Ageing of silorane-based and methacrylate-based composite resins: Effects on translucency

The Impact of Modeling Liquids on Surface Roughness and Color Properties of Bulkfill Resin Composites After Simulated Tooth Brushing: An in Vitro Study. Part I

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of different modeling agents on color changes, surface roughness, and translucency parameters over time in Bulkfill resin composites.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty specimens were prepared using three Bulkfill resin composites (Tetric N-Ceram Bulkfill, Filtek One Bulkfill and Opus Bulkfill) and three modeling agents (Wetting Resin, Optibond FL and Ambar APS). All specimens were subjected to a simulated tooth-brushing (Baseline, 50.000 cycles, 100.000 cycles), and surface roughness was measured at each interval. Surface topography was evaluated. The translucency parameter and color changes were assessed after 24-h, 7-, 14- and 30-day immersion in water, wine, and coffee. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni test.

RESULTS

All specimens increased roughness after simulated tooth-brushing (p < 0.05). Wetting Resin decreased roughness on Tetric N-Ceram Bulkfill (p < 0.05). The translucency parameter remained unaltered for all groups. All groups changed color after 30-days of immersion in wine and coffee (p < 0.05). Ambar APS and Wetting Resin on Tetric N-Ceram Bulkfill showed higher color changes when immersed in coffee (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The use of modeling agents does not jeopardize translucency properties but may affect surface roughness and color properties of Bulkfill resin composites depending on their composition.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The findings of this study suggest that surface roughness and color properties are affected by the differences in the composition between modeling agents and Bulkfill resins composites.

Effect of Different Artificial Staining Procedures on the Color Stability and Translucency of a Nano-Hybrid Resin-Based Composite

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the effect of different experimental staining procedures on color stability and translucency of a nano-hybrid resin-based composite (RBC).

METHODS

Forty-eight cylindrical-shaped specimens (10 × 2 mm) were prepared with a nano-hybrid RBC (Clearfil Majesty ES-2) and randomly divided in four groups according to the experimental staining procedure: G1) static immersion in a staining solution (coffee) (44 ± 1 °C); G2) staining cycling between coffee (44 ± 1°C) and distilled water (37 ± 1°C) with an experimental staining machine based on Arduino, an Open Source hardware development platform; G3) staining cycles as in G2 + brushing with a low abrasive toothpaste (Relative Dentin Abrasion RDA = 30) (Elmex Sensitive Professional); G4) staining cycles as in G3, with brushing performed with a very strong abrasive toothpaste (RDA = 90) (Lacult Active). Color parameters were recorded at the baseline (T0) after staining procedures (T1) and repolishing (T2) using a spectrophotometer. Color change (∆E00) and translucency (TP, CR) were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

For ∆E00 after staining, Group 1 showed the highest color change and Group 3 the lowest. All groups were significantly different (p < 0.001) except for Group 2 vs. Group 4; after repolishing, Group 1 was significantly higher than Group 3 (p < 0.001), Group 2 (p < 0.001), and Group 4 (p = 0.003); Group 2 was higher than Group 3 (p < 0.001). For TP variable, after staining procedures, Group 2 was significantly higher than all other groups (p < 0.001), and Group 1 was significantly higher than Group 3 (p < 0.001) and Group 4 (p = 0.007). After repolishing, Group 4 was significantly lower than Group 3 (p = 0.008) and Group 2 (p = 0.027). Repolishing procedure significantly reduced color parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The investigated staining procedure induced significant differences in color stability and translucency. The use of a very strong abrasive toothpaste (RDA = 90) induced higher color change than a low abrasive one (RDA = 30). Repolishing procedures are able to partially reduce color change induced by artificial staining procedures.

