Effect of Heavy Metals Contamination from Cigarette Smoke on Sound and Caries-Like Enamel

Synchrotron X-ray Studies of the Structural and Functional Hierarchies in Mineralised Human Dental Enamel: A State-of-the-Art Review

Hard dental tissues possess a complex hierarchical structure that is particularly evident in enamel, the most mineralised substance in the human body. Its complex and interlinked organisation at the Ångstrom (crystal lattice), nano-, micro-, and macro-scales is the result of evolutionary optimisation for mechanical and functional performance: hardness and stiffness, fracture toughness, thermal, and chemical resistance. Understanding the physical-chemical-structural relationships at each scale requires the application of appropriately sensitive and resolving probes. Synchrotron X-ray techniques offer the possibility to progress significantly beyond the capabilities of conventional laboratory instruments, i.e., X-ray diffractometers, and electron and atomic force microscopes. The last few decades have witnessed the accumulation of results obtained from X-ray scattering (diffraction), spectroscopy (including polarisation analysis), and imaging (including ptychography and tomography). The current article presents a multi-disciplinary review of nearly 40 years of discoveries and advancements, primarily pertaining to the study of enamel and its demineralisation (caries), but also linked to the investigations of other mineralised tissues such as dentine, bone, etc. The modelling approaches informed by these observations are also overviewed. The strategic aim of the present review was to identify and evaluate prospective avenues for analysing dental tissues and developing treatments and prophylaxis for improved dental health.

In vitro procedures for color stability evaluation of dental resin-based composites exposed to smoke: A scoping review

The objective of this study was to review the experimental in vitro procedures employed to assess the color stability of resin-based composites exposed to smoke. A literature search was performed on four databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science). The quality of the included papers was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2). In total, 25 studies were selected for full-text reading, from which 12 were included in the review. The assessed variables were: dimensions, shape, time before exposure, finishing, smoke-type, exposure time, brushing simulation, color, measuring system, repolishing. A disk-shaped specimen was used in most studies (n=10) with a 2 mm thickness (n=7) in custom made devices equipped with vacuum pumps or in Vitrocell systems. Spectrophotometers were the most used devices (n=11). Color differences were quantified with ΔE (n=12), ΔE00 (n=1). The large variety of staining procedures suggests the need for standardization.

Characterization and effectiveness of a violet LED light for in-office whitening

OBJECTIVES

This study characterized a violet LED light (V-LED; bright max whitening) tooth whitening device and evaluated its efficacy on stained enamel compared to hydrogen peroxide (HP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Characterization of the V-LED beam profile was performed using a laser beam-profiler. The irradiance was measured throughout an exposure cycle at 0- and 8-mm distances using an integrating sphere and a spectral radiometer. Bovine enamel/dentin blocks stained with black tea (BT), cigarette smoke (CS), or without staining (CONT) were subjected to V-LED or 40% HP (n = 10/group). Color parameters (ΔL, Δa, Δb, and ΔE₀₀) were measured using a digital spectrophotometer. Light transmission was estimated through 1-mm-thick bovine enamel slices (n = 5). ΔL, Δb, ΔE₀₀, and irradiance were analyzed by two-way ANOVAs and Tukey's tests, Δa by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, and light transmission by t-test (α = 5%).

RESULTS

Heterogeneous beam distribution was observed for the emitting V-LED chips. After 20 sequential exposures, irradiance levels were reduced 25-50%, regardless of the distance from V-LED. Localized irradiance values were statistically different between beam locations and different distances from the target. V-LED produced lower ΔE_00, ΔL, Δa, and Δb values than HP for CONT and BT, with no differences for CS. Light transmittance decreased approximately 98% through 1-mm thick enamel.

CONCLUSIONS

V-LED irradiance was heterogeneous and decreased throughout the exposure cycles and was also greatly reduced with increasing tip distance. V-LED produced a significantly lower whitening effect on BT and control teeth.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study contributes to the knowledge of V-LED and its clinical use.

Is An Orthodontic Hydrophilic Composite Resistant to Contamination and pH Cycling? In vitro Results

Objective:

To evaluate the adhesive strength of a hydrophilic composite submitted to contamination and pH cycling, compared to a conventional composite.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-two bovine incisors were prepared and randomly divided into 6 groups (n=12), bonded with Hydrophilic Composite (HC)(Transbond Plus Color Change) or with Conventional Composite (CC)(Transbond XT; control), with or without contamination and pH cycling as follows: G1-HC, with contamination, with pH cycling; G2-HC, with contamination, without pH cycling; G3-HC, without contamination, with pH cycling; G4-HC, without contamination, without pH cycling; G5-CC, without contamination, with pH cycling; G6-CC, without contamination, without pH cycling. Contamination in G1 and G2 consisted of fresh saliva applied after the self-etching primer for 5min before bonding with HC. After bonding, G1, G3, and G5 were submitted to pH cycling, immersed in the demineralizing solution for 22h and for 2h in remineralizing artificial saliva, repeated for 15 days. G2, G4, and G6 were kept in deionized water. The shear bond strength was tested using a load cell of 100N and the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was assessed. Intergroup comparison was performed with one-way ANOVA, Tukey, and chi-square tests.

Results:

There was a statistically significant difference in G1, G2, and G3 in relation to G6. The highest rate of adhesive failure between the resin/bracket interface occurred with the HC, while CC failed more at the resin/tooth interface.

Conclusion:

Contamination and pH cycling did not decrease the shear bond strength of brackets bonded with the hydrophilic composite. However, the adhesive strength of the conventional composite was higher.