Effects of two amine reducing agents on the degree of conversion and physical properties of an unfilled light-cured resin

Fabrication of Novel Pre-Polymerized BisGMA/Silica Nanocomposites: Physio-Mechanical Considerations

Resin composite mimics tooth tissues both in structure and properties, and thus, they can withstand high biting force and the harsh environmental conditions of the mouth. Various inorganic nano- and micro-fillers are commonly used to enhance these composites' properties. In this study, we adopted a novel approach by using pre-polymerized bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) ground particles (XL-BisGMA) as fillers in a BisGMA/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) resin system in combination with SiO₂ nanoparticles. The BisGMA/TEGDMA/SiO₂ mixture was filled with various concentrations of XL-BisGMA (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 wt.%). The XL-BisGMA added composites were evaluated for viscosity, degree of conversion (DC), microhardness, and thermal properties. The results demonstrated that the addition of a lower concentration of XL-BisGMA particles (2.5 wt.%) significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) the complex viscosity from 374.6 (Pa·s) to 170.84. (Pa·s). Similarly, DC was also increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) by the addition of 2.5 wt.% XL-BisGMA, with the pristine composite showing a DC of (62.19 ± 3.2%) increased to (69.10 ± 3.4%). Moreover, the decomposition temperature has been increased from 410 °C for the pristine composite (BT-SB0) to 450 °C for the composite with 10 wt.% of XL-BisGMA (BT-SB10). The microhardness has also been significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) from 47.44 HV for the pristine composite (BT-SB0) to 29.91 HV for the composite with 2.5 wt.% of XL-BisGMA (BT-SB2.5). These results suggest that a XL-BisGMA could be used to a certain percentage as a promising filler in combination with inorganic fillers to enhance the DC and flow properties of the corresponding resin-based dental composites.

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.

Polymerization Stress and Gap Formation of Self-adhesive, Bulk-fill and Flowable Composite Resins

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Bulk-fill materials show a similar or better performance than control flowable materials regarding interfacial integrity. However, some self-adhesive composites need improvements to achieve competitive performance.

SUMMARY

Objective: This laboratory study compared the polymerization stress and gap formation of self-adhesive, bulk-fill and control flowable composites. The degree of conversion (DC) and post-gel shrinkage were also assessed.Methods: Two self-adhesive (Vertise Flow and Fusio Liquid Dentin), two bulk-fill (Tetric N-Flow Bulk-Fill and Filtek Bulk-Fill Flowable Restorative), and two control flowable (Z350 XT Flowable Restorative and Tetric N-Flow) composites were evaluated. Polymerization stress (PS) was determined in a universal testing machine (n=5). Gap formation was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy in class I restorations (n=6). DC was measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (n=3). Post-gel volumetric shrinkage (VS) was measured using the strain gauge method (n=5). Data were submitted to one-way analysis of variance or a Kruskal-Wallis test (α=0.05).Results: Vertise Flow and Fusio Liquid Dentin presented the highest interfacial gap (27%±5% and 21%±6%, respectively), which was associated with their highest PS (4.1±0.8 MPa and 3.5±0.6 MPa, respectively) and DC (63%±2% and 60%±2%, respectively) in spite of the lowest VS (1.0%±0.2% and 1.0%±0.3%, respectively). Tetric N-Flow Bulk-Fill and Filtek Bulk-Fill Flowable Restorative presented similar PS (2.9± 0.3 MPa and 2.4±0.2 MPa, respectively) to both control materials. However, the Tetric N-Flow Bulk-Fill showed the lowest gap (7%±2%) and the highest DC (64.3%±0.4%), and the Filtek Bulk-fill presented a marginal gap (17.8%±3.4%) and a DC (54.5%±2.7%) similar to the control materials. The VS values of both bulk-fill materials were similar to those of Tetric N-Flow and lower than that of Z350 XT Flowable Restorative.Conclusions: Bulk-fill composites showed either similar or significantly lower interfacial gaps and PS than the control flowable composites. The self-adhesive composites showed a significantly higher gap percentage and PS than the control and bulk-fill materials.

