Influence of Curing Units and Indirect Restorative Materials on the Hardness of Two Dual-curing Resin Cements Evaluated by the Nanoindentation Test.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the hardness of a dual-curing self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200) and a conventional dual-curing resin cement (RelyX ARC) cured with different light curing units of different wavelengths (Elipar Freelight 2 LED [430 to 480 nm, conventional], Bluephase LED [380 to 515 nm, polywave], AccuCure 3000 Laser [488 nm]) by means of the nanoindentation test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bovine incisors were cleaned and then sectioned at the cementoenamel junction to remove the crown. After embedding in acrylic, dentin surfaces of the specimens were exposed and ground flat to standardize the surfaces. To simulate clinically placing indirect restorations, ceramic (IPS e.maxPress/Ivoclar Vivadent) or indirect composite resin (SR Adoro/Ivoclar Vivadent) slabs were cemented on dentin surfaces. The specimens were sectioned longitudinally at low speed under constant irrigation and then polished. In the positive control group, the cement was light cured without the interposition of indirect restorative material; in the negative control group, after the indirect restorative material was cemented, no light curing was performed, allowing only chemical polymerization of the cement. All specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 7 days. Nanoindentadion hardness of the cement layer was measured under a 100-mN load. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Although the self-adhesive cement is technically simple, conventional cement showed the best polymerization performance. The polywave LED technology did not differ significantly from other light-curing units. The hardness of the resin cements evaluated was negatively influenced by the interposition of an indirect restorative material; only the LEDs were able to maintain the same degree of cement polymerization when an indirect restorative material was used. CONCLUSION: The photoactivation step is required during the cementation of indirect restorations to ensure adequate polymerization of dual-curing resin cements.

The effect of desensitizing dentifrices on dentin wear and tubule occlusion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of desensitizing dentifrices on dentin erosive wear, using a 5-day erosion-abrasion-remineralization cycling model. The effect of the dentifrices on dentin's tubule occlusion was also investigated. METHODS: 30 samples of root dentin were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): (1) Colgate Total 12 Clean Mint (control, 1,450 ppm F); (2) Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief (1,450 ppm F, Pro-Argin); and (3) Sensodyne Repair&Protect (1,450 ppm F, Novamin). Erosion was performed with a cola drink, for 5 minutes, 4x/day. Toothbrushing with the slurry dentifrices (1:2) was performed 2x/day, with electric toothbrushes, using standard pressure for 15 seconds. Surface loss (SL) was determined with optical profilometry at baseline and after the first, third and fifth days of cycling. Before treatment and in the end of the cycling, the amount of opened dentin tubules per area was evaluated in three randomly selected specimens from each group, by environmental scanning electron microscopy. The relative dentin abrasitivity (RDA) of the dentifrices was also measured. Data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). RESULTS: All the dentifrices showed a progressive increase in SL over time. However, no significant differences in SL among the dentifrices were observed at any time studied. Sensodyne Repair&Protect significantly reduced the number of opened dentin tubules when compared to the other groups. Colgate Total 12 Clean Mint showed the highest RDA, followed by Sensodyne Repair&Protect and then by Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief. The desensitizing dentifrices tested produced a similar rate of erosive dentin wear to the conventional dentifrice; however, only Sensodyne Repair&Protect was able to promote tubule occlusion.

Effect of CO2 laser on root caries inhibition around composite restorations: an in vitro study.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro effect of CO2 laser on the inhibition of root surface demineralization around composite resin restorations. For this purpose, 30 blocks obtained from human molar roots were divided into three groups: group 1 (negative control), cavity prepared with cylindrical diamond bur + acid etching + adhesive + composite resin restoration; group 2, cavity prepared with cylindrical diamond bur + CO2 laser (5.0 J/cm(2)) + acid etching + adhesive + composite resin; and group 3, cavity prepared with cylindrical diamond bur + CO2 laser (6.0 J/cm(2)) + acid etching + adhesive + composite resin. After this procedure, the blocks were submitted to thermal and pH cycling. Root surface demineralization around the restorations was measured by microhardness analysis. The hardness results of the longitudinally sectioned root surface were converted into percentage of mineral volume, which was used to calculate the mineral loss delta Z (ΔZ). The percentage of mineral volume, ΔZ, and the percentage of demineralization inhibition of the groups were statistically analyzed by using analysis of variance and Tukey-Kramer test. The percentage of mineral volume was higher in the irradiated groups up to 80 µm deep. The ΔZ was significantly lower in the irradiated groups than in the control group. The percentage of reduction in demineralization ranged from 19.73 to 29.21 in position 1 (50 µm), and from 24.76 to 26.73 in position 2 (100 µm), when using 6 and 5 J/cm(2), respectively. The CO2 laser was effective in inhibiting root demineralization around composite resin restorations.