Influence of Additive Firing on the Surface Characteristics, Streptococcus mutans Viability and Optical Properties of Zirconia

The purpose of this study was to observe whether the repetitive firing of dental zirconia caused changes in surface characteristics, S. mutans viability, and optical properties of zirconia. Dental zirconia blocks were sintered and randomly distributed into seven experimental groups: F0–F6. Except for F0, which only went through sintering, the additive firing was performed in order for F1–F6. Surface roughness, contact angle, S. mutans viability by fluorescence, and translucency parameter were measured. They were all highest after sintering (F0) and decreased after additive firings (F1–F6). The additive firing of zirconia after sintering decreased surface roughness, contact angle, S. mutans viability, and translucency. The number of firings after the first firing was not found to be critical in surface characteristics, S. mutans viability, and optical property. Changes in surface characteristics might have led to a decrease in S. mutans viability, while the change of translucency was not clinically significant. This implies that additive firing may prevent secondary caries under zirconia restorations, not compromising esthetic appearance.

Assessing staining resistance of a CAD/CAM interpenetrating network composite material

Background

Color change of dental materials over time because of staining agents has important effects on the long-term prognosis of dental esthetic treatments. In the present study, staining resistance of an interpenetrating network composite material with different translucency levels (translucent and high translucent) and various surface procedures for finishing were investigated.

Methods

Same shade CAD/CAM interpenetrating network composite specimens having two different translucency levels were prepared using by a water cooling cutting saw. Specimens were grouped and different finishing procedures were performed. Then, specimens were kept in distilled water, red wine and coffee for different periods. Color was evaluated before and after exposure to staining liquids using a clinical spectrophotometer.

Results

In the 7 days Glaze group (ΔE₀₀ > 2.2), color difference was only perceivable in the specimens kept in red wine. In the 28 days red wine high translucent groups, only the high translucent Clinical group showed a clinically acceptable (ΔE₀₀ < 2.2) color change. In the translucent groups kept in red wine, only the translucent Glaze group showed a clinically perceivable color change (ΔE₀₀ > 2.2). In the 28 day measurements, all the translucent groups showed a clinically perceivable color change (ΔE₀₀ > 2.2). Of the translucent groups kept in coffee for 28 days, it was observed that only the translucent Clinical group demonstrated a clinically non-perceivable color change (ΔE₀₀ < 2.2).

Conclusions

All the translucent groups kept in red wine showed a clinically perceivable color change after 28 days. Only the high translucent Clinical Kit group showed a clinically acceptable color change. Among high translucent and translucent specimens kept in coffee only the translucent Clinical group showed a clinically acceptable color change after 28 days.

Influence of Acid, Ethanol, and Anthocyanin Pigment on the Optical and Mechanical Properties of a Nanohybrid Dental Composite Resin

This study investigated the influences of acidity, ethanol, and pigment on the optical properties, microhardness, and surface roughness (R_a) of a nanohybrid dental composite resin. A total of 108 disc-shaped specimens were fabricated using a nanohybrid dental composite and allocated into 36 different storage solutions according to the levels of pH (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.5), ethanol (0%, 20%, and 40%), and anthocyanin pigment (0%, 2.5%, and 12.5%). Measurements of the colorimetric parameter and the amount of color change (ΔE), translucency parameter (TP), microhardness, and surface roughness (R_a) were performed at 24 h (baseline), 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-weeks. Repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a Tukey honestly significant difference test and Pearson correlation analysis were carried out (α = 0.05). Pigment of 12.5% or 40% ethanol significantly increased the ΔE (P < 0.001, P = 0.048, respectively). Pigment of 2.5% or 12.5% significantly decreased the TP (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Microhardness of composite resin stored in pH 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 solution was lower than that for pH 5.5 (P < 0.001). Pigment, ethanol, and pH did not influence the R_a. TP change and ΔE, and R_a and ΔE had a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, pigment and ethanol levels influenced the optical properties and acidity affected the microhardness of composite resin.

