Tests of Dental Properties of Composite Materials Containing Nanohybrid Filler

Clinical performance of minimally invasive full-mouth rehabilitation using different materials and techniques for patients with moderate to severe tooth wear: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate short, mid and long-term clinical outcomes and patients' satisfaction of minimally invasive full-mouth rehabilitation using different materials and techniques for patients with moderate to severe tooth wear. Furthermore, materials were analyzed to identify their influences on clinical results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial, Embase, Web of science and Scopus until December 19, 2024. Randomized clinical trials (RCT), cohort studies and case series with at least mean period of 3 years were included. The revised Cochrane risk of bias tool, Newcastle-Ottawa scale and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal were used to evaluate the quality of RCT, cohort studies and case series. Meta-analysis and Poisson regression were conducted.

RESULTS

Ten studies in this review included three case series, six cohort studies and one RCT with three low, six moderate risks and one some concerns. Annual failure rates (AFRs) and annual complication rates (ACRs) of direct composite restorations were 0-6.2% and 1.0%-4.2%, respectively. AFRs of indirect restorations were 0%-0.5%. Overall ACRs of indirect restorations fabricated by traditional indirect resin composites, polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network, resin nanoceramics and ceramics were at 1.6%-15.1%, 0.7%-4.8%, 0.5%-5.0% and 0.2%-1.1%, respectively. The estimated AFRs of direct composites, resin nanoceramics and ceramics were 0.64%, 0.13% and 0.04% respectively. Significantly lowest AFRs of ceramic was found after mid-term follow-up with incidence rate ratios of direct composites, resin nanoceramics and ceramics being 1: 0.68 (P = 0.60): 0.001 (P < 0.05). The estimated ACRs of the three materials were 2.16%, 2.14% and 0.62%. Overall AFRs of restorations using different techniques were 0%-0.5%. Overall ACRs of direct and indirect techniques were 1.1%-2.2% and 0.2%-4.8%, respectively. Overall ACRs of hybrid technique were 0.5% to 15.1%. Restoration fracture was the most predominant complication regardless of materials. High appreciation was expressed by patient reported outcomes measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive full-mouth rehabilitation for patients with moderate to severe tooth wear presented good clinical performance apart from traditional indirect resin composite used in posterior teeth.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Minimally invasive full-mouth rehabilitation should be strongly advocated for the patients with moderately and severely worn dentition.

Effect of Glass Fiber Reinforcement on Marginal Microleakage in Class II Composite Restorations: An In Vitro Pilot Study

Background: Polymerization shrinkage of composite resins affects the marginal closure of direct dental restorations. It is responsible for developing secondary caries and indirectly affects the survival rate of restorations. This study aims to investigate the null hypothesis, which states that there are no significant differences in the marginal microleakage of Class II restorations when examined in vitro using different dental adhesives, whether the restoration material used is a composite with glass fiber reinforcement or not. Methods: Class II cavities were prepared on both proximal surfaces of thirty-six extracted human molars. A single-component (Universal VivaPen) and a two-component (Futurabond DC) self-etch adhesive system were used for the restorations in the control group (Charisma Classic) and the experimental group (Charisma Classic with Interlig glass fiber strip). An oblique layering technique and a 40-s soft-start light-curing polymerization were used. After selective pre-isolation, the specimens were placed in a 0.2% methylene blue solution and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. The teeth were sectioned in the mesiodistal direction, and two examiners examined and graded the extent of dye penetration. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: All the composite restorations reinforced with glass fiber showed significantly reduced dye infiltration compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was also observed between the two adhesives. Conclusions: The null hypothesis was rejected. Glass fiber strips significantly reduced composite restoration microleakage regardless of the adhesive. The marginal fit of the restoration was also influenced by the adhesive system used.

