Influence of shade and storage time on the flexural strength, flexural modulus, and hardness of composites used for indirect restorations

The mechanical, wear, antibacterial properties and biocompatibility of injectable restorative materials under wet challenge

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the mechanical, wear, antibacterial properties, and biocompatibility of injectable composite materials.

METHODS

Two injectable composite resins (GU and BI), one flowable composite resin (FS), and one flowable compomer (DF), in A2 shade, were tested. Mechanical properties were tested via three-point bending test immediately after preparation and after 1-day, 7-day, 14-day, and 30-day water storage. Under water-PMMA slurry immersion, specimens were subjected to a 3-body wear test (10,000 cycles) against stainless steel balls, while the roughness, wear depth, and volume loss were recorded. After 1-day and 3-day MC3T3-E1 cell culture, cell viability was evaluated with CCK-8 test kits, while the cell morphology was observed under CLSM and SEM. Antibacterial properties on S. mutans were assessed via CFU counting, CLSM, and SEM observation. SPSS 26.0 was used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The mechanical properties were material-dependent and sensitive to water storage. Flexural strength ranked GU > FS > BI > DF at all testing levels. Three nanocomposites had better wear properties than DF. No significant difference on 1-day cell viability was found, but DF showed significantly lower cell proliferation than nanocomposites on 3-day assessment. GU and FS had more favourable cell adhesion and morphology. CFU counting revealed no significant difference, while FS presented a slightly thicker biofilm and BI showed relatively lower bacteria density.

CONCLUSIONS

Injectable nanocomposites outperformed the compomer regarding mechanical properties, wear resistance, and biocompatibility. The tested materials presented comparable antibacterial behaviours. Flowable resin-based composites' performances are affected by multiple factors, and their compositions can be attributed.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

A profound understanding of the mechanical, wear, and biological properties of the restorative material is imperative for the clinical success of dental restorations. The current study demonstrated superior properties of highly filled injectable composite resins, which imply their wider indications and better long-term clinical performances.

The effect of different light curing units on Vickers microhardness and degree of conversion of flowable resin composites

This study aimed to assess the influence of different light curing units (LCUs) on the polymerization of various flowable resin composites. Three LCUs (Optilux 501, Elipar™ DeepCure-L LED and Bluephase^®20i) and eight flowable resin composites: MI FIL Flow, Estelite Flow Quick, Estelite Universal Flow (medium), Estelite Universal Flow (super low), Beautifil Flow Plus, Clearfil Majesty ES Flow, Filtek Supreme Ultra flowable and TetricEvo Flow were tested. For Vickers microhardness (VHN) test and degree of conversion (DC), specimens were prepared and polymerized for 20 s. VHN test was performed at top surfaces (3 indentations) and DC for each specimen was measured using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy after 24 h dry storage in dark at 37˚C. The data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and t-test with Bonferroni correction. DC and hardness values showed a relationship between materials and LCUs. The curing efficacy of LCU type may depend on the material composition.

Mechanical and Tribological Characterization of a Dental Ceromer

BACKGROUND

Indirect restorations using composites with ceramic fillings can be an alternative to ceramic veneering and direct composite restorations for the treatment of posterior teeth. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the mechanical and tribological properties of a ceromer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty specimens were produced and divided into two groups: one control group not submitted to thermocycling (n = 20) and one test group submitted to 5000 cycles of thermocycling (n = 40). The studied parameters were microhardness, surface roughness and the coefficient of friction (scratch test).

RESULTS

The ceromer exhibits a reduction of polymerization shrinkage, higher wear, and fracture resistance than the composite resins. The studied ceromer presented good mechanical properties, even after being submitted to thermocycling. Roughness was the property most affected, increasing 25.8%, microhardness decreased by 10.5% and the coefficient of friction increased by 4.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

In certain situations, ceromers can be an alternative to composite resins and ceramics, providing an aesthetic, conservative and longevity option.

Fracture Resistance of Ceramic Crowns Supported with Indirect Chair-side Composite Cores

Aims and Objectives

To evaluate the influence of indirect chair-side polymerization of resin composite cores on the fracture resistance of overlaying IPS e.max Press crowns.

