: G1-control (no cycling), G2-100,000 MC, G3-200,000 MC, G4-500,000 MC, G5-100,000 MC+1,000 TC, G6-200,000 MC+1,000 TC, G7-500,000 MC+1,000 TC. TC was performed using 5 +/- 2 degrees C and 55 +/- 2 degrees C baths, with a dwell time of 60 seconds in each bath. MC was achieved with an axial force of 80 N at 2 cycles/second. The restorations were sectioned perpendicular to the cervical bonded interface into two 0.8-1-mm thick slabs. The slabs were trimmed at the interface to obtain a cross-sectional surface area of 0.8-1 mm2. All specimens were then subjected to muTBS (v = 0.5 mm/minute). Fracture mode analysis was performed using SEM. Bond strength mean values (MPa) were analyzed with ANOVA 3-way and Tukey's test (alpha = 5%). Dunnett's test was used to compare tested groups against Control groups of each adhesive system (alpha = 56%). SE primer presented lower mean bond strength values when compared to TE adhesives (p = 0.05). In addition, specimens restored with the SE primer did not resist to the 200,000 and 500,000 MC associated with TC. The application of 100,000 MC did not present a significant decrease in bond strength when compared to the control. Mixed failures were predominant for all groups. The higher the amount of thermal/mechanical cycles, the greater the number of mixed failures and the lower the percentage of adhesive failures.

2-year Clinical evaluation of sodium hypochlorite treatment in the restoration of non-carious cervical lesions: a pilot study.

This pilot study evaluated the effect of removing acid-etch-exposed dentin collagen on the clinical performance of composite restorations of noncarious cervical lesions placed using 2 different adhesive systems. Fifty-six restorations were placed in 14 subjects, each subject receiving at least 4 restorations. No cavity preparation or mechanical retention form was used. The variables tested were: 1) dentin treatment prior to application of the adhesive (acid-etch only vs acid-etch and collagen removal) and 2) type of adhesive (acetone- vs ethanol-based). For the acid-etch only groups, enamel and dentin were etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds, rinsed and blot dried. Prime & Bond 2.1 (Dentsply Caulk) or Single Bond (3M ESPE) was applied and light-cured according to the manufacturer's instructions. For the acid-etch and collagen removal groups, the enamel and dentin were etched and rinsed in the same manner and a 10% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution was applied for 60 seconds and rinsed before adhesive application. Filtek Z-250 (3M ESPE) was applied to all specimens and light-cured according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the restorations were finished and polished immediately. The restorations were evaluated for pre- and post-operative sensitivity, retention, marginal staining and secondary caries at baseline, 12 and 24 months after placement, using modified USPHS criteria. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon statistical tests (p=0.05). At 24 months, the retention rates for Prime & Bond 2.1 with and without NaOCl pretreatment were 80% and 63%, respectively. The corresponding retention rates for Single Bond were 70% and 90%. Marginal staining was minimal. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences at any time interval between groups for retention or marginal staining. No post-operative sensitivity or secondary caries was detected during the study.

Influence of different tests used to measure the bond strength to dentin of two adhesive systems.

PURPOSE: To investigate the behavior of two bonding systems: self-etching primer Clearfil Liner Bond 2V (CLB) and total-etch Single Bond (SB) when submitted to two bond strength tests: shear bond strength (SBS) and microtensile (MTBS). METHODS: Flat dentin surfaces were obtained at the facial surface of extracted bovine incisors. muTBS started with adhesive application and incremental resin composite insertion. Samples were then sliced into 1 mm slabs parallel to the long axis of the tooth. Half of the specimens from each group were trimmed in order to obtain dumbbell-shaped (D) specimens with a cross-sectional area of 1 mm2, and in the other half of the group, the slabs were cut into beams (B) with a cross section of 1 mm2 area. Specimens were individually fractured on a microtensile apparatus. For SBS, crown segments were embedded in polyester resin and a flat dentin surface was exposed for bonding. After adhesive and restorative procedures were accomplished, the specimens were kept in water for 24 hours prior to bond testing. The tests were performed in a universal testing machine. MPa values were analyzed by Tukey's test (P < 0.05), two-way ANOVA (muTBS) and Student's t-test (SBS). RESULTS: Mean values (SD) on muTBS were: SB/B: 42.6 (15.1), SB/D: 35.4 (6.8), CLB/B: 14.3 (10.3) and CLB/D: 27.0 (7.9). SBS values (SD) were: SB: 17.3 (5.6) and CLB 15.9 (7.2). Beam specimens bonded with CLB presented the lowest results. SBS did not show statistical differences between groups. The results showed that the shear bond test seemed to lack the sensitivity that is required to detect subtle differences between bonding agents or procedures.

