Cavity adaptation of composite restorations prepared at crown and root: Optical assessment using SS-OCT

Evaluation of gap formation at the interfaces of a two-step self-etching adhesive with/without pre-etching was performed using sweptsource optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Round cavities were prepared in bovine incisors at the middle (MC) and cervical (CC) thirds of the crown and the cervical third of the root (CR). Clearfil SE bond was directly applied to one group (SE) and another (PA) was pretreated with K-etchant gel. Following restoration by flowable composite resin, the teeth were thermally challenged and stored for 2 months. Interfacial gaps observed in the cross-sectional OCT images were analyzed and the bottom cavities exhibited increased gaps compared to the margin and dentin-enamel junction (DEJ). The CR site had a larger gap than at MC and CC in the SE group. DEJ separation at the MC was significantly smaller than that at CC in both groups. Therefore, gap formation depends on the cavity region, location, and bonding protocol.

The effect of flowable composite lining and dentin location on microtensile bond strength and internal fracture formation

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of flowable composite lining and dentin location on internal dentin fracture formation in the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) test using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). MTBS test beams (1.0×1.0 mm) were prepared from human superficial and deep dentin, which was bonded with a self-etch adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond) and hybrid composite resin (Clearfil AP-X), with or without flowable lining (Clearfil Majesty ES-Flow). We tested 4 groups according to placement technique (with vs. without flowable liner) and dentin (superficial vs. deep) locations. Cross-sectional 2D images of the bonded interface were obtained before and after the MTBS test. Internal dentin fracture after MTBT was observed as a bright zone in SS-OCT. Flowable lining significantly reduced internal fracture formation in dentin (p<0.05). Dentin location significantly influenced MTBS (p<0.05), and this was reduced by flowable lining usage.

Effect of application of desensitizers before bleaching on change of tooth shade

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of desensitizer pre-treatment on in-office bleaching using an artificial discoloration tooth model. The stained specimens were divided into four groups (n=10); without application (Control group), Shield Force plus (SF group), UltraEz (UE group) and Teeth Mate AP paste (TM group) applied before bleaching. Each group was bleached by an in-office bleaching agent. The CIE L*a*b* values were measured by a colorimeter before and after ten consecutive bleaching treatments and the color difference (∆E) was calculated. There was no statistical difference among ∆E values of Control, UE, and TM groups (p>0.05). There was a significant difference between SF and Control groups (p<0.001). It was concluded that application of TM and UE did not affect the change of tooth shade while SF application impeded the bleaching effect.

Morphological and elemental analysis of silver penetration into sound/demineralized dentin after SDF application

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the penetration depth of silver into sound and demineralized dentin after application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF).

METHODS

Two hundred and eighty-eight dentin specimens were used. The specimens were divided into 3 groups: (1) sound dentin (control), (2) 30min EDTA-treated dentin; and (3) 13h EDTA-treated dentin. SDF was applied to all specimens. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups according to storage time into: 24h, 2 weeks and 1-year storage time. Each subgroup was further divided into four subgroups (n=8) according to different examinations as optical microscope (OM) observation, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation, elemental analysis with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Micro-PIXE test.

RESULTS

The OM showed discoloration in the superficial layer after 24h and keep extending deeper after 2 weeks and 1-year. SEM showed silver crystals within dentinal tubules after 2 weeks and 1-year. EDS analysis can detect silver penetration only in the 1-year group reaching around 1200μm inside dentin. Micro-PIXE test detected silver at all time intervals, confirming the EDS depth results.

SIGNIFICANCE

It can be concluded that silver ions can completely infiltrate the demineralized dentin lesion with further penetration into the underlying mineralized dentin.

Evaluation of MDP and NaF in Two-step Self-etch Adhesives on Enamel Microshear Bond Strength and Morphology of the Adhesive-Enamel Interface

PURPOSE

To evaluate the roles of MDP and NaF in the bonding resin of a two-step self-etch adhesive (2-SEA) on enamel bonding performance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experimental 2-SEAs were composed of an MDP-containing self-etching primer and four different bonding resins which were MDP- and NaF-free (00), MDP-containing and NaF-free (M0), MDP-free and NaF-containing (0F), and MDP- and NaF-containing (MF) adhesives. Microshear bond strength (µSBS) to enamel and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the adhesive resin were determined. The morphological characteristics of the adhesive-enamel interface after acid-base challenge were observed using SEM to evaluate the acid-base resistant zone (ABRZ).