Materials and Methods

Root canals of 60 extracted premolars were prepared to receive #2 fiber posts after the crowns were sectioned 2 mm above the cervical line. In Groups 1-3 (n = 10 each), posts were luted to the prepared dowel spaces using self-adhesive resin cement. Resin composite cores were then bonded and incrementally built-up using Filtek Z250 XT, Filtek P60, and Filtek P90 resin composites. In Groups 4-6 (n = 10 each), the fabricated post-core systems were subjected to post-curing heat and pressure treatment before cementation to their respective teeth using self-adhesive resin cement. Another 10 sound premolars served as control. All teeth in the test and control groups were then subjected to standardized preparation to receive IPS e.max Press crowns before testing their fracture resistance and the mode of restorations' failure. The collected results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Tukey's tests on the past software used at α = 0.05 to stand on the significance of the detected differences.

Results

Significant differences were detected between the fracture resistance of teeth in different groups (ANOVA, P = 2.857E-35). Crowns in Groups 4-6 provided higher fracture resistance than those in Groups 1-3 (Tukey's test, P < 0.05). Crowns in Groups 4 and 6 provided higher fracture resistance than the control, while those in Groups 2 and 3 provided lower fracture resistance than the control (Tukey's test, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Indirect composite cores improved the fracture resistance of IPS e.max Press crowns when compared to directly fabricated post and cores. The directly and indirectly polymerized nanohybrid, methacrylate-based composite (Filtek Z250 XT) cores yielded the highest fracture resistance for the utilized all-ceramic crowns.

Flexural strength and microhardness of anterior composites after accelerated aging

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the flexural strength and microhardness of three different anterior composites after 10 000 thermocycles.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The mechanical properties of a nano-fill composite (Filtek Ultimate Universal Restorative (FUR) (Enamel)), a nano-hybrid composite (Clearfil Majesty ES2 (ES2) (Enamel)), and a micro-hybrid composite (G Aenial Anterior (GAA)) were investigated in this study. For the microhardness test, 8-mm diameter and 2-mm thickness composite discs were used (n = 10), and for the flexural strength test, 25x2x2 mm bar-shaped specimens were prepared (n = 13). The specimens were tested at 24 h and after 10 000 thermocycles. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and the post-hoc Tukey test (p < .05). Correlations between hardness and flexural strength were calculated using Pearson's correlation analysis.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the microhardness values of the materials (p < .05). FUR exhibited significantly higher microhardness than ES2 and GAA. However, the flexural strength of three composites was statistically similar at 24 h (p > .05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that there was a negative relationship between the mean hardness and flexural strength values (correlation coefficient = -0.367, p = .043). After 10 000 thermocycles, microhardness values of each material and flexural strength of ES2 and GAA decreased significantly according to 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

The nano-fill composite FUR displayed significantly higher microhardness values. However, each resin composite was statistically similar for flexural strength values. Ten thousand thermocycles significantly affected microhardness and flexural strength. Key words:Flexural strength, microhardness, anterior composites.

Influence of different composite materials and cavity preparation designs on the fracture resistance of mesio-occluso-distal inlay restoration

The aim of the study to evaluate the fracture resistance of a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and three indirect composite materials for three different mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) inlay cavity designs. A total of 120 mandibular third molar were divided into three groups: (G1) non-proximal box, (G2) 2-mm proximal box, and (G3) 4-mm proximal box. Each cavity design received four composite materials: Estenia, Epricord (Kuraray, Japan), Tescera (Bisco, USA), and Cerasmart CAD/CAM blocks (GC, USA). The specimens were subjected to a compressive load at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The data was analyzed using the two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test (p<0.05). Estenia exhibited significantly higher fracture strength than Epricord and Cerasmart in G1. In G2 and G3, there was no significant difference among the four materials. Using a non-proximal box design for the cavity can improve the fracture resistance of the inlay restoration.

