Diametral tensile strength and dental composites

Prewarming effect on adaptation, porosities, and strength of a composite resin

Warming composite resin before insertion to reduce viscosity is advocated for improving adaptation and reducing voids. This study evaluated how prewarming altered porosities, adaptation, and strength. Twenty composite restorations were placed in 2 increments in typodont teeth with a large Class II preparation. The composite was either at room temperature (control) or prewarmed to 68 °C (n = 10/group). Each increment was light-cured for 20s. After 24h, the restored teeth were sectioned and imaged under a stereomicroscope. Examiners ranked the quality of adaptation to walls and between increments, and the presence of voids on a 0-3 scale. Results were statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney U Test. Diametral tensile strength of monolithic or incrementally-filled composite cylinders (6 mm diameter × 4 mm height; n = 10/group) made with room temperature or prewarmed composite were tested at 0.5 mm/min. Strength results were analyzed using ANOVA statistics followed by pairwise comparisons. Restorations made with prewarmed composite had significantly fewer large voids and better adaptation to cavity walls and between layers (P < 0.05). Strength of prewarmed composite was higher than room temperature composite, and was significantly higher in monolithic specimens (P < 0.05). It was concluded that prewarming conventional composite can improve its handling, making it handle more like a flowable composite without jeopardizing physical properties. The prewarmed composite was found to have better adaptation and fewer voids, and attained higher strength than composite that was not prewarmed.

An Evaluation of the Hydrolytic Stability of Selected Experimental Dental Matrices and Composites

Materials with potential use as dental restoration should be evaluated in an aggressive environment. Such accelerated aging is widely used in other industries and allows the assessment of service life. In the presented study, three neat resins (UDMA/Bis-GMA/TEGDMA 70/10/20 wt.%, UDMA/Bis-GMA/TEGDMA 40/40/20 wt.% and UDMA/Bis-EMA/TEGDMA 40/40/20 wt.%) and three composites based on these matrices were tested before and after aging protocols (I-7500 cycles, 5 °C and 55 °C, water and 7 days, 60 °C, 0.1 M NaOH; II-5 days, 55 °C, water and 7 days, 60 °C, 0.1 M NaOH). Flexural strength (FS), diametral tensile strength (DTS) and hardness (HV) were determined. Applied aging protocols resulted in a decrease in the value of the FS, DTS and HV. Larger changes were noticed for the neat resins. Materials in which the content of bis-GMA was lower or substituted by bis-EMA showed better resistance to degradation. The choice of mixtures with monomers characterized by lower sorption values may favorably affect hydrolytic stability. It was shown that for composites there was a drastic decrease in hardness, which suggests a more superficial effect of the used protocols. However, degradation of the surface layer can result in a growing problem over time given that the mastication processes are an inherent element in the oral environment.

The Influence of Low-Molecular-Weight Monomers (TEGDMA, HDDMA, HEMA) on the Properties of Selected Matrices and Composites Based on Bis-GMA and UDMA

Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (bis-GMA) and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) are usually combined with low-viscosity monomers to obtain more desirable viscosity, handling characteristics and general properties. The present study determined the flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), diametral tensile strength (DTS), and hardness (HV) of five matrices and composites based on these resins. The polymerization shrinkage stress (PSS) was also studied for the composites. The polymer matrices were formed using bis-GMA and UDMA. TEGDMA, HEMA and HDDMA acted as co-monomers. The composites had 45 wt.% of filler content. The highest FS and FM were obtained from the UDMA/bis-GMA/TEGDMA/HEMA matrix and the composite (matrix + filler). The best DTS values were obtained from the UDMA/bis-GMA/HEMA matrix and the composite. One of the lowest values of FS, FM, and DTS was obtained from the UDMA/bis-GMA/HDDMA matrix and the composite. All the composites demonstrated similar hardness values. The lowest polymerization shrinkage stress was observed for the UDMA/bis-GMA/TEGDMA/HEMA composite, and the highest PSS was observed for the UDMA/bis-GMA/TEGDMA/HDDMA composite. The addition of HEMA had a positive effect on the properties of the tested materials, which may be related to the improved mobility of the bis-GMA and UDMA monomers.

