Effect of different photo-initiators and light curing units on degree of conversion of composites

Assessment of Degree of Conversion and Volumetric Shrinkage of Novel Self-Adhesive Cement

The degree of monomer conversion and polymerization shrinkage are two of the main reasons for potential adhesion failure between the tooth structure and the restoration substrate. To evaluate the degree of conversion and polymerization shrinkage of a newly developed self-adhesive resin cement, the degree of conversion (DC) was measured using FTIR under different activation modes, temperatures, and times. Volumetric shrinkage was tested using the AcuVol video imaging method. The experimental cement showed a higher DC than other cements under self-curing. The DC of the experimental cement was higher than that of other cements, except SpeedCem Plus under light curing. The experimental cement had a higher DC than other cements, except SpeedCem Plus in some conditions under dual curing. All self-adhesive cements had a higher DC at 37 °C than at 23 °C under self-curing, and there was no statistical difference between 23 °C and 37 °C under light curing. All self-adhesive cements showed a significantly higher DC at 10 min than at 5 min under self-curing. There was no statistical difference between 5 min and 10 min for most cements under dual curing. All self-adhesive cements statistically had the same volumetric shrinkage under light curing and self-curing. The newly developed self-adhesive resin cement exhibited a higher degree of conversion and similar volumetric shrinkage compared to these commercial self-adhesive resin cements.

The impact of chitosan in experimental resin with different photoinitiator systems

OBJECTIVE

to investigate the effect of different concentrations of chitosan added to experimental resins containing either BAPO or camphorquinone (CQ) as photoinitiators, regarding degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength (FS), flexural elastic modulus (E), Knoop microhardness (KHN), cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and antimicrobial activity.

METHODS

Experimental resins with polymeric matrix of BisGMA and TEGDMA was added either 0.5 wt% BAPO or 0.5 wt% camphorquinone/0.2% amine along with and chitosan concentrations of 0.5%; 1.0% or 2.0%. Degree of conversion was measured using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Flexural strength and elastic modulus were obtained through three-point bending test and Knoop microhardness was measured in a microidenter. Direct cytotoxicity was performed in human keratinocytes and genotoxicity test was done in murine macrophages cells. Antimicrobial activity was acessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans through the inhibition halo. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey teste (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The materials containing photoinitiator BAPO showed higher values of DC, FS, E, and KHN compared to resins with CQ. The addition of chitosan did not affect the properties of these materials. However, in resins containing CQ, the addition of chitosan improve these properties compared to control group. For the groups containing BAPO the chitosan reduced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity compared to materials with camphorquinone. The materials with 1.0% and 2.0% chitosan showed increased antibacterial activity in the materials containing BAPO as photoinitiator for both bacteria.

SIGNIFICANCE

The alternative photoinitiator BAPO and chitosan can improve physical and biological properties of photoactivated resins when compared with the materials with photoinitiator camphorquinone.

Are polywave light-emitting diodes more effective than monowave ones in the photoactivation of resin-based materials containing alternative photoinitiators? A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to analyze if using polywave light-emitting diodes (LED) to photoactivate resin-based materials (resin composites, adhesive systems, and resin cements) containing alternative photoinitiators provide better physicochemical properties than monowave ones.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Inclusion criteria were in vitro studies that evaluated the degree of conversion, microhardness and flexural strength in resin-based materials containing alternative photoinitiators and light-activated with mono and polywave LEDs. Exclusion criteria were studies that evaluated the physicochemical properties of composites through any material interposed between the LED and the resin composite and studies that exclusively compared different modes and/or light activation times. Selection of studies, data extraction, and risk-of-bias analysis was performed. Data from selected studies were qualitatively analyzed. A systematic search was performed in June 2021 using PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases and grey literature without language restriction.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Nine studies used diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide (TPO) as an alternative photoinitiator for resin composite. Polywave LED improved the degree of conversion of resin composite compared to monowave in 9 of the included studies. Polywave LED improved the microhardness of resin composite compared to monowave in 7 of the included studies. Polywave LED improved the degree of conversion for 11 studies and microhardness of resin composite compared to monowave for 7 included studies. No differences in the flexural strength medium between poly and monowave LEDs were observed. The evidence was graded as low quality due to the high risk of bias for 11 studies.

CONCLUSION

The existing studies, with their limitations, revealed that the polywave light-emitting diode maximizes activation, resulting in a higher degree of double-bond conversion and microhardness of resin composites containing alternative photoinitiators. However, the flexural strength of these materials is not influenced by the type of light activation device.

Degree of conversion and residual monomer elution of 3D-printed, milled and self-cured resin-based composite materials for temporary dental crowns and bridges

The aim of this work was to investigate the elution of residual monomers as a function of the manufacturing process, which are CAD/CAM manufacturing, self-curing and 3D printing. The experimental materials used consisted of the base monomers TEGDMA, Bis-GMA and Bis-EMA and 50 wt.% fillers. Additionally, a 3D printing resin without fillers was tested. The elution of the base monomers into the different media (water, ethanol and ethanol/water (75/25 vol. %)) at 37 °C over a period of up to 120 d as well as the degree of conversion (DC) by FTIR were investigated. No monomer elution could be detected in water. Most residual monomers in both other media were released from the self-curing material whereas the 3D printing composite released relatively little. The CAD/CAM blanks released hardly any quantitatively detectable amounts of monomers. Relative to the base composition, TEGDMA eluted less than Bis-GMA and Bis-EMA. DC did not correlate with residual monomer release; thus, leaching was determined not only by the amount of residual monomers present but by further factors as possibly network density and structure. The CAD/CAM blanks and the 3D printing composite showed similar high DC but lower residual monomer release from the CAD/CAM blank, likewise the self-curing composite and the 3D printing resin exhibited similar DC but different monomer elution. In terms of residual monomer elution and DC, the 3D printing composite seems promising as a new material class for the use as temporary dental crowns and bridges.

