Light Transmittance and Depth of Cure of a Bulk Fill Composite Based on the Exposure Reciprocity Law

The Role of Rapid Curing on the Interrelationship Between Temperature Rise, Light Transmission, and Polymerisation Kinetics of Bulk-Fill Composites

The first seconds of light curing are crucial for the development of most properties of dental composites, especially for the 3s high-irradiance curing. This study investigated the influence of rapid high-irradiance curing on temporal development of temperature, transmittance and conversion of bulk-fill composites. Four materials were tested: Filtek One (FO), Tetric PowerFill (PFill), Tetric PowerFlow (PFlow) and SDR flow+ (SDR+) and cured with three curing units (LCU): Valo Cordles, Bluephase PowerCure and Translux Wave in 3s (3 W/cm2), 10s (1 W/cm2) and 20s (1 W/cm2) curing protocols. Light transmittance was measured at 2 and 4 mm, while temperature rise and polymerisation kinetics were evaluated at 4 mm depth during 5 min. Both light transmittance and temperature rise were greatest for SDR+ > PFlow > PFill > FO. The 20s curing protocol resulted in the highest degree of conversion (DC) for all materials and LCUs, but also contributed to the greatest temperature rise. Rapid curing with the 3s protocol caused the lowest temperature rise and the shortest time to reach maximum temperature. The polymerisation and temperature kinetics were strongly dependent on the material. The DC of PFill was statistically similar for 3s, 10s or 20s curing with BPC. Rapid curing is only recommended for materials developed for this purpose.

Compressive modulus, translucency, and irradiance transmittance of clear PVS materials used for resin injection molding technique

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the compressive modulus, translucency, and light curing irradiance transmittance of four clear polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) materials used for the injection molding technique at varying thicknesses, and to assess the correlation between color parameters and irradiance transmittance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four clear PVS materials (Exaclear, Clear Bite Matrix, Affinity Crystal, and Memosil 2) were used in this study. Compressive modulus was measured by compressing cylindrical PVS specimens (n = 9; d = 10 mm; t = 6 mm) up to 30% strain using a universal testing machine. For the translucency analysis and irradiance transmittance, specimens (n = 5) were fabricated with five different thicknesses (d = 12 mm and t = 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm). The L*, a, *b* values of specimens were obtained using a CIELab spectrophotometer (CMD-700, Konica Minolta) with calibrated white and black tiles; the translucency parameter was calculated. The same specimens were placed onto a spectrophotometer (MARC Light Collector) to measure irradiance transmitted through the specimens from a light curing unit (Valo Corded, Ultradent). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey post hoc test and the correlation between translucency and irradiance transmittance of materials for each thickness was evaluated using Pearson's correlation.

RESULTS

Compressive modulus differences in PVS materials were significant (one-way ANOVA: df = 3, F = 76.27, p < 0.001); Affinity and Memosil 2 were highest with no significant difference between them (Tukey: t = -1.62; p = 0.382). Clear Bite was higher than Exaclear (Tukey: t = -3.70; p = 0.004). Exaclear was lowest. Translucency decreased with thickness (Two-way ANOVA: df = 3, F = 586.53, p < 0.001; thickness: df = 4, F = 1389.34, p < 0.001). Exaclear was most translucent at all thicknesses. L*, a*, b* values varied by material and thickness (L*: df = 3, F = 1213.32, p < 0.001; a*: df = 3, F = 10766.8, p < 0.001; b*: df = 3, F = 3260.42, p < 0.001). Memosil 2 had lowest b* values. Irradiance transmittance was affected by material and thickness (Two-way ANOVA: df = 4, F = 2388.86, p < 0.001). Exaclear had highest irradiance transmission, surpassing control at >6 mm. Violet/blue irradiance ratio decreased with thickness; Exaclear maintained a constant ratio, indicating preserved violet irradiance. There was a strong positive correlation between translucency and light irradiance (Pearson's r = 0.97, R2 = 0.86-0.96). Radiant exposure analysis suggests adjusting the curing time based on PVS thickness for optimal exposure (10 J/cm2) is achievable within 13-14 s for <2 mm and 21-30 s for 8-10 mm with Clear Bite, Affinity, and Memosil 2; whereas Exaclear requires less time.

