The influence of curing times and light curing methods on the polymerization shrinkage stress of a shrinkage-optimized composite with hybrid-type prepolymer fillers

Effects of the conventional, soft start, and pulse delay modes produced by light-emitting diode device on microleakage beneath metal brackets: An in vitro comparative study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate microleakage beneath metal brackets cured by different light curing modes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty extracted human premolars were randomly divided into three groups according to the light curing mode. Metal brackets were bonded in all groups according to the manufacturer's recommendations with a light-emitting diode device. Light curing was applied as follows: group 1: conventional mode (10 s mesial+10 s distal); group 2: soft start mode (15 s mesial+15 s distal); group 3: pulse delay mode (3 s mesial+3 s distal, followed by 3min of no photoactivation, then 9 s mesial+9 s distal). Radiant exposure was the same in all study groups. After curing, the teeth were incubated at 37 degrees for 24hours, then thermocycled 500 times. Next, they were sealed with nail varnish, immersed in methylene blue 1% for 24hours, sectioned, and examined under a stereomicroscope. Microleakage was measured at both enamel-adhesive and bracket-adhesive interfaces, and the total microleakage for each tooth was computed. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Welch test for comparing microleakage among groups. Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for comparing microleakage between the bracket-adhesive and enamel-adhesive interfaces.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in microleakage at the bracket-adhesive interface among study groups. At the enamel-adhesive interface and total microleakage, the pulse delay group exhibited significantly lower microleakage than the conventional group. Whereas there was no significant difference between the soft start group and other study groups. In all study groups, microleakage at the enamel-adhesive interface was greater than that at the bracket-adhesive interface.

CONCLUSION

The pulse delay mode caused lesser microleakage than the conventional mode. This supports the use of this mode in orthodontic bonding.

Improved performance of Bis-GMA dental composites reinforced with surface-modified PAN nanofibers

In the present work, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers reinforced dental composites were investigated to achieve the improved interfacial adhesion between the PAN nanofiber and resin matrix using surface modification of nanofibers. PAN nanofibers mat were prepared by electrospinning and then, surface treated with the activated bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA)/triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) (50/50 mass ratio) dental resin followed by photo-curing. Also, the treated nanofibers mat was milled into a powder to achieve the uniform distribution of nanofibers in the matrix resin. The reinforced dental composite were prepared by mixing the various mass fraction of the powder (0.5-15 wt%) with the Bis-GMA/TEGDMA dental monomers. The effect of weight ratio of surface-modified nanofibers to blend resin on the chemical structure, morphology, compression and flexural properties, color and polymerization shrinkage of dental composites was evaluated. The results showed that using surface-treated nanofibers with content of 5 wt% enhanced the compression strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus and work of rupture of the resultant dental composite by factors of 23%, 7%, 80%, and 145%, respectively, comparing to the unreinforced neat resin. Also, the polymerization shrinkage reduces by 37%. These significant improved properties of the dental composite could be due to the semi-interpenetration network formation between surface-modified nanofibers and resin matrix and well distribution of nanofibers in the dental resin. Further increasing the nanofiber content led to poor mechanical properties of obtained dental composites. The results also, revealed that the color of resin composite could be whiter using modified PAN nanofibers as the filler.

Influence of Sealer and Light-Curing Units on Push-Out Bond Strength Of Composite Resin to Weakened Roots