Delayed post-curing stage and oxygen inhibition of free-radical polymerization of dimethacrylate resin

OBJECTIVE

It is known that after light-initiated free radical polymerization of a dimethacrylate monomer system, the curing continues for some period of time after the curing light emission has stopped (so-called delayed post-curing stage, DPCS). It is also known that during free radical polymerization, the presence of oxygen effectively inhibits polymerization of monomers. However, less is known of the influence of oxygen inhibition of light initiated polymerization during the DPCS. The aim of this study was to determine some polymerization related properties of a resin system during the DPCS.

METHODS

Monomer systems of BisGMA-TEGDMA (60/40%) with light sensitive initiator-activator (camphorquinone-amine) system were polymerized by light-initiation (wavelength average 430-480nm) with a radiation intensity of 1200mW/mm² for 20s on the ATR sensor of the fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. After light curing, the samples were divided into two groups: the DPCS stage was allowed to continue in air (O₂-exposed group) or the samples were protected from the direct effect of air (O₂-protected group). The degree of monomer conversion (DC%) was monitored from the sample surface up to 360min from both groups of samples (n=6). Sample surfaces were additionally analyzed for surface microhardness (VHN) at four time-points corresponding to time-points of the DC% measurement (n=6).

RESULTS

After ending the light-curing of 20s, i.e. during the DPCS, the DC% still increased from 50% to 65% in the O₂-protected group, whereas no increase was seen in the O₂-exposed group. Surface microhardness increased from 2.99 to 9.10 VHN of the O₂-protected samples and to 4.80 of the O₂-exposed samples during a 6-h period. Surface microhardness differed significantly between the groups (p<0.005). There was significant correlation between the microhardness and DPCS (O₂-protected r=0.950; O₂-exposed r=0.940, p<0.001). A correlation was also found between degree of conversion values and DPCS time (O₂-protected r=0.941; for O₂-exposed r=0.780, p<0.001).

SIGNIFICANCE

The results of this study suggested that O₂-inhibition of free radical polymerization of dimethacrylate resin occurred after ending the curing light emission. This correlated with a lower surface microhardness of the polymer when the DPCS continued under air-exposure.

The effect of incorporating different concentrations of chlorhexidine digluconate on the degree of conversion of an experimental adhesive resin

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine digluconate incorporation on the degree of conversion of an experimental adhesive resin.

Material and Methods

The experimental resin was prepared from 70 wt% bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate, 30 wt% hydroxyethyl methacrylate, silanized SiO2 nanofillers, 0.5% of camphorquinone and ethyl 4-dimethylaminebenzoate (binary photo-initiator system). Five chlorhexidine digluconate concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 wt%) were then incorporated into the experimental resin. Thirty Potassium Bromide pellets were prepared then divided into six groups (n=5/group), repre¬senting the tested adhesive resins (Single Bond 2, 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 wt% chlohexidine-incorporated experimental adhesive resins), that were applied to the pellets without light-curing (uncured specimens). Another 30 pellets were prepared and treated with the previous materials then light-cured using LED light-curing device (cured specimens). Degree of conversion of the uncured and the cured specimens were evaluated using FTIR analysis.

Results

Adper Single Bond 2 showed the highest degree of conversion mean values followed by 0.5 wt% chlorhexidine concentration then 2 wt% followed by 4 wt% then 1 wt% concentrations, while 0 wt% concentration showed the lowest mean values.

Conclusions

Chlorhexidine digluconate had slight significant influence on the efficiency of polymerization of the experimental adhesive resin.

Key words:Chlorhexidine digluconate, different concentrations, degree of conversion, experimental adhesive resin.

Influence of Photoinitiator on Accelerated Artificial Aging and Bond Strength of Experimental Resin Cements

Abstract The goal of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effect of the photoinitiator phenylpropanedione (PPD), alone or combined with camphorquinone (CQ), on color stability of photoactivated resin cements and their bond strength to ceramics using a micro-shear test. Four resin cements were used: a commercial brand cement (RelyX Veneer®) and 3 experimental cements with different types and concentration of photoinitiators. For color analysis, ceramic discs were cemented on bovine dentin specimens to simulate indirect restorations (n=8) and were exposed to UV for 120 h and tested for color alteration using a reflectance spectrophotometer and the CIEL*a*b* system. Data were analyzed by Anova and Tukey’s test at 5% significance level. The color test results did not present statistically significant difference for the ∆E for all the studied cements, neither for ∆L, ∆a and ∆b. For the bond strength, all the studied cements showed statistically significant differences to each other, with the highest result for the RelyX Veneer® (29.07 MPa) cement, followed by the cement with CQ (21.74 MPa) and CQ+PPD (19.09 MPa) cement; the lowest result was obtained by the cement using only PPD as a photoinitiator (13.99 MPa). So, based on the studied parameters, PPD was not advantageous as photoinitiator of resin cements, because it showed a low value of bond strength to the ceramics and no superior color stability.

