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

Effect of Stearyl Methacrylate Comonomer on the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Dimethacrylate-Based Dental Resins

This study evaluated the effect of stearyl methacrylate addition on the physical and mechanical properties of bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate- and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate-based polymers, which are traditionally used in dental applications. Methacrylate-based monomer compositions are polymerized under the visible blue light spectrum. An analysis of double bond conversion, surface microhardness test, three-point bending test and water sorption and water solubility were tested to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the dental polymers. The results indicated that stearyl methacrylate addition up to 25 wt% reduced the water sorption of the polymers. At amounts of stearyl methacrylate higher than 25 wt%, the solubility of the polymer in water increases due to the monofunctional structure. Mechanical properties are negatively affected by the increasing stearyl methacrylate ratio. Further, the addition of stearyl methacrylate slightly increased thermal stability. As such, the amount of stearyl methacrylate in a polymer composition is critical for the optimization of its mechanical and physical properties. According to the results, the amount of stearyl methacrylate has to be between 12.5-25 wt%.

Research progress of photo-crosslink hydrogels in ophthalmology: A comprehensive review focus on the applications

Hydrogel presents a three-dimensional polymer network with high water content. Over the past decade, hydrogel has developed from static material to intelligent material with controllable response. Various stimuli are involved in the formation of hydrogel network, among which photo-stimulation has attracted wide attention due to the advantages of controllable conditions, which has a good application prospect in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases. This paper reviews the application of photo-crosslink hydrogels in ophthalmology, focusing on the types of photo-crosslink hydrogels and their applications in ophthalmology, including drug delivery, tissue engineering and 3D printing. In addition, the limitations and future prospects of photo-crosslink hydrogels are also provided.

Shear bond strength of ultraviolet-polymerized resin to 3D-printed denture materials: Effects of post-polymerization, surface treatments, and thermocycling

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to compare the shear bond strength of ultraviolet (UV)-polymerized resin to 3D-printed denture materials, both with and without post-polymerization. Moreover, the effects of surface treatment and thermocycling on shear bond strength after post-polymerization were investigated.

METHODS

Cylindrical 3D-printed denture bases and teeth specimens were prepared. The specimens are subjected to two tests. For Test 1, the specimens were bonded without any surface treatment or thermal stress for comparison with and without post-polymerization. In Test 2, specimens underwent five surface treatments: untreated (CON), ethyl acetate (EA), airborne particle abrasion (APA) with 50 μm (50-APA) and 110 μm alumina (110-APA), and tribochemical silica coating (TSC). A UV-polymerized resin was used for bonding. Half of the Test 2 specimens were thermocycled for 10,000 cycles. Shear bond strength was measured and analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Steel-Dwass tests (n = 8).

RESULTS

In Test 1, post-polymerization significantly reduced shear bond strength of both 3D-printed denture materials (P < 0.05). No notable difference was observed between the denture teeth and the bases (P > 0.05). In Test 2, before thermocycling, the CON and EA groups exhibited low bond strengths, while the 50-APA, 110-APA, and TSC groups exhibited higher bond strengths. Thermocycling did not reduce bond strength in the latter groups, but significantly reduced bond strength in the EA group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-polymerization can significantly reduce the shear bond strength of 3D-printed denture materials. Surface treatments, particularly APA and TSC, maintained bond strength even after thermocycling.

Impact of combining dental composite brushes with modeling resins on the color stability and topographic features of composites

This study explores the effect of using dental brushes with or without metacrylate-based modeling resins on long-term color stability and surface topographies of resin-based composites. This study examined the effects of two variables: (1) the type of brush used (Art brush, Micro-brush, or Mylar strip) and (2) the application of a modeling resin (applied or not applied). The specimens were artificially aged through 10,000 cycles of thermocycling and subsequently immersed in coffee for 30 days. Measurements of color and surface roughness were taken at baseline and after the aging, using a non-contact profilometer for surface roughness and a spectrophotometer for color. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Resin-based composites smoothed with dental brushes or micro brushes without modeling resins exhibited lower color change (ΔE) than other groups. Paired t-tests revealed significant differences in average surface roughness (Ra) and valley depth (Rv) for each surfacing technique before and after aging (p ⩽ 0.01). The root means square average of the profile heights (Rq) significantly increased in the control and micro-brush groups (p ⩽ 0.01). In conclusion, the use of brushes in resin-based composites placement does not increase the susceptibility to staining. Instead, the inclusion of resin modeling contributes to discoloration over time.