RESULTS

No decrease in μSBS was observed even after thermocycling (TC) in 00, 0F and MF. However, the μSBS of M0 significantly decreased after TC. The UTS of M0 significantly decreased after 1- and 180-day storage in water. SEM observations indicated that ABRZ was present in all groups. However, formation of erosion beneath the ABRZ was observed in M0 and 00, whereas formation of a slope without erosion was observed at the bottom of the ABRZ in MF.

CONCLUSION

In the experimental 2-SEAs, the addition of MDP alone to the adhesive resin did not contribute to an improvement in enamel bonding durability and interfacial morphology, whereas the addition of NaF in the adhesive resin demonstrated an enhancement of the bonding durability and improvement of acid resistance at the bonded interface.

Effects of Selective Phosphoric Acid Etching on Enamel Using "No-wait" Self-etching Adhesives

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of selective phosphoric acid etching on enamel using "no-wait" self-etching adhesives.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (UBQ, Kuraray Noritake) or G-Premio BOND (GPB, GC) was applied to ground human enamel surfaces. The adhesives were used in 3 modes: no-waiting self-etching mode (UBQ-0 or GPB-0), 10-s self-etching mode (UBQ-10 or GPB-10), and the selective-etch mode with phosphoric acid etching (UBQ-PA or GPB-PA). After an acid-base challenge, the morphological attributes of the interface were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize the acid-base resistant zone (ABRZ). Microshear bond strength (µSBS) testing to enamel and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the adhesive resin were carried out.

RESULTS

ABRZ formation was confirmed in all groups. UBQ-PA and GPB-PA created thicker ABRZ with no funnel-shaped erosion beneath the adhesive-enamel interface. µSBS of UBQ-PA was significantly higher than UBQ-0 and UBQ-10 (p < 0.05). However, there were no statistically signficant differences in µSBS among GPB-0, GPB-10, and GPB-PA. For the UTS, UBQ was significantly higher than GPB.

CONCLUSION

Selective phosphoric acid etching created a stable adhesive-enamel interface. The no-waiting self-etching concept adhesive led to a thinner ABRZ. The results of µSBS suggest that phosphoric acid etching effects on enamel are material dependent.

Effect of fluoride mouthrinse and fluoride concentration on bonding of a one-step self-etch adhesive to bovine root dentin

This study investigated the effect of fluoride mouthrinses on bonding of a one-step self-etch adhesive to bovine root dentin. Application of a NaF solution (0, 450, 900, or 9,000 ppm) to bovine root dentin surfaces was performed for 30 s (immediate) or before bonding of an all-in-one adhesive. Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) testing and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation of the acid-base resistance zone (ABRZ) were performed. µTBS values and calculated ABRZ areas were analyzed by using two-way ANOVA and the t-test with Bonferroni correction. The significance level was set at P = 0.05 (n = 30). Fracture mode was analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction. The significance level set at P = 0.00178 (n = 30). µTBS did not significantly differ between the control, 450 ppm F, and 900 ppm F specimens (P > 0.05) but was significantly lower in 9,000 ppm F specimens (P < 0.05). SEM showed a significant increase in acid resistance at the adhesive-dentin interface, including the ABRZ, after fluoride application.

Inhibitory effect of zinc-containing desensitizer on bacterial biofilm formation and root dentin demineralization

This study compared the effect of a novel zinc containing, Caredyne Shield (CS), and a fluoroaluminocalciumsilicate-based, Nanoseal (NS) desensitizers on dentin tubule occlusion, inhibition of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm growth, and resistance to bacterial demineralization. Desensitizers were applied to simulated hypersensitive bovine dentin, with distilled water used as a control. S. mutans biofilms were grown on the surface of each specimen in an oral biofilm simulator. CS showed the least bacterial count and water insoluble glucan amount followed by NS. Transverse micro radiography revealed that both CS and NS showed significant reduction in mineral loss and lesion depth of the associated lesion. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the two desensitizers formed obvious depositions on the dentin surfaces, occlusion of tubules and mineral tag formation.