Effect of the Bis-Dimethylamino Benzydrol Coinitiator on the Mechanical and Biological Properties of a Composite

To examine the effect of the alternative coinitiator 4,4'bis dimethylamino benzydrol (BZN) in degree of conversion (DC), mechanical and biological properties of experimental composites. The coinitiator BZN was used in three concentrations (0.2, 0.5 and 1.2%), and the coinitiator DMAEMA was used as control at the same concentrations as above. The molar concentration of camphorquinone (CQ) and coinitiators was kept constant (1:1). The composites were manipulated and submitted to microhardness test (VHN), flexural and compressive strength (in MPa), elastic modulus (GPa), DC (FT-IR) and in vitro cytotoxicity (against 3T3 fibroblastic cells) of the experimental resins. Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey post-test (α=0.05). The experimental composite resin with BZN showed higher DC values compared to control DMAEMA groups. For the mechanical properties, microhardness values were higher in BZN groups; flexural strength and elastic modulus were similar between all the groups. Compressive strength for groups BZN0.5 and DMAEMA0.5 were not statistically different, being the lowest values attributed to group BZN0.2. The experimental resins with BZN and DMAEMA were considered nontoxic against 3T3 fibroblasts. The inclusion of the coinitiator BZN in experimental composites was considered nontoxic against 3T3 fibroblast cells, without compromising DC and mechanical properties.

Correlating cytotoxicity to elution behaviors of composite resins in term of curing kinetic

Cytotoxicity of photocurable composite resins is a key issue for their safe use in dental restoration. Curing kinetic and elution behaviors of the composite resin would have decisive effects on its cytotoxicity. In this study, composite resins composed of bisphenol-glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA), triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), camphorquinone (CQ), N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and barium glass powders were prepared by setting the photoinitiators CQ/DMAEMA at 0.5wt%, 1wt% or 3wt% of the total weight of Bis-GMA/TEGDMA. The ratio of Bis-GMA/TEGDMA was 6:4, the ratio of CQ/DMAEMA was 1:1, and the incorporated inorganic powder was 75wt%. Then, curing kinetics were studied by using real-time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photo-DSC (differential scanning calorimeter). Elution behaviors in both ethanol solution and deionized water were monitored by using liquid chromatogram/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Cytotoxicity was evaluated by in vitro culture of L929 fibroblasts. Finally, they were all analyzed and correlated in terms of initiator contents. It was found that the commonly used 0.5wt% of photoinitiators was somewhat insufficient in obtaining composite resin with low cytotoxicity.

Influence of Photoinitiator and Light-Curing Source on Bond Strength of Experimental Resin Cements to Dentin

Abstract This study evaluated the bond strength (BS) of experimental resin cements formulated with different photoinitiators when activated by two kinds of light-curing units (LCUs) through a ceramic material. Seven resin blends with different camphorquinone (CQ) and/or phenylpropanedione (PPD) concentrations (weight) were prepared: C5: 0.5% CQ; C8: 0.8% CQ; P5: 0.5% PPD; P8: 0.8% PPD; C1P4: 0.1% CQ and 0.4% PPD; C4P1: 0.4% CQ and 0.1% PPD; C4P4: 0.4% CQ and 0.4% PPD. Two LCUs were used: one quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH - 850 mW/cm²) and one light-emitting diode (LED - 1300 mW/cm²). The microtensile bond strength of each blend was assessed. Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The BS values did not exhibit significant differences for LCUs, regardless of the photoinitiator type. Three cements showed significant differences: P5 and C5 had higher BS with QTH, and C4P1 with LED. For QTH, P5 showed the highest and C1P4 the lowest BS. For the LED, C4P1 showed the highest BS of all the cements. The results indicated that PPD was a viable alternative in the formulation of photocured resin cements, reducing or eliminating CQ that is yellowish without impairing the bond strength. Furthermore, both LED and QTH were effective in curing resin cements that contain PPD or CQ.