A Reliable Method of Measuring the Conversion Degrees of Methacrylate Dental Resins

The main aim of the study was to implement the most reliable method of measuring the degrees of conversion during photopolymerization of dental fillings. Contrary to the methods used so far, the method is based only on comparison with the monomer absorbance spectrum without reference bands. Another aim of the study was to prepare a comparative analysis of the polymerization kinetics of dental resins under various light sources and different environmental conditions (irradiance, light dose, temperature), with estimation of the degrees of conversion (DC) of the resins being the main metric. HRi Universal Enamel (UE2) and HRi Universal Dentine (UD2) were examined under two different types of light sources used in dentistry, LED and halogen. DC was measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in transmission mode from 5 s up to 7 days. Spectra were recorded from the parallel optical layers of samples that were placed between the KBr crystals. The results are expressed by the changes in the absorbance spectrum during the polymerization and the calculated conversion rates. The results of each experiment were averaged from three separate measurements of three samples, during which the samples were illuminated under identical conditions. The data were analyzed by performing ANOVA test comparisons between sample groups at the significance level α = 0.05. The degree of conversion of the UD2 resin was higher than that of UE2 for each experimental condition, but there was no statistically significant difference between the DC of those materials (p > 0.05). There was statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) in the DC caused by LED and halogen light sources producing the same light doses (38 J/cm2). This was the result of different features of light transmission to the filler in the resin composite. The efficacy of the LED source is twice as high as that of the halogen light source. Maximal DC without any other differences in conditions, such as resin type or light source, reached around 70% for temperatures of 22−37 °C. For 37 °C, this took 24 h, which is a contrast to the 7 days it took for 23 °C. The influences of different conditions and factors on reaction kinetics are only strong in the early and the rapid stage of conversion. The optimal time of irradiance using either light source is 20 s for a monolayer, and its thickness should not exceed 2 mm.

Mechanical Properties of Experimental Composites with Different Photoinitiator

Objective  The effect of different photoinitiators on mechanical properties of experimental composites was evaluated.

Materials and Methods  Resin composites were formulated by using a blend of bisphenol A-glycidyl and triethylene glycol (50/50 wt%) dimethacrylate monomers, and 65 wt% of barium aluminium silicate and silica filler particles. Photoinitiators used were 0.2% camphorquinone (CQ) and 0.8% co-initiator (DMAEMA); 0.2% phenyl-propanedione and 0.8% DMAEMA; 0.1% CQ + 0.1% phenyl propanedione and 0.8% DMAEMA; 0.42% mono(acyl)phosphine oxide (MAPO); and 0.5% bis(acyl)phosphine oxide (BAPO). Specimens ( n = 10) were light cured by using a multiple-emission peak light-emitting diode for 20 seconds at 1,200 mW/cm ² of irradiance and Knoop hardness and plasticization, depth of cure, flexural strength, and elastic modulus were evaluated. Data were statiscally analyzed at significance level of α = 5%.

Results  Experimental composites containing MAPO and BAPO photoinitiators showed the highest values of flexural strength, elastic modulus, top surface hardness, and lower hardness reduction caused by alcohol compared with CQ. Composites containing CQ and PPD showed similar results, except for depth of cure and hardness of bottom surface.

Conclusion  BAPO and MAPO showed higher flexural strength, elastic modulus, hardness on top surface, and lower polymer plasticization to CQ.

High-Power LED Units Currently Available for Dental Resin-Based Materials-A Review

The pursuit of less time-consuming procedures led to the development of high-power light-curing-units (LCU) to light-cure dental-resin-based-materials. This review aims to describe high-power light-emitting-diode (LED)-LCUs, by a bibliometric systematization of in vitro and in vivo studies. The research-question, by PICO model, aimed to assess the current knowledge on dentistry-based high-power LED-LCUs by analyzing to what extent their use can promote adverse events on materials and patients' oral condition when compared to low-power LED-LCUs, on daily dental practice. PubMed and B-on database search focused on high-power (≥2000 mW/cm2) LED-LCUs outputs. Studies assessing performance of high-power LED-LCUs for light-curing dental-resin-based-materials were included. From 1822 screened articles, 21 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Thirty-two marketed units with high levels of radiant emittance (≥2000 mW/cm2 up to 6000 mW/cm2) were identified. Most output values vary on 2000-3000 mW/cm2. The highest output found was 6000 mW/cm2, in FlashMax™P3. Reports suggest that light-curing protocols with lower emittance irradiance and longer exposure outperforms all other combination, however in some clinical procedures high-power LED-LCUs are advocated when compared to low-power LED-LCUs. Moreover, long time exposures and over-curing can be dangerous to the biological vital pulp, and other oral tissues. Evidence showing that high-power LCUs are the best clinical option is still very scarce.