Translucency of Zirconia Ceramics before and after Artificial Aging

PURPOSE

The aging of zirconia ceramics (Y-TZP) is associated with tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation. This change in microstructure may affect the optical properties of the ceramic. This study examines the effect of aging on the translucency of different zirconia materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

120 disc-shaped specimens were fabricated from four zirconia materials: Cercon ht white, BruxZir Solid Zirconia, Zenostar T0, Lava Plus (n = 30 per group). Accelerated aging was performed in a steam autoclave (134°C, 0.2 MPa, 5 hours). CIELab coordinates (L*, a*, b*) and luminous reflectance (Y) were measured with a spectrophotometer before and after aging. Contrast ratio (CR) and translucency parameter (TP) were calculated from the L*, a*, b*, and Y tristimulus values. The general linear model (Bonferroni adjusted) was used to compare both parameters before and after aging, as well as between the different zirconia materials (p ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS

CR and TP differed significantly before and after aging in all groups tested. Before aging, Zenostar T showed the highest and Lava Plus showed the lowest translucency. After aging, Cercon ht and Zenostar T showed the highest and BruxZir and Lava Plus the lowest translucency.

CONCLUSIONS

Aging reduced the translucency in all specimens tested. Furthermore, translucency differed between the zirconia brands tested. Nevertheless, the differences were below the detectability threshold of the human eye. The aging process can influence the translucency and thus the esthetic outcome of zirconia restorations; however, the changes in translucency were minimal and probably undetectable by the human eye.

Effects of modeling liquid/resin and polishing on the color change of resin composite

Modeling liquids/resins have been used to build up resin composite (RC) restorations, although there is a lack of information regarding their effects on the color stability of the latter. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the presence of modeling liquid between layers of RC and the finishing/polishing state of the material on color change in specimens exposed to red wine staining over time. Specimens were prepared by placing four increments (±0.5 mm thick) of RC (Filtek™ Z350 XT, 3M ESPE) into molds; half of which were prepared by applying modeling liquid (Scotchbond™ Multi-Purpose™ Adhesive, SBMP, 3M ESPE) between the layers of RC, whereas the other half were prepared without SBMP (control). Light-activation was performed after application of the final RC layer using a light-emitting diode (Radii, SDI) curing unit with an irradiance of 900 mW/cm2 for 20 s. Each group was divided according to the surface finishing protocol (n = 7): nothing (non-polished) or polishing with Sof-Lex™/diamond paste (polished). Initial colors of the specimens were evaluated with a digital spectrophotometer and the CIEL*a*b* color system. The specimens were stored in wine (37°C) for 12 months, and the color measurements were reassessed after 4, 6, and 12 months of storage. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed at the end. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 5%). The presence of SBMP resulted in lower overall color change of the RC as compared with the control. The non-polished specimens exhibited a significantly higher color change than the polished specimens. SEM images corroborated the previous findings. In summary, the use of modeling liquid between layers of RC shows potential for application to reduce or delay the staining process of RC over time. Moreover, polishing is essential to provide increased color stability of the RC restoration.

Influence of biofilm formation on the optical properties of novel bioactive glass-containing composites

OBJECTIVE

Bioactive glass (BAG) has been suggested as a possible additive for dental restorative materials because of its antimicrobial effect and potential for promoting apatite formation in body fluids. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of bacterial biofilm on the change of colorimetric value and translucency of novel BAG-containing composites having different initial surface roughness.

METHODS

Composites with 72wt% total filler load were prepared by replacing 15% of the silanized Sr glass with BAG (65 mol % Si; 4% P; 31% Ca), BAG-F (61% Si; 31% Ca; 4% P; 3% F; 1% B), or silanized silica. Light-cured discs of 2-mm thickness (n=10/group) were divided into 4 different surface roughness subgroups produced by wet polishing with 600 and then up to 1200, 2400, or 4000 grit SiC. CIE L*a*b* were measured and the color difference and translucency parameter (TP) were calculated before and after incubating in media with or without a Streptococcus mutans (UA 159) biofilm for 2 wks (no agitation). Results were analyzed using ANOVA/Tukey's test (α=0.05).

RESULTS

All the color differences for BAG and BAG-F composite showed significant decreases with bacterial biofilm compared to media-only. The mean TP (SD) of BAG and BAG-F composite before aging [10.0 (2.8) and 8.5 (1.4)] was higher than that of the control composite [4.9 (0.8)], while the change in TP with aging was greater compared to the control with or without bacteria. BAG-F composites with the smoothest surfaces showed a greater decrease in TP under bacterial biofilm compared to the BAG composite.