Enhancement of dentin bond strength of resin cement using new resin coating materials

The purpose of this study was to investigate combinations of resin coating materials with a dual-cure resin cement for indirect restorations by evaluating microtensile bond strengths (μTBS). Dentin surfaces of human molars were bonded with either a direct or an indirect resin composite with/without the resin coating technique. For the resin coating material, Clearfil SE Bond 2 and either one of Clearfil Protect Liner F, Clearfil Majesty LV, Panavia V5 or an experimental light-cure coating material were used. For the dual-cure resin cement, either Panavia V5 or Panavia F2.0 were used with Panavia V5 Tooth Primer or ED Primer II. Resin coating does not always contribute to the enhancement of μTBS. The highest μTBS was obtained with the resin coating combination of Clearfil SE Bond 2 and Panavia V5, and cementation with Panavia F2.0, which was identical to that of the direct resin composite bonded with Clearfil SE Bond 2.

Adjunctive use of fluoride rinsing and brush-on gel increased incipient caries-like lesion remineralization compared with fluoride toothpaste alone in situ

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the remineralizing effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) mouth rinse or NaF gel as an adjunct to NaF dentifrice on incipient caries-like lesions in an in situ cross-over design study, with three sessions of 30 days each. Materials and methods: Orthodontic brackets with artificial demineralized enamel slabs were attached to the upper first molars of 12 participants. A set of 3 test specimens from the same tooth was randomly assigned to each participant and allocated into three 30-day sessions: 1) brushing with 0.22% NaF dentifrice 2 times/day (F dentifrice), 2) brushing with 0.22% NaF dentifrice 2 times/day+ rinsing with 0.05% NaF before bedtime (F mouth rinse), 3) brushing with 0.22% NaF dentifrice 2 times/day + brushing with 1.1% NaF gel before bedtime (F brush-on gel). The mineral gain and lesion depth of the specimens were evaluated by micro-computed tomography. Results: The mean mineral gain from the NaF mouth rinse and the NaF brush-on gel was similar, but greater than that from the NaF dentifrice (p < .05). The NaF brush-on gel yielded the greatest mean depth of remineralization (168 µm), followed by the NaF mouth rinse (144 µm). Both depths were significantly greater than that of the NaF dentifrice (84 µm) (p < .05). Conclusions: Both 0.05% NaF mouth rinse and 1.1% NaF brush-on gel, used at bedtime, increased incipient caries-like lesion remineralization in situ in combination with brushing with NaF dentifrice twice a day.

Effect of light-curing time on light-cure/post-cure volumetric polymerization shrinkage and regional ultimate tensile strength at different depths of bulk-fill resin composites

The aim of this study was to investigate volumetric polymerization shrinkage (VS), using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), of bulk-fill composites with different light-curing strategies; immediately after light-irradiation and after 24 h, and to evaluate their regional ultimate tensile strength (UTS) at different curing depths. The immediate VS after photo-polymerization decreased when the curing light-curing time was reduced from 20 to 10 to 5 s. On the other hand, their VS values after 24 h significantly increased due to the post-cure polymerization, resulting in similar VS values at all the light-curing times. Five seconds light-curing decreased the regional UTS of resin composites after the 24 h period compared with the 10 and 20 s light-curing regimes; therefore, the remarkable progress of post-cure polymerization after light-curing for a short time would not lead to an improvement in the mechanical properties of resin composites. The influence of the light-curing time on the curing depth was dependent upon the bulk-fill composite material.

The effect of elapsed time following alumina blasting on adhesion of CAD/CAM resin block to dentin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the time elapsed bond strength of the CAD/CAM resin block (CRB) to bovine dentin after alumina blasting. CRB (KATANA AVENCIA BLOCK) slices were ground with #600-SiC paper and divided into three groups according to alumina blasting pressure -0.1 MPa, 0.2 MPa or untreated- and then divided into two subgroups according to the time elapsed after alumina blasting -same-day or one-week "dry-storage" at controlled laboratory conditions before cementation. The CRB slices were then cemented to bovine dentin with Panavia V5 (Kuraray Noritake Dental), and divided into two subgroups -light curing or chemical curing. After 24 h storage in distilled water at 37°C, the specimens were then subjected to micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) testing. One-week group showed a significant decrease in µTBS. The µTBS values showed that CRBs must be cemented with light curing immediately after alumina blasting at 0.1 or 0.2 MPa to obtain a stable adhesion.

