Effect of a glaze/composite sealant on the 3-D surface roughness of esthetic restorative materials

Impact of varnishing, coating, and polishing on the chemical and mechanical properties of a 3D printed resin and two veneering composite resins

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Three-dimensional (3D) printing enables the fast fabrication of definitive fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). However, data on the effects of surface treatments on their chemical and mechanical properties are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine the influence of different surface treatments on a 3D printed resin in comparison with 2 veneering composite resins.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 288 specimens were manufactured from a 3D printed resin (VarseoSmile Crownplus) or veneering composite resins (GRADIA PLUS; VITA VM LC flow). Surfaces underwent varnishing, coating, polishing or remain untreated. Conversion rate (DC), surface roughness (SR), Martens parameter, flexural strength (FS), and 3-body wear (3BW) were determined (n=12). Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney-U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

After polishing, the 3D printed resin showed higher DC, SR, and 3BW but lower Martens parameters compared with veneering composite resins (P<.007). After goat hair brushing, the 3D printed resin showed lower FS than VITA-VCR (P=.043). For the 3D printed resin, goat hair brushing or GC-Varnish reduced SR, while VITA-Varnish showed the lowest 3BW (P<.045). For both veneering composite resins, goat hair brushing led to low SR and 3BW and high EIT and FS (P<.043). Silicone polishing led to low EIT of the 3D printed resin and low EIT and FS of GC-VCR (P<.009). Coating resulted in a lower EIT than the untreated surface and higher 3BW than GC-Varnish (P<.030).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3D printed resin showed higher DC, SR, 3BW and lower HM, EIT, and FS values than the veneering composite resins. Polishing with a goat hair brush can be recommended for all tested materials. For the 3D printed resin, varnishing presents a promising alternative with regard to SR and 3BW. Silicone polishing and coating cannot be recommended.

Comparison of surface roughness and color stability of different denture characterizing composite resins: the effect of different surface treatments

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of surface treatment and type of composite resin material on the color stability and surface roughness of different denture characterizing composites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two nanohybrids [Gradia Plus Gum, (GP) and SR Nexco Paste Gingiva, (SR)] and one microhybrid gingiva-colored composite resin (Amaris Gingiva, (AG)] were investigated. A total of 120 disk-shaped samples were prepared, 40 of each material. Samples were divided into two groups (n = 20) for each material according to the surface treatment applied: conventional polishing (control) and coated with a sealant in addition to the surface polishing. All groups were thermocycled. The surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a profilometer after thermal cycling. The samples were then divided into 2 subgroups (n = 10) and stored for 7 days in distilled water or coffee solution. Color differences (ΔE₀₀ ) were calculated with a spectrophotometer. Results were evaluated with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The type of denture characterizing composite material and surface treatment method revealed statistically significant differences for the ΔE₀₀ (after immersion both in coffee and distilled water) and the Ra values of denture characterizing composite (p < 0.001 for both). All sealed groups showed significantly higher Ra than the all polished groups. Both in the polished groups and the sealant applied groups, the GP had the highest mean Ra values (0.29 ±0.05 μm and 0.47 ±0.09 μm, respectively). It was followed by SR (0.23 ±0.06 μm and 0.41 ±0.10 μm, respectively), and AG groups (0.20 ±0.06 μm and 0.39 ±0.09 μm, respectively). According to the mean ΔE₀₀ results, all composite groups showed significantly higher ΔE₀₀ values immersed in coffee solutions compared to distilled water. In coffee solutions, the highest ΔE₀₀ was observed in the polished GP (1.90 ±0.40), and the lowest ΔE₀₀ was observed in the polished SR (0.97 ±0.36). The sealed groups showed higher ΔE₀₀ than the polished groups, except for GP.