Network structures of Bis-GMA/TEGDMA resins differ in DC, shrinkage-strain, hardness and optical properties as a function of reducing agent

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of different tertiary amines on degree of conversion (DC), shrinkage-strain, shrinkage-strain rate, Knoop microhardness, and color and transmittance stabilities of experimental resins containing BisGMA/TEGDMA (3:1wt), 0.25wt% camphorquinone, 1wt% amine (DMAEMA, CEMA, DMPT, DEPT or DABE). Different light-curing protocols were also evaluated.

METHODS

DC was evaluated with FTIR-ATR and shrinkage-strain with the bonded-disk method. Shrinkage-strain-rate data were obtained from numerical differentiation of shrinkage-strain data with respect to time. Color stability and transmittance were evaluated after different periods of artificial aging, according to ISO 7491:2000. Results were evaluated with ANOVA, Tukey, and Dunnett's T3 tests (α=0.05).

RESULTS

Studied properties were influenced by amines. DC and shrinkage-strain were maximum at the sequence: CQ<DEPT<DMPT≤CEMA≈DABE<DMAEMA. Both DC and shrinkage were also influenced by the curing protocol, with positive correlations between DC and shrinkage-strain and DC and shrinkage-strain rate. Materials generally decreased in L* and increased in b*. The strong exception was the resin containing DMAEMA that did not show dark and yellow shifts. Color varied in the sequence: DMAEMA<DEPT<DMPT<CEMA<DABE. Transmittance varied in the sequence: DEPT≈DABE<DABE≈DMPT≈CEMA<DMPT≈CEMA≈DMAEMA, being more evident at the wavelength of 400nm. No correlations between DC and optical properties were observed.

SIGNIFICANCE

The resin containing DMAEMA showed higher DC, shrinkage-strain, shrinkage-strain rate, and microhardness, in addition to better optical properties.

Solventless visible light-curable coating: I. Critical formulation and processing parameters

Film coating is generally accomplished by spraying polymers dissolved in solvents onto a cascading bed of tablets. The limitations associated with the use of solvents (both aqueous and organic) can be overcome by the use of solventless coating technologies. In this proposed solventless photocurable film coating system, each layer of coating onto the pellets (non-pareil beads) was formed using liquid photocurable monomer, powdered pore-forming agents, photosensitizers and photoinitiators in a mini-coating pan and later cured by visible light. Yield, coating efficiency, variation in color, diameter and roundness were determined for each batch to evaluate process efficiency and coating quality. It was found that the ratio (S/L ratio) of the amount of solid (S) pore-forming agent to volume of liquid (L) monomer, particle size and type of the pore-forming agent, concentration of initiator, and total exposure (light intensity x exposure time) of light were critical formulation and processing parameters for the process. Using lactose as a pore-forming agent, an optimum ratio of pore-forming agent to photocurable polymer was 1.8-3.0 to achieve good process efficiency and uniformity. The ratio was sensitive to particle size and type of pore-forming agent.

Determination of the optimal photoinitiator concentration in dental composites based on essential material properties

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of the photosensitizer (camphoroquinone, CQ) and coinitiator (ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate, EDMAB) that resulted in maximum conversion but generated minimum contraction stress in experimental composites.

METHODS

Experimental composites were prepared with an identical resin formulation [TEGDMA:UDMA:bis-GMA of 30.25:33.65:33.65]. Five groups of resin were prepared at varied CQ concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6wt% of the resin). Five subgroups of resin were prepared at each level of CQ concentration, by adding EDMAB at 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8wt% of the resin, resulting in 25 experimental resins. Finally, strontium glass ( approximately 3microm) and silica (0.04microm) were added at 71.5 and 12.6wt% of the composite, respectively. Samples (n=3) were then evaluated for Knoop hardness (KHN), degree of conversion (DC), depth of cure (DoC) and contraction stress (CS).

RESULTS

There was an optimal CQ and EDMAB concentration that resulted in maximum DC and KHN, beyond which increased concentration resulted in a decline in those properties. KHN testing identified two regions of maxima with best overlaps occurring at CQ:EDMAB ratio of 1.44:0.42 and 1.05:1.65mol%. DC evaluation showed one region of maximum, the best overlap occurring at CQ:EDMAB ratio of 2.40:0.83mol%. DoC was 4mm. Overall, maximum CS was attained before the system reached the maximum possible conversion and hardness.