Effect of pH conditioners on tooth bleaching

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pH conditioners on tooth bleaching using hematoporphirin-stained paper and artificially discolored bovine tooth model. Experimental bleaching gels containing 23% hydrogen peroxide, adjusting pH 7.0 by different pH conditioners (NaOH, NaHCO3, Na2CO3, KOH, KHCO3, and K2CO3), were prepared. Each bleaching gel was applied on a hematoporphirin-stained paper, and the light was exposed for 5 min. Before and after bleaching, color was measured and color difference was calculated. Artificially discolored bovine tooth samples were prepared and bleached by four experimental bleaching gels containing NaOH, NaHCO3, Na2CO3, or KHCO3. The bleaching time was 10 min with light exposure, and bleaching was repeated 10 times. The color of bleached surface was measured at each bleaching period, and color difference was calculated. In the experiment using hematoporphirin-stained paper, degrees of color difference were KHCO3 > NaHCO3 > KOH > NaOH > Na2CO3 ≥ K2CO3. In the experiment using bovine teeth, degrees of color difference were KHCO3 > NaHCO3 > NaOH > Na2CO3. It was concluded that the bleaching materials with same pH and different pH conditioners showed different bleaching effects and that both cation and anion in the pH conditioners affected bleaching effect.

Effect of silver diamine fluoride and potassium iodide on bonding to demineralized dentin

PURPOSE

To evaluate the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) of resin composite to demineralized dentin treated with SDF or SDF-KI.

METHODS

Occlusal enamel of 30 caries-free extracted human molars was removed to expose flat dentin surfaces. Specimens were immersed in demineralizing solution (pH 4.5) for 7 days. A standard smear layer was created using 600-grit silicon carbide paper. Specimens were distributed into three groups (n=10). Control: Dentin rinsed with deionized water; SDF: Dentin treated with 38% SDF; and SDF-KI: Dentin treated with SDF and KI. Specimens were bonded with composite using Scotchbond Universal in etch-and-rinse mode. MTBS beams were prepared from each specimen after 24 hours and tested. Data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD post-hoc test.

RESULTS

MTBS test results ranged from 0 to 40 MPa. The highest values were obtained in the Control and lowest in SDF-KI, where pre-test failures were frequently observed. One-way ANOVA showed a significant difference among groups (P< 0.005); post-hoc analysis suggested no statistical difference between Control and SDF, but both groups showed higher MTBS compared with SDF-KI.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Silver diamine fluoride can be applied precisely and regionally on demineralized dentin before bonding without compromising the bond strength of a universal adhesive used with phosphoric acid etching. Addition of potassium iodide to reduce discoloration will dramatically weaken the bond.

Ultra-high-speed videography of resin-dentin interface failure dynamics under tensile load

OBJECTIVES

Ultra-high-speed (UHS) videography was used to visualize the fracture phenomena at the resin-dentin interface during micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) test. We also investigated whether UHS videography is applicable for failure-mode analysis.

METHODS

Ten human mid-coronal dentin surfaces were bonded using Clearfil SE Bond either in self-etching (SE) or etch-and-rinse (ER) mode. After 24-h water storage, the samples were cut into beams for μTBS test and tested at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min. The fracture phenomena at the bonded interface were captured using a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor digital UHS camera at 299,166 frames per second. The failure modes were classified using UHS videography, followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The failure-mode distributions determined by UHS videography and SEM analysis were statistically analyzed using Fisher's exact test with Bonferroni correction.

RESULTS

The crack-propagation speed exceeded 1,500 km/h. No significant difference was found between the SEM and UHS videography failure-mode distributions in the SE mode. A significant difference appeared between them in the ER mode. Significant differences in the incidence of cohesive failures within the adhesive and at the adhesive-composite interface between the SE and ER modes were identified by both SEM and UHS videography.