CONCLUSIONS

Compressive modulus in clear PVS materials varied by type; Affinity and Memosil 2 demonstrate higher modulus, offering more stability of the clear mold. Translucency and irradiance transmission through clear PVS materials decreased as their thickness increased, yet Exaclear exceled in maintaining high translucency and superior light transmission capabilities. Additionally, there is a strong positive linear correlation between translucency and light irradiance transmittance, offering a method to adjust curing times effectively based on material translucency.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The light curing time to adequately polymerize composite through clear impression material may need to be increased, particularly with thicker matrices or less translucent materials.

Enhancing Light-curing Competence: A Study of Radiant Exposure and Training Outcomes Among Dental Students

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to measure radiant exposure and time necessary to deliver 16 J/cm2 of radiant exposure to simulated Class I and Class III preparations by first-year dental students. First-year dental students (n=89) received a 60-minute lecture on light-curing. Using the Managing Accurate Resin Curing Patient Simulator (MARC-PS) and protective blue-light-blocking glasses, students twice light-cured Class I and Class III restorations, using the Valo Grand Cordless light-curing unit with infection-control barriers on both Standard and High Power Plus modes. After their first attempts, if students did not obtain at least 16 J/cm2 of radiant exposure (RE), they received additional instruction. Paired t-tests were used to determine the change between the first and second attempts. After averaging two attempts, radiant exposure and time were compared between Standard and High Power Plus modes within individuals using paired t-tests.

RESULTS

79% of students provided 16 J/cm2 of radiant exposure on both attempts for Standard and High Power Plus modes. High Power Plus mode provided statistically significantly more radiant exposure and required less time to obtain 16 J/cm2 of radiant exposure for both restorations.

CONCLUSIONS

The MARC-PS is useful to identify students requiring instruction. It may be prudent to use High Power Plus mode or increase time on Standard mode to light-cure Class I restorations.

Color Stability of Bulk-Fill Flowable Resin Composites After Artificial Aging

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the color stability of bulk-fill flowable resin composites with 2 difference shades at baseline and after artificial aging.

METHODS

Disk-shaped specimens (Ø10 × 4 mm) were fabricated from three bulk-fill flowable resin resin composites (Filtek Bulk-Fill Flow, Venus Bulk-Fill Flow, and Estelite Bulk-Fill Flow). The specimens in each bulk-fill resin composite group were divided into two subgroups (n = 10 per subgroup) with two different shades, A1 (N = 30) and A3 (N = 30), and were polymerized with light curing (800 mW/cm2/Valo LED Unit, Ultradent) and polished. The color difference between bulk-fill resin composites was evaluated at baseline and after artificial aging using a spectrophotometer (CM-700d, Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan) under D65 illumination. Color coordinates were measured with CIEDE2000, and color differences (∆E00) and relative translucency parameter (RTP) values were calculated. Subsequently, the comparison of color changes (∆E00) before and after thermocycling was performed using the t-test for paired samples.

RESULTS

The bulk-fill flow resin composites evaluated in the present study were capable of mimicking important optical properties such as light transmission. All the resin composites provided acceptable color stability at baseline and after thermocycling when the color A1 was used. On the other hand, whenever the shade A3 was used, the Venus Bulk-Fill Flow demonstrated the best optical properties. There was no statistically significant difference when comparing baseline and after thermocycling in bulk-fill flowable resin composites (p > 0.05). After thermocycling, A1 bulk-fill flowable resin composites provided acceptable color stability, and all A3 bulk-fill flowable resin composites provided visible color change, except for the Venus Bulk-Fill Flow (∆E00 = 2.35).

