Influence of Spectroscopic Techniques on the Estimation of the Degree of Conversion of Bulk-fill Composites

Effect of Simulated Dental Pulpal Pressure Using Fetal Bovine Serum for the Bonding Performance of Contemporary Adhesive to Dentin

This study evaluated the effect of simulated pulpal pressure (SPP) conditions and storage time on contemporary adhesive systems' microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to dentin. Extracted human molars were prepared and randomly divided into four groups according to the adhesives: Clearfil Megabond 2 (CSE), Beautibond Xtreme Universal (BXU), G2-Bond (G2B), and Scotchbond Universal Plus (SBP). Each adhesive group was further divided following the SPP conditions: control with no simulation (SPP-CTR), SPP with distilled water (SPP-DTW), and SPP with fetal bovine serum (SPP-FBS). Resin composite build-ups were prepared, and teeth were stored in water (37 °C) for 24 h (24 h) and 3 months (3 m). Then, teeth were sectioned to obtain resin-dentin bonded beams and tested to determine the µTBS. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA, Tukey post hoc tests (=0.05), and Weibull failure analysis. Failure mode was observed using scanning electron microscopy. The µTBS response was affected by adhesive systems, simulated pulpal pressure conditions, and storage time. SPP-CTR groups presented a higher overall bond strength than SPP-DTW and SPP-FBS, which were not significantly different from each other. Only for SBP, the SPP-FBS group showed higher µTBS than the SPP-DTW group. The Weibull analysis showed that the bonding reliability and durability under SPP-DTW and SPP-FBS were inferior to SPP-CTR, and the 24 h bonding quality of adhesives to dentin was superior to that of 3 m. SPP drastically reduced the µTBS of all adhesives to dentin regardless of solution (distilled water or fetal bovine serum). Storage after 3 m also decreased µTBS despite the SPP condition.

Influence of the Bracket Material on the Post-Cure Degree of Conversion of Resin-Based Orthodontic Adhesive Systems

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the orthodontic bracket material on the short-term and long-term post-cure development of the degree of conversion (DC) of resin-based orthodontic adhesive systems. Five commercially available materials characterized by different compositions and curing modes (light-curable or dual-curable) were tested under three different light curing conditions: without brackets (control group, CO), and in the presence of metal brackets (MB group) or ceramic brackets (CB group). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine the post-cure DC development, both after "short-term" periods (2, 6, and 10 min) and "long-term" periods (1, 7, and 28 days). The short-term DC values ranged from 43.9% to 76.1%, and the long-term DC values were higher and ranged from 54.3% to 85.3%. The MB group demonstrated significantly lower short-term DC values compared to the CO and the CB groups, while the CB group had statistically similar or slightly lower DC values compared to the CO group. Long-term DC values in the MB and the CB groups were statistically lower or similar compared to the CO group, which depended on the post-cure time. The results indicated that the post-cure DC development was highly material-dependent and affected by the presence of different types of bracket material.

Color stability and degree of conversion of gingiva-colored resin-based composites

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate gingiva-colored resin-based composites' (GCRBC) color stability and degree of conversion (DC%).

METHODS

Eight discs (8 × 1 mm) of 20 shades of GCRBC were prepared. Color coordinates were measured against a gray background with a calibrated spectroradiometer, CIE D65 illuminant and the CIE 45°/0° geometry at baseline and after 30 days of storage in distilled water, coffee, and red wine. Color differences ( ∆ E 00 ) between final and baseline conditions were calculated. An ATR-FTIR spectrometer with a diamond tip was used to calculate DC%. The results were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test. The level of significance was p < 0.05.

RESULTS

DC% and color stability correlated with each other and with the GCRBC brand. DC% ranged between 43% and 96%, highest values correspond to flowable composites. All composites have experienced color changes after immersion in water, wine and coffee. However, the magnitude of the color change has varied widely depending on the immersion medium and the GCRBC. Color changes generated by the wine were, globally, greater than those induced by coffee (p < 0.001) and above the acceptability thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS

The DC% of GCRBCs is sufficient to achieve adequate biocompatibility and physicomechanical properties, but the high susceptibility to staining could compromise aesthetic long-term results.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The degree of conversion and the color stability of gingiva-colored resin-based composites correlated with each other. All composites have experienced color changes after immersion in water, wine and coffee. Color changes generated by wine were, globally, greater than those induced by coffee and above the acceptability thresholds that could compromise aesthetic long-term results.