SIGNIFICANCE

(1) Selection of optimal photoinitiator/amine concentration is critical to materials' formulation, for excessive amounts can compromise materials' properties. (2) There was no sufficient evidence to suggest that contraction stress can be reduced by lowering CQ/EDMAB concentration without compromising DC and KHN.

Effect of polymerization accelerator on dentin bonding of one-step bonding agent

The aim of this study was to enhance the bond strength of one-step bonding agents to dentin. In particular, the focus was on using Catabrush the applicator system of AQ Bond Plus. Catabrush was supplemented with N-phenylglycine and aromatic sulfinate as polymerization accelerators, as N-phenylglycine was reportedly beneficial in improving the bond strength to dentin. The results indicated that the bond strength to dentin was significantly augmented and the photo-polymerization as well as the chemical polymerization were both improved even in the moistened dentin when 1.0 wt% N-phenylglycine was added to AQ Bond Plus agent, hence implying significantly higher bond strength to dentin. It was therefore concluded that N-phenylglycine is useful as a polymerization accelerator to be adopted in the applicator system for one-step bonding agents.

Effect of incremental filling technique on adhesion of light-cured resin composite to cavity floor

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of various incremental filling techniques on adhesion between composite and cavity floor using light-cured resin composite. Black ABS resin and hybrid resin composite were used as mold materials--instead of dentin--for the preparation of cavities, and standardized to 5x5x5 mm. Each cavity was then treated with a bonding system (Clearfil SE bond). Resin composite (Clearfil Photo Core) was placed on the bonding resin using different incremental filling techniques or in bulk and irradiated for a total of 80 seconds using a halogen light unit. Specimens were subjected to the micro-tensile bond test at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. The results indicated that an incremental filling technique was more effective in improving adhesion to the cavity floor than a bulk filling technique.

Relative curing degree of polyacid-modified and conventional resin composites determined by surface Knoop hardness

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relative curing degree at a depth of 2 mm of several polyacid-modified composites (PAM-Cs) as a function of shade.

METHODS

The Knoop hardness of the irradiated top and non-irradiated bottom surfaces of 2 mm thick samples of the PAM-Cs Hytac, F2000, Glasiosite, Dyract, Dyract AP, and Compoglass F and of the resin composites Z100, Herculite Enamel XRV, and Durafill VS, were determined for shades A2 and A4.

RESULTS

The top and bottom hardness of F2000 and Glasiosite ranged between that of the two composites Herculite and Z100. Compoglass, Dyract and Dyract AP had a lower top and bottom hardness than the hybrid composites, but higher than that of the microfilled composite Durafill. The top hardness of Hytac compared with that of the first group, whereas the bottom hardness compared with the second group. The bottom-to-top KHN ratio reflecting the relative curing degree at a depth of 2 mm was less than 80% for the two shades of Hytac and Compoglass as well as for the A4 shade of Dyract AP and Herculite.

SIGNIFICANCE

A hard top surface of a PAM-C is not an indication of adequate in depth polymerization. Shade A2 results in significantly greater values for the curing degree compared to shade A4, the effect depending quantitatively on the formulation of the material. Some formulations of PAM-C do not reach an adequate curing degree at a depth of 2 mm so that it is recommended to apply the incremental technique even in box-only cavities with layers of maximum 2 mm.

Bond strength of Gradia®veneering composite to fibre-reinforced composite

This study investigated the shear bond strength of light-curing veneering composite resin to glass fibre-reinforced composite (FRC). Polymer pre-impregnated FRC reinforcement was further impregnated with dimethacrylate monomer resin. The light polymerized FRC substrate was ground and dimethacrylate intermediate resin was applied on the surface before the light-curing veneering composite. Adhesional behaviour of veneering composite to the initially light polymerized FRC substrate was compared with well-polymerized FRC substrate. The treatment time of FRC substrate by the intermediate resin for 5 s and 5 min were also compared. Shear bond strength of veneering composite to FRC was determined for dry and thermocycled specimens (n = 6). The analysis of variance (anova) revealed significant differences (P = 0.042) between the shear bond strengths when 5 s and 5 min intermediate resin treatment times were compared. The highest shear bond strength (21.0 MPa) for FRC substrates was achieved when the well-polymerized FRC substrate was treated for 5 min with the intermediate resin and stored dry before tests. Thermocycling reduced the shear bond strengths. The results of this study suggest that applying the intermediate resin increased the shear bond strength values of veneering composite to FRC with multiphase polymer matrix. It was also concluded, that the use of multiphase polymer matrix FRC can be polymerized to high degree of conversion without deferiorating the shear bond strength of veneering composite to the FRC.