Repair Bond Strength of Aged Composite Resins Using Different Surface Treatment Protocols.

This study evaluated shear bond strength (SBS) of thermally aged composite resins repaired using different surface protocols. Four-hundred composite resin samples were made using the following materials (100 samples per material): Filtek Z350XT (FXT); Spectra Smart (SSM); IPS Empress Direct (EDI); and Forma (FOR). Each group's samples were then divided into 10 groups (n = 10 samples per group): G1: no surface treatment; G2: phosphoric acid-etching + universal-adhesive (PU); G3: surface roughening + PU (RPU); G4: RPU + silane (RPSU); G5: surface roughening + hydrofluoric acid-etching + universal adhesive (RHU); G6: RHU + silane (RHSU); G7: dry sandblast + PU (DsPU); G8: DsPU + silane (DsPSU); G9: wet sandblast + PU (WsPU); and G10: WsPU + silane (WsPSU). G1 was freshly repaired, and G2 to G10 were thermally aged before repair. Specimens were tested for SBS, and the failure type was observed with a magnifying loupe. Representative images were obtained using a scanning electronic microscope. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc tests (P = .05). Differences were detected among different surface treatments and among different composite resins with equal surface treatments (P < .05). SBS means ranged from 10.48 (FOR:G2) to 20.70 (FXT:G7). The highest SBS values were seen in G7 to G10 (P > .05), while lowest values were generally observed for G2. G1 showed higher results compared to G2 (P < .05), except for EDI (P > .05). Most failures corresponded with cohesive type. In general, thermally aged composite resin presented a decreased repair bond strength potential when no additional surface treatment was applied. Sandblasting improved the SBS of repaired aged composite resins.

Comparison between a bulk-fill resin-based composite and three luting materials on the cementation of fiberglass-reinforced posts.

Objectives: This study verified the possibility of cementing fiberglass-reinforced posts using a flowable bulk-fill composite (BF), comparing its push-out bond strength and microhardness with these properties of 3 luting materials. Materials and Methods: Sixty endodontically treated bovine roots were used. Posts were cemented using conventional dual-cured cement (CC); self-adhesive cement (SA); dual-cured composite (RC); and BF. Push-out bond strength (n = 10) and microhardness (n = 5) tests were performed after 1 week and 4 months of storage. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), 1-way ANOVA, t-test, and Tukey post-hoc tests were applied for the push-out bond strength and microhardness results; and Pearson correlation test was applied to verify the correlation between push-out bond strength and microhardness results (α = 0.05). Results: BF presented higher push-out bond strength than CC and SA in the cervical third before aging (p < 0.01). No differences were found between push-out bond strength before and after aging for all the luting materials (p = 0.84). Regarding hardness, only SA presented higher values measured before than after aging (p < 0.01). RC and BF did not present 80% of the maximum hardness at the apical regions. A strong positive correlation was found between the luting materials' push-out bond strength and microhardness (p < 0.01, R2 = 0.7912). Conclusions: The BF presented comparable or higher push-out bond strength and microhardness than the luting materials, which indicates that it could be used for cementing resin posts in situations where adequate light curing is possible.