Effects of simulated gastric juice on color stability, surface roughness and microhardness of laboratory-processed composites

Medical problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause considerable damage to restorations in the oral environment. This study evaluated the effects of gastric juice on the surface characteristics of different types of laboratory-processed indirect composites with different filler particles and polymerization modes. Specimens were prepared from Tescera (TES; Bisco), Sinfony (SIN; 3M ESPE), Solidex (SOL; Shofu), and Adoro (AD; Ivoclar Vivadent). Before exposing the specimens to simulated gastric juice for 24 h, color, surface roughness, and microhardness were measured on one half of the polished flat surface of each specimen. After exposure to the simulated gastric juice, the same tests were repeated on the other half of specimen surface. Results indicated that gastric juice had a significant impact on color change (p<0.001). AD showed the largest surface roughness change among the resins (p<0.001). Gastric juice also significantly affected the microhardness of the materials, and AD and TES showed statistically similar change in microhardness (p>0.05).

Mechanical properties of resin-ceramic CAD/CAM restorative materials

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The recent development of polymer-based computer-aided design and computer-aided manufactured (CAD/CAM) milling blocks and the limited availability of independent studies on these materials make it pertinent to evaluate their properties and identify potential strengths and limitations.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine and compare mechanical properties (flexural strength, flexural modulus, modulus of resilience) and compare the margin edge quality of recently introduced polymer-based CAD/CAM materials with some of their commercially available composite resin and ceramic counterparts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The materials studied were Lava Ultimate Restorative (LVU; 3M ESPE), Enamic (ENA; Vita Zahnfabrik), Cerasmart (CES; GC Dental Products), IPS Empress CAD (EMP; Ivoclar Vivadent AG), Vitablocs Mark II (VM2; Vita Zahnfabrik), and Paradigm MZ100 Block (MZ1; 3M ESPE). Polished 4×1×13.5 mm bars (n=25) were prepared from standard-sized milling blocks of each tested material. The bars were subjected to a 3-point flexural test on a 10-mm span with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. In addition, 42 conventional monolithic crowns (7 per material) were milled. Margin edge quality was observed by means of macrophotography and optical microscopy, providing a qualitative visual assessment and a measurement of existing roughness. The results were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Tukey HSD test (α=.05).

RESULTS

The mean flexural strength of the tested materials ranged from 105 ±9 MPa (VM2) to 219 ±20 MPa (CES). The mean flexural modulus ranged from 8 ±0.25 GPa (CES) to 32 ±1.9 GPa (EMP). The mean modulus of resilience ranged from 0.21 ±0.02 MPa (VM2) to 3.07 ±0.45 MPa (CES). The qualitative assessment of margin edge roughness revealed visible differences among the tested materials, with mean roughness measurements ranging from 60 ±16 μm (CES) to 190 ±15 μm (EMP). The material factor had a significant effect on the mean flexural strength (P<.001), flexural modulus (P<.001), modulus of resilience (P<.001), and margin edge roughness (P<.001) of the tested specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

The new-generation polymer-based materials tested in this study exhibited significantly higher flexural strength and modulus of resilience, along with lower flexural modulus values compared with the tested ceramic or hybrid materials. Crowns milled from the new resin-based blocks seemed to exhibit visibly smoother margins compared with the ceramic materials studied.

Effect of in-office bleaching agents on the color changes of stained ceromers and direct composite resins

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of two in-office bleaching agents on the color changes of two ceromers (Ceramage and Adoro SR) and one direct composite resin (Gradia Direct Anterior) after staining by tea and coffee.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four disk-shaped specimens were fabricated for each resin material and randomly divided into three groups (n = 8). The specimens were immersed in tea, coffee or deionized water, respectively, for 7 days. Each group was then equally divided into two sub-groups (n = 4), which were subjected to two in-office bleaching agents (BEYOND and Opalescence Boost), respectively. The color of the specimens was measured by a spectrophotometer at baseline, after staining and after bleaching. The color differences (ΔE values) between baseline and after treatments were calculated.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis indicated that the staining solution had significant influence on the color change of resin composites tested (p < 0.001). The discolorations of resin composites were perceptible after immersing in tea or coffee solutions (ΔE>2.0). There was no statistically significant difference between BEYOND and Opalescence Boost in stains removal from discolored resins (p = 0.550). The color changes in ΔE value between baseline and after bleaching were less than 2.0 for all resin composite groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Tea solution produces severe discoloration of three resin composites tested. The two in-office bleaching agents can effectively remove the stains from two ceromers and one direct composite resin tested in this study.