SIGNIFICANCE

UHS videography enabled visualization of the fracture dynamics at the resin- dentin interfaces under tensile load. However, the resolution at such high frame rate was insufficient to classify the failure mode as precisely as that of SEM. Nevertheless, UHS videography can provide more detailed information about the fracture origin and propagation.

Effect of Office Bleaching on Enamel Bonding Performance

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of in-office bleaching on enamel microshear bond strength (µSBS) of two self-etch adhesives (SEA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the bleaching group, bovine enamel surfaces were treated with a bleaching agent and divided into two main groups: one in which adhesive was applied immediately after bleaching and another in which adhesive was applied after one week. Enamel was bonded using the following procedures: group 1: application of a two-step SEA (Clearfil SE Bond 2, SE2, Kuraray Noritake); group 2: etching with 40% phosphoric acid (PA) and application of SE2;.group 3: application of a one-step SEA (G-Premio Bond, GP, GC); group 4: etching with PA and application of GP. Resin composite was placed and µSBS was measured at 24 h (immediately) and 1 week after bleaching. Acid-base resistant zones (ABRZ) were observed under SEM. Three-way ANOVA was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Bleaching significantly decreased the µSBSs even after PA etching with both SE2 and GP (p ≤ 0.005). However, there were no significant differences in µSBS between groups with and without PA etching, except for SE2 without bleaching, in which the µSBS significantly increased with PA etching (p < 0.005). Thick ABRZs were found in SE2 and GP after bleaching, which exhibited an irregular wave-like shape for PA-treated specimens.

CONCLUSION

The enamel µSBSs were adversely affected by in-office bleaching. Thick ABRZs were created with bleaching and PA treatment.

Effect of dentin contamination with two hemostatic agents on bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement with different conditioning

This study evaluated the effect of two hemostatic agents on bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) to root dentin after using different pretreatment solutions compared to resin composite with a 2-step self-etch adhesive. Dentin specimens were either uncontaminated or contaminated with a ferric sulphate or aluminum chloride astringent, RMGIC was applied after conditioning with; Cavity Conditioner, Self Conditioner or Clearfil SE Primer, while a resin composite was bonded using Clearfil SE Bond. Microtensile bond strength (μTBS) values and failure modes were determined. Two-way ANOVA revealed that hemostatic agents did not significantly affect the RMGIC bond strength with any conditioning material (p>0.05). SE Primer pretreatment provided the highest μTBS values among RMGIC groups. For the resin composite, ferric sulphate astringent significantly reduced μTBS value (p≤0.001). Scanning electron micrographs of representative dentin surfaces contaminated with the hemostatic agents showed effects on smear layer removal and dentinal tubule occlusion.

Effects of alumina-blasting pressure on the bonding to super/ultra-translucent zirconia

OBJECTIVES

Translucent zirconia has brought the advantages such as less tooth preparation, biological compatibility, high strength, good mechanical properties, and less antagonist wear. This study's aim was to elucidate how clinically relevant surface treatments; alumina-abrasion and priming effect on bond strength of Y-PSZ in three different translucency grades after long-term water storage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three highly translucent Y-PSZ grades were ground flat with #600-grit SiC paper. Four different surface treatments (untreated, alumina blasting at 0.1 MPa or 0.2 MPa or 0.4 MPa) and two resin cements (PANAVIA V5 and PANAVIA SA CEMENT PLUS AUTOMIX) were tested. The bonded specimens were stored in water for 1 day, 30 days and 150 days and tensile bond strength (TBS) were measured with universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min (n=10). The surface roughness (Sa) measurement and surface morphology analysis without alumina-blasting pressure (untreated) and with alumina-blasting pressures (0.1 MPa, 0.2 MPa and 0.4 MPa) for three different zirconia grades were evaluated with 3D-Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope.

RESULTS

Different alumina-blasting pressures and different storage periods affected the bonding of resin cement to translucent zirconia. The Weibull moduli increased in some groups after 150 days storage. After 1 day and 30 days storage, 0.4 MPa alumina-blasting pressure provided superior bond strength, however, after 150 days, 0.2 MPa gave reliable and stable bond strength.