The effect of tooth bleaching using violet LED (405-410 nm) on the properties of resin-based composites.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bleaching techniques, including or not the use of violet light (405-410 nm), on resin-based composites' color, surface roughness, nanohardness, and elastic modulus. METHODS: Ninety-six disk-shaped specimens (12 mm x 2 mm; n = 12) were prepared using Filtek Z350 XT (Z350) and IPS Empress Direct (ED) resin-based composites. After 24 h, specimens were stained in red wine for 28 days. After staining, specimens were divided into four experimental groups: 40 % Hydrogen Peroxide (HP); Violet Light (VL); 40 % Hydrogen Peroxide associated with Violet Light (HP+VL), and a control group - no treatment (NT). Specimens were evaluated at six experimental times: initial (24 h after light curing); after staining and after the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th bleaching sessions regarding the color change (ΔE00, L*, a*, b*, and WID); roughness (Ra), nanohardness and elastic modulus (GPa). Two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures was performed (α=0.05 %). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between staining and the 1st bleaching session for all ED groups (p<0.05). After the last bleaching session, there were no differences between the experimental and the control groups of both resin-based composites. Bleaching using violet light did not change the roughness, nanohardness and elastic modulus of the tested resin-based composites (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although hydrogen peroxide and violet light remove pigments from resin-based composites without affecting their surface roughness, nanohardness, and elastic modulus, the color change was similar to the one obtained by immersion in distilled water.

Role of non-carious cervical lesions multicausality in the behavior of respective restorations.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate biocorrosion and eccentric occlusal loading interplay in marginal quality of cervical restorations. METHODS: Cervical wedge-shaped cavities were prepared in extracted premolars and restored with a composite. Premolars underwent either an erosive challenge (E: 1% citric acid/10 min), eccentric occlusal loading (EOL: 150 N/2.5 Hz/106 cycles), E before EOL (E + EOL), E intermediate to EOL (EOL/E/EOL), E after EOL (EOL + E), or no E or EOL (C: control). Marginal quality was analyzed based on a series of Optical Coherence Tomography images. Each of the margins was assigned a gap score (0, 1, 2, or 3) and measurement (µm). For each margin, scores data were analyzed with Kruskall Wallis and Dunn tests, and µm data, with Kruskall Wallis. Overall and for each group, the different margins were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the correlation between scores and µm, Spearman's correlation coefficient (α = 0.05). RESULTS: E and EOL, even if associated, did not influence enamel marginal quality. EOL/E/EOL impaired dentin/cementum marginal quality only in the case of scores and compared to E. E + EOL, EOL + E or EOL and even C, without differences between each other, did not influence results differently from E or EOL/E/EOL. Margins in dentin/cementum always showed lengthier gaps. Except for C, E and EOL + E cervical margin, there was a strong positive correlation between scores and µm. CONCLUSIONS: Eccentric occlusal loading and/or biocorrosion cannot be assumed as causes of marginal failure of cervical restorations in wedge-shaped cavities. A relevant concern may still be the establishment of adhesive interfaces in dentin/cementum. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although non-carious cervical lesions are strongly being recognized multifactorial and their respective restorations not always behave as expected, biocorrosion and eccentric occlusal loading interplay cannot serve as an explanation for marginal gaps they often present.

Argon ion laser curing depth effect on a composite resin.

The aim of this study was to define optimal power settings as well as curing time associated with evaluating the curing depth of a composite resin as a function of Vickers hardness. The tests were performed with a hybrid composite resin cured with a halogen lamp and argon ion laser, with different exposure times and power settings. The composite resin bulk technique was used using a black polypropylene matrix with thicknesses ranging from 1 to 4 mm and Vickers microhardness was measured on the opposite surface of the light activation. ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests were used. The results showed that the groups activated by the laser for 20 s, at 200 and 250 mW, did not present statistically significant differences regarding the halogen lamp with 1 mm thickness, but the halogen lamp showed better results with thickness values more than 2 mm (p < 0.05).

Mechanical Properties of the Mandible in Postmenopausal Women Under Aledronate Treatment.

AIMS: This study evaluated the mechanical properties of mandibular bone tissue retrieved from postmenopausal women under alendronate treatment. METHODS: Twenty postmenopausal women were divided into two groups: healthy postmenopausal subjects (control group) and osteoporotic subjects treated with alendronate (alendronate group). Mandibular bone samples were retrieved with a trephine bur at the time of dental implant placement and fixed in 4% formalin. Samples were processed for hard tissue histology, and the bone surface was analyzed for nanohardness measurement. Nanohardness and elastic modulus were evaluated by using a Berkovich tip with elastic modulus of 1.016x106 MPa, Poisson coefficient of 0.3, and a load of 100 mN. Each cycle was configured with a load time of 18 seconds (speed of 1 mN/second), the discharge time of 18 seconds, and a rest time of 5 seconds during indentation at a depth of 10 µm. RESULTS: The control group presented the highest values for nanohardness and elastic modulus (p less than 0.05) in relation to the osteoporotic subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that treatment with alendronate negatively influenced the mechanical properties of mandibular bone in postmenopausal women by reducing bone nanohardness and elastic modulus.