Investigation of the correlation between the different mechanical properties of resin composites

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the different mechanical properties with the filler fraction of various resin composites. Mechanical properties of eighteen different resin composites were investigated in this study; flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), fracture toughness (FT), compressive strength (CS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), Barcol hardness (BH), Vickers hardness (HV), and Knoop hardness (HK). The mean values of mechanical properties and the filler fractions (V(f )) obtained from the literature and the manufacturer were analyzed using Pearson's correlation test at p<0.01. The relationships were compared with the data retrieved from previous studies. Strong correlations between Vf and BH/HV/HK and V(f) and FM were evident in the results of the present study and these results were supported by the retrieved data from previous studies. The other relationships between mechanical properties, such as that between FS and FM and between CS and HV were not significant.

Fatigue resistance and crack propensity of large MOD composite resin restorations: direct versus CAD/CAM inlays

OBJECTIVES

To assess the influence of material/technique selection (direct vs. CAD/CAM inlays) for large MOD composite adhesive restorations and its effect on the crack propensity and in vitro accelerated fatigue resistance.

METHODS

A standardized MOD slot-type tooth preparation was applied to 32 extracted maxillary molars (5mm depth and 5mm bucco-palatal width) including immediately sealed dentin for the inlay group. Fifteen teeth were restored with direct composite resin restoration (Miris2) and 17 teeth received milled inlays using Paradigm MZ100 block in the CEREC machine. All inlays were adhesively luted with a light curing composite resin (Filtek Z100). Enamel shrinkage-induced cracks were tracked with photography and transillumination. Cyclic isometric chewing (5 Hz) was simulated, starting with a load of 200 N (5000 cycles), followed by stages of 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 and 1400 N at a maximum of 30,000 cycles each. Samples were loaded until fracture or to a maximum of 185,000 cycles.

RESULTS

Teeth restored with the direct technique fractured at an average load of 1213 N and two of them withstood all loading cycles (survival=13%); with inlays, the survival rate was 100%. Most failures with Miris2 occurred above the CEJ and were re-restorable (67%), but generated more shrinkage-induced cracks (47% of the specimen vs. 7% for inlays).

SIGNIFICANCE

CAD/CAM MZ100 inlays increased the accelerated fatigue resistance and decreased the crack propensity of large MOD restorations when compared to direct restorations. While both restorative techniques yielded excellent fatigue results at physiological masticatory loads, CAD/CAM inlays seem more indicated for high-load patients.

Temperature increase at the light guide tip of 15 contemporary LED units and thermal variation at the pulpal floor of cavities: an infrared thermographic analysis

In this study, a comprehensive investigation on the temperature increase at the light guide tip of several commercial light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing units (LCUs) and the associated thermal variation (ΔT) at the pulpal floor of dental cavities was carried out. In total, 15 LEDs from all generations were investigated, testing a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) unit as a reference. The irradiance level was measured with a power meter, and spectral distribution was analyzed using a spectrometer. Temperature increase at the tip was measured with a type-K thermocouple connected to a thermometer, while ΔT at the pulpal floor was measured by an infrared photodetector in class V cavities, with a 1-mm-thick dentin pulpal floor. The relationship among measured irradiance, ΔT at the tip, and ΔT at the pulpal floor was investigated using regression analyses. Large discrepancies between the expected and measured irradiances were detected for some LCUs. Most of the LCUs showed an emission spectrum narrower than the QTH unit, with emission peaks usually between 450 and 470 nm. The temperature increase at the tip followed a logarithmic growth for LCUs with irradiance ≥1000 mW/cm(2), with ΔT at the tip following the measured irradiance linearly (R(2)=0.67). Linear temperature increase at the pulpal floor over the 40-second exposure time was observed for several LCUs, with linear association between ΔT at the pulpal floor and measured irradiance (R(2)=0.39) or ΔT at the tip (R(2)=0.28). In conclusion, contemporary LED units show varied irradiance levels that affect the temperature increase at the light guide tip and, as a consequence, the thermal variation at the pulpal floor of dental cavities.