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of sealer and light-curing unit on regional bond strength of resin composite to the weakened roots. Ninety roots of incisors were experimentally weakened, subjected to biomechanical preparation and filled with either Endofill, AH Plus or MTA Fillapex The roots were desobturated e reinforced with resin composite and fiber post light-activated with one of the light sources: halogen at 600 mW/ cm2 (QTH-600), LED at 800 mW/ cm2 (LED-800) and LED at 1500 mW/ cm2 (LED-1500). The roots were sectioned in slices from cervical, middle and apical root-reinforcement regions and analyzed by push out test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Bond strength data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey´s test (α=0.05). Specimens filled with AH Plus had higher bond strength, followed by MTA Fillapex and Endofill (p<0.05). For light-curing unit, LED-1500 presented superior bond strength than LED-800, which was higher than QTH-600 (p<0.05). The cervical region had the greatest mean values (p<0.05) while apical part showed the lowest bond strength (p<0.05). CLMS revealed remaining filling material in the dentinal tubules for all groups. The eugenol-containing sealer (Endofill) compromised the push-out bond strength of composite resin to the root dentin. Bond strength was favored in the cervical region, and when LED-1500 was used.

Effects of light curing modes and ethanol-wet bonding on dentin bonding properties

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the effects of different light curing modes and ethanol-wet bonding on dentin bonding strength and durability.

METHODS

A total of 54 molars were randomly divided into three groups: Single Bond 2, Gluma Comfort Bond, and N-Bond. Based on the three light-curing modes and presence or absence of ethanol pretreatment, the samples were assigned to six subgroups: high-light mode, ethanol pretreatment+high-light mode, soft-start mode, ethanol pretreatment+soft-start mode, standard mode, and ethanol pretreatment+standard mode. All samples were bonded with resin based on the experimental groups. After 24 h and 6 months of water storage, a universal testing machine was used to measure microtensile bond strength. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to observe mixed layer morphology.

RESULTS

The 24-h and 6-month microtensile bond strengths of the ethanol pretreatment groups were significantly higher than those of the non-ethanol pretreatment groups at the same light modes (P<0.05). With or without ethanol pretreatment, the microtensile bond strengths of the high-light modes were significantly lower than those of the soft-start modes and standard modes (P<0.05). The microtensile bond strengths of samples from the 6-month water storage group significantly decreased compared with those of samples from the 24-h water storage group (P<0.05). The soft-start groups and standard groups formed better mixed layers than the high-light mode groups, whereas the ethanol pretreatment groups formed more uniform mixed layers than those without ethanol pretreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethanol-wet bonding technique, soft-start, and standard modes could improve dentin bonding properties.

Three-year clinical evaluation of class II posterior composite restorations placed with different techniques and flowable composite linings in endodontically treated teeth

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical performance of direct resin composite restorations placed with different techniques (incremental or bulk) and different flowable linings (conventional or bulk-fill) in endodontically treated teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-seven pair class II (mesio-occlusal or disto-occlusal) composite restorations were placed in 37 patients. In all cavities, Adper Single Bond 2 was used. In one of the cavities of each pair, a conventional flowable composite, Aelite Flo, was applied in approximately 2 mm thick, and the remaining cavity was restored incrementally with GrandioSO. In the second cavity, a bulk-fill flowable composite, x-tra base, was applied in approximately 4 mm thick in bulk increments and the remaining 2-mm occlusal part of the cavity was restored with GrandioSO. All cavities were restored with open-sandwich technique by the same operator. At baseline and after 6-month, 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up visits, restorations were evaluated by modified USPHS criteria.

RESULTS

At 3-year recall, 33 restorations with Aelite Flo lining and 33 with x-tra base lining were available. Two restorations from each group (6.0 %) were scored as Bravo in terms of surface texture. One restoration's color match from x-tra base group scored as Bravo (3.0 %). All other evaluated criteria were scored as Alfa (100 %) for all restorations. No statistically significant difference between the two groups was found in all evaluated criteria during 3-year period (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Bulk-filling technique showed clinically acceptable performance comparable to the incremental technique.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Restorations placed with bulk-filling technique with x-tra base lining and incremental technique with a conventional flowable lining showed highly clinical performance over 3-year period.