CONCLUSIONS

The surface roughness value of sealant applied groups were significantly higher than those of their polished groups. The surface sealant application significantly increased the staining of all composite groups compared to conventional polishing, except for GP. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Diatomaceous earth as a drug-loaded carrier in a glass-ionomer cement

The effect of a natural filler (diatomaceous earth [DE], a promising drug-delivery agent) and its content was investigated on the performance of a model glass-ionomer cement (GIC). Three sample series, differing in DE content (0, 2.5 and 5 wt%), were prepared using a commercial GIC as a matrix (3M Ketac Molar Easymix). The resultant surface microhardness and roughness, wear performance, and compressive strength of the samples were measured after the samples had been stored in deionized water at 37°C for a fixed time. Moreover, the film thickness was tested for the freshly mixed samples. The numerical data was subjected to statistical analysis, in order to test the null hypotheses of the equality of the measured properties between the reference and the DE-modified samples. According to the results, diatomaceous earth particles are uniformly distributed in the GIC matrix, and the cavities of frustules tend to be filled with the GIC. This translates into the observed performance of the DE-loaded GIC. Compared with the reference material (0 wt% DE), the surface microhardness (2.5 wt% DE, p = 0.014; 5 wt% DE, p = 0.005) and roughness (e.g. Ra; 2.5 wt% DE, p = 0.003; 5 wt% DE, p < 0.001) are increased. No effect on the wear performance (p = 0.530 and 0.256, respectively) or compressive strength (p = 0.514) was noticed in the case of DE partially substituting the glass phase. Based on the study results, it is evidenced that diatom frustules are a suitable filler for application in conventional glass-ionomer cements as the glass-substituting drug-loaded carrier. Notably, however, the surface finish method of the DE-filled materials needs development.

Effect of simulated tootbrushing on surface roughness of sealant agent coupled nanohybrid composite resins

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of toothbrushing on the surface roughness (R_a ) of different sealant agent coupled nanohybrid composite resins.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred sixty disc-shaped (10 × 2 mm) specimens were prepared from four different nanohybrid composite resins (Z-550, Tetric EvoCeram, Clearfill Majesty, Ice). Specimen groups were divided into four subgroups for conventional polishing (control) and to apply three different surface sealant agents (Palaseal, Optiglaze, Biscover LV) (n = 10). The R_a values of the specimens were recorded before (R_a 0) and after 10,000 cycles of toothbrushing (R_a 1). The surface properties of the specimens were evaluated with scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey HSD, and paired sample t tests.

RESULTS

Composite resin material, surface treatment, and their interaction were significant on R_a values (p < 0.001). Significant decrease in R_a 0 values observed for surface sealant agent coupled Clearfill Majesty and Tetric EvoCeram composite resin groups compared with the control groups (p < 0.05). After simulated one-year toothbrushing, the control group of Clearfill Majesty had the highest R_a 1 value (p < 0.001). The R_a 1 values of all groups were significantly higher than the R_a 0 values (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Simulated 1-year toothbrushing increased the surface roughness of all nanohybrid composite resin materials. Optiglaze and Biscover LV sealant agents on Tetric EvoCeram, and all tested sealant agents on Clearfill Majesty enabled smoother surfaces than conventional polishing after toothbrushing.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Because toothbrushing increases the surface roughness of tested nanohybrid composite resins, the application of surface sealant agents on some of the tested resins can be considered for smoother surfaces.

Effect of thermocycling on the surface properties of resin-matrix CAD-CAM ceramics after different surface treatments

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of thermocycling on the water contact angle (WCA), surface roughness (SR), and microhardness (MH) of resin-matrix computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD-CAM) ceramics after different surface treatments (conventional polishing or 2 different surface sealants).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two different types of resin-matrix CAD-CAM ceramics; a nanoparticle-filled resin (CeraSmart; CS) and a resin nanoceramic (Lava Ultimate; LU) were tested. Rectangular-shaped plates (1 mm-thick) were divided into 3 groups (n = 8) in terms of surface treatment methods applied: conventional polishing (control) or 2 surface sealants (Optiglaze (OG) and Palaseal (PS)). Scanning electron microscope images ( × 1000 and × 700 magnifications) of each material were taken from 2 additional specimens before surface treatments. After surface treatments, WCAs of deionized water, SR, and MH values of specimens were measured. All specimens were subjected to 5000 thermocycling and measurements were repeated. SR, WCA, and MH data before and after thermocycling were compared by using a 2-way ANOVA (α=.05).

RESULTS

A significant interaction was found between the surface treatment and the material for WCA after thermocycling (P < .001), for SR before thermocycling (P = .014), and for MH both before and after thermocycling (P < .001). SEM images before surface treatments revealed that the surface of CS was mechanically rougher with a more microretentive topography compared with the surface of LU. No significant correlation was found between SR and WCA (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Thermocycling affected the SR, MH, and WCA of all resin-matrix CAD-CAM ceramics.