CONCLUSIONS

Estelite Bulk-Fill Flow displayed the best color stability (∆E00 = 2.22) between all the combinations evaluated.

Effect of a 3-second Off-label Exposure on the Depth of Cure of Eight Resin-based Composites

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the depth of cure (DoC) of eight resin-based composites (RBCs) photocured using one multipeak light-curing unit (LCU) on the standard output setting for the manufacturer's RBC recommended exposure time and at a higher irradiance for 3 seconds.

METHODS

Three conventional RBCs: Tetric EvoCeram (Evo), Tetric N-Ceram (Cer), Tetric Prime (Pri); and five bulk-fill: Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill (CerBF), Opus Bulk Fill APS (OpusBF), Opus Bulk Fill Flow APS (OpusF), Tetric PowerFill (PFill) and Tetric PowerFlow (PFlow) were examined. Only PFill and PFlow are formulated to be photocured in 3 seconds. The RBCs were packed into a metal mold and photocured using a Bluephase PowerCure LCU for the RBC manufacturer's recommended exposure time on the standard mode and using the 3-second high irradiance mode. After photocuring, the specimens were immersed in a solvent for 1 hour. The length of the remaining RBC was measured and divided by 2. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey post hoc multiple comparison test (α=0.05).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the DoC values for PFill and PFlow when photocured using the 3-second high irradiance protocol compared to the lower irradiance standard mode protocol. All other RBCs had significantly lower DoC values (p<0.001) when photocured off-label using the 3-second high irradiance mode.

CONCLUSION

Of the eight RBCs tested, only PFill and PFlow achieved the same DoC when the high irradiance 3-second curing method was used compared to when their longer lower irradiance protocol was used.

One-Year Evaluation of High-Power Rapid Curing on Dentin Bond Strength

This study investigated the effect of 3 s light-curing with a high-power LED curing unit on the shear bond strength of bulk-fill composites. Four bulk-fill composites were bonded to dentin with a universal adhesive (Scotchbond Universal Plus): two materials designed for rapid curing (Tetric PowerFill and Tetric PowerFlow) and two controls (Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative and SDR Plus Bulk Fill Flowable). The 4 mm composite layer was light-cured with Bluephase PowerCure for 20 s at 1000 mW/cm2 ("20 s") or for 3 s at 3000 mW/cm2 ("3 s"). The samples were stored at 37 °C in distilled water and tested after 1, 6 and 12 months. The samples polymerised in the "3 s" mode had statistically similar or higher bond strength than the samples cured in "20 s" mode, except for the Tetric PowerFlow (1 month) and SDR+ (6 month). The flowable materials Tetric PowerFlow and SDR Plus initially showed the highest values in the "3 s" and "20 s" groups, which decreased after 12 months. The bond strength was statistically similar for all materials and curing protocols after 12 months, except for Tetric PowerFill cured with the "3 s" protocol (21.22 ± 5.0 MPa), which showed the highest value. Tetric PowerFill showed the highest long-term bond strength. While "3 s" curing resulted in equal or better shear bond strength, its use can only be recommended for a material with an AFCT agent such as Tetric PowerFill.

Surface Analysis of a Universal Resin Composite and Effect of Preheating on its Physicochemical Properties