SIGNIFICANCE

Highly polished dental composites containing bioactive glass additives may become slightly rougher and show reduced translucency when exposed to bacterial biofilms, but do not discolor any more than control composites that do not contain the BAG.

Use of dental adhesives as modeler liquid of resin composites

OBJECTIVES

Resin adhesives (RA) have been applied between resin composite (RC) increments, but there is no consensus on the impact of this technique on the properties of the final restoration. This study evaluated the effect of the presence of RA between RC layers on physical properties, translucency and long-term color stability of the restorative material.

METHODS

Scotchbond™ Multi-Purpose (bond, 3M ESPE) and Adper™ Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE) were used as RA, and Filtek™ Z350 (3M ESPE) as RC. Specimens containing RA were prepared by applying 3 layers of the adhesive between 4 increments of RC; adhesive-free specimens were also used (control). Tests of water sorption and solubility, mechanical performance (microtensile cohesive strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus, after immediate and long-term water storage), and translucency and color stability (after immediate and 1, 7, 90, and 180 days of water or wine storage) were performed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were also taken from the fractured specimens (flexural strength test). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05).

RESULTS

Scotchbond (SBMP) showed lower water sorption and solubility than the control (p<0.001), and an overall similar (p≥0.198, immediate tests) or higher (p≤0.019, long-term tests) mechanical performance. SBMP exhibited a rougher cross-sectional surface compared to the other groups. Translucency remained unaltered after 180 days of storage (p≥0.313), except for single bond that had increased translucency with wine storage (p<0.045). After 180 days, all groups changed color (p≤0.002), although more intensively when immersed in wine.

SIGNIFICANCE

The presence of RA within RC increments increased the physical stability of the material, being this effect more evident by using the hydrophobic unfilled adhesive resin (SBMP). This study is the first to show positive results from the use of resin adhesives as modeler liquid of resin composite, which is common in clinical practice.

Effectiveness of Combination of Dentin and Enamel Layers on the Masking Ability of Porcelain

This study evaluated the masking ability of different porcelain thicknesses and combination of enamel and/or dentin porcelain layers over simulated background dental substrates with higher (A2) and lower (C4) color values. Combination of the enamel (E) and dentin (D) monolayer porcelain disks with different thicknesses (0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1 mm) resulted in the following bilayer groups (n=10): D1E1, D1E0.8; D1E0.5; D0.8E0.8; D0.8E0.5, and D0.5E0.5. CIELAB color coordinates were measured with a spectrophotometer. The translucency parameter of mono and bilayer specimens and the masking ability estimated by color variation (ΔE*ab) of bilayer specimens over simulated dental substrates were evaluated. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the relationships translucency parameter × ΔE*, translucency parameter × porcelain thickness, and ΔE* × porcelain thickness. Data were analyzed statistically (α= 0.05). Thinner porcelain disks were associated with higher translucency. Porcelain monolayers were considerably more translucent than bilayers (enamel + dentin). Dentin porcelain was less translucent than enamel porcelain with same thickness. ΔE* was always lower when measured over A2 background. Higher ΔE* was observed for the C4 background, indicating poorer masking ability. Increased ΔE* was significantly associated with increased translucency for both backgrounds. Decreased translucency and ΔE* were associated with increased total porcelain thickness or increased dentin thickness for both backgrounds. In conclusion, increased porcelain thickness (particularly increased dentin layer) and increased porcelain opacity resulted in better masking ability of the dental backgrounds.

Influence of whitening and regular dentifrices on orthodontic clear ligature color stability

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the effect of brushing orthodontic clear ligatures with a whitening dentifrice containing a blue pigment (Close Up White Now, Unilever, London, UK) on their color stability, when exposed to a staining agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ligatures from 3M Unitek (Monrovia, CA, USA) and Morelli (Sorocaba, SP, Brazil) were tested. Baseline color measurements were performed and nonstained groups (control) were stored in distilled water whereas test groups were exposed for 1 hour daily to red wine. Specimens were brushed daily using regular or whitening dentifrice. Color measurements were repeated after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days using a spectrophotometer based on the CIE L*a*b* system.