SIGNIFICANCE

Alumina-blasting pressure of 0.2 MPa was the most effective for reliable and durable bonding performance to translucent zirconia after long-term water storage.

Effects of Different Tooth Conditioners on the Bonding of Universal Self-etching Adhesive to Dentin

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of different etching products used prior to the application of universal self-etching adhesive on dentin bonding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The etching products Multi Etchant (ME), Enamel Conditioner (EC), and K-etchant GEL (KE) were used as pre-treatments prior to the application of the one-bottle self-etching adhesive Adhese Universal (AU). Ground human dentin surfaces were randomly divided into four treatment groups: 1. control (CT; AU without con-ditioner); 2. ME; 3. EC; 4. KE. Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) tests with a thermocycling challenge (0-TC or 10,000-TC) were carried out and the morphological attributes of the adhesive-dentin interface were observed after an acid-base challenge using SEM to observe the acid-base resistant zone (ABRZ).

RESULTS

The KE group had a statistically significantly lower µTBS than did the ME and EC groups at 0-TC, and than the CT, ME, and EC groups at 10,000-TC (p < 0.05). An ABRZ was observed in all groups but had partially disappeared in KE. A funnel-shaped area of erosion was also observed at the junction of the dentin and bonding layer in the CT, ME, and EC groups, while the hybrid layer was thicker in the KE group with no evidence of erosion.

CONCLUSION

The application of ME or EC did not reduce the microtensile bond strength and resulted in ABRZ formation, while the ABRZ was partially reduced in the KE group.

Real-time in-depth imaging of gap formation in bulk-fill resin composites

OBJECTIVES

This study visualized in real-time the gap forming of bulk-fill resin composites during polymerization using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

METHODS

Light-cured bulk-fill resin composites; Tetric N-ceram Bulk Fill (TNB), SonicFill (SNF), Surefil SDR (SDR), dual-cured bulk-fill resin composite Bulk EZ (BEZ), and light-cured core resin composite Clearfil Photo Core (CPC) were investigated. Swept-source OCT real-time cross-sectional monitoring was obtained during resin composite placement and curing procedure. Gap formation was observed in bonded cylindrical resin composite molds (4-mm depth, 3-mm diameter) and free shrinkage volume was observed at the top and bottom of a tube with similar dimensions (n=10). OCT 3D data were analyzed to calculate sealing floor area percentage (SFA%) and volumetric shrinkage in bonded tube (VS%). Data were analyzed by ANOVA at significance level of 0.05. The bottom-top degree of conversion ratio (DC%-R) through 4-mm depth was measured using the XploRA Plus micro-Raman spectroscopy.

RESULTS

BEZ showed no gap formation at the cavity floor in any specimens while SNF showed the highest gap formation; the statistical order in terms of SFA% was BEZ (100±0)>TNB (84.97±2.98)>CPC (52.13±8.23)=SDR (45.97±9.21)>SNF (16.23±6.00) (p<0.05). On the other hand, total VS% was statistically ordered as BEZ (3.40±0.14)>SDR (3.22±0.09)>TNB (1.82±0.11)>SNF (1.65±0.04)=CPC (1.56±0.04) (p<0.05). Unlike BEZ, the light-cured resin composites showed larger shrinkage at specimen bottom than top. TNB showed the lowest DC%-R followed by SNF (p<0.05).

SIGNIFICANCE

Light-cured bulk-fill resin composites showed various degrees of gap formation and shrinkage at 4-mm deep cavity. The dual-cured bulk-filled resin composite showed no decrease of degree of conversion through the depth and the highest cavity adaptation despite its tendency for higher volumetric shrinkage.

Effect of Different Surface Treatments on the Tensile Bond Strength to Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramics

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of different surface treatments of lithium disilicate glass ceramics on the bonding efficacy of three luting composites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 450 blocks of e.max CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent) ground with 600-grit silicon carbide paper were prepared and divided into three groups (n = 150) according to the composite cements used: Variolink Esthetic DC (VE), Multilink Automix (MA), and SpeedCEM (SC). Each group was further divided into five subgroups (n = 10) according to the surface treatment performed: no treatment (control), Monobond Plus (MP), 37% phosphoric acid and Monobond Plus (PA), < 5% hydrofluoric acid and Monobond Plus (HF), and Monobond Etch & Prime (ME). All treated ceramic specimens were bonded with three composite cements and light cured. After 24-h water storage and 5000 or 10,000 thermocycles, tensile bond strength (TBS) was measured. The specimens underwent failure mode analysis. The results were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and t-tests with Bonferroni correction.