Mechanical Characterization of Two Dental Restorative Materials after Acidic Challenge

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of acidic beverages on the mechanical characteristics of a nanofilled composite resin and of a glass ionomer. Thirty specimens of each restorative material were produced and were evaluated at three different time points: before immersion (T0), after a 7 day immersion (T1) and after a 14 day immersion (T2) in water, beer and a soft drink. The studied parameters were microhardness and surface roughness. At T2, composite resin and glass ionomer specimens immersed in water, beer and the soft drink showed a statistically significant decrease in microhardness compared to T0 results. The surface roughness of composite resin specimens decreased between T0 and T1/T2 after immersion in beer and soft drink. A statistically significant increase was found between the roughness of glass ionomer specimens immersed in each one of the beverages at T0 and T1/T2. It is essential that clinicians are aware not only of available restorative materials, its characteristics and best handling techniques but also of the importance of performing an adequate assessment of patients’ dietary habits, thus making it possible to offer patients quality treatments with a predictable prognosis and longevity.

Influence of modeling agents on the surface properties of an esthetic nano-hybrid composite

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different modeling agents on the surface microhardness (Vickers hardness number; VHN), roughness (Ra), and color change (ΔE) of a nano-hybrid composite with or without exposure to discoloration by coffee.

Materials and Methods

Sixty-four cylinder-shaped nano-hybrid composite specimens were prepared using a Teflon mold. The specimens' surfaces were prepared according to the following groups: group 1, no modeling agent; group 2, Modeling Liquid; group 3, a universal adhesive (G-Premio Bond); and group 4, the first step of a 2-step self-adhesive system (OptiBond XTR). Specimens were randomly allocated into 2 groups (n = 8) according to the storage medium (distilled water or coffee). VHN, Ra, and ΔE were measured at 24 hours, 1 week, and 6 weeks. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Bonferroni correction for pairwise comparisons was used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05).

Results

Storage time did not influence the VHN of the nano-hybrid composite in any group (p > 0.05). OptiBond XTR Primer application affected the VHN negatively in all investigated storage medium and time conditions (p < 0.05). Modeling Liquid application yielded improved Ra values for the specimens stored in coffee at each time point (p < 0.05). Modeling Liquid application was associated with the lowest ΔE values in all investigated storage medium and time conditions (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Different types of modeling agents could affect the surface properties and discoloration of nano-hybrid composites.

Surface Sealant Effect on the Color Stability of a Composite Resin Following Ultraviolet Light Artificial Aging

OBJECTIVE

To examine how exposure to accelerated artificial aging (AAA) stimuli (ultraviolet [UV] light) affects the color stability of a composite resin following surface sealant (SS) application.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 30 cylindrical composite resin (Esthet-X) discs were prepared using Teflon-coated rings. The treatment groups, defined by different SS (Seal-N-Sine, PermaSeal, OptiGuard, Biscover LV, and DuraFinish) use, were divided into five groups of six discs each. The discs were subjected to baseline color measurements followed by measurements after surface sealant application (specular included component [SCI] and specular excluded component [SCE]) using a spectrophotometer. Three measurements (SCI and SCE) were performed for a total of 18 readings (test surface) per specimen group. All specimens were then exposed to a UV light source for a total of 382 hours. Color readings of the specimens were again recorded for each group. Quantitative color measurements were executed using Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*a*b* calculations.

RESULTS

Baseline color measurements of the composite resin discs, following the AAA exposure protocol, revealed no significant differences. A comparison of the composite resin discs before and after SS application (without UV light exposure) showed statistically significant differences using both SCI and SCE measurement criteria. Although significant differences were encountered between the ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, and ΔE parameters, all specimens (groups) were within the clinically acceptable range (1.0<ΔE≤ 3.3). Again, statistically significant differences were noted (ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, and ΔE parameters) for all specimen groups receiving SS application, utilizing both SCI and SCE measurements, following exposure to UV light. All groups were within the clinically acceptable range (1.0<ΔE≤ 3.3), except the Durafinish group. The Durafinish SS group experienced significantly greater (p<0.001) overall color change (SCI and SCE) following UV light exposure. An intergroup comparison following UV exposure revealed that the Permaseal, OptiGuard, and Seal-n-Shine SS groups displayed the least amount of color change statistically but not necessarily always perceptibly significant, while the Durafinish group exhibited the greatest color change statistically and perceptibly.