RESULTS

Decreased luminosity (CIE L*), increased red discoloration (CIE a* axis), and increased yellow discoloration (CIE b* axis) were generally observed for ligatures exposed to the staining agent. Color variation was generally lower in specimens brushed with regular dentifrice, but ligatures brushed with whitening dentifrice were generally less red and less yellow than regular dentifrice. The whitening dentifrice led to blue discoloration trend, with visually detectable differences particularly apparent according to storage condition and ligature brand.

CONCLUSIONS

The whitening dentifrice containing blue pigment did not improve the ligature color stability, but it decreased yellow discoloration and increased a blue coloration.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The use of a whitening dentifrice containing blue pigment during orthodontic treatment might decrease the yellow discoloration of elastic ligatures.

Review of translucency determinations and applications to dental materials

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

There are several ways to measure the translucency of materials, as various basic colorimetric concepts have been used to describe the translucency of natural and esthetic dental materials. There are currently no guidelines regarding which method to use to describe the translucency of these materials.

PURPOSES OF STUDY

Two initial purposes of this study are to review the initial developments of the major translucency measurement methods first in the color science literature and then in the dentistry literature, and to review in the dentistry literature the recent uses of the various translucency measurement methods in light of the objectives of the presented research.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A major color science textbook was reviewed to obtain the background information and selected references regarding the original methods of opacity measurement and the original references regarding the development and use of a translucency parameter were also reviewed. Then the recent dentistry literature was reviewed to describe the uses of the various methods of opacity or translucency determinations for various dental materials.

RESULTS

The three major methods of translucency measurement were found to be contrast ratio, transmittance, and translucency parameter, with the contrast ratio and transmittance methods each having the possibility of being either luminous or spectral. Translucency measurements were mainly used to describe dental resin composites and dental ceramic materials, but prosthetic elastomers, fiber posts, orthodontic brackets, natural tooth dentine and enamel, and combinations of materials were also studied using at least one of these methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The more-developed use of models that relate the thickness of the translucent materials to the translucency measurement of interest is encouraged. Also, care must be taken when comparing previously generated translucency measurements with any newly generated data because technical details of the thickness and the backings used in previous research must be matched or adjustments must be made to make any newly generated data comparable with published values.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The method of specifying the translucency of esthetic dental materials may be based on clinical appearance requirements of the patient, on technical demands of optimizing the setting of underlying material, or on both. The method or methods used to describe translucency may provide clinically relevant information in order for the clinician to select the optimum material to satisfy these requirements.

Longitudinal evaluation of simulated toothbrushing on the roughness and optical stability of microfilled, microhybrid and nanofilled resin-based composites

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of simulated toothbrushing over ten weeks on the roughness and optical stability (colour, translucency and gloss) of microfilled - Mf (Durafil VS), microhybrid - Mh (Empress Direct) and nanofilled - Nf (Z 350) resin-based composites (RBC).

METHODS

The roughness, colour, translucency and gloss of each RBC were measured before and after storage in distilled water (DW) and propionic acid (PA) for ten weeks. The specimens were removed from the media each week, submitted to toothbrushing simulation and the properties measured. The obtained data were analyzed using a multifactor analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Tukey's HSD test (α=0.05).

RESULTS

The roughness significantly increased after ten weeks for the three RBCs (p<0.05), with the final values of roughness presenting no statistical differences among them (p>0.05). Only Mf and Nf immersed in DW and Mh immersed in PA presented a change in colour after ten weeks (p<0.05), although the change in colour was lower after immersion in PA for the three RBCs (p<0.05). None of the RBCs presented significant changes in translucency after ten weeks (p>0.05). Only Mh immersed in DW presented gloss stability after ten weeks (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Toothbrushing increased the roughness and diminished the gloss of the three RBCs. The translucency was not influenced by the toothbrushing. The immersion in propionic acid produced lower alterations in colour than did immersion in distilled water.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In general, the three RBCs presented similar optical behaviours after toothbrushing over ten weeks. Thus, it is possible that anterior restorations produced with these materials will not present perceptible differences over time.