Effect of modulated photo-activation on polymerization shrinkage behavior of dental restorative resin composites

This study investigated the influence of modulated photo-activation on axial polymerization shrinkage, shrinkage force, and hardening of light- and dual-curing resin-based composites. Three light-curing resin composites (SDR bulk-fill, Esthet X flow, and Esthet X HD) and one dual-curing material (Rebilda DC) were subjected to different irradiation protocols with identical energy density (27 J cm(-2) ): high-intensity continuous light (HIC), low-intensity continuous light (LIC), soft-start (SS), and pulse-delay curing (PD). Axial shrinkage and shrinkage force of 1.5-mm-thick specimens were recorded in real time for 15 min using custom-made devices. Knoop hardness was determined at the end of the observation period. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences among the curing protocols for both Knoop hardness and axial shrinkage, irrespective of the composite material. Pulse-delay curing generated the significantly lowest shrinkage forces within the three light-curing materials SDR bulk-fill, Esthet X flow, and Esthet X HD. High-intensity continuous light created the significantly highest shrinkage forces within Esthet X HD and Rebilda DC, and caused significantly higher forces than LIC within Esthet X flow. In conclusion, both the composite material and the applied curing protocol control shrinkage force formation. Pulse-delay curing decreases shrinkage forces compared with high-intensity continuous irradiation without affecting hardening and axial polymerization shrinkage.

The effect of resin thickness on polymerization characteristics of silorane-based composite resin

Objectives

This study examined the influence of the resin thickness on the polymerization of silorane- and methacrylate-based composites.

Materials and Methods

One silorane-based (Filtek P90, 3M ESPE) and two methacrylate-based (Filtek Z250 and Z350, 3M ESPE) composite resins were used. The number of photons were detected using a photodiode detector at the different thicknesses (thickness, 1, 2 and 3 mm) specimens. The microhardness of the top and bottom surfaces was measured (n = 15) using a Vickers hardness with 200 gf load and 15 sec dwell time conditions. The degree of conversion (DC) of the specimens was determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Scratched powder of each top and bottom surface of the specimen dissolved in ethanol for transmission FTIR spectroscopy. The refractive index was measured using a Abbe-type refractometer. To measure the polymerization shrinkage, a linometer was used. The results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test at p < 0.05 level.

Results

The silorane-based resin composite showed the lowest filler content and light attenuation among the specimens. P90 showed the highest values in the DC and the lowest microhardness at all depth. In the polymerization shrinkage, P90 showed a significantly lower shrinkage than the rest two resin products (p < 0.05). P90 showed a significantly lower refractive index than the remaining two resin products (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

DC, microhardness, polymerization rate and refractive index linearly decreased as specimen thickness linearly increased. P90 showed much less polymerization shrinkage compared to other specimens. P90, even though achieved the highest DC, showed the lowest microhardness and refractive index.

Effect of Light Sources on the Bond Strength of Resin Material to Thin-walled Roots

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bond strength to the dentin of an adhesive material used for root reinforcement light activated with different sources. Roots were divided into 4 groups (n=15) according to the light source used to activate the resin reinforcement: GI, non-weakened roots (control); GII, halogen light (H) 600 mW/cm2; GIII, LED 800 mW/cm2 and GIV, LED 1500 mW/cm2. The reinforcement was done with adhesive, composite resin and fiberglass posts. After 24 h, the specimens were sectioned and the first slice of each post region was used in the push out test in a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Failure modes of the debonded specimens were examined. Data (MPa) were analyzed by ANOVA and Holm-Sidak test (=0.05). The second slice from each region was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). LED-1500 (4.69 ± 1.74) provided bond strength similar to the control group (5.05 ± 2.63) and statistically different from H-600 (1.96 ± 0.94) and LED-800 (2.75 ± 1.90), which were similar to each other (p<0.05). Cervical (4.16 ± 2.32) and middle (4.43 ± 2.32) regions showed higher bond strength than the apical (2.25 ± 1.50) (p<0.05). There was a prevalence of adhesive failures in H-600 and LED-800 and cohesive failures in LED-1500. SEM showed the formation of long, numerous and fine tags. It was concluded that LED-1500 provided higher bond strength of resin reinforcement to the dentin.