Influence of DPSS laser on polymerization shrinkage and mass change of resin composites

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) laser as a light source for light-curing dental resin composites.

BACKGROUND DATA

A DPSS laser of 473  nm may be useful because of its match with the absorption peak of camphorquinone (CQ), the photoinitiator.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A DPSS laser (LAS) of 473  nm and a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) light-curing unit (OP) were used as the light sources for light curing six different resin composites (four nanocomposites and two hybrid composites). Polymerization shrinkage and mass change (water sorption and solubility) were measured during and after light curing to determine the degree of polymerization. Mass change was evaluated by following the ISO 4049 standard.

RESULTS

According to the evaluation, the specimens light cured using LAS showed similar maximum polymerization shrinkage (12.3∼18.1  μm for LAS; 13.2∼16.2  μm for OP) and water sorption (11.4∼24.1  μg/mm(3) for LAS; 11.3∼22.8  μg/ mm(3) for OP) to the cases light cured using OP. The specimens light cured using LAS showed a significantly higher solubility than the cases light cured using OP (2.4∼6.6  μg/ mm(3) for LAS; 0.8∼1.6  μg/ mm(3) for OP). However, the maximum water sorption and solubility obtained from the specimens were lower than the values permitted by the ISO 4049 standard.

CONCLUSIONS

The results may suggest that the DPSS laser with an emission wavelength of 473  nm can be used as a light source for light-curing dental resin composites.

Effect of Reduced Exposure Times on the Microhardness of Nanocomposites Polymerized by QTH and Second-generation LED Curing Lights

Reduced polymerization times suggested with newer generation LED-curing lights may not be suitable to ensure sufficient conversion of all types of nanocomposites at depths of 2 mm.

Influence of Carbamide Peroxide on the Flexural Strength of Tooth-colored Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study at Different Environmental Temperatures

The flexural strength of dental materials can be affected by carbamide peroxide. The environmental temperature can be thought to be a factor influencing the bleaching effects on dental materials.

The effect of resin shades on microhardness, polymerization shrinkage, and color change of dental composite resins

The present study sought to evaluate the effect of resin shades on the degree of the polymerization. To this end, response variables affected by the degree of polymerization were examined in this study - namely, microhardness, polymerization shrinkage, and color change. Two commercial composite resins of four different shades were employed in this study: shades A3, A3.5, B3, and C3 of Z250 (Z2) and shades A3, A3.5, B3, and B4 of Solitaire 2 (S2). After light curing, the reflectance/absorbance, microhardness, polymerization shrinkage, and color change of the specimens were measured. On reflectance and absorbance, Z2 and S2 showed similar distribution curves regardless of the resin shade, with shade A3.5 of Z2 and shade A3 of S2 exhibiting the lowest/highest distributions. Similarly for attenuation coefficient and microhardness, the lowest/highest values were exhibited by shade A3.5 of Z2 and shade A3 of S2. On polymerization shrinkage, no statistically significant differences were observed among the different shades of Z2. Similarly for color change, Z2 specimens exhibited only a slight (DeltaE*=0.5-0.9) color change after immersion in distilled water for 10 days, except for shades A3 and A3.5. Taken together, results of the present study suggested that the degree of polymerization of the tested composite resins was minimally affected by resin shade.

Flexural strength and hardness of direct and indirect composites

The objective of this study was to evaluate the flexural strength (sigma f) and hardness (H) of direct and indirect composites, testing the hypotheses that direct resin composites produce higher sigma f and H values than indirect composites and that these properties are positively related. Ten bar-shaped specimens (25 mm x 2 mm x 2 mm) were fabricated for each direct [D250 - Filtek Z250 (3M-Espe) and D350 - Filtek Z350 (3M-Espe)] and indirect [ISin - Sinfony (3M-Espe) and IVM - VitaVM LC (Vita Zahnfabrik)] materials, according to the manufacturer's instructions and ISO4049 specifications. The sigma f was tested in three-point bending using a universal testing machine (EMIC DL 2000) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min (ISO4049). Knoop hardness (H) was measured on the specimens' fragments resultant from the sigma f test and calculated as H = 14.2P/l(2), where P is the applied load (0.1 kg; dwell time = 15 s) and l is the longest diagonal of the diamond shaped indent (ASTM E384). The data were statistically analyzed using Anova and Tukey tests (alpha = 0.05). The mean sigma f and standard deviation values (MPa) and statistical grouping were: D250 - 135.4 +/- 17.6a; D350 - 123.7 +/- 11.1b; ISin - 98.4 +/- 6.4c; IVM - 73.1 +/- 4.9 d. The mean H and standard deviation values (kg/mm(2)) and statistical grouping were: D250 - 98.12 +/- 1.8a; D350 - 86.5 +/- 1.9b; ISin - 28.3 +/- 0.9 c; IVM - 30.8 +/- 1.0 c. The direct composite systems examined produce higher mean sigma f and H values than the indirect composites, and the mean values of these properties were positively correlated (r = 0.91), confirming the study hypotheses.