Diabetes mellitus and drug abuse during pregnancy and the risk for orofacial clefts and related abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: to assessed the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and drug abuse in mothers of children with orofacial clefts (OFC). METHODS: 325 women who had children (0-3y) with clefts were interviewed. Data regarding type of diabetes, use of legal/illegal drugs during pregnancy, waist girth and fasting blood sugar at the first prenatal consult were collected. RESULTS: twenty seven percent of the women had DM, out of these, 89% had gestational DM, 5,5% type 1 DM and 5,5% type 2 DM. The prevalence of DM in mothers of children with OFC was 27%, it is significantly higher than the average Brazilian population which is 7.6% (p<0.01) (OR=4.5, 95%CI=3.5-5.8). Regarding drug abuse during pregnancy, 32% of the mothers used drugs and a significant positive correlation was observed between drug abuse and the occurrence of clefts and other craniofacial anomalies (p=0.028) (OR=2.87; 95%CI=1.1-7.4). CONCLUSIONS: DM and drug abuse during pregnancy increases the risk for OFC and related anomalies and early diagnosis of DM and prevention of drug abuse, especially in pregnant women, should be emphasized.

The effect of sodium hypochlorite on microleakage of composite resin restorations using three adhesive systems.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different adhesive systems on microleakage of Class V restorations after the use of sodium hypochlorite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred eighty bovine incisors were selected and randomly divided into 9 groups (n = 20): G1: Single Bond (SB); G2: 10% NaOCl solution (NS) + SB; G3: 10% NaOCl gel (NG) + SB; G4: Prime & Bond NT (PB); G5: NS + PB; G6: NG + PB; G7: Gluma One Bond (GOB); G8: NS + GOB; G9: NG + GOB. Standardized Class V cavities were prepared. All teeth were etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s. In groups 2, 5, and 8, a 10% NaOCl solution was applied for 60 s to the dentin, and in groups 3, 6, and 9, a 10% NaOCl gel was applied to dentin for 60 s. All cavities were restored with composite resin Definite. The specimens were thermocycled for 1000 cycles (5 degrees C to 55 degrees C) and then immersed in 2% buffered solution of methylene blue for 4 h. The specimens were sectioned and analyzed according to a ranking score (0 to 4). Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney non-parametric tests (p < or = 0.05) were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The NaOCl treatment significantly increased microleakage at the dentin margin (p = 0.0129) as shown by the following sums of ranks: G1 = 1008.0a; G4 = 1301.5ab; G3 = 1687.0ab; G7 = 1744.0bc; G2 = 1802.0c; G9 = 1880.0c; G5 = 1889.0c; G8 = 1950.0c; G6 = 1963.0c (different superscripts indicate significant differences). For enamel, there were no statistically significant differences among the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Depending on the adhesive system used, the application of NaOCl increased microleakage along dentin margins.

The effect of nonvital bleaching on the shear bond strength of composite resin using three adhesive systems.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of nonvital bleaching on the shear bond strength of composite resin using three adhesive systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred seventy bovine teeth were assigned to 3 groups (n = 90): SP, paste of sodium perborate and water; CP, 37% carbamide peroxide; CO, control group (no treatment). After the bleaching treatment, the teeth in each group were cut into enamel (E) and dentin (D) sections. The teeth were embedded in polyester resin and polished in order to obtain a flat E or D surface. Each group was divided into 6 subgroups (n = 15) according to substrate (E and D) and adhesive system: SB, Single Bond (solvent: water/alcohol); PB, Prime & Bond NT (solvent: acetone); CLF, Clearfil SE Bond (solvent: water). The adhesive system was applied on each flat surface according to the manufacturer's instructions and a cylinder of composite resin Z-250 was overlaid. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 7 days at 37 degrees C. The SBS test was performed in a universal testing machine with crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The data obtained (in MPa) were statistically analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < or = 0.05). RESULTS: The bleaching treatment influenced the SBS, regardless of the adhesive system used. On enamel, the SP and CP bleaching treatments reduced the SBS values. On dentin, the SP bleaching agent reduced the SBS values, but the CP bleaching did not. CONCLUSION: Nonvital bleaching treatment with sodium perborate may adversely affect shear bond strength of composite resin for both enamel and dentin. Similar effects can be expected from 37% carbamide peroxide bleaching agent on enamel but not dentin bonding strength. The use of water/alcohol and acetone-based adhesive systems cannot reverse the effects of bleaching treatments on bond strengths.