Controlled-Release Hydrogel Microspheres to Deliver Multipotent Stem Cells for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease affecting articular cartilage and peri-articular tissues. Traditional treatments are insufficient, as they are aimed at mitigating symptoms. Multipotent Stromal Cell (MSC) therapy has been proposed as a treatment capable of both preventing cartilage destruction and treating symptoms. While many studies have investigated MSCs for treating OA, therapeutic success is often inconsistent due to low MSC viability and retention in the joint. To address this, biomaterial-assisted delivery is of interest, particularly hydrogel microspheres, which can be easily injected into the joint. Microspheres composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) were created as MSC delivery vehicles. Microrheology measurements indicated that the microspheres had structural integrity alongside sufficient permeability. Additionally, encapsulated MSC viability was found to be above 70% over one week in culture. Gene expression analysis of MSC-identifying markers showed no change in CD29 levels, increased expression of CD44, and decreased expression of CD90 after one week of encapsulation. Analysis of chondrogenic markers showed increased expressions of aggrecan (ACAN) and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), and decreased expression of osteogenic markers, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and alkaline phosphatase (ALPL). In vivo analysis revealed that HA microspheres remained in the joint for up to 6 weeks. Rats that had undergone destabilization of the medial meniscus and had overt OA were treated with empty HA microspheres, MSC-laden microspheres, MSCs alone, or a control vehicle. Pain measurements taken before and after the treatment illustrated temporarily decreased pain in groups treated with encapsulated cells. Finally, the histopathological scoring of each group illustrated significantly less OA damage in those treated with encapsulated cells compared to controls. Overall, these studies demonstrate the potential of using HA-based hydrogel microspheres to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in treating OA.

Effect of Sodium Ascorbate, Grape Seed Extract, and Aloe Vera Application after In-Office Bleaching on the Bond Strength of Enamel: A 3-Year Evaluation

Introduction

Dental bleaching is the first choice to improve smile esthetics, but, in some cases, it needs to be associated with resin composite restoration to obtain a satisfactory result. Unfortunately, the bonding of resin-based materials can be impaired due to residual oxygen molecules, which can decrease the durability of the restoration.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of the antioxidant application on the bond strength of bleached enamel after 24 hr and 3 years of water storage.

Methods

In total, 84 bovine teeth were used in this study. Of these, 77 were bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide in a single session for three cycles of 15 min. Then, the specimens were divided into groups (n = 7 each): control (without bleaching), without antioxidant (WA) use; application of 10% sodium ascorbate (SA) gel, grape seed (GS) extract, and aloe vera (AV). The restorative procedure was performed immediately after bleaching, 7 and 14 days after bleaching. Specimens were sectioned and evaluated using microtensile bond strength (μTBS). Half of the resin-enamel sticks were tested after 24 hr, and the remaining half after 3 years of water storage. µTBS data were analyzed using a three-way analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and Dunnett's test.

Results

The lowest µTBS values were observed when the restoration was performed immediately after bleaching in the AV, GS, and WA groups when compared with the SA group (p < 0.005). However, no significant differences were observed among all groups after 3 years of water storage (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

SA at 10% was the most effective antioxidant agent for improving the immediate bond strength. However, independent of the antioxidant agent used, the bond strength values were maintained or recovered after 3 years of water storage. SA at 10% could be used to avoid delayed bonding procedures after in-office whitening without compromising bond strength over time. Clinical Significance. The use of antioxidants after dental bleaching can be effective in improving the bonding durability of the adhesive restorations.