The Photoinitiators Used in Resin Based Dental Composite-A Review and Future Perspectives

The presented paper concerns current knowledge of commercial and alternative photoinitiator systems used in dentistry. It discusses alternative and commercial photoinitiators and focuses on mechanisms of polymerization process, in vitro measurement methods and factors influencing the degree of conversion and hardness of dental resins. PubMed, Academia.edu, Google Scholar, Elsevier, ResearchGate and Mendeley, analysis from 1985 to 2020 were searched electronically with appropriate keywords. Over 60 articles were chosen based on relevance to this review. Dental light-cured composites are the most common filling used in dentistry, but every photoinitiator system requires proper light-curing system with suitable spectrum of light. Alternation of photoinitiator might cause changing the values of biomechanical properties such as: degree of conversion, hardness, biocompatibility. This review contains comparison of biomechanical properties of dental composites including different photosensitizers among other: camphorquinone, phenanthrenequinone, benzophenone and 1-phenyl-1,2 propanedione, trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide, benzoyl peroxide. The major aim of this article was to point out alternative photoinitiators which would compensate the disadvantages of camphorquinone such as: yellow staining or poor biocompatibility and also would have mechanical properties as satisfactory as camphorquinone. Research showed there is not an adequate photoinitiator which can be as sufficient as camphorquinone (CQ), but alternative photosensitizers like: benzoyl germanium or novel acylphosphine oxide photoinitiators used synergistically with CQ are able to improve aesthetic properties and degree of conversion of dental resin.

Chemistry of novel and contemporary resin-based dental adhesives

The chemistry of resin-based dental adhesives is critical for its interaction with dental tissues and long-term bonding stability. Changes in dental adhesives composition influences the materials' key physical-chemical properties, such as rate and degree of conversion, water sorption, solubility, flexural strength and modulus, and cohesive strength and improves the biocompatibility to dental tissues. Maintaining a suitable reactivity between photoinitiators and monomers is important for optimal properties of adhesive systems, in order to enable adequate polymerisation and improved chemical, physical and biological properties. The aim of this article is to review the current state-of-the-art of dental adhesives, and their chemical composition and characteristics that influences the polymerisation reaction and subsequent materials properties and performance.

Mechanical properties of experimental resin cements containing different photoinitiators and co-initiators

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of two photoinitiators and one co-initiator on the flexural strength (FS) and elastic modulus (E) of experimental resin cements.

Materials and methods

A mixture containing BisGMA, TEGDMA, and barium-aluminum-silicate (BaAlSi) and silanized colloidal silica (SiO₂) filler particles was prepared with two photoinitiators, viz. camphorquinone (CQ) and bisacylphosphine oxide (BAPO). Dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) was used as co-initiator. Thirty groups (n=10) were formulated with different photoinitiator systems (CQ/DMAEMA and BAPO/DMAEMA) and concentrations (wt%) of photoinitiator and co-initiator. The photoactivation was carried out for 20 s with a light-emitting diode (LED, Bluephase, Ivoclar Vivadent) with irradiance of 1200 mW/cm². The FS and E were obtained in a three-point bending test on a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). Data were subjected to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, followed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=0.05).

Results

No polymerization occurred in the CQ groups without DMAEMA (0 wt%). DMAEMA 0.5 %wt and 1 %wt groups showed statistically similar FS and E results for CQ and BAPO, except for CQ 0.3 wt% (FS), CQ 0.9wt% (E) and BAPO 1.76 wt% (FS and E) for DMAEMA 0.5 %wt. No significant difference was found for FS and E values for different concentrations of photoinitiators, except for CQ 0.25 wt% (FS and E) and BAPO 0.25 wt% (E) that showed the lowest values.

Conclusion

The wt% of the photoinitiators and co-initiator influenced the mechanical properties and the performance of CQ was dependent on the DMAEMA concentration. BAPO can be used as substitute for the conventional CQ/DMAEMA photoinitiator system.

The Use of Different Photoinitiator Systems in Photopolymerizing Resin Cements Through Ceramic Veneers

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of different photoinitiator systems on photopolymerizing resin cements through ceramic veneers with different thickness on microshear bond strength (μSBS), flexural strength (FS), and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and verify the light attenuation through these ceramic veneers.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Four photopolymerizing experimental resin cements were produced with the same resin matrix and associated with four different photoinitiator systems: camphorquinone (CQ), diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (TPO), Ivocerin, and TPO + Ivocerin. Eighty disc-shaped ceramic veneers (IPS Empress Esthetic, Ivoclar Vivadent) were fabricated (10-mm diameter) in two different thicknesses: 0.7 and 1.5 mm. A previously characterized multiwave LED (Bluephase G2, Ivoclar Vivadent) was standardized for 40 seconds of photoactivation. Light transmittance through each ceramic veneer thickness (n=5) was measured using a spectrometer (USB 2000, Ocean Optics). The μSBS of each resin cement (n=15) to the ceramic veneer was evaluated using 0.5-mm cylinders with 0.7-mm diameters photoactivated through the different ceramic veneer thicknesses. Samples for FS and UTS tests were made either with or without ceramics veneers (0.7 and 1.5 mm) fixed to the light-curing tip. Data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test (α=0.05).

RESULTS

The multiwave LED emitted higher irradiance into the blue wavelength spectra than into the violet wavelength spectra (p=0.0001). Light transmittance through the ceramic veneers was reduced in a systematic manner based on thickness regardless of the wavelength spectra emitted from the multiwave LED (p=0.00037). The μSBS was reduced in a systematic manner based on thickness regardless of the photoinitiator system (p<0.05). However, resin cements with CQ and Ivocerin showed higher bond strength values in comparison to the resin cement with TPO regardless of the ceramic veneer thickness (p<0.05). The FS and UTS means decreased (p<0.05) with the interposition of 0.7- and 1.5-mm ceramic veneers for all resin cements. The resin cement containing only TPO showed the lowest FS and UTS means (p<0.05) for all ceramic veneers.