Clinical performance of a new biomimetic double network material

BACKGROUND

The development of ceramics during the last years was overwhelming. However, the focus was laid on the hardness and the strength of the restorative materials, resulting in high antagonistic tooth wear. This is critical for patients with bruxism.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of the new double hybrid material for non-invasive treatment approaches.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The new approach of the material tested, was to modify ceramics to create a biomimetic material that has similar physical properties like dentin and enamel and is still as strong as conventional ceramics.

RESULTS

The produced crowns had a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 mm. To evaluate the clinical performance and durability of the crowns, the patient was examined half a year later. The crowns were still intact and soft tissues appeared healthy and this was achieved without any loss of tooth structure.

CONCLUSIONS

The material can be milled to thin layers, but is still strong enough to prevent cracks which are stopped by the interpenetrating polymer within the network. Depending on the clinical situation, minimally- up to non-invasive restorations can be milled.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Dentistry aims in preservation of tooth structure. Patients suffering from loss of tooth structure (dental erosion, Amelogenesis imperfecta) or even young patients could benefit from minimally-invasive crowns. Due to a Vickers hardness between dentin and enamel, antagonistic tooth wear is very low. This might be interesting for treating patients with bruxism.

The effect of LED curing mode on microleakage of Class V cavity restored by silorane-based composite

OBJECTIVE

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of soft-start curing mode by LED unit on the marginal microleakage of silorane composite restoration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of 80 extracted molars at the cementoenamel junction and randomly divided into eight groups. In groups 1-4, four adhesive/composite combinations (silorane/silorane, silorane/Z250, Adper Single Bond/Z250, Clearfil SE Bond/Clearfil AP-X) were applied and the composites were cured under standard mode at 1500 mW/cm(2) for 20 s. In the other four groups, after applying the same adhesive/composite combinations, the composites were cured at 550 mW/cm(2) for 10 s followed at 1500 mW/cm(2) for 15 s. After 24 h of water storage and thermocycling, the specimens were placed in 1% methylene blue solution. The dye penetration was assessed under a stereomicroscope. The data were analysed using non-parametric tests.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences among four groups for two curing modes at the occlusal and gingival margins (p > 0.05). The soft-start curing had a positive effect on the gingival marginal sealing of group 1 (p < 0.05), but not for the other three groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The beneficial effect of relatively high soft-start curing on marginal sealing of Class V restoration depends on a combination of the adhesive and composite types, having a positive effect on silorane adhesive/silorane-based composite at the gingival margin.

Influence of light-curing mode on the erosion preventive effect of three different resin-based surface sealants

Objectives. To investigate if reducing the light-curing time (while maintaining similar energy density) of resin-based surface sealants influences their erosion-preventive potential and mechanical stability after thermomechanical loading. Methods. Dentine samples were treated as follows: group 1—untreated, groups 2–4—Seal&Protect, groups 5–7—experimental sealer, and groups 8–10—Syntac Classic system. Groups 2, 5 and 8 were light-cured for 10 s (1000 mW/cm²), groups 3, 6 and 9 for 7 s (1400 mW/cm²), and groups 4, 7, and 10 for 3 s (3200 mW/cm²). After water storage (7 d), first measurement was performed to evaluate baseline permeability of the sealants. After a thermomechanical loading (5000 cycles, 50/5°C, 12000 brushing strokes) a second evaluation of permeability was conducted (measurement 2). Permeability was tested by storing the samples in HCl (pH 2.3; 24 h) and measuring the dentine calcium release by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results. For the first and second measurements, no influence of light-exposure time on permeability was observed (ANOVA: P > 0.05). No significant difference in the stability of the respective sealants was observed when light-cured for different durations. Conclusion. Shortening the light-curing time, while maintaining energy density constant, has no influence on permeability and stability of the investigated sealants.