The relation between impact strength and flexural strength of dental materials

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relation between impact strength and flexural strength of different composite and ceramic materials used in dental restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The three-point-bending test was used to determine the flexural strength and flexural modulus, and the Dynstat impact test was used to determine the impact strength of different composite and ceramic dental materials. The relation between the flexural strength and impact strength was mathematically investigated and a three-dimensional finite element analysis model of the impact test set-up was created to verify these results.

RESULTS

We found a relation between the impact strength, a_dU, the flexural strength, σ, and the flexural modulus, E, which can be represented by the formula: a_dU=λ_DK(σ²⁄E), where λ_DK is a constant dependent on the test set-up.

CONCLUSION

The obtained impact strength of materials is specific to the test set-up and dependent on the geometric configuration of the test set-up and the specimen thickness. The clinical significance of this investigation is that roughness and fatigue have far more influence on the impact strength than the flexure strength.

An Evaluation of the Properties of Urethane Dimethacrylate-Based Dental Resins

Most of the dental materials available on the market are still based on traditional monomers such as bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA), urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), and ethoxylated bisphenol-A dimethacrylate (Bis-EMA). The interactions that arise in the monomer mixture and the characteristics of the resulting polymer network are the most important factors, which define the final properties of dental materials. The use of three different monomers in proper proportions may create a strong polymer matrix. In this paper, fourteen resin materials, based on urethane dimethacrylate with different co-monomers such as Bis-GMA or Bis-EMA, were evaluated. TEGDMA was used as the diluting monomer. The flexural strength (FS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), and hardness (HV) were determined. The impacts of material composition on the water absorption and dissolution were evaluated as well. The highest FS was 89.5 MPa, while the lowest was 69.7 MPa. The median DTS for the tested materials was found to range from 20 to 30 MPa. The hardness of the tested materials ranged from 14 to 16 HV. UDMA/TEGDMA matrices were characterized by the highest adsorption values. The overall results indicated that changes in the materials' properties are not strictly proportional to the material's compositional changes. The matrices showed good properties when the composite contained an equal mixture of Bis-GMA/Bis-EMA and UDMA or the content of the UDMA monomer was higher.

Impact of Zr-Doped Bi2O3 Radiopacifier by Spray Pyrolysis on Mineral Trioxide Aggregate

Mineral trioxide aggregates (MTA) have been developed as a dental root repair material for a range of endodontics procedures. They contain a small amount of bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) as a radiopacifier to differentiate adjacent bone tissue on radiographs for endodontic surgery. However, the addition of Bi₂O₃ to MTA will increase porosity and lead to the deterioration of MTA's mechanical properties. Besides, Bi₂O₃ can also increase the setting time of MTA. To improve upon the undesirable effects caused by Bi₂O₃ additives, we used zirconium ions (Zr) to substitute the bismuth ions (Bi) in the Bi₂O₃ compound. Here we demonstrate a new composition of Zr-doped Bi₂O₃ using spray pyrolysis, a technique for producing fine solid particles. The results showed that Zr ions were doped into the Bi₂O₃ compound, resulting in the phase of Bi_7.38Zr_0.62O_12.31. The results of materials analysis showed Bi₂O₃ with 15 mol % of Zr doping increased its radiopacity (5.16 ± 0.2 mm Al) and mechanical strength, compared to Bi₂O₃ and other ratios of Zr-doped Bi₂O₃. To our knowledge, this is the first study of fabrication and analysis of Zr-doped Bi₂O₃ radiopacifiers through the spray pyrolysis procedure. The study reveals that spray pyrolysis can be a new technique for preparing Zr-doped Bi₂O₃ radiopacifiers for future dental applications.