CONCLUSIONS

The thickness of the ceramic veneers reduced the irradiance of the multiwave LED in all wavelength spectra. Ivocerin alone or associated with TPO showed to be an effective alternative photoinitiator to substitute for CQ. The resin cement containing only TPO had lower bond strength values in comparison to resin cements with CQ, Ivocerin, and Ivocerin + TPO.

Light curing resin cements containing iodonium salts promote suitable apical bonding of posts to radicular dentin

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficiency of experimental light-curing resin cements (ERCs) with a ternary photo-initiator system containing diphenyliodonium hexafluorphosphate (DPI) and different amines on retention of glass-fiber posts to dentin (GFP). ERCs formulations: a 1:1 mass ratio of 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy)phenylpropane and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate. Camphorquinone was used as initiator. Six experimental groups were established according to the amine used: [ethyl-4-(dimethylamino)benzoate-EDMAB or 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-DMAEMA] and the concentration of DPI (0, 0.5 mol%, 1 mol%). The resin cements Variolink II (dual- and light-cured versions) were used as commercial reference. Eighty recently extracted bovine incisors (n = 10) were selected for this study. The roots were prepared and the fiber posts were cemented with the resin cement specified for each experimental group. Specimens from coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the root were subjected to push-out bond strength test 24 hours after bonding. Data were subjected to split-plot ANOVA and the Tukey test (p = 0.05). ERCs containing DPI showed statistically significant higher bond strengths compared with ERCs without DPI. ERCs containing DPI were statistically similar to VARIOLINK II - dual-cured and superior to VARIOLINK II - light-cured (except for EDMAB - 1DPI in the medium third and DMAEMA - 1DPI in the coronal third). Different amines did not influence post retention. The apical root region showed the lowest bond strength for the groups EDAB-0DPI, DMAEMA-0DPI and VARIOLINK II light-cured. Light-cured ERCs containing DPI were efficient for GFP retention to radicular dentin, with similar behaviour to that of dual-curing commercial resin cement.

Efficiency of light curing units in a government dental school

The light intensity of a light-curing unit is a crucial factor that affects the clinical longevity of resin composites. This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of light-curing units in use at a local governmental dental school for curing conventional and bulk-fill resin materials. A total of 166 light-curing units at three locations were examined, and the brand, type, clinic location, diameter of curing tip, tip cleanliness (using a visual score), and the output (in mW/cm² using a digital radiometer) were recorded. Only 23.5% of the units examined had clean tips, with the graduate student clinical area containing the highest percentage of clean tips. Further, tips with poor cleanliness score values were associated with significantly lower output intensities. A small percentage (9.4%) of units was capable of producing intensities higher than 1,200 mW/cm² and lower than 600 mW/cm² (7.6%). The majority of the low intensity units were located in the undergraduate student area, which also contained the highest number of units with intensities between 900 and 1,200 mW/cm². The output of all the units in service was satisfactory for curing conventional resin composites, and most units were capable of curing bulk-fill resin materials.

Influence of Photoinitiator on Accelerated Artificial Aging and Bond Strength of Experimental Resin Cements

Abstract The goal of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effect of the photoinitiator phenylpropanedione (PPD), alone or combined with camphorquinone (CQ), on color stability of photoactivated resin cements and their bond strength to ceramics using a micro-shear test. Four resin cements were used: a commercial brand cement (RelyX Veneer®) and 3 experimental cements with different types and concentration of photoinitiators. For color analysis, ceramic discs were cemented on bovine dentin specimens to simulate indirect restorations (n=8) and were exposed to UV for 120 h and tested for color alteration using a reflectance spectrophotometer and the CIEL*a*b* system. Data were analyzed by Anova and Tukey’s test at 5% significance level. The color test results did not present statistically significant difference for the ∆E for all the studied cements, neither for ∆L, ∆a and ∆b. For the bond strength, all the studied cements showed statistically significant differences to each other, with the highest result for the RelyX Veneer® (29.07 MPa) cement, followed by the cement with CQ (21.74 MPa) and CQ+PPD (19.09 MPa) cement; the lowest result was obtained by the cement using only PPD as a photoinitiator (13.99 MPa). So, based on the studied parameters, PPD was not advantageous as photoinitiator of resin cements, because it showed a low value of bond strength to the ceramics and no superior color stability.

Effects of radiant exposure values using second and third generation light curing units on the degree of conversion of a lucirin-based resin composite

Objective

Using Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) in vitro, the effects of varying radiant exposure (RE) values generated by second and third generation LED LCUs on the degree of conversion (DC) and maximum rate of polymerization (Rpmax) of an experimental Lucirin TPO-based RC were evaluated.

Material and Methods

1 mm or 2 mm thick silicon molds were positioned on a horizontal attenuated total reflectance (ATR) unit attached to an infrared spectroscope. The RC was inserted into the molds and exposed to varying REs (18, 36 and 56 J/cm2) using second (Radii Plus, SDI) and third generation LED LCUs (Bluephase G2/Ivoclar Vivadent) or a quartz tungsten based LCU (Optilux 501/SDS Kerr). FTIR spectra (n=7) were recorded for 10 min (1 spectrum/s, 16 scans/spectrum, resolution 4 cm-1) immediately after their application to the ATR. The DC was calculated using standard techniques for observing changes in aliphatic to aromatic peak ratios both prior to, and 10 min after curing, as well as during each 1 second interval. DC and Rpmax data were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (p=0.05).