Effects of erosion and abrasion on resin-matrix ceramic CAD/CAM materials: An in vitro investigation

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of erosion and abrasion on resin-matrix ceramic CAD/CAM materials [CERASMART (GC); VITA ENAMIC (VITA Zahnfabrik); Lava Ultimate (3 M)] in comparison to feldspar ceramic (VITABLOCS Mark II, VITA Zahnfabrik) and resin composite materials (ceram.x universal, Dentsply Sirona). Daily brushing and acid exposure were simulated using a brushing apparatus and a solution of 0.5 vol% citric acid. Microhardness, surface roughness, and substance loss were measured at baseline and after simulation of 1 and 3 years of function. All materials showed a decrease in microhardness after 3 years and an increase in surface roughness (Ra) after 1 and 3 years. The Ra increase was statistically significantly lower for the resin-matrix ceramics than for feldspar ceramic and similar to composite material. After 3 years, only feldspar ceramic showed no significant substance loss. In conclusion, resin-matrix ceramics demonstrate reduced roughening compared to feldspar ceramics, potentially improving restoration longevity by preventing plaque buildup, but differences in abrasion resistance suggest the need for further material-specific research. Future research should aim to replicate clinical conditions closely and to transition to in vivo trials.

Influence of the Fiber Post Length on the Fracture Strength of Endodontically Treated Teeth

Background and Objectives: Although fiber posts are widely used in the restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT), their ideal cementation depth into the root canal is still debated in literature. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the different intra-radicular insertion lengths of the fiber posts influence the fracture strength of ETT. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 permanent human lower incisors with straight roots of similar length and volume extracted for periodontal reason were sectioned 2 mm above the cement-enamel junction (CEJ) to a total length of 18 mm and endodontically treated in the same manner, then randomly divided into two groups of five each (Groups 1 and 2, n = 5). Two sound incisors, with no endodontic treatment, were used as the control group (Group 3, n = 2). After one week of storage in a humid environment, spaces for fiber post no. 1 (Reforpost, Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil) were prepared in the first two groups at a depth of 5 mm (Group 1) and 7 mm (Group 2), and the fiber posts were adhesively cemented using self-adhesive resin cement (Maxcem Elite, Kerr GmbH, Herzogenrath, Germany). After 7 days, the samples were vertically positioned and fixed in a self-curing transparent acrylic resin, up to 2 mm below the CEJ level, and mechanically tested in compression after another week of storage using a displacement-controlled testing machine up to each sample's fracture. The force-displacement curves were recorded for each sample, the means were calculated for each group and a statistical comparative analysis between groups was conducted. Results: Although no statistically significant differences between groups were observed, the highest mean fracture force (N) was recorded in Group 2 (1099.41 ± 481.89) in comparison to Group 1 (985.09 ± 330.28), even when compared to the sound, non-treated teeth (1045.69 ± 146.19). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, teeth where fiber posts were placed deeper into the root canal (7 mm) recorded slightly higher fracture forces in comparison with shorter lengths (5 mm). However, similar biomechanical performances obtained in the mechanical tests showed no statistical differences between the 7 mm and the 5 mm inserted posts.

Influence of Storing Composite Filling Materials in a Low-pH Artificial Saliva on Their Mechanical Properties-An In Vitro Study

Restorative composites are subjected to various influences in the oral cavity environment, such as high or low temperatures, the mechanical force generated during mastication, colonization of various microorganisms, and low pH, which may result from ingested food and the influence of microbial flora. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a recently developed commercial artificial saliva (pH = 4, highly acidic) on 17 commercially available restorative materials. After polymerization, the samples were stored in an artificial solution for 3 and 60 days and subjected to crushing resistance and flexural strength tests. The surface additions of the materials were examined in terms of the shapes and sizes of the fillers and elemental composition. When stored in an acidic environment, the resistance of the composite materials was reduced by 2-12%. Larger compressive and flexural strength resistance values were observed for composites that could be bonded to microfilled materials (invented before 2000). This may result from the filler structure taking an irregular form, which results in a faster hydrolysis of silane bonds. All composite materials meet the standard requirements when stored for a long period in an acidic environment. However, storage of the materials in an acid environment has a destructive impact on the materials' properties.

Ceramic Materials for Biomedical Applications: An Overview on Properties and Fabrication Processes

A growing interest in creating advanced biomaterials with specific physical and chemical properties is currently being observed. These high-standard materials must be capable to integrate into biological environments such as the oral cavity or other anatomical regions in the human body. Given these requirements, ceramic biomaterials offer a feasible solution in terms of mechanical strength, biological functionality, and biocompatibility. In this review, the fundamental physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the main ceramic biomaterials and ceramic nanocomposites are drawn, along with some primary related applications in biomedical fields, such as orthopedics, dentistry, and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, an in-depth focus on bone-tissue engineering and biomimetic ceramic scaffold design and fabrication is presented.