Optimization of Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticle Concentration in Green LED Light Active Dental Photopolymer

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) display surface plasmon resonance (SPR) as a result of their irradiation at a targeted light frequency. SPR also results in heat production that increases the temperature of the surrounding environment, affecting polymerization. The aim was to investigate the SPR effect of AuNPs on a dimethacrylate-based photopolymer system. The tested composites were designed to overlap the illumination required for the polymerization and the plasmon effect. The 5 nm-sized dodecanethiol capped AuNPs were applied in different concentrations in the matrix that were irradiated with green light (λ = 532 nm), where the Irgacure 784 photoinitiator also absorbs the light. The plasmonic effect was investigated for the refractive index change by surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) supplemented by ellipsometry. Moreover, optical transmission and transmission electron micrographs (TEM), diametral tensile stress (DTS), and confocal Raman spectroscopy was performed to determine the degree of conversion (DC) at 1.0, 1.4, and 2.0 mW/cm² light intensities. It was found that the optimal conditions were at 0.0208 wt% AuNPs concentration and 1.4 mW/cm² light intensity at which the refractive index change, DTS, and DC data were all maximal. The study confirmed that AuNPs are applicable to improve the polymerization efficiency of dental composite resin.

Influence of Ambient Temperature and Light-curing Moment on Polymerization Shrinkage and Strength of Resin Composite Cements

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to establish a clinically appropriate light-curing moment for resin composite cements while achieving the highest indirect tensile strength and lowest polymerization shrinkage.

Methods and Materials:

Polymerization shrinkage of seven resin composite cements (Multilink Automix, Multilink Speed Cem, RelyX Ultimate, RelyX Unicem 2 Automix, Panavia V5, Panavia SA plus, VITA Adiva F-Cem) was measured at ambient temperatures of 23°C and 37°C. Testing was done for autopolymerized and light-cured specimens after light application at either 1, 5, or 10 minutes after mixing. Indirect tensile strength of all cements was measured after 24 hours of storage at temperatures of 23°C and 37°C, for autopolymerized and light-cured specimens after light application 1, 5, or 10 minutes after mixing. To illustrate filler size and microstructures, SEM images of all cements were captured. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Fisher LSD test (α=0.05).

Results:

Final polymerization shrinkage of the resin composite cements ranged from 3.2% to 7.0%. An increase in temperature from 23°C to 37°C as well as the light-curing moment resulted in material dependent effects on the polymerization shrinkage and indirect tensile strength of the cements. Polymerization shrinkage of the cements did not correlate with the indirect tensile strength of the cement in the respective groups. Highest indirect tensile strengths were observed for the materials containing a homogeneous distribution of fillers with a size of about 1 μm (Multilink Automix, Panavia V5, VITA Adiva F-Cem).

Conclusion:

The magnitude of the effect of light-curing moment and temperature increase on polymerization shrinkage and indirect tensile strength of resin composite cements is material dependent and cannot be generalized.

Properties of Experimental Dental Composites Containing Antibacterial Silver-Releasing Filler

Secondary caries is one of the important issues related to using dental composite restorations. Effective prevention of cariogenic bacteria survival may reduce this problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity and physical properties of composite materials with silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate (SSHZP). The antibacterial filler was introduced at concentrations of 1%, 4%, 7%, 10%, 13%, and 16% (w/w) into model composite material consisting of methacrylate monomers and silanized glass and silica fillers. The in vitro reduction in the number of viable cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans ATCC 33535 colonies, Vickers microhardness, compressive strength, diametral tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus, sorption, solubility, degree of conversion, and color stability were investigated. An increase in antimicrobial filler concentration resulted in a statistically significant reduction in bacteria. There were no statistically significant differences caused by the introduction of the filler in compressive strength, diametral tensile strength, flexural modulus, and solubility. Statistically significant changes in degree of conversion, flexural strength, hardness (decrease), solubility (increase), and in color were registered. A favorable combination of antibacterial properties and other properties was achieved at SSHZP concentrations from 4% to 13%. These composites exhibited properties similar to the control material and enhanced in vitro antimicrobial efficiency.

Academy of Dental Materials guidance-Resin composites: Part I-Mechanical properties

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project, which was initiated from the Academy of Dental Materials, was to review and critically appraise methods to determine fracture, deformation and wear resistance of dental resin composites, in an attempt to provide guidance for investigators endeavoring to study these properties for these materials.