Influence of load cycling on marginal microleakage with two self-etching and two one-bottle dentin adhesive systems in dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of occlusal load cycling on cervical microleakage of proximal slot restorations located in dentin, using two self-etching and two one-bottle dentin adhesive systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 240 proximal slot cavities were prepared in 120 bovine teeth and divided into two groups, one with load cycling and one without. The groups were then subdivided into four subgroups according to the adhesive system used (Experimental EXL 547 Self-etching 3M, Clearfil SE Bond, Single Bond, and Optibond Solo Plus) and restored following the manufacturers' instructions. The teeth were then submitted to mechanical load cycling with a force of 80 N and a frequency of 5 Hz, simultaneously over both restorations of each tooth, for a total of 50,000 cycles per specimen. All specimens were subsequently immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution (pH 7.0), and sectioned to examine the extent of dye penetration under a stereomicroscope (40X). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.00002) between the loaded and unloaded teeth. However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the adhesive systems used. The experimental self-etching EXL 547 presented the lowest mean microleakage, but was only statistically significantly different from the Single Bond loaded and unloaded groups and the Clearfil SE Bond unloaded group. CONCLUSION: The application of 50,000 loading cycles did not affect the microleakage of the two self-etching and the two one-bottle adhesive systems evaluated. In vitro mechanical load cycling is an important factor to consider when evaluating the performance of adhesive systems under simulated masticatory conditions.

Stability of dentin bond strengths using different bonding techniques after 12 months: total-etch, deproteinization and self-etching.

This study evaluated the influence of (1) different dentin treatments and (2) storage time on dentin shear bond strengths. Two hundred and twenty-five bovine incisors were collected, ground to expose a flat dentin surface and randomly divided into three groups according to dentin surface treatment: (1) Total etch + Single Bond; (2) Total etch + collagen depletion with 10% NaOCl + Single Bond and (3) No etch + experimental self-etching adhesive. Composite was applied to the treated surfaces using a 3 x 5 mm cylindrical Teflon matrix and was light-cured. Each group was further stratified in five subgroups according to storage time in water at 37 degrees C: 1 day, 7 days, 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. Shear bond strengths (SBS) were determined and expressed in MPa. Data was analyzed for statistical significance with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p=0.05). No interaction was observed between surface treatment and storage time. Storage time did not significantly affect bond strengths. Statistically significant differences were observed among the different surface treatments. Single Bond applied after total-etch presented higher mean SBS when compared to the other surface treatment methods. Collagen removal negatively influenced SBS, and the experimental self-etching adhesive presented intermediate values.

Thermal and mechanical load cycling on microleakage and shear bond strength to dentin.

This study evaluated the influence of mechanical and thermal cycling on microleakage at the cervical margins of proximal slot restorations and shear bond strength on flat dentin surfaces. Microleakage Evaluation: One hundred and twenty slot cavity restorations were performed on bovine incisors. The restorations were randomly divided into four groups (n = 30): control (no thermal and mechanical load cycling), thermal cycling (2,000 cycles, 5 degrees C-55 degrees C), mechanical load cycling (50,000-80N) and thermal and load cycling (2,000 5 degrees C-55 degrees C/50,000-80N). The specimens were sealed with acid resistant varnish, leaving a 1-mm window around the cervical margin interface. To detect marginal leakage, a 2% methylene blue buffered solution was used for four hours. The specimens were sectioned longitudinally and qualitatively evaluated by stereomicroscopy (45x) following a ranked score for the dentin cervical margin. The data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (alpha = 0.05). Shear Bond Strength Evaluation (SBS): Eighty bovine incisors were embedded and polished to obtain a flat standard surface on dentin. The surfaces were restored with Single Bond adhesive system and a resin composite subsequently inserted in a bipartite Teflon matrix. The specimens were randomly divided into the four groups (n = 20) described above for microleakage. Shear bond strengths were measured in a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. The data were analyzed by one way ANOVA test (alpha = 0.05). No statistically significant influence of thermocycling, mechanical load cycling or the combination was observed for both microleakage and shear bond strength.

Influence of polymerization technique on microleakage and microhardness of resin composite restorations.

This study evaluated the influence of three polymerization techniques on microleakage and microhardness of Class II restorations using a microhybrid (Filtek Z250) and a "packable" resin composite (SureFil). The techniques, their respective light intensities and time used in relation to the resin composites, are: Conventional (C)--800 mW/cm2 for 40 seconds; Soft-Start (SS1)--75 mW/cm2 for 10 seconds plus 518mW/cm2 for 30 seconds; Soft-Start (SS2)-- 170mW/cm2 for 10 seconds plus 518 mW/cm2 for 30 seconds and Plasma Arc Curing (PAC)--1,468 mW/cm2 for three or six seconds. One hundred and fifty-two "Vertical Slot type Class II cavities" at the mesial and distal surfaces were prepared and divided into eight groups (n = 19). After the restorative procedures, the samples were thermocycled (1,000 cycles at 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C), then immersed in 2% methylene blue dye solution for four hours. The microleakage was evaluated and the results analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Multiple Comparisons tests. Ten samples from each group were randomly selected, embedded in polyester resin, polished and submitted to the Knoop microhardness test. ANOVA (split-plot) and Tukey's test (p < 0.01) revealed significant differences among depths: the hardness at the top surface was significantly higher followed by the middle and bottom surfaces. There was no significant difference in microleakage among the techniques when microhybrid resin composite was employed. However, when using a "packable" resin composite, the conventional technique for polymerization was comparable to Soft-Start and better than PAC.