CONCLUSIONS

The color stability of a composite resin, including the addition of most SSs, was not affected perceptibly by UV light exposure.

The evaluation of surface sealants' effect on the surface roughness of Nano-hybrid composite after polishing with One-Step system (in-vitro)

Background

The clinical use of composite resins has increased substantially due to increased esthetic demands by patients, improvements in formulation, and simplification of bonding procedures. Use of surface sealants is recommended to improve surface smoothness of composite restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of surface sealants on the surface roughness of nano-hybrid composite after polishing with One-Step system.

Material and Methods

Using a silicon mold, 56 specimens of 10 mm diameter and 2 mm height were prepared from Grandio nano-hybrid composite (Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany) with A2 shade. Specimens were randomly divided in 2 groups. The surface of specimens were polished with VOCO One-step system. One group of specimens assigned as control group and received no more surface treatment. Surface sealant PermaSeal (Ultradent, USA) was applied on the surface of specimens of the other group as experimental group. Specimens were stored in Ringer’s solution at 37°C for 24 hours. The specimens were subjected to artificial accelerated aging with thermocycling method (3000 cycles, between 5 and 55°C) and then 100000 cycles of tooth brushing. A Profilometer was used to measuring the surface roughness of specimens before and after aging procedures.

Results

The surface roughness changes of control group were significant before and after aging (P<0.05). The mean final surface roughness of control group was unacceptable clinically while it was acceptable in experimental group.

Conclusions

The use of surface sealants on nano-hybrid composite causes noticeable reduces in surface roughness of composite.

Key words:Surface-penetrating sealant, surface roughness, nano-hybrid, composites, one-step polishing.

The effect of glazing and aging on the surface properties of CAD/CAM resin blocks

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of accelerated aging on surface properties of glazed CAD/CAM resin blocks using a 2D surface profilometer and a 3D non-contact optical profilometer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three types of CAD/CAM resin restorative materials, LAVA Ultimate (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA), VITA Enamic (Vita Zahnfabrik H. Rauter, Bad Säckingen, Germany), and Cerasmart (GC Corparation, Tokyo, Japan) were used for this study. CAD/CAM blocks were cut in 3-mm thickness slabs and divided into three groups; Group 1: control group (specimens polished with 600 grit SCI paper); Group 2: specimens sandblasted, silanized, and glazed with Optiglaze Color (GC); Group 3: glazed specimens subjected to 5000 thermocycles (n=15). The surface roughness (R_a and R_z) was evaluated using a profilometer and a 3D scanning instrument. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (P<.05).

RESULTS

LAVA, VITA, and Cerasmart exhibited statistically similar R_a and R_z values for each group (P>.05). For VITA and Cerasmart, the specimens in Group 1 exhibited significantly higher R_a values than Group 2 (P<.05). Group 1 (0.502 R_a), Group 2 (0.384 R_a), and Group 3 (0.431 R_a) exhibited statistically similar R_a values for LAVA (P=.062). After 5000 thermocycles, surface roughness values did not change significantly for glazed LAVA, VITA, and Cerasmart (P>.05).

CONCLUSION

Glaze material Optiglaze Color makes CAD/CAM resin surfaces smooth and glazed CAD/CAM surfaces seem resistant to deterioration under 5000 thermocycles.

Evaluation of surface roughness of three different composite resins with three different polishing systems

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness of three composites with three different polishing systems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Composite specimens were made from the Teflon mold with a standardized cavity size (6 mm diameter and 3 mm height). Group I - Filtek Z350XT (Nano clusters), group II - T-Econom plus (Microhybrid), group III - G-aenial Flo (True Nano). The samples were cured for 30 s from both sides with the matrices in place. The 60 samples were divided into 3 groups (N = 20), which accounted for 40 surfaces, (n = 20 × 2 = 40) in each groups. Each group were subdivided into four subgroups based on the type polishing material, subgroup A - Control, subgroup B - Astrobrush, subgroup C - Astropol, and subgroup D - Soflex spiral wheel. The samples of all groups except group A (control) were finished and polished according to the manufacture's instruction.