Results

No significant difference in DC or Rpmax was observed between the 1 mm or 2 mm thick specimens when RE values were delivered by Optilux 501 or when the 1 mm thick composites were exposed to light emitted by Bluephase G2, which in turn promoted a lower DC when 18 J/cm2 (13 s) were delivered to the 2 mm thick specimens. Radii Plus promoted DC and Rpmax values close to zero under most conditions, while the delivery of 56 J/cm2 (40 s) resulted in low DC values.

Conclusions

The third generation LCU provided an optimal polymerization of Lucirin TPO-based RC under most tested conditions, whereas the second generation LED-curing unit was useless regardless of the RE.

Evaluation of phenyl-propanedione on yellowing and chemical-mechanical properties of experimental dental resin-based materials

Objective

To evaluate the influence of phenyl-propanedione on yellowing and chemical-mechanical properties of experimental resin-based materials photoactivated using different light curing units (LCUs).

Material and Methods

Experimental resin-based materials with the same organic matrix (60:40 wt% BisGMA:TEGDMA) were mechanically blended using a centrifugal mixing device. To this blend, different photoinitiator systems were added in equimolar concentrations with aliphatic amine doubled by wt%: 0.4 wt% CQ; 0.38 wt% PPD; or 0.2 wt% CQ and 0.19 wt% PPD. The degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength (FS), Young's modulus (YM), Knoop hardness (KNH), crosslinking density (CLD), and yellowing (Y) were evaluated (n=10). All samples were light cured with the following LCUs: a halogen lamp (XL 2500), a monowave LED (Radii), or a polywave LED (Valo) with 16 J/cm2. The results were analysed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05).

Results

No statistical differences were found between the different photoinitiator systems to KNH, CLS, FS, and YM properties (p≥0.05). PPD/CQ association showed the higher DC values compared with CQ and PPD isolated systems when photoactivated by a polywave LED (p≤0.05). Y values were highest for the CQ compared with the PPD systems (p≤0.05).

Conclusion

PPD isolated system promoted similar chemical and mechanical properties and less yellowing compared with the CQ isolated system, regardless of the LCU used.

The effect of curing intensity on mechanical properties of different bulk-fill composite resins

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two curing light intensities on the mechanical properties (Vickers microhardness, compressive strength, and diametral tensile strength) of bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four commercially available bulk-fill RBCs (Tetric^® N-Ceram, SonicFill™, Smart Dentin Replacement (SDR™) Posterior Flowable Material, and Filtek™ Posterior Restorative) were used in this study. A total of 72 cylindrical specimens of each RBC (n=288) were prepared and subjected to Vickers microhardness, compressive strength, and diametral tensile strength tests at high (1200 mW/cm²) and low (650 mW/cm²) curing light intensities (each n=12). Results were evaluated using independent and paired sample t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey's post hoc test. All tests were performed at a significance level of P<0.05.

RESULTS

The highest mean microhardness was observed for SonicFill (58.3 Vickers hardness number [VHN]) cured using high-intensity light. Although having the least mean microhardness values, a significant difference was observed between SDR cured using high-intensity light and that cured using low-intensity light (P<0.05). In the total sample, the highest mean compressive strength was obtained for SonicFill (262.6 MPa), followed by SDR (253.2 MPa), both cured using high-intensity light, and the least was measured for Tetric N-Ceram cured using low-intensity light (214.3 MPa). At high and low curing light intensities, diametral tensile strength for all RBCs except SonicFill was significant (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

A higher curing light intensity (1200 mW/cm²) had a positive influence on the compressive and tensile strength of the four bulk-fill RBCs and microhardness of two materials tested compared with lower curing light intensity (650 mW/cm²). SonicFill showed the greatest microhardness and compressive strength significantly for both curing light intensities and greater diametral tensile strength with high-intensity light, although not significant. SDR cured with high-intensity light showed the greatest diametral tensile strength among the four materials.

Effect of diphenyliodonium hexafluorphosphate on resin cements containing different concentrations of ethyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate as co-initiators

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluated the influence of diphenyliodonium hexafluorphosphate (DPI) combined with two different amines [ethyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (EDAB) and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA)] on the properties of model resin cements.

METHODS

A comonomer base containing a 1:1 mass ratio of 2.2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane (bis-GMA) and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) was obtained, after which 1mol% of camphorquinone and 0.1mol% of hydroxyl butyl toluene were added to the comonomer blend. Concentrations of co-initiators varied at 0, 0.5 or 1mol% for DPI and in 1 or 2mol% for amines (DMAEMA or EDAB). Silanated Ba-Al-Si glass (60wt%) was added as filler. The combination of each amine and DPI concentration resulted in 12 formulations, which had the following properties analyzed: degree of conversion (DC), water sorption (Wsp) and solubility (Wsl), flexural strength (FS) and flexural modulus (Ef). Data for DC, FS and Ef were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05) and Wsp and Wsl by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (α=0.05).

RESULTS

EDAB promoted a higher DC than did DMAEMA; however, DPI increased DC for all materials with DMAEMA. The physical properties of resin formulations containing EDAB were significantly better than those of groups with DMAEMA; however, DPI had a positive influence on the chemical and physical properties of the model resin cement containing DMAEMA, especially with higher concentrations of amine.

SIGNIFICANCE

EDAB proved to be more reactive than DMAEMA, being less influenced by DPI. Resins containing a 1:2 CQ/amine ratio had better properties than those with 1:1.