Effect of shelf-storage temperature on degree of conversion and microhardness of composite restorative materials

BACKGROUND

The pre-cure temperature is considered an important parameter that affects the polymerization kinetics and the properties of composite restoration. As dissension exists about the effect of storing composite restorative materials in refrigerator, this study aimed to assess the effect of shelf-storage temperature on degree of conversion (DC) and microhardness of three composite restorative materials with different matrix systems.

METHODS

Three commercially-available composite restorative materials were used in this study; an Ormocer-based composite (Admira Fusion, Voco GmbH), a nanoceramic composite, (Ceram.X SphereTEC One, Dentsply Sirona GmbH), and a nanohybrid composite (Tetric N-Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent AG). Regarding DC and microhardness tests, 60 disc-shaped composite specimens for each test were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 20) according to the restorative material used. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups (n = 10) according to the composite storage temperature; stored at room temperature or stored in the refrigerator at 4°-5 °C. DC was evaluated using a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer coupled to an attenuated total reflectance accessory. Microhardness was evaluated using micro-Vickers hardness tester under a load of 50 g with a dwell time of 10 s. The results were analyzed by ANOVA, post-hoc LSD, and independent t-tests at a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Regarding DC test all groups showed statistically significant differences at both storage temperature. The Ormocer-based composite had the highest mean values. There was a statistically significant difference between all room-stored groups and their corresponding groups stored at refrigerator (p < 0.05). For microhardness test, all groups exhibited also statistically significant differences at both storage temperatures with the Ormocer-based composite having the highest mean values. A statistically significant difference between both room-stored and refrigerator-stored groups has been observed also (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Refrigeration of resin-composite might have a deleterious effect on DC and microhardness of the tested composite restorative materials with different matrix systems. Moreover, the differences in the formulations of composite matrix have a potential impact on DC and microhardness.

Assessment of Micro-Hardness, Degree of Conversion, and Flexural Strength for Single-Shade Universal Resin Composites

Single-shade universal resin composites (SsURC) are preferred in clinical practice to reduce time for shade selection and obtain good esthetic results. In this study, the static mechanical properties of seven new SsURCs were investigated, their spectral analyzes were performed and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluations were presented. Charisma Diamond One/DO, Admira Fusion x-tra/AFX, Omnichroma/OC, OptiShade/OS, Essentia Universal/EU, Zenchroma/ZC, Vittra APS Unique/VU were used in a three-point bending test to determine flexural strength (FS) and elastic modulus (EM); Vickers micro-hardness (VHN) and hardness-ratio (HR) were performed with a micro-hardness tester from top/bottom after 24-h/15-days of storage in distilled water at 37 °C (±1 °C). The degree of conversion (DC) was assessed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The structure of the resin matrix and filler content were assessed by SEM. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS V23 and the R program and the significance level was taken as p < 0.05. The main effect of the tested SsURCs was found to be statistically significant on FS, EM, VHN, and DC values (p < 0.001). Bis-GMA free SsURCs (AFX, DO, VU) showed better DC and HR except for OC. All seven tested SsURCs conform to the requirements of ISO standards for dental resin composites for all tested categories.