RESULTS

The TBSs were significantly influenced by surface treatments (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in HF and ME among most of the groups. Furthermore, ME showed the highest bond strength with MA after 10,000 thermocycling. Most specimens of the ME groups exhibited cohesive failures, whereas a combination of adhesive failures and mixed failures were observed in control, MP, PA, and HF groups.

CONCLUSION

In the surface treatment of lithium disilicate glass ceramics, Monobond Etch & Prime was found to be a possible substitution for the combination of hydrofluoric acid and Monobond Plus.

Influence of Ambient Air and Different Surface Treatments on the Bonding Performance of a CAD/CAM Composite Block

PURPOSE

To evaluate the bond strengths of time elapsed after sandblasting with alumina particles on a CAD/CAM composite block treated with different surface conditioning methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A CAD/CAM composite block (CCB) was cut into 72 slices of approximately 2 mm thickness. The CCB slices were divided into three groups according to sandblasting pressure (0.1 MPa, 0.2 MPa, or untreated), and then divided into two subgroups according to the time elapsed after sandblasting: same-day or one-week dry storage under controlled laboratory conditions before cementation. Surface roughness was observed by confocal laser microscopy (CLSM) (n = 20); then the wettability of the CCB surfaces was examined using a contact angle (CA) measuring device on a droplet of deionized water (n = 12). Next, CCB slices were divided into three subgroups according to the surface treatment: Clearfil Ceramic Primer (CP), Clearfil Universal Bond (UB), or a mixture of Clearfil Porcelain Bond Activator and Clearfil tri-S Bond ND Quick (NDP). All CCB slices were then cemented with Panavia V5 and stored at 37°C in distilled water for 24 h and cut into sticks (n = 10). The sticks were subjected to microtensile bond strength (µTBS) testing, and failure mode analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy. The µTBS results were subjected to 3-way and 2-way ANOVA (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

All groups showed a statistically significant increase in wettability accompanied by decreased µTBS after one week; however, the UB group exhibited stable performance after one week.

CONCLUSION

The time elapsed after sandblasting with alumina particles affects the bond strength, but it had no significant effect on the UB group.

Effect of the Dentin Chelating Agents Phytic Acid and EDTA on Degree of Conversion, Microhardness, and Bond Strength of Chemical-curing Self-adhesive Cements

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of the chelating agents phytic acid and EDTA on the degree of conversion (DC), microhardness, and tensile bond strength (TBS) of two chemical-curing self-adhesive cements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 110 samples were prepared, with n = 6 in the control group to measure microhardness, n = 6 for DC measurement, and n = 10 for TBS measurement. The bovine dentin specimens were divided into five groups according to treatment: group A (control group): no treatment; group B, 1% phytic acid with ultrasonic rinsing (UR); group C: 1% phytic acid without UR; group D: 18% EDTA with UR; group E: 18% EDTA without UR. A 1-mm-thick coat of self-adhesive cement, G-CEM LinkAce (GC) or RelyX Unicem 2 (3M) was placed on control and treated dentin surfaces and stored in a dark box at 37°C, 93% ± 1% ambient humidity. DC and microhardness of cement surfaces were measured after 1 hour, 1 day, 3 days, and 1 week using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and a Vickers microhardness tester, respectively. TBS on treated and control dentin was evaluated after 1 week of storage in the dark box. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post-hoc test, at the 0.05 level of significance.

RESULTS

DC and microhardness of both types of cement without UR were significantly lower than that of groups in which UR was performed. Neither chelating agent had a significant effect on the TBS of G-CEM. For Rely X, the phytic acid treatment with UR showed a significantly higher TBS than the control and the EDTA groups.

CONCLUSION

The chelating agents had a negative effect on DC and microhardness of the resin cements when UR was not used. Phytic acid increased the TBS of RelyX, while EDTA groups did not with either cement.