Influence of postpolymerization time and atmosphere on the mechanical properties, degree of conversion, and cytotoxicity of denture bases produced by digital light processing

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Studies on the effects of postprocessing conditions on the physical properties, degree of conversion (DC), and biocompatibility of denture bases produced by digital light processing are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of the atmosphere during postpolymerization and of postpolymerization time on the flexural strength, Vickers hardness, DC, cytotoxicity, and residual monomer content of denture bases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Six different groups of bar- and disk-shaped specimens from the denture base resin were produced, considering 2 different atmospheres (air and nitrogen) and 3 different postpolymerization times (5, 10, and 20 minutes). To determine the physical properties, the flexural strength and Vickers hardness were measured. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry was used to calculate DC. Cytotoxicity was assessed from the effect on human gingival fibroblasts. The residual monomer content was determined by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Based on the normality test by the Shapiro-Wilk method, a nonparametric factorial analysis of variances was conducted (α=.05).

RESULTS

A significant interaction was detected between the atmosphere and postpolymerization time for hardness (P<.001) but no interaction for strength, DC, or cytotoxicity (P=.826, P=.786, and P=.563, respectively). Hardness was significantly affected by the postpolymerization time in the groups with the nitrogen atmosphere (P<.001). DC was significantly affected by the atmosphere (P=.012), whereas strength and cytotoxicity were not (P=.500 and P=.299, respectively). Cytotoxicity was significantly affected by the postpolymerization time (P<.001), but strength and DC were not (P=.482 and P=.167, respectively). Residual monomers were not detected after ≥10-minute postpolymerization time.

CONCLUSIONS

The atmosphere significantly affected hardness and DC, whereas the postpolymerization time significantly affected hardness, DC, cytotoxicity, and residual monomer content. Denture bases produced in a nitrogen atmosphere and with the 10-minute postpolymerization time showed sufficient hardness, DC, and no cytotoxicity.

Ability of short exposures from laser and quad-wave curing lights to photo-cure bulk-fill resin-based composites

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the ability of a laser, and a 'quad-wave' LCU, to photo-cure paste and flowable bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs).

METHODS

Five LCUs and nine exposure conditions were used. The laser LCU (Monet) used for 1 s and 3 s, the quad-wave LCU (PinkWave) used for 3 s in the Boost and 20 s in the Standard modes, the the multi-peak LCU (Valo X) used for 5 s in the Xtra and 20 s in the Standard modes, were compared to the polywave PowerCure used in the 3 s mode and for 20 s in the Standard mode, and to the mono-peak SmartLite Pro used for 20 s. Two paste consistency bulk-fill RBCs: Filtek One Bulk Fill Shade A2 (3 M), Tetric PowerFill Shade IVA (Ivoclar Vivadent), and two flowable RBCs: Filtek Bulk Fill Flowable Shade A2 (3 M), Tetric PowerFlow Shade IVA (Ivoclar Vivadent) were photo-cured in 4-mm deep x 4-mm diameter metal molds. The light received by these specimens was measured using a spectrometer (Flame-T, Ocean Insight), and the radiant exposure delivered to the top surface of the RBCs was mapped. The immediate degree of conversion (DC) at the bottom, and the 24-hour Vickers Hardness (VH) at the top and bottom of the RBCs were measured and compared.

RESULTS

The irradiance received by the 4-mm diameter specimens ranged from 1035 mW/cm² (SmartLite Pro) to 5303 mW/cm² (Monet). The radiant exposures between 350 and 500 nm delivered to the top surface of the RBCs ranged from 5.3 J/cm² (Monet in 1 s) to 26.4 J/cm² (Valo X), although the PinkWave delivered 32.1 J/cm² in 20 s 350 to 900 nm. All four RBCs achieved their maximum DC and VH values at the bottom when photo-cured for 20 s. The Monet used for 1 s and the PinkWave used for 3 s on the Boost setting delivered the lowest radiant exposures between 420 and 500 nm (5.3 J/cm² and 3.5 J/cm² respectively), and they produced the lowest DC and VH values.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite delivering a high irradiance, the short 1 or 3-s exposures delivered less energy to the RBC than 20-s exposures from LCUs that deliver> 1000 mW/cm². There was an excellent linear correlation (r > 0.98) between the DC and the VH at the bottom. There was a logarithmic relationship between the DC and the radiant exposure (Pearson's r = 0.87-97) and between the VH and the radiant exposure (Pearson's r = 0.92-0.96) delivered in the 420-500 nm range.