METHODS

Test methods have been ranked in the priority of the specific property being tested, as well as of the specific test methods for evaluating that property. Focus was placed on the tests that are considered to be of the highest priority in terms of being the most useful, applicable, supported by the literature, and which show a correlation with clinical findings. Others are mentioned briefly for the purpose of being inclusive. When a standard test method exists, including those used in other fields, these have been identified in the beginning of each section. Also, some examples from the resin composite literature are included for each test method.

RESULTS

The properties for evaluating resin composites were ranked in the priority of measurement as following: (1) Strength, Elastic Modulus, Fracture toughness, Fatigue, Indentation Hardness, Wear-abrasion (third body) and Wear-attrition (contact/two body), (2) Toughness, Edge strength (chipping) and (3) Wear determined by toothbrush.

SIGNIFICANCE

The following guidance is meant to aid the researcher in choosing the proper method to assess key properties of dental resin composites with regard to their fracture, deformation and wear resistance.

The effect of instrument lubricant on the diametral tensile strength and water uptake of posterior composite restorative material

OBJECTIVES

This in-vitro study investigated the effect of 'instrument lubricants' used during placement of composite restorative material, on the diametral tensile strength (DTS) and water uptake of composite specimens.

METHODS

300 posterior composite cylindrical specimens were manufactured: 60 with each instrument lubricant (ethanol, 3-step, 2-step and 1-step 'bonding agent') and 60 with no lubricant (controls). Each set of 60 specimens was evenly allocated to one of the following test groups (n=100/group): Group 1 - tested for DTS immediately after manufacture; Groups 2 and 3 - tested for DTS after immersion in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 1 and 12-weeks respectively, using a Universal Instron machine. Water uptake was assessed gravimetrically. Data were statistically analysed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (α=0.05).

RESULTS

The mean DTS and percentage weight change of composite specimens ranged between 32.49-53.14MPa and 0.51-1.36% and varied with lubricant used and time incubated in PBS. All control groups exhibited significantly higher DTS (MPa) (groups 1-3: 53.17±1.78; 50.64±1.85; 45.17±1.77) and lower percentage weight change (groups 2-3: 0.51±0.03; 0.61±0.01) than specimens placed with an instrument lubricant, with significant differences between certain lubricant groups.

CONCLUSION

Data from the present study suggest that the use of instrument lubricant may adversely effect the DTS and water uptake of composite restorative material.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The use of instrument lubricants to aid composite placement is widespread however based on the data obtained it is suggested that discontinuing or limiting the use of instrument lubricants, and if necessary using the 'bonding agent' from a 3-step adhesive system is recommended as results suggest this has the least deleterious effect upon material properties.​.

Investigation of the correlation between the different mechanical properties of resin composites

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the different mechanical properties with the filler fraction of various resin composites. Mechanical properties of eighteen different resin composites were investigated in this study; flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), fracture toughness (FT), compressive strength (CS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), Barcol hardness (BH), Vickers hardness (HV), and Knoop hardness (HK). The mean values of mechanical properties and the filler fractions (V(f )) obtained from the literature and the manufacturer were analyzed using Pearson's correlation test at p<0.01. The relationships were compared with the data retrieved from previous studies. Strong correlations between Vf and BH/HV/HK and V(f) and FM were evident in the results of the present study and these results were supported by the retrieved data from previous studies. The other relationships between mechanical properties, such as that between FS and FM and between CS and HV were not significant.

An in vitro evaluation of diametral tensile strength and flexural strength of nanocomposite vs hybrid and minifill composites cured with different light sources (QTH vs LED)

BACKGROUND

Composites always remained the target of discussion due to lot of controversies around it. Mechanical properties are one of them. With the introduction of new technology and emergence of various composites which combine superior strength and polish retention, nanocomposites have led to a new spark in the dentistry. A recent curing unit LED with various curing modes claims to produce higher degree of conversion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diametral tensile strength and flexural strength of nanocomposite, hybrid and minifill composites cured with different light sources (QTH vs LED).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-two samples were prepared using different specially fabricated teflon molds, 24 samples of each composite were prepared for the diametral tensile strength (ADA specification no. 27) and the flexural strength (ISO 4049) of the 12 samples, six were cured with LED (Soft Start curing profile) and other six with QTH curing light and tested on a universal testing machine.