Influence of Photoinitiator and Light-Curing Source on Bond Strength of Experimental Resin Cements to Dentin

Abstract This study evaluated the bond strength (BS) of experimental resin cements formulated with different photoinitiators when activated by two kinds of light-curing units (LCUs) through a ceramic material. Seven resin blends with different camphorquinone (CQ) and/or phenylpropanedione (PPD) concentrations (weight) were prepared: C5: 0.5% CQ; C8: 0.8% CQ; P5: 0.5% PPD; P8: 0.8% PPD; C1P4: 0.1% CQ and 0.4% PPD; C4P1: 0.4% CQ and 0.1% PPD; C4P4: 0.4% CQ and 0.4% PPD. Two LCUs were used: one quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH - 850 mW/cm²) and one light-emitting diode (LED - 1300 mW/cm²). The microtensile bond strength of each blend was assessed. Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The BS values did not exhibit significant differences for LCUs, regardless of the photoinitiator type. Three cements showed significant differences: P5 and C5 had higher BS with QTH, and C4P1 with LED. For QTH, P5 showed the highest and C1P4 the lowest BS. For the LED, C4P1 showed the highest BS of all the cements. The results indicated that PPD was a viable alternative in the formulation of photocured resin cements, reducing or eliminating CQ that is yellowish without impairing the bond strength. Furthermore, both LED and QTH were effective in curing resin cements that contain PPD or CQ.

Evaluation of Polymerization Efficacy in Composite Resins via FT-IR Spectroscopy and Vickers Microhardness Test

Background and aims. Polymerization efficacy affects the properties and performance of composite resin restorations.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of polymerization of two micro-hybrid, two nano-hybrid and one nano-filled ormocer-based composite resins, cured by two different light-curing systems, using Fourier transformation infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Vickers microhardness testing at two different depths (top surface, 2 mm).

Materials and methods. For FT-IR spectrometry, five cylindrical specimens (5mm in diameter × 2 mm in length) were prepared from each composite resin using Teflon molds and polymerized for 20 seconds. Then, 70-μm wafers were sectioned at the top surface and at2mm from the top surface. The degree of conversion for each sample was calculated using FT-IR spectroscopy. For Vickers micro-hardness testing, three cylindrical specimens were prepared from each composite resin and polymerized for 20 seconds. The Vickers microhardness test (Shimadzu, Type M, Japan) was performed at the top and bottom (depth=2 mm) surfaces of each specimen. Three-way ANOVA with independent variables and Tukey tests were performed at 95% significance level.

Results. No significant differences were detected in degree of conversion and microhardness between LED and QTH light-curing units except for the ormocer-based specimen, CeramX, which exhibited significantly higher DC by LED. All the composite resins showed a significantly higher degree of conversion at the surface. Microhardness was not significantly affected by depth, except for Herculite XRV Ultra and CeramX, which showed higher values at the surface.

Conclusion. Composite resins containing nano-particles generally exhibited more variations in degree of conversion and microhardness.

Hexaarylbiimidazoles as visible light thiol-ene photoinitiators

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to determine if hexaarylbiimidazoles (HABIs) are efficient, visible light-active photoinitiators for thiol-ene systems. We hypothesize that, owing to the reactivity of lophyl radicals with thiols and the necessarily high concentration of thiol in thiol-ene formulations, HABIs will effectively initiate thiol-ene polymerization upon visible light irradiation.

METHODS

UV-vis absorption spectra of photoinitiator solutions were obtained using UV-vis spectroscopy, while EPR spectroscopy was used to confirm radical species generation upon HABI photolysis. Functional group conversions during photopolymerization were monitored using FTIR spectroscopy, and thermomechanical properties were determined using dynamic mechanical analysis.

RESULTS

The HABI derivatives investigated exhibit less absorptivity than camphorquinone at 469nm; however, they afford increased sensitivity at this wavelength when compared with bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphineoxide. Photolysis of the investigated HABIs affords lophyl radicals. Affixing hydroxyhexyl functional groups to the HABI core significantly improved solubility. Thiol-ene resins formulated with HABI photoinitiators polymerized rapidly upon irradiation with 469nm. The glass transition temperatures of the thiol-ene resin formulated with a bis(hydroxyhexyl)-functionalized HABI and photopolymerized at room and body temperature were 49.5±0.5°C and 52.2±0.1°C, respectively.

SIGNIFICANCE

Although thiol-enes show promise as continuous phases for composite dental restorative materials, they show poor reactivity with the conventional camphorquinone/tertiary amine photoinitiation system. Conversely, despite their relatively low visible light absorptivity, HABI photoinitiators afford rapid thiol-ene photopolymerization rates. Moreover, minor structural modifications suggest pathways for improved HABI solubility and visible light absorption.

Effect of emitted wavelength and light guide type on irradiance discrepancies in hand-held dental curing radiometers

The purpose of this study was to determine any discrepancies in the outputs of five commercial dental radiometers and also to evaluate the accuracy of these devices using a laboratory-grade spectroradiometer. The power densities of 12 different curing light sources were repeatedly measured for a total of five times using each radiometer in a random order. The emission spectra of all of the curing light sources were also measured using the spectroradiometer, and the integral value of each spectrum was calculated to determine the genuine power densities, which were then compared to the displayed power densities measured by the dental radiometers. The displayed values of power density were various and were dependent on the brand of radiometer, and this may be because each radiometer has a different wavelength sensitivity. These results cast doubt upon the accuracy of commercially available dental radiometers.