Review of quantitative and qualitative methods for monitoring photopolymerization reactions

Authomatic in-situ monitoring and characterization of photopolymerization.

Comparative Evaluation of Surface Roughness and Hardness of 3D Printed Resins

The effect of printing parameters on the surface characteristics of three-dimensional (3D)-printed denture base resins (DBRs) is neglected. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of printing orientation and post-curing time on the surface roughness and hardness. One conventional heat-polymerized (HP) resin and two 3D-printing resins (NextDent (ND) and ASIGA (AS)) were used to fabricate a total of 250-disc (10 × 2.5 mm) specimens. ND and AS specimens were printed with different orientations (0-, 45-, and 90-degree) and each orientation group was subjected to four post-curing times (30, 60, 90, 120 min). Printed specimens were thermo-cycled (10,000 cycles) followed by the measuring of surface roughness (Profilometer (Ra)) and hardness (a Vickers hardness (VH)). ANOVA and post hoc tests were used for data analysis (α = 0.05) at significant levels. AS and ND showed no significant changes in Ra when compared with HP (p ˃ 0.05), except the 45-degree orientation (AS/90 min and AS/120 min) significantly increased surface roughness (p ˂ 0.001). There was no significant difference in Ra with different orientations and post-curing time for both materials AS and ND (p ˃ 0.05). Compared with HP, 3D-printed DBRs showed low VH values (p ˂ 0.001). For AS, 90-degree orientation showed a significant decrease in VH at 60, 90, and 120 min when compared with 0- and 45-degree orientation (p ˂ 0.001), while ND showed no significant difference in VH with different printing orientations (p ˃ 0.05). The VH of AS and ND improved when increasing post-curing time to 120 min (p ˂ 0.001), and the printing orientations and post-curing time did not affect the Ra of 3D-printed DBRs.

Engineering Hydrogels for Modulation of Material-Cell Interactions

Hydrogels are a recurrent platform for Tissue Engineering (TE) strategies. Their versatility and the variety of available methods for tuning their properties highly contribute to hydrogels' success. As a result, the design of advanced hydrogels has been thoroughly studied, in the quest for better solutions not only for drugs- and cell-based therapies but also for more fundamental studies. The wide variety of sources, crosslinking strategies, and functionalization methods, and mostly the resemblance of hydrogels to the natural extracellular matrix, make this 3D hydrated structures an excellent tool for TE approaches. The state-of-the-art information regarding hydrogel design, processing methods, and the influence of different hydrogel formulations on the final cell-biomaterial interactions are overviewed herein. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effect of post-curing light exposure time on the physico-mechanical properties and cytotoxicity of 3D-printed denture base material

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effect of post curing light exposure time on the physico-mechanical properties and cytotoxicity of a 3D-printed PMMA-based denture material in comparison to a conventional heat-cured alternative as a control.

METHODS

3D-printed specimens were fabricated followed by post-curing for 0, 5, 10 or 20 min at 200 W and light wavelength range of 390-540 nm. Heat-cured specimens were fabricated using a standard protocol. Specimens were placed in artificial saliva at 37 ℃ for 48 h (immediate groups) and 6 months (aged group), then evaluated flexural strength/modulus, fracture toughness, microhardness, and degree of conversion. Water sorption and solubility was assessed after 28 days. Flexural strength, flexural modulus, and fracture toughness were tested through three-point bending tests, while the surface hardness was tested using Vickers's test. Fractured specimens were viewed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Cytotoxicity in term of cell viability was evaluated using human oral fibroblasts.

RESULTS

Flexural strength/modulus, fracture toughness and surface hardness significantly improved with the increase in light curing time up to 20 min. The same pattern of improvement was found with degree of conversion, water sorption, solubility, and cell viability. There was no significant difference (p < 0.01) between heat-cured material and 3D specimens post-cured for 20 min in term of flexural strength/modulus, surface hardness, and degree of conversion at the two-storage time points.