Effect of two different restorative techniques using resin-based composites on microleakage.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in vitro the extent of microleakage of Class II cavities restored with two different brands of resin-based composite, one hybrid (Tetric Ceram) and the other "packable" (Surefil) taking into account two variables: the localization of the margins and the insertion technique. METHODS: 100 bovine teeth, recently extracted, had standardized Class II slot cavities prepared on the mesial and distal surfaces with the gingival floor located on enamel or dentin, for a total 200 cavities. The teeth were randomly divided into eight groups of 25 teeth each (25 restorations in each group): (1) margin on dentin, restored with Surefil, bulk insertion; (2) margin on dentin, restored with Tetric Ceram, bulk insertion; (3) Margin on enamel, restored with Surefil, incremental technique; (4) margin on enamel, restored with Tetric Ceram, incremental technique; (5) margin on enamel, restored with Surefil, bulk insertion; (6) margin on enamel, restored with Tetric Ceram, bulk insertion; (7) margin on dentin, restored with Surefil, incremental technique; (8) margin on dentin, restored with Tetric Ceram, incremental technique. After this procedure, the teeth were subjected to 1000 thermocycles, stained with 2% methylene blue solution, and then sectioned in the mesiodistal direction. Dye penetration at tooth/restoration interface was scored based upon the extent of the dye using a light stereoscope x 35. RESULTS: All groups showed considerable levels of microleakage at both dentin and enamel margins (P < 0.05). Restorations with margins in enamel using the hybrid resin-based composite with the incremental technique did not show statistically significant differences when compared to bulk placement. However, restorations with hybrid resin-based composite have significantly less microleakage than either bulk or incremental technique for the "packable" resin-based composite Surefil. As for the margins in dentin, Tetric Ceram in bulk placement did not differ from the incremental technique and Tetric in bulk placement had significantly less microleakage than Surefil either bulk or incremental technique. The hybrid resin-based composite with margins in dentin and incremental technique showed less microleakage than the "packable" resin in bulk placement. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The two types of resin-based composites, hybrid and "packable" were unable to completely prevent microleakage. The study demonstrated the difficulty in sealing a proximal margin.

Microleakage and gap formation of resin composite restorations polymerized with different techniques.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different polymerization techniques on microleakage and gap formation of resin-based composite restorations. One correlation test was also carried out between these methodologies. METHODS: 180 vertical slot cavities were prepared in bovine teeth and filled with Z250/Single Bond system, for the following six groups (n=30): Soft-start I - 10 seconds at 75 mW/cm2 + 30 seconds at 560 mW/cm2; Soft-start II - 10 seconds at 190 mW/cm2 + 30 seconds at 560 mW/cm2; Pulse delay - 3 seconds at 300 mW/cm2 + 5 minutes waiting + 30 seconds at 560 mW/cm2; Plasma arc - 3 seconds at 1,500 mW/cm2; High intensity - 40 seconds at 810 mW/cm2; Conventional (control) - 40 seconds at 560 mW/cm2. After polishing, epoxy replicas were prepared for electron microscopy analysis (n=10), at x500 magnification. The samples were thermocycled, new epoxy replicas were prepared, and the teeth were immersed in 2% methylene blue dye solution for 4 hours. Marginal gaps were evaluated again and the microleakage was assessed. RESULTS: No statistical difference among polymerization techniques was observed for microleakage (Kruskal-Wallis test). For gap formation there was no statistical difference among polymerization techniques either before or after thermocycling (Tukey test). Conversely, thermocycling significantly increased the gap formation for all groups. No correlation (Spearman correlation test) was observed for the results of microleakage and gap formation.

Microleakage of adhesively bonded cervical amalgam restorations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate dye penetration in adhesively bonded cervical amalgam restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens were randomly divided into four groups and the adhesives Prime & Bond 2.1, Prime & Bond 2.1 Dual Cure, Scotchbond Multi Purpose Plus and Amalgambond Plus were tested. After being restored and polished, the teeth were thermocycled 1,000 times at temperatures varying between 5 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C and 55 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus demonstrated lower levels of microleakage in enamel and dentin. The dual adhesives were more effective than the "one bottle" adhesive.