Effect of food stimulated liquids and thermocycling on the monomer elution from a nanofilled composite

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of food simulating liquids and thermocycling on the elution of monomers from a nanofilled resin composite in different immersion times. Five Specimen discs were made from a nano-hybrid composite (Supreme 3M) for each group (Total = 180) and immersed in distilled water (control), citric acid, lactic acid, and 75% aqueous ethanol solution. The discs were removed after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 1 wk, 4 wk, and 12 wk. Three groups of samples underwent thermocycling for 1000, 2000 and 3000 cycles. The solutes were analyzed with HPLC for detection of eluted monomers. The results showed that the amount of released TEGDMA was significantly higher than that of Bis-GMA; however, there were not any significant differences between the amount of released Bis-GMA and UDMA. Moreover, the highest amount of monomers was released from samples immersed in ethanol solution; samples immersed in citric acid and lactic acid significantly released more monomers than those immersed in distilled water. Furthermore, the immersion time in aqueous ethanol solution had an increasing effect on the release of monomers. In addition, the higher amounts of monomers were release from samples immersed in ethanol and citric acid which underwent a higher number of thermal cycles. In conclusion, food and drink stimulated liquids used in this study increased the amount of some of the monomers released from composite resin. Thermal shocks and storage time are other factors that increased the release of monomers from the composite resin

Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of composite resins with CQ and PPD as photo-initiators photoactivated by QTH and LED units

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the thermal and mechanical properties of the composite resins containing the photo-initiators camphorquinone (CQ) and/or phenyl-propanodione (PPD) when photoactivated with halogen lamp (XL2500/3M-ESPE), monowave (UltraBlueIS/DMC) and polywave (UltraLume5/Ultradent) LED units.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A blend of BisGMA, UDMA, BisEMA and TEGDMA was prepared with the same wt% of photo-initiators CQ and/or PPD and 65wt% of silaneted filler particles. Compression strength (CS), diametral tensile strength (DTS) and diametral modulus (DM) were tested. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was made and the lost residual monomer were verified. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) was used for to analyze the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the storage modulus in 37°C. Degree of conversion (DC) was accomplished in the same samples of DMA using middle-infrared spectroscopy (mid-IR).

RESULTS

CQ, CQ/PPD and PPD obtained the same results for all mechanical properties (CS, DTS and DM), lost residual monomer and storage modulus in 37°C, regardless LCU used. The results of Tg showed that the combination PPD-UltraLume5 produced the highest values. DC showed that the combination CQ-UltraLume5 resulted in the highest values and PPD-XL2500 in the lowest DC values.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that PPD is not only effective photosensitizers, but also photocrosslinking agents for dental composite resins with a similar efficiency to CQ.

Effects of preheating and precooling on the hardness and shrinkage of a composite resin cured with QTH and LED

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the hardness and shrinkage of a pre-cooled or preheated hybrid composite resin cured by a quartz-tungsten-halogen light (QTH) and light-emitting diode (LED) curing units. The temperature on the tip of the devices was also investigated. Specimens of Charisma resin composite were produced with a metal mold kept under 37°C. The syringes were submitted to 4°C, 23°C, and 60°C (n=20) before light-curing, which was carried out with the Optilux 501 VCL and Elipar FreeLight 2 units for 20 seconds. The specimens were kept under 37°C in a high humidity condition and darkness for 48 hours. The Knoop hardness test was carried out with a 50 gram-force (gf) load for 10 seconds, and the measurement of the shrinkage gap was carried out using an optical microscope. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the Games-Howell test (α=0.05). The mean hardness of the groups were similar, irrespective of the temperatures (p>0.05). For 4°C and 60°C, the top surface light-cured by LED presented significantly reduced shrinkage when compared with the bottom and to both surfaces cured by QTH (p<0.05). It was concluded that the hardness was not affected by pre-cooling or preheating. However, polymerization shrinkage was slightly affected by different pre-polymerization temperatures. The QTH-curing generated greater shrinkage than LED-curing only when the composite was preheated. Different temperatures did not affect the composite hardness and shrinkage when cured by a LED curing unit.

Color stability of experimental composites containing different photoinitiators

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the color stability (ΔE) of experimental composites containing different photoinitiators when submitted to accelerated artificial ageing (AAA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty test specimens were made in a Teflon matrix (8mm×2mm), using an experimental composite (n=10) with the same monomer composition and particle size, but varying photoinitiator used: Group CQ (0.4% Camphorquinone), Group PPD (0.4% 1-Phenyl-1,2 Propanodione) and Group CQ+PPD (0.2% CQ+0.2% PPD). The samples were light activated (QTH - Ultralux - Dabi Atlante - 40s) and polished before performing the initial color readouts (EasyShade - Vita). Next, they were submitted to AAA for 300h, after which final color readouts were made.

RESULTS

The results (1-way ANOVA - Tukey - p<0.05) demonstrated that all the groups presented color alteration above the clinically acceptable level (ΔE≥3.3), however, with no statistically significant difference among them (p>0.05). Analysis of Δb demonstrated increase in the values of this coordinate, indicating yellowing in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that the type of photoinitiator, which presented a tendency towards yellowing, did not interfere in the color stability of composites submitted to AAA.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Alternative photoinitiators have been extensively studied since Camphorquinone presents a yellowish color, which compromises the aesthetic performance of composites, especially the lighter-shade ones.

Advances in light-curing units: four generations of LED lights and clinical implications for optimizing their use: Part 2. From present to future

The first part of this series of two described the history of light curing in dentistry and developments in LED lights since their introduction over 20 years ago. Current second- and third-generation LED light units have progressively replaced their halogen lamp predecessors because of their inherent advantages. The background to this, together with the clinical issues relating to light curing and the possible solutions, are outlined in the second part of this article. Finally, the innovative features of what may be seen as the first of a new fourth-generation of LED lights are described and guidance is given for the practitioner on what factors to consider when seeking to purchase a new LED light activation unit.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Adequate curing in depth is fundamental to clinical success with any light-activated restoration. To achieve this goal predictably, an appropriate light source needs to be combined with materials knowledge, requisite clinical skills and attention to detail throughout the entire restoration process. As dentists increasingly use light-cured direct composites to restore large posterior restorations they need to appreciate the issues central to effective and efficient light curing and to know what to look for when seeking to purchase a new light-curing unit.