ESR study of camphorquinone/amine photoinitiator systems using blue light-emitting diodes

New light-activation units equipped with high-illuminant blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have recently been proposed as a replacement for the halogen units that are widely used in dentistry to polymerize light-cured resins. The photoinitiators in light-cured dental resins, typified by the camphorquinone (CQ)/amine photoinitiator system, generate primary radicals with light irradiation that attack the double bonds of resin monomers. The physical properties of the cured resins are affected by the generation of primary radicals during the initial stage of polymerization. This study examined two types of photoinitiator systems, CQ/DMPT and CQ/DMAEMA, and three types of curing units, a new LED unit and two conventional halogen units. The primary radicals generated by irradiation were quantified using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy with a trapping method, using phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone as the trapping agent. The energy efficiencies of the LED and halogen units were compared by quantifying the generated radicals and emitted light energy (J/cm(2)). The energy required to generate a given amount of radicals using the LED unit was smaller than that using the halogen units (p<0.05). These results suggest that the new LED unit performs better than conventional halogen units with respect to light energy.

Relation of dental composite formulations to their degradation and the release of hydrolyzed polymeric-resin-derived products

This article reviews the principal modes of dental composite material degradation and relates them to the specific components of the composites themselves. Particular emphasis is placed on the selection of the monomer resins, the filler content, and the degree of monomer conversion after the clinical materials are cured. Loss of mechanical function and leaching of components from the composites are briefly described, while a more detailed description is provided of studies that have considered the chemical breakdown of materials by agents that are present in the oral cavity, or model the latter. Specific attention will be given to the hydrolysis process of monomer and composite components, i.e., the scission of condensation-type bonds (esters, ethers, amides, etc.) that make up the monomer resins, following reaction of the resins with water and salivary enzymes. A synopsis of enzyme types and their sources is outlined, along with a description of the work that supports their ability to attack and degrade specific types of monomer systems. The methods for the study of biodegradation effects are compared in terms of sensitivity and the information that they provide. The impact of biodegradation on the ultimate biocompatibility of current materials is discussed from the perspective of what is known to date and what remains to be studied. The findings of the past decade clearly indicate that there are many reasons to probe the issue of biochemical stability of composite resins in the oral cavity. The challenge will now be to have both industry and government agencies take a pro-active approach to fund research in this area, with the expectation that these studies will lead to a more concise definition of biocompatibility issues related to dental composites. In addition, the acquired information from such studies will generate the development of alternate polymeric chemistries and composite formulations that will require further investigation for use as the next generation of restorative materials with enhanced biostability.

The relationship between leachability of polymerization initiator and degree of conversion of visible light-cured resin

Recently, polymerization-initiator-induced radicals have been identified as a biohazard as well as residual monomers. The present investigation was conducted to clarify the leaching behavior of the polymerization initiator and to measure the relationship between the leached amount of polymerization initiator and the degree of conversion of visible light (VL)-cured resin. Moreover, determining a suitable ratio of polymerization initiator to the base monomer according to the above relationship was carried out. The base monomer (UDMA/TEGDMA) was activated with varying concentrations of polymerization initiator (CQ/DMPT, CQ/DMAEMA) from 0.3-0.9 wt%, respectively, which were exposed to light for 40 s. Gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GCMS) was carried out to evaluate the leached amount of polymerization initiator. The degree of conversion (DC) of the cured sample was estimated using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. As the result, it was recognized that the leachability of the polymerization initiator (CQ, DMPT, and DMAEMA) depended on the degree of conversion of the VL-cured resin. Therefore, the optimal concentration of polymerization initiator can be determined from the relation between the degree of conversion and the leached amount of polymerization initiator, which is about 0.6 wt% for CQ/DMPT (1:1 in weight) and 0.5 wt% for CQ/DMAEMA (1:1 in weight) relative to the UDMA/TEGDMA (1:1 in weight) monomer.