This study was aimed at analyzing the surface properties of a universal resin composite and evaluating the effect of preheating on its physicochemical properties. Two commercial resin composites were used under two conditions: Filtek Universal Restorative (UR); UR preheated (URH); Filtek Supreme (FS) and FS preheated (FSH). The film thickness (FT) test (n = 10) was done using two glass slabs under compression. Flexural strength (FLS) and modulus (FLM) were evaluated using a three-point flexion test (n = 10). Polymerization shrinkage stress (PSS) was evaluated in a universal testing machine (n = 5). Gap width (GW) between composite and mold was measured in internally polished metallic molds (n = 10). The degree of conversion (DC) was evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (n = 3). The morphology of the filler particles was checked by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and EDX analysis. Surface gloss (SG) and surface roughness (SR) were evaluated before and after mechanical brushing (n = 10). The outcomes were submitted to 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Lower mean values of FT were observed for the preheated groups when compared to the non-preheated groups. URH and FSH showed higher mean values of FLS and FLM when compared with UR and FS. No differences were observed between groups in the PSS test. The GW was higher for the UR and FS groups when compared with URH and FSH. The DC was higher for preheated resin composites when compared to the non-preheated groups. The SR of the UR composite was higher than the FS after mechanical brushing, while the SG was higher for the FS groups. In conclusion, the universal resin composite tested generally presented similar physicochemical properties compared with the nanofilled resin composite and either similar or slightly inferior surface properties. The preheating improved or maintained all properties evaluated.

Are polywave light-emitting diodes more effective than monowave ones in the photoactivation of resin-based materials containing alternative photoinitiators? A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to analyze if using polywave light-emitting diodes (LED) to photoactivate resin-based materials (resin composites, adhesive systems, and resin cements) containing alternative photoinitiators provide better physicochemical properties than monowave ones.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Inclusion criteria were in vitro studies that evaluated the degree of conversion, microhardness and flexural strength in resin-based materials containing alternative photoinitiators and light-activated with mono and polywave LEDs. Exclusion criteria were studies that evaluated the physicochemical properties of composites through any material interposed between the LED and the resin composite and studies that exclusively compared different modes and/or light activation times. Selection of studies, data extraction, and risk-of-bias analysis was performed. Data from selected studies were qualitatively analyzed. A systematic search was performed in June 2021 using PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases and grey literature without language restriction.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Nine studies used diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide (TPO) as an alternative photoinitiator for resin composite. Polywave LED improved the degree of conversion of resin composite compared to monowave in 9 of the included studies. Polywave LED improved the microhardness of resin composite compared to monowave in 7 of the included studies. Polywave LED improved the degree of conversion for 11 studies and microhardness of resin composite compared to monowave for 7 included studies. No differences in the flexural strength medium between poly and monowave LEDs were observed. The evidence was graded as low quality due to the high risk of bias for 11 studies.

CONCLUSION

The existing studies, with their limitations, revealed that the polywave light-emitting diode maximizes activation, resulting in a higher degree of double-bond conversion and microhardness of resin composites containing alternative photoinitiators. However, the flexural strength of these materials is not influenced by the type of light activation device.

Depth of Cure, Hardness, Roughness and Filler Dimension of Bulk-Fill Flowable, Conventional Flowable and High-Strength Universal Injectable Composites: An In Vitro Study

(1) Objective: To evaluate and compare the depth of cure (DOC) of two bulk-fill flowable composites (Filtek Bulk Fill Flowable Restorative and Tetric EvoFlow Bulk Fill), two conventional flowable composites (Filtek Supreme XTE Flowable Restorative and G-ænial Flo X) and one high-strength universal injectable composite (G-ænial Universal Injectable). (2) Methods: specimens were placed in a stainless-steel mold with an orifice of 4 mm in diameter and 10 mm in depth and light-cured for 20 s using a light emitting diode (LED) light-curing unit (LCU) with an irradiance of 1000 mW/cm2; depth of cure was assessed using the ISO 4049 scrape technique, and the absolute length of the specimen of cured composite was measured in millimeters with a digital caliper. The same procedure was repeated with 14 samples for each material under investigation, for a total number of 70 test bodies. Material roughness and hardness results were also investigated using, respectively, a 3D laser confocal microscope (LEXT OLS 4100; Olympus) at ×5 magnification and a Vickers diamond indenter (Vickers microhardness tester, Shimadzu®, Kyoto, Japan) under 10-N load and a 30 s dwell time. SEM images at 3000 and 9000 magnification were collected in order to study the materials’ filler content. Statistical analysis were performed by a commercial statistical software package (SPSS) and data were analyzed using multiple comparison Dunnett’s test. (3) Results: The average DOC of both bulk-fill composites was more than 4 mm, as a range of 3.91 and 4.53 mm with an average value of 4.24 and 4.12 mm, while that of the conventional flowable composites was much lower, as a range of 2.47 and 2.90 mm with an average value of 2.58 and 2.84 mm; DOC of the high-strength injectable composite was greater than the one of traditional composites, but not to the level of bulk-fill materials, as a range of 2.82 and 3.01 mm with an average value of 3.02 mm. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p-values < 0.05) in the depth of cure between bulk fill flowable composites and other composites, while there was no difference (p-values > 0.05) between the materials of the same type. (4) Conclusions: Bulk-fill flowable composites showed significantly higher depth of cure values than both traditional flowable composites and high-strength injectable composites.