RESULTS

After polishing, the roughness (Ra) of the resin composite of all the specimens were measured using a profilometer. Soflex spiral wheel (group D) significantly had the least roughness (Ra) value as compared to the other groups.

CONCLUSION

Among the three resin composites tested, G-aenial Flo exhibited least Ra value due to its reduced filler size and its uniform distribution.

Influence of surface sealing on color stability and roughness of composite submitted to ultraviolet-accelerated aging

AIM

In the present study, we evaluated the influence of surface sealing on color stability and surface roughness of a composite resin after accelerated artificial aging.

METHODS

Thirty-two specimens of a composite were prepared. After 24 h, the specimens were polished and divided into four groups (n = 8), according to the surface sealant used, including the control, which had no sealant application. Baseline color was measured according to the CIELab system using a reflection spectrophotometer. Surface roughness was determined using a profilometer with a cut-off of 0.25 mm. After these tests, specimens were aged for 252 h in an ultraviolet (UV)-accelerated aging chamber. Color stability was determined by difference between coordinates obtained before and after the aging procedure. Data of color change and roughness were evaluated by anova and Fisher's exact test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The results showed that the unsealed group had the highest color change compared to other groups (P = 0.0289), and there was no significant difference between groups sealed with surface sealant (P > 0.05). The artificial aging caused an increase in roughness values independent of the experimental group studied (P = 0.0015).

CONCLUSION

The sealed composites showed lower color change after UV aging, but all groups showed clinically-acceptable color change, and only liquid polish decreased roughness.

Roughness and microhardness of composites after different bleaching techniques

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the roughness and microhardness of SonicFill™ (Kerr), and compare it with Filtek™ Supreme XTE (3M ESPE) after 2 bleaching regimens.

METHODS

Sixty cylindrical specimens (10 × 2 mm) of each of the 2 composites were prepared and divided into 6 groups (n = 20): groups 1, 2: no treatment; groups 3, 4: 10% carbamide peroxide (CP); and groups 5, 6: 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) plus LED. After treatments, specimens were thermocycled (500 cycles, 5 °C/55 °C, dwell time 30 minutes). A mechanical roughness tester was employed to measure the surface roughness parameters and the Vickers test to measure microhardness. One-way ANOVA, Tukey and Bonferroni methods with a significance level of 5% were used for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

For SonicFill™, there was no statistically significant difference in microhardness between the control group (no. 1) and the bleached groups (nos. 3, 5), but there was difference between CP and HP treatments; for Filtek™ Supreme XTE, there was no significant difference in microhardness among all groups. There was no significant difference in average roughness (Ra) and the root mean square of the roughness (Rq) among all groups. The mean roughness depth (Rz) parameter showed no statistically significant differences among all groups for SonicFill™, but in Filtek™ Supreme XTE, there was a significant increase between control and bleaching treatments; roughness skewness (Rsk) showed no statistically significant differences among all groups for SonicFill™ and Filtek™ Supreme XTE, except for nos. 2 and 4, where the Rsk increased with CP.

CONCLUSIONS

The microhardness of Filtek™ Supreme XTE is less affected by bleaching than that of SonicFill™. Both bleaching treatments affect Rz in Filtek™ Supreme XTE in contrast to SonicFill™, but only the CP treatment affects the Rsk of Filtek™ Supreme XTE, with no significant effect of SonicFill™.

Effects of protective resin coating on the surface roughness and color stability of resin-based restorative materials

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nanofilled protective resin coating (RC) on the surface roughness (Ra) and color stability (ΔE) of resin-based restorative materials (RM) (compomer (C), nanofilled composite (NF), and microhybrid composite (MH)) after being submitted to the ultraviolet aging (UV) method. Thirty-six specimens were prepared (n = 6 for each group). The Ra and (ΔE) values and SEM images were obtained before and after UV. Significant interactions were found among the RM-RC-UV procedures for Ra (P < 0.001). After the specimens were submitted to UV, the Ra values were significantly increased, regardless of the RC procedure (with RC; P < 0.01 for all, without RC; C (P < 0.01), NF (P < 0.001), and MH (P < 0.001)) for each RM. Significant interactions were found between the RM-RC (P < 0.001) procedures for the ΔE values. The ΔE values were increased in each group after applying the RC procedures (P < 0.001). Protective RC usage for RM could result in material-related differences in Ra and ΔE as with used UV method.