SIGNIFICANCE

Generally, the physico-mechanical properties of the 3D-printed denture base material improve as post curing time increases up to 20 min which exhibited comparable performance as the conventional heat-cured control.

A prospective, multi-center, practice-based cohort study on all-ceramic crowns

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this prospective, multi-center, practice-based cohort study was to analyze factors associated with the success of all-ceramic crowns.

METHODS

All-ceramic crowns placed in a practice-based research network ([Ceramic Success Analysis, AG Keramik) were analyzed. Data from 1254 patients with (mostly in-office CAD/CAM) all-ceramic crowns placed by 101 dentists being followed up for more than 5 years were evaluated. At the last follow-up visit crowns were considered as successful (not failed) if they were sufficient, whereas crowns were considered as survived (not lost) if they were still in function. Multi-level Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between a range of predictors and time of success or survival.

RESULTS

Within a mean follow-up period (SD) of 7.2(2)years [maximum:15years] 776 crowns were considered successful (annual failure rate[AFR]:8.4%) and 1041 crowns survived (AFR:4.9%). The presence of a post in endodontically treated teeth resulted in a risk for failure 2.7 times lower than that of restorations without a post (95%CI:1.4-5.0;p = 0.002). Regarding the restorative material and adhesive technique, hybrid composite ceramics and single-step adhesives showed a 3.4 and 2.2 times higher failure rate than feldspathic porcelain and multi-step adhesives, respectively (p < 0.001). Use of an oxygen-blocking gel as well as an EVA instrument resulted in a 1.5-1.8 times higher failure rate than their non-use (p ≤ 0.001).

SIGNIFICANCE

After up to 15years AFR were rather high for all-ceramic crowns. Operative factors, but no patient- or tooth-level factors were significantly associated with failure. The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00020271).

Oxygen Inhibition of Surface Composites and Its Correlation with Degree of Conversion and Color Stability

This study investigated the effects of oxygen inhibition and finishing/polishing procedures on the composite resin properties. One bulk-fill and two conventional composite resins (nanoparticle and microhybrid) were evaluated. Specimens were prepared using 4 surface treatments: control, no treatment; Gly, oxygen inhibition with glycerin; FP, finishing and polishing; Gly + FP, glycerin followed by finishing and polishing. The degree of conversion (DC) was measured using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) immediately and after 15 days (n=5). Color stability (ΔEab, and ΔE00) and opacity were evaluated using a spectrophotometer after 15 days of immersion in coffee, using the CIELAB system (n=5). Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05) and opacity by two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Glycerin usage increased significantly the DC however had no influence on the ΔEab, ΔE00 and, opacity values. Finishing and polishing reduced ΔEab and ΔE00 values, regardless of composite resins. Microhybrid showed higher opacity, followed by the nanoparticle and bulk fill, regardless of surface treatment. Post-polymerization polishing procedures resulted in lower conversion than using an oxygen inhibitor agent (Gly condition), but similar staining caused by coffee.

Influence of postpolymerization methods and artificial aging procedures on the fracture resistance and flexural strength of a vat-polymerized interim dental material

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The influence of postpolymerization methods and artificial aging procedures on the fracture resistance and flexural strength of additively manufactured interim polymers remains unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of the conditions (dry and water- and glycerin-submerged) and time (25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 minutes) of postpolymerization methods with and without artificial aging procedures on the fracture resistance and flexural strength of an additively manufactured interim material.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Bar specimens (25×2×2 mm) were manufactured from an interim resin (NexDent C&B MFH N1) with a 3-dimensional printer (NexDent 5100) as per the manufacturer's recommendations. Three groups were created based on the postpolymerization condition: dry (D group) and submerged in a container with water (W group) or glycerin (G group) inside the ultraviolet polymerization machine (LC-3DPrint Box). Each group was divided into 5 subgroups (D1 to D5, W1 to W5, and G1 to G5) depending on the polymerizing time (25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 minutes) (n=20). Each subgroup was divided into nonaged and aged subgroups. The aged groups were treated in a mastication simulator. Fracture strength was measured on a universal testing machine. The flexural strength was calculated as per International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 10477-2018. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test demonstrated that data were normally distributed. The 3-way ANOVA test was used to analyze the data (α=.05).