Selective Enamel Etching: Effect on Marginal Adaptation of Self-Etch LED-Cured Bond Systems in Aged Class I Composite Restorations

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of previous enamel etch and light emitting diode (LED) curing on gap formation of self-etch adhesive systems in Class I composite restorations after thermomechanical aging (TMA). Thus, on 192 human molars, a box-shaped Class I cavity was prepared maintaining enamel margins. Self-etch adhesives (Clearfil SE and Clearfil S3) were used to restore the preparation with a microhybrid composite. Before application of the adhesives, half of the teeth were enamel etched for 15 seconds with 37% phosphoric acid; the other half were not etched. For the photoactivation of the adhesives and composite, three light-curing units (LCUs) were used: one polywave (Ultra-Lume LED 5, UL) and two single-peak (FlashLite 1401, FL and Radii-cal, RD) LEDs. After this, epoxy resin replicas of the occlusal surface were made, and the specimens were submitted to TMA. New replicas were made from the aged specimens for marginal adaptation analysis by scanning electron microscopy. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests (α=0.05). Before TMA, when enamel was etched before the application of S3, no gap formation was observed; however, there were gaps at the interface for the other tested conditions, with a statistical difference (p≤0.05). After TMA, the selective enamel etching previous to the S3 application, regardless of the LCU, promoted higher marginal adaptation compared to the other tested groups (p≤0.05). Prior to TMA, higher marginal integrity was observed, in comparison with specimens after TMA (p≤0.05). With regard to Clearfil SE and Clearfil Tri-S cured with FL, no differences of gap formation were found between before and after aging (5.3 ± 3.8 and 7.4 ± 7.5, respectively), especially when the Clearfil Tri-S was used in the conventional protocol. When cured with RD or UL and not etched, Clearfil Tri-S presented the higher gap formation. In conclusion, additional enamel etching promoted better marginal integrity for Clearfil Tri-S, showing it to be an efficient technique for Class I composite restorations. The two-step self-etch adhesive was not influenced by selective enamel etching or by the LED-curing unit.

Influence of the LED curing source and selective enamel etching on dentin bond strength of self-etch adhesives in class I composite restorations

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the LED curing unit and selective enamel etching on dentin microtensile bond strength (μTBS) for self-etch adhesives in class I composite restorations. On 96 human molars, box-shaped class I cavities were made maintaining enamel margins. Self-etch adhesives (Clearfil SE - CSE and Clearfil S(3) - S3) were used to bond a microhybrid composite. Before adhesive application, half of the teeth were enamel acid-etched and the other half was not. Adhesives and composites were cured with the following light curing units (LCUs): one polywave (UltraLume 5 - UL) and two single-peak (FlashLite 1401 - FL and Radii Cal - RD) LEDs. The specimens were then submitted to thermomechanical aging and longitudinally sectioned to obtain bonded sticks (0.9 mm(2)) to be tested in tension at 0.5 mm/min. The failure mode was then recorded. The μTBS data were submitted to a three-way ANOVA and Tukey's (α = 0.05). For S3, the selective enamel-etching provided lower μTBS values (20.7 ± 2.7) compared to the non-etched specimens (26.7 ± 2.2). UL yielded higher μTBS values (24.1 ± 3.2) in comparison to the photoactivation approach with FL (18.8 ±3.9) and RD (19.9 ±1.8) for CSE. The two-step CSE was not influenced by the enamel etching (p ≥ 0.05). Enamel acid etching in class I composite restorations affects the dentin μTBS of the one-step self-etch adhesive Clearfil S(3), with no alterations for Clearfil SE bond strength. The polywave LED promoted better bond strength for the two-step adhesive compared to the single-peak ones.

Effect of irradiation times on the polymerization depth of contemporary fissure sealants with different opacities

The aim of this study was to evaluate the depth of curing of 10 contemporary blue light-activated dental flowable materials at several opacities, influenced by different irradiation times using FT-IR spectroscopy. Fifty-five specimens (n = 5) with a 5-mm diameter and 1-mm thickness of translucent (Opallis Flow T), yellowed (Master Flow A2; Opallis Flow A2; Natural Flow A2; Fluroshield Yellowed), and opaque materials (Master Flow OA2; Natural Flow O; Opallis Flow OA3.5; Opallis Flow OP; Fluroshield White) were obtained at six curing times (10s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s) using a high-intensity LED (Coltolux, Coltène/Whaledent). The degree of conversion (DC) (%) was obtained using the Nexus 470 FTIR Spectrometer (Nicolet Instruments, USA). The FTIR-ATR spectra for uncured and cured samples were analyzed using a ZnSe crystal. The top and bottom surfaces of the cured specimens were analyzed to obtain the depth of curing. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data. The highest curing depth was obtained by Natural Flow OA2, while the lowest was shown by Master Flow OA2. The shortest curing time generated similar depths of cure in comparison with the most extensive for Opallis Flow A2 and Fluroshield Yellowed. Therefore, depth of curing, influenced by the irradiation time, was dependent on the materials. Using the Natural Flow OA2 opaque sealant and the 10-s curing time for Opallis Flow A2 and Fluroshield Yellowed may represent alternative approaches to sealing tooth fissures.