Effect of a polymerization inhibitor on the chemomechanical properties and consistency of experimental resin composites

This study investigated the effect of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) inhibitor on degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), Knoop microhardness (KH), microhardness reduction (HR), and consistency of experimental resin composites at different BHT concentrations: C0 (control-0%); C0.01 (0.01%); C0.025 (0.025%); C0.05 (0.05%); C0.1 (0.1%); and C0.5 (0.5%). For the consistency, the composites were tested immediately after being exposed to a dental chair headlight (0, 20, 40 and 60 s). Data concerning DC, FS, FM, KH, and HR were submitted to one-way ANOVA, while the consistency data was submitted to 2-way ANOVA; mean values were then compared (Tukey's test; α=0.05). The KH, FS and FM analyses showed no significant difference among the composites tested. For DC, C0 showed the highest mean value (74.2%) and differed only from C0.5 (67.2%). For HR, C0.5 showed the lowest mean (13.09%) value and differed from C0 (26.4%) and C0.01 (24.87). The consistency analysis showed no difference among C0.05, C0.1 and C0.5, considering 0 and 20 s of light exposure, while C0 (14.07 mm), C0.01 (13.97 mm), and C0.025 (14.18 mm) showed higher mean values at 0 s when compared to 20 s (12.67, 12.77 and 13.05 mm, respectivelly). Polymerization occurred within 40 s of light exposure for C0, C0.01, C0.025, and C0.05 and within 60 s for C0.1. In conclusion, the BHT concentrations had no significant influence on FS, FM and KH. The higher the BHT concentration, the longer was its handling time under light, with a significant improvement in the HR, but a decrease in DC. Therefore, BHT at 0.1% showed the best outcomes concerning all the BHT concentrations tested.

High-Power LED Units Currently Available for Dental Resin-Based Materials-A Review

The pursuit of less time-consuming procedures led to the development of high-power light-curing-units (LCU) to light-cure dental-resin-based-materials. This review aims to describe high-power light-emitting-diode (LED)-LCUs, by a bibliometric systematization of in vitro and in vivo studies. The research-question, by PICO model, aimed to assess the current knowledge on dentistry-based high-power LED-LCUs by analyzing to what extent their use can promote adverse events on materials and patients' oral condition when compared to low-power LED-LCUs, on daily dental practice. PubMed and B-on database search focused on high-power (≥2000 mW/cm2) LED-LCUs outputs. Studies assessing performance of high-power LED-LCUs for light-curing dental-resin-based-materials were included. From 1822 screened articles, 21 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Thirty-two marketed units with high levels of radiant emittance (≥2000 mW/cm2 up to 6000 mW/cm2) were identified. Most output values vary on 2000-3000 mW/cm2. The highest output found was 6000 mW/cm2, in FlashMax™P3. Reports suggest that light-curing protocols with lower emittance irradiance and longer exposure outperforms all other combination, however in some clinical procedures high-power LED-LCUs are advocated when compared to low-power LED-LCUs. Moreover, long time exposures and over-curing can be dangerous to the biological vital pulp, and other oral tissues. Evidence showing that high-power LCUs are the best clinical option is still very scarce.