Effect of light curing units on the polymerization of bulk fill resin-based composites.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential effect of four different light curing units (LCUs) on the curing profile of two bulk fill resin-based composites (RBCs). METHODS: Four LCUs (Bluephase 20i, Celalux 3, Elipar DeepCure-S and Valo Grand) were used to light cure two RBCs (Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative and Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill). The effective tip diameter, radiant power, radiant emittance, emission spectrum and light beam profile of the LCUs were measured. Knoop microhardness was measured at the top and bottom surfaces of RBC specimens that were 12-mm in diameter and 4-mm deep (n=5). The distribution of the spectral radiant power that was delivered to the surface of the specimen and the light transmission through the 4-mm thick specimens was measured using an integrating sphere. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05) were applied. RESULTS: The Valo Grand produced the most homogeneous microhardness across the surfaces of the RBCs (p>0.05). When the Celalux 3, Bluephase 20i and Elipar DeepCure-S lights were used, the center of the specimens achieved greater hardness values compared to their outer regions (p<0.05). Approximately 10% of the radiant power delivered to the top reached the bottom of the specimen, although almost no violet light passed through 4mm of either RBC. A positive correlation was observed between the radiant exposure and microhardness. SIGNIFICANCE: The characteristics of the LCUs influenced the photoactivation of the RBCs. The use of a wide tip with a homogeneous light distribution is preferred when light curing RBCs using a bulk curing technique.

Evaluation of curing light distance on resin composite microhardness and polymerization.

This study evaluated the influence of the curing tip distance on cure depth of a resin composite by measuring Vickers microhardness and determining the degree of conversion by using FT-Raman spectroscopy. The light curing units used were halogen (500mW/cm2) and LED (900mW/cm2) at a conventional intensity and an Argon laser at 250mW. The exposure time was 40 seconds for the halogen light, 20 seconds for the LED and 20 and 30 seconds for the Argon laser. The curing tip distances of 0, 3, 6 and 9 mm were used and controlled via the use of metal rings. The composite was placed in a black matrix in one increment at a thickness of 1 mm to 4 mm. The values of microhardness and the degree of conversion were analyzed separately by ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and Tukey test, with a significance level set at 5%. Correlations were analyzed using the Pearson test. The results obtained conclude that greater tip distances produced a decrease in microhardness and degree of conversion values, while increasing the resin thickness decreased the microhardness and degree of conversion values. A higher correlation between microhardness and the degree of conversion was shown. This study suggests that the current light curing units promote a similar degree of conversion and microhardness, provided that the resin is not thicker than 1 mm and the light source is at a maximum distance of 3 mm from the resin surface.

Light output from six battery operated dental curing lights.

Light Curing Units (LCUs) are used daily in almost every dental office to photocure resins, but because the light is so bright, the user is unable to tell visually if there are any differences between different LCUs. This study evaluated the light output from six dental LCUs: Elipar Deep Cure-S (3M ESPE), Bluephase G2 (Ivoclar Vivadent), Translux 2Wave (Heraeus Kulzer), Optilight Prime (Gnatus), Slim Blast (First Medica) and Led.B (Guilin Woodpecker) with a fully charged battery, after 50, and again after 100, 20second light exposures. For each situation, the radiant power was measured 10 times with a laboratory-grade power meter. Then, the emission spectrum was measured using a fiber-optic spectrometer followed by an analysis of the light beam profile. It was found there were significant differences in the LCU power and the irradiance values between the LCUs (p<0.01). The Optilight Prime and Slim Blast LCUs showed a significant reduction in light output after a 50 and 100 exposures, while Bluephase G2 exhibited a significant reduction only after 100 exposures (p<0.01). The Bluephase G2 and Translux 2Wave delivered an emission spectrum that had two distinct wavelength emission peaks. Only the Elipar Deep Cure-S and Bluephase G2 LCUs displayed homogeneous light beam profiles, the other LCUs exhibited highly non-homogeneous light beam profiles. It was concluded that contemporary LCUs could have very different light output characteristics. Both manufacturers and researchers should provide more information about the light output from LCUs.