The production of reactive oxygen species by irradiated camphorquinone-related photosensitizers and their effect on cytotoxicity

Camphorquinone (CQ) is widely used as an initiator in modern light-cured resin systems but there are few reports about its effects on living cells. To clarify the mechanism of photosensitizer-induced cytotoxicity, the production of initiator radicals and subsequent reactive oxygen species (ROS) by CQ, benzil (BZ), benzophenone (BP), 9-fluorenone (9-F) in the presence of the reducing agent (2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate or N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine, DMT) with visible-light irradiation was examined in a cell or cell-free system. Initiator radical production was estimated by the reduction rate of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and by the conversion of poly-triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate; the results indicated that CQ/DMT had the highest activity among them. The cytotoxic effects of the photosensitizers on both human submandibular gland (HSG) adenocarcinoma cell line and primary human gingival fibroblast (HGF) showed that the 50% toxic concentration (TC(50)) declined in the order: CQ>BP>9-F>BZ. ROS produced in HSG or HGF cells by elicited, irradiated photosensitizers were evaluated in two different assays, one using adherent cell analysis and sorting cytometry against adherent cells and the other, flow cytometry against floating cells, with fluorescent probes. ROS production was dose- and time- dependent, and declined in the order: BZ>9-F>BP>CQ. Cytotoxic activity was correlated with the amount of ROS. Cytotoxicity and ROS generation in HGF cells was significantly lower than in HSG cells. ROS induced by aliphatic ketones (CQ) were efficiently scavenged by hydroquinone and vitamin E, whereas those by aromatic ketones (9-F) were diminished by mannitol and catalase, suggesting that OH radicals were involved in ROS derived from 9-F. A possible link between the cytotoxic activity and ROS is suggested.

Curing Dental Resins and Composites by Photopolymerization

The development and continued evolution of photopolymerizable dental materials, particularly dental composite restoratives, represent a significant, practical advance for dentistry. The highly successful integration of the light-activated curing process for dental applications is described in this review. The basic mechanisms by which the photoinitiators efficiently convert monomers into polymers are discussed along with the variety of factors that influence the photopolymerization process. The conventional camphorquinone-amine visible light photoinitiator system used in most dental restorative materials is illustrated in addition to some alternative initiator systems that have been studied for dental materials applications.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Photopolymerization has become an integral component of the practice of dentistry. A better appreciation of the photopolymerization process as well as its potential and limitations may aid the dentist in the delivery of both esthetic and restorative dental care.

Effect of filler content on the profile of released biodegradation products in micro-filled bis-GMA/TEGDMA dental composite resins

This study assesses the effect of the filler content, in a micro-filled composite (0.04 microm), on the liberation of biodegradation products derived from two model composite systems. The materials were based on bis-phenyl glycidyl dimethacrylate (bis-GMA) and triethylenene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) monomers. The composites were produced using silica filler concentrations of 20 and 40%) by weight. Samples were incubated with either cholesterol esterase (CE) or phosphate buffer solutions (PBS) for 8, 16 and 32 days. Products were isolated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and identified by mass spectrometry. The identified products included TEGDMA, 2,2-bis[4(2,3-hydroxypropoxy)-phenyl]propane (bis-HPPP) and triethylene glycol methacrylate (TEGMA). Bis-HPPP was only produced in the presence of enzyme. The amount of isolated TEGMA, in both composite systems, was shown to be significantly higher for materials incubated with enzyme than their buffer counterparts (P < 0.05). Between 0 and 8 days incubation with enzyme, significantly higher amounts of Bis-HPPP and TEGMA were generated with the lower filler model material (composite-20) than the higher filled composite (composite-40), while the opposite effect was observed between 8 and 16 days. The data indicate that biodegradation product release profiles are dependent on the filler/resin ratios, and suggests that this parameter should be considered when assessing product release for biocompatibility issues pertaining to dental composite systems.

Development of a new photoinitiation system for dental light-cure composite resins

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to explore the synergistic effect of combining camphorquinone (CQ) with 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione (PPD) as a new photoinitiator.