RESULTS

A significant main effect was found on the fracture strength analysis for each of the 3 factors: postpolymerization condition (F[2, 449]=81.00, P<.001), treatment duration (F[4, 449]=2.84, P=.024), and aging procedure (F [1, 449] =7.62, P=.006). The only significant 2-way interaction was between postpolymerization condition and treatment duration (F[8, 449]=3.12, P=.002). Furthermore, a significant main effect was found on the flexural strength for each of the 3 factors including postpolymerization condition (F[2, 449]=82.55, P<.001), treatment duration (F[4, 449]=2.85, P=.024), and artificial aging procedure (F[1, 449]=6.72, P=.010). The only significant 2-way interaction was between postpolymerization condition and treatment duration (F[8, 449]=3.33, P=.001). Dry postconditions at 25 minutes and nonaged procedures obtained the significantly highest fracture resistance and flexural strength values.

CONCLUSIONS

Postpolymerization conditions and duration time affected the fracture resistance and flexural strength of the additively manufactured interim material assessed. Artificial aging procedures significantly decreased the fracture resistance and flexural strength of the additively manufactured interim dental material.

Impact of Fast High-Intensity versus Conventional Light-Curing Protocol on Selected Properties of Dental Composites

To study the influence of fast high-intensity (3-s) and conventional (20-s) light curing protocols on certain physical properties including light-transmission and surface wear of two nano-hybrid composite resins (Tetric PowerFill and Essentia U) specifically designed for both curing protocols. According to ISO standards, the following properties were investigated: flexural properties, fracture toughness and water sorption/solubility. FTIR-spectrometry was used to calculate the double bond conversion (DC%). A wear test using a chewing simulator was performed with 15,000 chewing cycles. A tensilometer was used to measure the shrinkage stress. Light transmission through various thicknesses (1, 2, 3 and 4 mm) of composite resins was quantified. The Vickers indenter was utilized for evaluating surface microhardness (VH) at the top and the bottom sides. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to investigate the microstructure of each composite resin. The light curing protocol did not show a significant (p > 0.05) effect on the mechanical properties of tested composite resins and differences were material-dependent. Shrinkage stress, DC% and VH of both composite resins significantly increased with the conventional 20 s light curing protocol (p < 0.05). Light curing conventional composite resin with the fast high-intensity (3-s) curing protocol resulted in inferior results for some important material properties.

Color and Translucency Stability of Three-Dimensional Printable Dental Materials for Crown and Bridge Restorations

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare color and translucency stability of three-dimensional (3D) printable dental materials for crown and bridge restorations. Five different materials were investigated, and twelve disc-shaped specimens of two different thicknesses (1 and 2 mm) were prepared using a digital light processing 3D printer. Color measurements were made according to the CIELAB color scale (L*, a*, and b*) using a spectrophotometer 1 h, 1 day, 1 week, one month, and six months after post-curing of the materials, and the translucency parameter (TP) was calculated. The L*, a*, b*, and TP values were compared among the different materials and storage periods using repeated measures analysis of variance. Color and translucency changes of the specimens after the different storage periods were compared with 1 h measurements to determine whether they exceeded clinically perceivable thresholds. The L*, a*, b*, and TP values showed significant differences according to the storage periods, as well as among the materials. Until one month, some materials demonstrated distinct color differences, while others showed small color differences below a clinically perceivable threshold. The translucency differences were not clinically perceivable for any specimen. After six months, all specimens demonstrated large color changes, whereas the changes in translucency were relatively small. In conclusion, the color of 3D printable dental materials changed with time, and the differences varied with the materials used. On the contrary, the changes in translucency were small. Overall, the materials became darker, more yellowish, and more opaque after six months of water storage.