Ability of four dental radiometers to measure the light output from nine curing lights.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of four dental radiometers when measuring the output from nine light curing units (LCUs). METHODS: The light output from nine light-emitting diode LCUs was measured with a laboratory-grade power meter (PowerMax-Pro 150 HD) and four dental radiometers (Bluephase Meter II, SDI LED Radiometer, Kerr LED Radiometer, and LEDEX CM4000). Ten measurements were made of each LCU with each radiometer. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey tests (α=0.05) were used to determine if there was a difference between the calculated irradiance values from the power meter and those from the radiometers. Where applicable, the LCUs were ranked according to their power and irradiance values. The emission spectra from the LCUs was measured using an integrating sphere attached to a fiber-optic spectrometer (N=10). The beam profile of the LCUs was measured with a beam profiler camera. RESULTS: Of the dental radiometers, only the Bluephase Meter II could measure power. ANOVA showed no significant difference between power values measured with the laboratory-grade meter and the Bluephase Meter II (p=0.527). The difference between the mean irradiance reported by the various radiometers for the same LCU was up to 479mW/cm2. The ranking of the power values obtained using the laboratory-grade meter was the same for the Bluephase Meter II. CONCLUSION: When compared to the calculated irradiance values from the laboratory-grade power meter, the Bluephase Meter II provided the most accurate data. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Considering the great variation between the irradiance values provided by radiometers and their overall inaccuracy when compared to a laboratory-grade meter, dentists should not place too much faith in the absolute irradiance value. However, hand-held radiometers can be used to monitor changes in the light output of LCUs over time.

Five second photoactivation? A microhardness and marginal adaptation in vitro study in composite resin restorations.

INTRODUCTION: Studies defining the characteristics of light curing units and photoactivation methods are necessary to allow the correct choices to be made in daily practice. This study aimed to determine whether different photoactivation protocols for composite resins [periodic level shifting (PLS) - 5 second and soft-start] are able to maintain or enhance the mechanical properties and marginal adaptation of restorations. METHODS: Restorations were placed in bovine teeth using the following photoactivation methods: continuous light for 20 seconds (control group); PLS technology (PLS - 5 second group); and continuous light and a light guide tip distance of 6 mm after which the tip was placed at the surface of the restoration (soft-start group). The teeth were transversely sectioned in the incisal-cervical direction. Thirty halves were randomly selected for Knoop microhardness testing (n = 10). The other 30 halves were subjected to scanning electron microscopy analysis. The images obtained were measured to identify the highest marginal gap, and statistical tests for variance analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Microhardness tests showed no statistically significant difference between the photoactivation methods analysed (P ≥ 0.01). The tests showed a difference among depths (P < 0.01), with the deeper layers being the hardest. In analysing marginal adaptation, no significant difference was identified between the higher marginal gap values in the continuous (mean = 10.36) and PLS - 5 second (mean = 10.62) groups, and the soft-start group (mean = 5.83) presented the lowest values (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The PLS - 5 second and soft-start protocols did not alter the hardness of the restorations. Moreover, the PLS - 5 second protocol did not alter the marginal adaptation, whereas the soft-start protocol improved marginal adaptation.

Clinical evaluation of interocclusal recording materials in bilateral free end cases.

Five combinations of materials commonly used for intermaxillary records in cases of bilateral free end saddle were evaluated: acrylic resin base + wax; acrylic resin base + wax + ZOE paste; acrylic resin base + wax + Duralay resin; condensation silicone; and acrylic resin plate + irreversible hydrocolloid. The materials were evaluated by measuring the vertical distance between pairs of reference points located on the bases of the upper and lower articulated casts. The measurements obtained by manual articulation of the casts were used as the standards to which the measurements obtained with the recording materials were compared. ANOVA revealed significant differences among the materials and the Tukey's test showed that condensation silicone differed significantly (p<0.05) from the acrylic resin + wax combination, while no significant differences (p>0.05) were observed among the remaining materials. The condensation silicone presented the greatest differences from the measurements obtained by manual articulation of the casts whereas the acrylic resin base + wax combination presented the least differences. Based on the findings of this study, the following scale of fidelity can be settled from best to worst: acrylic resin base + wax; acrylic resin plate + alginate; acrylic resin base + wax + ZOE; acrylic resin base + wax + Duralay; and condensation silicone.