The influence of cavity preparation design on fracture strength and mode of fracture of laboratory-processed composite resin restorations

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Removal of large amounts of sound tooth structure may result in a weakened restored tooth. Nevertheless, removal of tooth structure for cuspal coverage has been recommended to protect teeth restored with laboratory-processed composite resin (LPCR) from fracture.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different cavity preparation designs on fracture strength and modes of fracture of teeth restored with LPCR.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety anatomically similar human third mandibular molars were selected. There were 2 experimental factors, occlusal isthmus width (narrow versus wide) and cuspal coverage (inlay, 1-cusp onlay, 2-cusp onlay, and all-cusp onlay), and 1 control group that received no treatment, resulting in 9 groups (n=10). Indirect composite resin (SR Adoro) restorations were manufactured and adhesively cemented with Adper Single Bond 2 and Rely-X ARC. A compressive loading test (0.5 mm/min) was performed. The modes of fracture were classified according to 4 categories. One-way and 2-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-HSD test were used to statistically analyze the fracture load data (alpha =.05).

RESULTS

The statistical analysis failed to show significant differences among restored groups but showed differences between these groups and the control group (P = .001). Two-way ANOVA failed to show any difference when considering the occlusal isthmus width alone (P = .98), cuspal coverage (P = .273), or the interaction between these factors (P = .972). Several teeth had fractures affecting a great amount of both restoration and tooth structure.

CONCLUSIONS

This in vitro study showed restored teeth having similar fracture strength and fracture modes, suggesting that with the tested preparation designs, there is no advantage of cuspal coverage to protect LPCR restored teeth from fracture.

Hardness measured with traditional Vickers and Martens hardness methods

OBJECTIVE

To determine the differences, if any, between hardness measured with traditional Vickers and Martens hardness test methods on denture teeth under 2, 10 and 50 N loads.

METHOD

Hardness of acrylic resin (VIV), composite resin (ORT) and porcelain (POR) denture tooth materials was measured using a traditional Vickers hardness (HV) method and Martens hardness (HM) method at 2, 10 and 50N test loads. Vickers hardness was also calculated from the force-indentation depth curves (HVfid) that were recorded during Martens hardness. Indentation creep of the three test materials was also determined during Martens hardness testing.

RESULTS

HM values were the same irrespective of the test force used. However, HV values were different for the three test forces. ANOVA using Tukey's test of the HM data showed that the hardness of POR was significantly higher than VIV or ORT (P<0.001). Moreover, ORT had a significantly higher hardness than VIV (P<0.001). The statistical analysis of HVfid data showed similar results. ANOVA of the HV data showed the hardness of VIV to be significantly higher than ORT (P<0.001) under 2, 10 and 50 N test load. The HV values for POR under 2 and 10 N test load could not be calculated because of inability to measure the indentation diagonals. Under the 50 N load, the hardness of POR was significantly higher than VIV and ORT. POR had a significantly lower creep value than any other material tested while VIV showed a statistically significantly higher creep than ORT.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study confirms that the visco-elastic recovery of the materials has a very significant effect on the outcome of the hardness tests of denture teeth and the Martens hardness test method has obvious advantages when testing dental materials.