RESULTS

The nanocomposite had highest diametral tensile strength and flexural strength which were equivalent to the hybrid composite and superior than the minifill composite.

CONCLUSION

With the combination of superior esthetics and other optimized physical properties, this novel nanocomposite system would be useful for all posterior and anterior applications.

A novel dentin bonding system containing poly(methacrylic acid) grafted nanoclay: synthesis, characterization and properties

OBJECTIVES

Developing a novel dentin bonding system containing poly(methacrylic acid)-grafted-nanoclay (PMAA-g-nanoclay) as reinforcing filler, with high stability of nanoparticle dispersion and improved bond strength and mechanical properties were the main objectives of this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) was grafted onto the pristine sodium montmorrillonite (Na-MMT) nanoclay surface and characterized using FTIR, TGA, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The PMAA-g-nanoclay was incorporated into an experimental dentin bonding system as filler in different concentrations and stability of nanoclay dispersion in the dilute adhesive, morphology of nanoclay layers in the photocured adhesive matrix, shear bond strength to caries-free extracted human premolar teeth, and mode of failure were studied. The mechanical properties including diametral tensile strength (DTS), flexural strength (FS), and flexural modulus (FM) were also investigated. The measured FM was also compared to theoretical prediction models.

RESULTS

The grafting of PMAA onto the nanoclay surface was confirmed and the results revealed a partially exfoliated structure for PMAA-g-nanoclay. The dispersion stability of the modified nanoparticles in the dilute adhesive increased more than 45 times in comparison with the pristine nanoclay. The incorporation of 0.5wt.% PMAA-g-nanoclay to the adhesive resulted in a significant increase in microshear bond strength, DTS, and FS. Higher PMAA-g-nanoclay contents resulted in increased flexural modulus. The experimental flexural modulus was in good agreement with the Halpin-Tsai theoretical model.

SIGNIFICANCE

Incorporation of PMAA-g-nanoclay particles as novel functional fillers into dental adhesive could result in the development of bonding systems with improved physical, mechanical, and adhesion properties.

The effect of ceramic and porous fillers on the mechanical properties of experimental dental composites

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ceramic fillers (containing leucite crystals) and their porosity on the mechanical properties of a new experimental dental composite in order to compare with the properties of composites containing conventional glass fillers.

METHODS

In this study, experimental composites were prepared by mixing the silane-treated fillers with monomers. Experimental composites were divided into four groups according to their filler type, amount and porosity. The monomers were composed of 70% Bis-GMA and 30% TEGDMA by weight for all groups. Glass and leucite-containing-ceramic were prepared as different filler types. In order to make fillers porous, leucite-containing-ceramic fillers were treated with HF acid. Camphorquinone and DMAEMA were used as photo initiator system. Post-curing was done for all groups before mechanical testing. Degree of Conversion of composites was measured using FTIR spectroscopy. The diametral tensile strength (DTS), flexural strength and flexural modulus were measured and compared among the groups.

RESULTS

The results showed that the stronger and more porous filler has a positive effect on flexural strength. Porosity of filler increased flexural strength significantly. No significant difference was found in DTS tests among the groups. Flexural modulus was affected and increased by using ceramic fillers. The type of the filler affected the DC of the composite and DC increased by post-curing.

SIGNIFICANCE

Flexural strength is one of the most important properties of restorative dental materials. Higher flexural strength can be achieved by stronger and more porous fillers. Investigation into the effect of filler on dental material properties would be beneficial in the development of restorative dental material.