Effects of Post-Curing Time on the Mechanical and Color Properties of Three-Dimensional Printed Crown and Bridge Materials

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is increasingly being utilized in the dental field. After fabricating a prosthesis using a 3D printed resin, a post-curing process is required to improve its mechanical properties, but there has been insufficient research on the optimal post-curing conditions. We used various 3D printed crown and bridge materials in this study, and evaluated the changes in their properties according to post-curing time by evaluating the flexural strength, Weibull modulus, Vickers hardness, color change, degree of conversion, and biocompatibility. The obtained results confirmed that the strength of the 3D printed resin increased when it was post-cured for 60–90 min. The Vickers hardness, the degree of conversion, and biocompatibility of the 3D printed resins increased significantly around the beginning of the post-curing time, and then increased more gradually as the post-curing time increased further. It was observed that the color tone also changed as the post-curing time increased, with some groups showing a ΔE₀₀ value of ≥ 2.25, which can be recognized clinically. This study has confirmed that, after the printing process of a 3D printed resin was completed, a sufficient post-curing time of at least 60 min is required to improve the overall clinical performance of the produced material.

Effect of double-layer application on the early enamel bond strength of universal adhesives

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to investigate the changes in the enamel bond strengths of universal adhesives in the early phase of specimen creation and evaluate the effect of double-layer application on enamel bond effectiveness using different etching modes.

METHOD

Four universal adhesives, namely Clearfil Universal Bond Quick, G-Premio Bond, Scotchbond Universal, and Tokuyama Universal Bond, were used. Clearfil SE Bond two-step self-etch adhesive system was used as a comparison. Fifteen specimens per group were used for determining the shear bond strength (SBS) to bovine enamel in the etch-and-rinse or self-etch mode. The adhesive was applied to specimens in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions (single-layer application), or the adhesive was applied twice (double-layer application). The bonded specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 5 min or 1, 6, 12, or 24 h before SBS testing. The flexural properties of the resin composite Clearfil AP-X were measured for the same storage periods.

RESULTS

All universal adhesives exhibited increased SBS values with prolonged storage periods regardless of the application technique or etching mode used. Double-layer application was associated with higher SBS values than single-layer application for most universal adhesives over the same storage period.

CONCLUSION

Phosphoric acid pre-etching and double-layer application of universal adhesives resulted in increased enamel bond strength in the early phase of specimen bonding.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Care should be taken when using universal adhesives in the self-etch mode for enamel bonding because the enamel adhesion is sensitive to the duration after filling.

Fabrication and characterization of remineralizing dental composites containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles

The aim of this study was to fabricate and characterize dental composites containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HApNPs). Four dental composites were produced from the same organic matrix (70 wt% Bis-GMA and 30 wt% TEGDMA), with partial replacement of BaBSi particles (65 wt%) by HApNPs in the following concentrations (wt%): E0 (0) - control, E10 (10), E20 (20) and E30 (30). Ca²⁺ and PO₄^3- release was evaluated in solutions with different pHs (4, 5.5, and 7) using atomic emission spectroscopy with microwave-induced nitrogen plasma while the enamel remineralization potential was evaluated in caries-like enamel lesions induced by S. mutans biofilm using micro-CT. The following properties were characterized: degree of conversion (DC%), microhardness (KHN), flexural strength (FS), elastic modulus (EM) and translucency (TP). The higher the HApNPs content, the higher the Ca²⁺ and PO₄^3- release. The ions release was influenced by pH (4 > 5.5 > 7) (p < 0.05). All composites loaded with HApNPs were able to remineralize the enamel (E30 = E20 > E10) (p < 0.05). Contrarily, E0 was not able of recovering the enamel mineral loss. E0 and E10 presented highest DC%, while E20 and E30 showed similar and lowest DC%. KHN and FS were decreased with the addition of HApNPs, while EM was not influenced by the incorporation of HApNPs. E10 presented statistically similar TP to E0, while this property decreased for E20 and E30 (p < 0.05). Incorporation of HApNPs into dental composites promoted enamel remineralization, mainly at potentially cariogenic pH (= 4), while maintained their overall performance in terms of physicomechanical properties.