A restorative approach for class II resin composite restorations: a two-year follow-up

This clinical report describes a restorative technique used to replace two Class II resin composite restorations on the upper premolars. A sectional matrix band was used in conjunction with an elastic ring (Composi-Tight) to obtain tight proximal contact. A nanofilled resin composite (Filtek Supreme Ultra) was incrementally applied using oblique layers to reduce the C-factor, each layer being no more than 2 mm thick, and then light cured for 20 seconds with a light-emitting diode lamp (EliparFreeLight 2 LED Curing Light) with a power density of 660 mW/cm(2). A centripetal technique was used to restore the lost tooth structure from the periphery toward the center of the cavity in order to achieve a better contour and anatomy with less excess, thereby minimizing the use of rotary instruments during the finishing procedures. Finally, the resin composite restorations were finished and polished, and a surface sealer (Perma Seal) was applied to fill small gaps and defects that may have been present on the surfaces and margins of the restorations after the finishing and polishing procedures.

Surface geometry of various nanofiller composites using different polishing systems: A comparative study

AIM

This in vitro study assessed the surface quality of three nanoparticle composites with four commercially available polishing systems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 180 specimens (10 × 2 mm) were prepared in metal molds using three nanocomposites, Filtek Z-350 XT, Ceram-X Mono, and Tetric N-Ceram. Sixty specimens of each material were then randomly assigned to five study groups. Control specimens were left untreated and the remaining specimens were subjected to polishing with SpinBrite, CompoMaster, AstroPol, and SofLex polishing systems. Average roughness (Ra) and average ten-point roughness (Rz) were calculated using Perthometer, and the data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey's tests.

RESULTS

For all the materials, the roughest surfaces were observed for control specimens, with no statistically significant differences between the material groups. For Filtek Z-350 XT, the decrease in surface roughness after two-step polishing was insignificant. For Ceram-X, SpinBrite specimens showed similar degree of roughness as control specimens. For Tetric N-Ceram, no significant decrease in roughness was observed after one-step polishing. Two-way ANOVA (interaction of subgroups and groups) did not show a significant association with the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

For nanofilled composites (Filtek Z-350 XT), the surface roughness decreased with the increase in number of polishing steps, whereas one-step and multi-step polishing procedures produced similar quality of smoothness for nanohybrid composites (Ceram-X, Tetric N-Ceram). Ra and Rz values of surface roughness are a function of type of finishing/polishing only.

The effect of polishing technique on 3-D surface roughness and gloss of dental restorative resin composites

The aim of this study was to compare surface roughness and gloss of resin composites polished using different polishing systems. Five resin composites were investigated: Filtek Silorane (FS), IPS Empress Direct (IP), Clearfil Majesty Posterior (CM), Premise (PM), and Estelite Sigma (ES). Twenty-five disk specimens were prepared from each material, divided into five groups, each polished with one of the following methods: Opti1Step (OS), OptiDisc (OD), Kenda CGI (KD), Pogo (PG), or metallurgical polishing (ML). Gloss and roughness parameters (Sa, Sz, Sq, and St) were evaluated by 60°-angle glossimetry and white-light interferometric profilometry. Two-way analysis of variance was used to detect differences in different materials and polishing techniques. Regression and correlation analyses were performed to examine correlations between roughness and gloss. Significant differences in roughness parameters and gloss were found according to the material, type of polishing, and material/polishing technique (p< 0.05). The highest roughness was recorded when KD was used (Sa: 581.8 [62.1] for FS/KD, Sq: 748.7 [55.6] for FS/KD, Sz: 17.7 [2.7] for CM/KD, and St: 24.6 [6.8] for FS/KD), while the lowest was recorded after ML (Sa: 133.6 [68.9] for PM/ML, Sq: 256.5 [53.5] for ES/ML, Sz: 4.0 [1.3] for ES/ML, and St: 7.1 [0.7] for ES/ML). The highest gloss was recorded for PM/ML (88.4 [2.3]) and lowest for FS/KD (30.3 [5.7]). All roughness parameters were significantly correlated with gloss (r= 0.871, 0.846, 0.713, and 0.707 for Sa, Sq, Sz, St, and gloss, respectively). It was concluded that the polishing procedure and the type of composite can have significant impacts on surface roughness and gloss of resin composites.