Organosilicon dental composite restoratives based on 1,3-bis[(p-acryloxymethyl) phenethyl] tetramethyldisiloxane

OBJECTIVES

The major concern associated with the use of polysiloxanes as polymer matrices in dental restorative materials, is the generally modest mechanical properties of the polymers. However, it has long been demonstrated that thermal stability, and mechanical properties of polysiloxanes can be substantially modified by incorporation of bulkier substituents such as phenyl groups or more polar groups in the chains. The purpose of this research was to evaluate visible light activated dental composites based on the high molecular weight siloxane monomer 1,3-bis[(p-acryloxymethyl) phenethyl] tetramethyldisiloxane (BAPD).

METHODS

Hardness, diametral tensile strength (DTS), degree of conversion (DC), water sorption (WS) and polymerization shrinkage of BAPD-based composites and bis-GMA-based composites were determined and compared.

RESULTS

Composites based on BAPD exhibited low WS, high DC, low polymerization shrinkage, and had hardness and DTS values that were not significantly lower than those of dental composites based on bis-GMA.

SIGNIFICANCE

BAPD is a high molecular weight monomer (MW = 511) with a low viscosity. It did not require the use of low molecular weight diluent monomers in formulating composite resins. The DC of BAPD was high, ranging from 86 to 94%. Although the DC of BAPD was significantly higher than the conventional difunctional dental monomers, the polymerization shrinkage of the siloxane composites (1.70 - 1.81 vol%) was comparable to several composites based on bis-GMA.

Effects of food/oral simulating fluids on microstructure and strength of dentine bonding agents

This study evaluated the effect a food simulating solution, 75% v/v ethanol/water, and an artificial saliva, Moi-Stir, have on the microstructure and on the diametral tensile strength (DTS) of three dentine bonding agents (Tenure, Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and Optibond). The microstructure was examined by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The DTS data were analysed using ANOVA and the Tukey LSD test. The microstructural observations were compared with changes in DTS. The SEM observation revealed deterioration of all bonding agents due to conditioning in the solutions for 30 days. The different solutions appeared to cause different reactions in the bonding agents. However, these effects may be exaggerated due to the presence of an air-inhibited surface layer. Those conditioned in Moi-Stir showed swelling. The presence of filler particles in the Optibond bonding agent appears to decrease the deterioration resulting from soaking. Materials conditioned in ethanol exhibited both dissolution and thinning. Diametral samples of each bonding material were tested after being conditioned in the above-mentioned solutions for 1, 7, 14 and 30 days. Conditioning significantly decreased the DTS of all bonding agents, except Optibond in Moi-Stir. Filled Optibond maintained its DTS longer than did the two unfilled bonding agents. The decrease in DTS of all the ethanol-conditioned groups is a function of the square root of time (P < 0.001) and conforms to Fick's laws of diffusion. The filled Optibond showed a lower ethanol diffusivity (0.5 x 10(-5) cm2 s-1) than the other two unfilled bonding agent systems (average 1.2 x 10(-5) cm2 s-1) (P < 0.05). The high ethanol diffusivities were thought to be due to the presence of HEMA, a hydrophilic resin, in the bonding agent. These results also suggest that solution uptake occurred through the resin matrix. Filler particles may therefore play an important role in weathering resistance of these materials to oral environment solutions. The physical appearance and strength of dentine bonding agents are significantly altered by exposure to oral environment solutions.

Composite microfiller content and its effect on fracture toughness and diametral tensile strength

Previous studies have examined the relationship between total filler content in hybrid restorative composites and some of their mechanical properties. This investigation evaluated the effect of varying the amount of microfiller in an experimental hybrid composite on fracture toughness (single edge-notch technique) and diametral tensile strength. The microfiller content in the experimental hybrid composite was varied from 0-44 wt% for seven specimen groups, while the total filler content ranged from 77-84 wt%. It was found that 9 wt% microfiller loading produced the highest mean fracture toughness (1.33 MPa.m(1/2)) and 44 wt% loading produced the lowest mean value (0.80 MPa.m(1/2)). Only the 9 wt% microfiller content group differed significantly in fracture toughness from the other specimen groups. The diametral tensile strength displayed only small differences for the range of microfiller content studied with mean values ranging from 42.1-49.6 MPa. Additional research on the viscoelastic properties of these heavily filled hybrid composites may provide some insight into the differences for the fracture toughness and diametral tensile strength results.