Cytotoxicity of acrylic resin-based materials used to fabricate interim crowns

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

If the components in the acrylic resins used to fabricate interim crows are cytotoxic, they can interfere with the integrity of the adjacent periodontal tissue and the dentin-pulp complex.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the cytotoxicity of resin-based materials used to prepare interim crowns.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The following materials were used in this study: CAR, conventional acrylic resin powder and liquid; BR, bis-acrylic resin; and PAR, pressed acrylic resin of the CAD-CAM type. Glass disks were used as the control (Co). Oral epithelial cells (NOK) were seeded on glass disks and standardized disks prepared with the resins under study. After incubation for 24 hours, the cells were analyzed for viability (Alamar Blue and Live or Dead), adhesion, and morphology (SEM and fluorescence), as well as epidermal growth factor synthesis (EGF-ELISA). The surface roughness (Ra) of test specimens was evaluated under a confocal microscope. The data were submitted to ANOVA and the Tukey HSD statistical tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

The highest Ra value was observed in BR in comparison with CAR, PAR, and Co (P<.05). The highest viability, adhesion, and EGF synthesis values were determined for the cells in contact with PAR (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM)-type resin favored adhesion, metabolism, and epithelial cell proliferation, and it was therefore considered cytocompatible.

A systematic study and effect of PLA/Al2O3 nanoscaffolds as dental resins: mechanochemical properties

One of the major and important challenges in dental composite resin and restoration is the mechanical performance and property of materials. Nanotechnology can produce nanoscale materials that are used in dentistry to help stabilize and strengthen the dentistry. In this work, we study the synthesis and characterization of PLA/Al₂O₃ nanoscaffold in different conditions such as concentration, temperature, pH, microwave power and irradiation time. PLA/Al₂O₃ nanoscaffolds were prepared by a micelle-assisted hydrothermal method. Durability, stability and biodegradable nature of nanopolymers have created the much-applied potential for using this structures in many fields such as dental resin composites. Products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transition electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transformed infrared spectrum (FT-IR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The synthesis factors were designed by Taguchi technique to control the process systematically. It was found that the intermolecular crosslinks between PLA and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles cause significant improves in the mechanical properties of PLA/Al₂O₃ nanoscaffold as dental nanocomposites. The flexural strength (88.0 MPa), modulus (7.5 GPa) and compressive strength (157.2 MPa) were calculated for PLA/Al₂O₃ nanoscaffolds loaded in Heliomolar Flow composite resins at 80 ppm (wt) concentration.

Effect of interface surface design on the fracture behavior of bilayered composites

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different interface designs on the load‐bearing capacity of bilayered composite structures (BLS). Cylindrical specimens of BLS were prepared from base composite of 3.5 mm thickness and surface composite of 1.5 mm thickness (n = 80). Two different base composites – flowable bulk‐fill (FBF) [smart dentin replacement (SDR)] and short fiber‐reinforced (FRC) (everX Posterior) – were evaluated, and conventional composite (G‐ænial Posterior) was used as the surface layer. Four different interface designs were used: (i) pyramidal; (ii) mesh; (iii) linear grooves; and (iv) flat surface (control). Three‐dimensional printed molds were fabricated to standardize the interface design between the surface and the base composites. The specimens were then statically loaded with a steel ball until fracture using a universal testing machine. Fracture types were classified into catastrophic, complete, and partial bulk. anova revealed that both the material and the interface design had a statistically significant effect on the load‐bearing capacity. Flowable bulk‐fill showed lower mean load‐bearing capacity than FRC in all the interface designs tested, except for the flat surface design. Fracture analysis showed that FRC demonstrated up to 100% partial bulk fractures with the pyramid interface design, but no incidence of catastrophic bulk fracture. By contrast, FBF demonstrated up to 84.6% and 40% catastrophic bulk fractures with the flat interface design but no incidence of partial bulk fracture. Consequently, the interface designs studied enhanced the fracture behavior of BLS.