METHODS

A BisGMA, UDMA, TEGDMA monomer mixture was made light-curing with CQ and/or PPD plus 0.2 wt.% N,N-cyanoethyl-methylaniline (CEMA). Seventeen groups, three specimens each, were tested in which the concentrations of PPD and CQ were varied. The effect of photosensitizer type (CQ or PPD) and ratio (PPD/CQ) on degree of conversion (DC) was investigated using FTIR spectrophotometry. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls' multiple range comparison. The absorption spectra of PPD and CQ were recorded by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. A blind color comparison of specimens containing combinations of the two photosensitizers was also undertaken.

RESULTS

Alone, PPD induces a DC which is not significantly different from that of CQ alone. In combination, CQ + PPD produces a DC that generally exceeds that produced by the same concentration of either used alone. The maximum DC occurs between PPD/CQ = 1:1 and 1:4. At total photosensitizer concentrations above 1.8 wt.%, DC is increased by PPD but depressed by CQ, which is evidence that different mechanisms are involved. PPD (lambda max approximately 410 nm) and CQ (lambda max approximately 468 nm) have different wavelength absorption ranges, resulting in a perceptibly lighter shade of yellow for PPD.

SIGNIFICANCE

1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione is a photosensitizer of potential value in reducing color problems associated with visible light cured dental resins. In combination with camphorquinone, it acts synergistically to produce a more efficient photoinitiation reaction.

Polymers in dentistry

There is a wide choice of materials available for restorative dentistry covering a range of requirements. Fundamental knowledge about the properties of the polymers in use in dentistry is an advantage as it provides information relevant to clinical practice. Dentistry, perhaps, has the unique distinction of using the widest variety of materials, ranging from polymers, metal and metal alloys, ceramics, inorganic salts and composite materials. In the present paper, polymers and polymer composites used directly or indirectly for restorations, prostheses or for production of appliances in dentistry is discussed.

Investigation of dual-staged polymerization and secondary forming of photopultruded, fiber-reinforced, methacrylate-copolymer composites

To develop a dual-curing monomer system for the photopultrusion of reformable (soft) composites, a microhardness assay showed that in a blend with 2,2-Bis[4-2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl] propane (Bis-GMA), the substitution of methyl methacrylate (MMA) for triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) delayed the onset of gelation during photopolymerization. Adding lauroyl peroxide permitted the completion of polymerization thermally. This system was used to form silicate-glass-fiber-reinforced composites, with varying degrees of conversion, by photopultruding over a range of pulling speeds. Sol-gel extractions demonstrated both fully soluble and insoluble matrices. For the soluble material, gel permeation chromatography elucidated a trimodal distribution of molecular weights that corresponded to MMA, Bis-GMA, and polymeric molecules with molecular weights in the tens of thousands. Composites with matrix solubilities above about 10% wt could be swaged after photopultrusion to change the cross section from circular to rectangular before thermal processing. The effect on the final elastic modulus was small (-44GPa, as measured in flexure for 57% vol-reinforced composites); but the final flexure strength was reduced by approximately 25% to a constant of about 1.2 GPa. Morphological characteristics that were seen in the circular-sectioned precursors were observed in the swaged rectangular products as well, including flaws when swaging was conducted at matrix solubilities above about 75%.

Effect of photoinitiator on degree of conversion of unfilled light-cured resin

In general, the concentrations of photosensitizer and reducing agent in light-cured dental polymers are fixed by manufacturers for a specific product. These concentrations vary from product to product and the effect of photoinitiator concentration on the final network structures is not clear. Accordingly, the influence of varying concentrations of camphorquinone (CQ) and amine reducing agent, 2-(N, N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), on the degree of conversion (DC) of an unfilled light-cured resin was investigated. The resin consisted of 50 wt% triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and 50 wt% 1,6-bis(methacryloxy-2-ethoxycarbonylamino)-2,4,4-trimeth ylhexane (UDMA) activated with varying concentrations of CQ (0.25-5 mol.%) and DMAEMA (0.125-5 mol.%). At low CQ concentrations, the DC measured by a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer increased rapidly with increasing concentration of DMAEMA and reached a plateau. At CQ concentrations of 0.5 mol.% and above, the plateau DC values were approximately 75-77%. On the basis of the systematic variations of CQ and DMAEMA, a contour representing the optimal combination of photoinitiator concentration from the standpoint of DC was established.