Twenty-four Hour Flexural and Shear Bond Strengths of Flowable Light-cured Composites: A comparison Analysis Using Weibull Statistics

By means of Weibull analysis, this study evaluated and compared the flexural strength and shear bond strength of flowable light-cured composites against those of conventional ones. Twenty specimens of each material were prepared for flexural and shear bond strength measurements. Specimens were measured after water storage at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. Three of four flowable composites showed significantly higher flexural strength than conventional ones, with Weibull moduli ranging between 6 and 14. With the presence of a bonding agent, the shear bond strength to enamel of both types was not different significantly (p=0.28), with Weibull moduli ranging between 4 and 9. In the selection of an excellent resin composite material, results of this study showed that a high, stable Weibull modulus value could be a sound indicator.

Effect of water storage, thermocycling, the incorporation and site of placement of glass-fibers on the flexural strength of veneering composite

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of water storage, thermocycling, and the incorporation of glass-fibers, on the flexural strength of veneering composites.

METHODS

Veneering composites with different fillers, matrices and polymerization methods (Belleglass Kerr Inc., Orange, CA, USA; Sculpture, Pentron Inc. Wallingford CT, USA; Sinfony, 3M Espe, Seefeld, Germany; SR Adoro LC and HP, Targis, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), a glass-fiber framework material (Vectris Pontic VP, Ivoclar Vivadent) and a direct restorative composite control (Tetric Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent) were selected. For the first part of the study, 30 bar specimens (25 x 2 x 2 mm3) per material were fabricated. Ten were stored for 24 h and 10 for 14 days in water at 37 degrees C. Ten were thermocycled (3000 x; 5-50-5 degrees C). Three-point bending tests (crosshead speed: 0.5 mm/min) were performed. For the second part of the study, all veneering materials were combined with a glass-fiber framework (VP). Sixty specimens were produced for each material (25 x 4 x 2 mm3) and treated as in the first part. Three-point bend tests were performed with the reinforcing glass-fiber framework either on the tension or the compression side. Data was evaluated by ANOVA and Weibull analysis.

RESULTS

A decrease in flexural strength was observed after water storage or thermocycling for all veneering materials tested. None of the tested materials exhibited significant advantages compared to the control. The flexural strength of glass-fiber reinforced frameworks was ten times higher and not influenced by water storage or thermocycling. A significant reinforcing effect from glass fibers was observed when they were placed on the tension but not when placed on the compression side.

SIGNIFICANCE

A glass-fiber framework on the tension side significantly improved the flexural strength of veneering composites. There was less deterioration due to water storage and thermocycling with the glass-fiber reinforced veneering composite compared to the non-reinforced materials.

Can a single composite resin serve all purposes?

The consensus view less than a decade ago was that direct posterior composites should be restricted to small restorations, preferably in premolar teeth with little, if any, occlusal function. Major advances in adhesive systems, materials and restorative techniques have combined to allow us to question this view and our increased clinical evidence base makes it appropriate to reconsider this viewpoint.

Polymerization contraction stress in dual-cure cements and its effect on interfacial integrity of bonded inlays

OBJECTIVES

To compare the polymerization contraction stress of resin cements in dual-cure and self-cure modes, and verify its effect on microleakage and gap formation in class I cavities restored with porcelain inlays.

METHODS

Dual-cure cements (Calibra, Choice and RelyX ARC) were monitored for contraction stress during 30 min in the tensilometer, in the presence or absence of photo-activation. Microleakage was evaluated in porcelain inlays bonded to cavities prepared in bovine incisors, combining the same adhesive (One-Step) with each of the cements in both activation modes. Epoxy replicas of the sectioned specimens were analyzed in the SEM to determine the percentage of discontinuous margins.

RESULTS

The stress developed in dual-cure mode was higher than in self-cure mode for all cements. In self-cure mode, no significant difference in stress was found among materials. Choice and RelyX ARC showed higher microleakage in dual-cure mode than in self-cure mode. Calibra did not show a significant difference in microleakage between activation modes. Contraction gap results showed wide variations, and no significant differences were detected among the groups. Gaps occurred more often in dentin, with an overall average of 22 +/- 17.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher stress generated in dual-cure cements subjected to photo-activation may lead to higher marginal leakage. In the confinement condition represented by the class I inlay, even the lower contraction stress of the cements in self-cure mode had enough magnitude to disrupt the bonding to dentin.