Effect of different surface penetrating sealants on the roughness of a nanofiller composite resin

This study evaluated the effectiveness of different sealants applied to a nanofiller composite resin. Forty specimens of Filtek Z-350 were obtained after inserting the material in a 6x3 mm stainless steel mold followed by light activation for 20 s. The groups were divided (n=10) according to the surface treatment applied: Control group (no surface treatment), Fortify, Fortify Plus and Biscover LV. The specimens were subjected to simulated toothbrushing using a 200 g load and 250 strokes/min to simulate 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months and 1 and 3 years in the mouth, considering 10,000 cycles equivalent to 1 year of toothbrushing. Oral-B soft-bristle-tip toothbrush heads and Colgate Total dentifrice at a 1:2 water-dilution were used. After each simulated time, surface roughness was assessed in random triplicate readings. The data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test at a 95% confidence level. The specimens were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after each toothbrushing cycle. The control group was not significantly different (p>0.05) from the other groups, except for Fortify Plus (p<0.05), which was rougher. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed at the 1-month assessment between the experimental and control groups. Fortify and Fortify Plus presented a rougher surface over time, differing from the baseline (p<0.05). Biscover LV did not differ (p>0.05) from the baseline at any time. None of the experimental groups showed a significantly better performance (p>0.05) than the control group at any time. SEM confirmed the differences found during the roughness testing. Surface penetrating sealants did not improve the roughness of nanofiller composite resin.

Restoration of noncarious cervical lesions: when, why, and how

At this time, restoration of noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) is a common occurrence in clinics nowadays. Some reasons for this are the growth of the elderly population, a smaller rate of tooth loss, and possibly the increase of some etiologic factors. These factors include inadequate brushing techniques in gingival recession cases, corrosive food and drink consumption, and occlusal stress concentrating factors (occlusal interferences, premature contacts, habits of bruxism, and clenching). Unfortunately, Class V restorations also represent one of the less durable types of restorations and have a high index of loss of retention, marginal excess, and secondary caries. Some causes for these problems include difficulties in isolation, insertion, contouring, and finishing and polishing procedures. This work aims to help dentists in choosing the best treatment strategy, which necessarily involves steps of problem identification, diagnosis, etiological factor removal or treatment, and, if necessary, restoration. Finally, appropriate restorative techniques are suggested for each situation.

The influence of toothbrushing and coffee staining on different composite surface coatings

The aim of our study is to evaluate the performance of surface sealants and conventional polishing after ageing procedures. Eighty circular composite restorations were performed on extracted human molars. After standardised roughening, the restorations were either sealed with one of three surface sealants (Lasting Touch (LT), BisCover LV (BC), G-Coat Plus (GP) or a dentin adhesive Heliobond (HB)) or were manually polished with silicon polishers (MP) (n = 16). The average roughness (Ra) and colourimetric parameters (CP) (L*a*b*) were evaluated. The specimens underwent an artificial ageing process by thermocycling, staining (coffee) and abrasive (toothbrushing) procedures. After each ageing step, Ra and CP measurements were repeated. A qualitative surface analysis was performed with SEM. The differences between the test groups regarding Ra and CP values were analysed with nonparametric ANOVA analysis (α = 0.05). The lowest Ra values were achieved with HB. BC and GP resulted in Ra values below 0.2 μm (clinically relevant threshold), whereas LT and MP sometimes led to higher Ra values. LT showed a significantly higher discolouration after the first coffee staining, but this was normalised to the other groups after toothbrushing. The differences between the measurements and test groups for Ra and CP were statistically significant. However, the final colour difference showed no statistical difference among the five groups. SEM evaluation showed clear alterations after ageing in all coating groups. Surface sealants and dentin adhesives have the potential to reduce surface roughness but tend to debond over time. Surface sealants can only be recommended for polishing provisional restorations.