Bond strength of fiber posts to weakened roots after resin restoration with different light-curing times

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluated the bond strength of translucent fiber posts to experimentally weakened radicular dentin restored with composite resin and polymerized with different light-exposure time.

METHODS

Roots of 60 maxillary incisors were used. Twenty-four hours after obturation, the filling materials of root canals were removed to a depth of 12 mm, and 4 groups were randomly formed. In 3 groups, root dentin was flared to produce a space between fiber post and canal walls. In the control group, the roots were not experimentally weakened. The flared roots were bulk restored with composite resin, which was light-activated through the translucent post for 40, 80, or 120 seconds. Posts were cemented, and after 24 hours, all roots were sectioned transversely in the coronal, middle, and apical regions, producing 1-mm-thick slices. Push-out test was performed, and failure modes were observed.

RESULTS

The quantitative analysis showed significant statistical difference only among groups (P < .001). Comparing the weakened/restored groups, composite light-exposure time did not influence the results. Overall, adhesive failures occurred more frequently than other types of failures. Cohesive failures occurred only in the weakened/restored roots.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracanal root restoration with composite resin and translucent fiber posts provided similar or higher bond strength to dentin than the control group, regardless of the light-exposure time used for polymerization.

Effect of different modes of light modulation on the bond strength and knoop hardness of a dental composite

This study evaluated the bond strength and Knoop hardness of Z250 composite resin, light activated with XL2500 curing unit, using different protocols: continuous mode - high intensity (CH) (700 mW/cm(2)) for 20 s; continuous mode - low intensity (CL) (150 mW/cm(2)) for 20 s; and pulse-delay with 150 mW/cm(2) for 2(P2), 3(P3), 5(P5), 10(P10) or 15 s (P15), with a 1-min delay, followed by 700 mW/cm(2) for 20 s. For the push-out test (n=10), the bond strength values were obtained using a universal test machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. For Knoop hardness (n=5), the specimens were made using the same light-activation protocols. The hardness measurements were made with a hardness tester at six depths (top, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm). The data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. For bond strength, CL and P5 presented significantly higher mean values (p<0.05) than the other groups. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between P2, P3, P10, P15 and CH. For Knoop hardness, CH and P15 presented the highest mean values from top surface up to 4 mm depth , while CL presented the lowest hardness mean values (p<0.05). From the depth of 3 mm to 5 mm, the mean values of all groups were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those recorded on top surface. In conclusion, for the pulse-delay method, the initial exposure time can influence bond strength and Knoop hardness of composites.

Effects of light exposure time on composite resin hardness after root reinforcement using translucent fibre post

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the Vickers hardness (VHN) of a Light Core (Bisco) composite resin after root reinforcement, according to the light exposure time, region of intracanal reinforcement and lateral distance from the light-transmitting fibre post.

METHODS

Forty-five 17-mm long roots were used. Twenty-four hours after obturation, the root canals were emptied to a depth of 12 mm and the root dentine was artificially flared to produce a 1mm space between the fibre post and the canal walls. The roots were bulk restored with the composite resin, which was photoactivated through the post for 40s (G1, control), 80 s (G2) or 120 s (G3). Twenty-four hours after post-cementation, the specimens were sectioned transversely into three slices at depths of 2, 6 and 10mm, corresponding to the coronal, middle and apical regions of the reinforced root. Composite VHN was measured as the average of three indentations (100g/15 s) in each region at lateral distances of 50, 200 and 350 microm from the cement/post-interface.

RESULTS

Three-way analysis of variance (alpha=0.05) indicated that the factors time, region and distance influenced the hardness and that the interaction timexregion was statistically significant (p=0.0193). Tukey's test showed that the mean VHN values for G1 (76.37+/-8.58) and G2 (74.89+/-6.28) differed significantly from that for G3 (79.55+/-5.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Composite resin hardness was significantly lower in deeper regions of root reinforcement and in lateral areas distant from the post. Overall, a light exposure time of 120 s provided higher composite hardness than the shorter times (40 and 80s).