Post-Cure Development of the Degree of Conversion and Mechanical Properties of Dual-Curing Resin Cements

This study investigated the effect of different curing conditions on the degree of conversion and mechanical properties of contemporary dual-curing resin cements. The material specimens were either light-cured directly, light-cured through a 1-mm lithium disilicate glass-ceramic layer, or self-cured. The degree of conversion was measured in 0.1-mm films using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy 1 day, 7 days, and 28 days post-cure. Specimens used to study the flexural strength and modulus were prepared according to the ISO 4049 protocol, stored for 28 days post-cure, and subjected to accelerated aging by absolute ethanol immersion. The degree of conversion values ranged between 44.3–77.8%. Flexural strength varied between 11.4–111.1 MPa, while flexural modulus amounted to 0.7–5.5 GPa. The degree of conversion was significantly affected by material type, curing conditions, and post-cure time; however, variations in curing conditions were the least influential factor. A statistically significant effect of curing conditions on the degree of conversion was identified for only one of the five materials tested, whereas the flexural strength and modulus of all tested materials were significantly reduced in the experimental groups that were light-cured through a ceramic layer or self-cured. The effect size analysis showed that mechanical properties were most affected by the material type, while the differences in curing conditions were less influential. A comparison of the degree of conversion and mechanical properties indicated that different curing conditions may lead to significantly different flexural strength and modulus, which are not necessarily accompanied by identifiable variations in the degree of conversion.

Methacrylate peak determination and selection recommendations using ATR-FTIR to investigate polymerisation of dental methacrylate mixtures

Investigation of polymerisation kinetics using ATR-FTIR systems is common in many dental studies. However, peak selection methods to calculate monomer-polymer conversion can vary, consequently affecting final results. Thus, the aim of this study is to experimentally confirm which method is less prone to systematic errors. Three commercial restorative materials were tested-Vertise Flow (VF), Constic and Activa Bioactive Restorative Kids. Firstly, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infra-Red (ATR-FTIR) (Spectrum One, Perkin-Elmer, UK) spectra of monomers were acquired-10-methacryloyloxy decyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP), bisphenol-A glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), triethyelene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) to investigate proportionality of methacrylate peak heights versus concentration. Spectral changes upon light exposure of 2 mm discs of the restorative materials (irradiated for 20 s, LED curing unit 1100-1330 mW/cm2) were assessed to study polymerisation kinetics (n = 3), with continuous acquisition of spectra, before, during and after light exposure. Peak differences and degrees of conversion (DC %) were calculated using 1320/1336, 1320/1350 and 1636/1648 cm-1 as reaction/reference peaks. Inferential statistics included a MANOVA and within-subjects repeated measures ANOVA design (5% significance level). Proportionality of methacrylate peak height to concentration was confirmed, with the 1320/1352 cm-1 peak combination showing the lowest coefficient of variation (8%). Difference spectra of the polymerisation reaction showed noise interference around the 1500-1800 cm-1 region. Across the different materials, DC % results are highly dependent upon peak selection (p<0.001), with higher variability associated to the 1636 cm-1. Significant differences in the materials were only detected when the 1320 cm-1 peak was used (p<0.05). Within the same materials, methods were significantly different for Constic and Activa (p<0.05). It is possible to conclude that the 1320 cm-1 peak is more adequate to assess polymerisation of methacrylates and is therefore recommended.

Bulk Fill Composites Have Similar Performance to Conventional Dental Composites

The aim of the study was to perform comprehensive characterization of two commonly used bulk fill composite materials (SDR Flow (SDR) and Filtek™ Bulk Fill Flowable Restorative (FBF) and one conventional composite material (Tetric EvoCeram; TEC). Eleven parameters were examined: flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), degree of conversion, depth of cure, polymerisation shrinkage (PS), filler particle morphology, filler mass fraction, Vickers hardness, surface roughness following simulated toothbrush abrasion, monomer elution, and cytotoxic reaction of human gingival fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and cancer cells. The degree of conversion and depth of cure were the highest for SDR, followed by FBF and TEC, but there was no difference in PS between them. FS was higher for bulk fill materials, while their FM and hardness were lower than those of TEC. Surface roughness decreased in the order TEC→SDR→FBF. Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) and urethane dimethacrylate were found in TEC and FBF eluates, while SDR released BisGMA and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate. Conditioned media accumulated for 24 h from FBF and TEC were cytotoxic to primary human osteoblasts. Compared to the conventional composite, the tested bulk fill materials performed equally or better in most of the tests, except for their hardness, elastic modulus, and biocompatibility with osteoblasts.