Dental fracture and chocolate candies: case report.

A complaint by a customer to a food company claimed that the consumption of a chocolate candy fractured his anterior teeth, due to its hard consistency. Fragments of the fractured teeth and the chocolate candy that supposedly caused it were collected, examined and photographed. Fragments presented caries, large restorations, and suggested previous endodontic treatment. To evaluate causation, the food company requested a laboratory analysis, which simulated the human bite on chocolate candies of the same brand. Human teeth were assembled in a simulating device of masticatory functions of apprehension and incision. Teeth used were either sound or with non-restored endodontic accesses, to simulate previous conditions of the collected fragments. Twenty chocolate candies, cooled in a freezer to 0 °C for 2 h were used as test foods, and were positioned between the teeth of the device at the moment of the test. The set was put in a dynamometer, programmed to apply increasing forces (rate of advance of 5 mm/min), until rupture (either of the specimen or of the teeth). The applied force, in N, at the time of fracture was recorded and analyzed. The average force to fracture the test food was 233.23 N. No tooth was fractured in the experiment. Forces ranging from 191.3 to 275.2 N, applied to chocolate candies were not sufficient to neither fracture human teeth nor cause any structural damage. It was concluded that the dental fracture occurred because of previous oral health conditions of the customer.

Influence of aluminum oxide sandblasting associated with Nd:YAG or Er:YAG lasers on shear bond strength of a feldspathic ceramic to resin cements.

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study evaluated the influence of the surface pretreatment of a feldspathic ceramic on the shear bond strength of two different resin cements. BACKGROUND DATA: Although several conventional surface treatments have been used on feldspathic ceramic, few studies have investigated the effects of an alternative surface treatment, the association of aluminum oxide sandblasting with Nd:YAG and Er: YAG lasers. METHODS: Sixty samples made of a feldspathic ceramic were divided into three groups (n = 20) and treated with (1) controlled-air abrasion with Al(2)O(3) + 10% hydrofluoric acid (HF), (2) Al(2)O(3) + Er:YAG laser, and (3) Al(2)O(3) +Nd:YAG laser. Afterward, silane (Dentsply) was applied on each treated surface. Each of the three main groups was divided into two subgroups (n = 10), where a different resin cement was employed for each subgroup. It was built a cylinder with resin cement (RelyX Arc) in subgroup (A) and with self-adhesive cement (RelyX U100) in subgroup (B). After 24 h at 37 degrees C, the prepared specimens were submitted to shear bond strength test and stereoscopic evaluation to determine the type of failure. RESULTS: Bond strength mean values were not statistically significant for the surface treatment methods or resin cements. CONCLUSION: The null surface treatment proposed with aluminum oxide sandblasting associated with the Er:YAG or Nd:YAG laser and using cementation with self-adhesive cement can be an alternative bonding technique for feldspathic ceramic, since it was as effective as the conventional treatment with aluminum oxide sandblasting and hydrofluoric acid using the conventional resin cement.

Do the origins of primary teeth affect the bond strength of a self-etching adhesive system to dentin?

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the tensile bond strength of a self-etching adhesive system to three different dentinal substrates. Primary molar teeth that had been recently exfoliated (RE), with unknown time of exfoliation (UT), and extracted due to prolonged retention (PR) were used for this investigation. Ten primary molar teeth of each group were cut in the middle following the mesio-distal direction, creating a total of twenty specimens per group. The specimens were included in acrylic resin and had a flat dentin surface exposed. The self-etching adhesive system was applied to this surface and a 3-millimeter high cone with diameter of 2 mm in the adhesion area was constructed using composite resin. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37ºC for 24 hours. Fifteen specimens of each substrate were used for the tensile bond test (n = 15) and 5 had the interface analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data was examined by one-way ANOVA and presented no significant differences between groups (p = 0.5787). The mean values obtained for RE, UT and PR were 18.39 ± 9.70, 19.41 ± 7.80, and 23.30 ± 9.37 MPa, respectively. Any dentinal substrates of primary teeth studied are safe for tensile bond strength tests with adhesive systems.

Can previous acid etching increase the bond strength of a self-etching primer adhesive to enamel?

Because a greater research effort has been directed to analyzing the adhesive effectiveness of self etch primers to dentin, the aim of this study was to evaluate, by microtensile testing, the bond strength to enamel of a composite resin combined with a conventional adhesive system or with a self-etching primer adhesive, used according to its original prescription or used with previous acid etching. Thirty bovine teeth were divided into 3 groups with 10 teeth each (n = 10). In one of the groups, a self-etching primer (Clearfil SE Bond - Kuraray) was applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and, in the other, it was applied after previous acid etching. In the third group, a conventional adhesive system (Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus - 3M-ESPE) was applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The results obtained by analysis of variance revealed significant differences between the adhesive systems (F = 22.31). The self-etching primer (Clearfil SE Bond) presented lower enamel bond strength values than the conventional adhesive system (Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus) (m = 39.70 +/- 7.07 MPa) both when used according to the original prescription (m = 27.81 +/- 2.64 MPa) and with previous acid etching (m = 25.08 +/- 4.92 MPa).

Diferentes padrões tubulares dentinários de molares decíduos interferem na força de união de adesivos baseados no condicionamento ácido total e autocondicionantes? / Do different dentin tubular patterns of primary molars affect the bond strength of total-etching and self-etching adhesive systems?

Avaliar a resistência de união, pelo ensaio de tração, de sistemas adesivos autocondicionantes e baseados no condicionamento ácido total em diferentes superfícies dentinárias de molares decíduos e analisar a interface de união adesiva. Metodologia: Neste estudo in vitro, amostras de dentina de 35 a 65% de distância pulpar (dentina intermediária) foram obtidas do terço médio das faces vestibular e lingual/palatina de primeiros e segundos molares decíduos. As superfícies dentinárias foram polidas com lixas de carboneto de silício de granulação 400 e 600. Três sistemas adesivos (Prime & Bond NT, AdheSE e Clearfil SE Bond) foram empregados nas amostras dos primeiros e segundos molares (n=15); corpos de prova foram confeccionados em resina composta com uma área de adesão de 2 mm de diâmetro. Após 24 horas de armazenagem em água destilada a 37ºC, fez-se o ensaio de tração. Para a análise da interface de união adesiva entre sistema adesivo e dentina usando microscopia eletrônica, as amostras foram preparadas com os mesmos três sistemas adesivos (n=5). Resultados: Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes nos valores de adesão entre primeiros e segundos molares (ANOVA; p>0,05). Os seguintes valores médios de adesão em MPa foram obtidos: 15,65±3,70 (Prime & Bond NT), 19,47±7,09 (AdheSE) e 17,14±5,35 (Clearfil SE Bond). Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os adesivos autocondicionantes. A formação de camada híbrida e tags foi observada em todos os grupos. Conclusões: Os sistemas adesivos contemporâneos apresentaram comportamentos similares em ambos os tipos de superfícies tubulares dentinárias dos molares decíduos. Estudos de seguimento são necessários para o acompanhamento do desempenho clínico desses materiais...

Aims: To evaluate the tensile bond strength of self-etching and total-etching adhesive systems to the different dentin surfaces of primary molars and to analyze the resin-dentin interface. Methodology: In this in vitro study, dentin samples 35 to 65% distant from the pulp (intermediate dentin) were obtained from buccal and lingual surfaces at the middle third of the crown of first and second primary molars. Dentin surfaces were prepared with 400 and 600-grit silicon carbide paper. Three adhesive systems (Prime & Bond NT, AdheSE and Clearfil SE Bond) were tested on the first and second primary molar surfaces (n=15); inverted truncated cones of resin composite with a 2.0 mm bonding diameter were built. After 24 hour storage in distilled water at 37°C, the specimens were submitted to the tensile bond strength test. To analyze the resin-dentin interface under scanning electron microscopy, samples were prepared with the same three adhesive systems (n=5). Results: No differences between first and second primary molar dentin substrates could be observed in mean bond strength values (ANOVA; p>0.05). The following mean bond strength values (MPa) were obtained: 15.65±3.70 (Prime & Bond NT), 19.47±7.09 (AdheSE) and 17.14 ±5.35 (Clearfil SE Bond). There were no statistically significant differences between the self-etching adhesive systems. The presence of hybrid a layer and tags were observed in all groups. Conclusions: Contemporary adhesive systems showed similar behaviors on both dentin tubular surfaces of primary molars. Follow-up studies of the clinical performance of these materials are needed...