Effect of Optical Properties of Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramics and Light-Curing Protocols on the Curing Performance of Resin Cement

This study aimed to investigate the effects of optical properties of lithium disilicate glass ceramics and the light-curing protocols (LCP) on the curing performance of light-cured resin cement. Lithium disilicate glass-ceramics with different optical properties were sectioned to produce ceramic specimens of 0.8 mm thickness. Irradiance through the ceramic specimens was measured by a radiometer. Light transmittance of ceramics was assessed using a UV/Vis spectrophotometer. The light-cured resin cement was injected into a Teflon mold and ceramics with different optical properties were placed on it, cured under different LCPs, and the degree of conversion (DC) and Vickers microhardness of the resin cement were separately measured by Micro-ATR/FTIR spectrometry and the microhardness tester. The shade (p < 0.001) and transparency (p < 0.001) of ceramics affect the irradiance of the light-curing unit. The transparency (p < 0.001) of the ceramic and light-curing protocols (p < 0.001) affect the DC and microhardness of resin cements. When the thickness of the ceramic is 0.8 mm, the light transmittance of the ceramic and the curing performance of the resin cement increase with the increase of the transparency of the ceramic. An appropriate increase in irradiance and exposure time can optimize the curing performance of resin cement. These factors should be taken into account by the clinician when designing the bonding solution for porcelain veneers.

Evaluation of the effects of three pretreatment conditioners and a surface preparation system on the bonding durability of composite resin adhesive to a gold alloy

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three pretreatment conditioners and surface preparations on a composite resin adhesive for a gold alloy. Cast disk specimens were made and bonded with RelyX Unicem luting agent under six surface conditions: 1) polished with No.600 carbide paper, 2) air-abraded with alumina, 3) Alloy Primer metal conditioner was applied after alumina-abrasion, 4) Monobond Plus multipurpose conditioner was applied after alumina-abrasion, 5) M. L. Primer metal conditioner was applied after alumina-abrasion, and 6) Rocatec multipurpose silica-coating system was applied. The bond strengths were determined before and after thermocycling (50,000 cycles). The bond strengths of the alumina-abrasion group were significantly decreased after thermocycling. The Rocatec and M. L. Primer exhibited higher bond strengths than other treatments. The application of metal conditioners and multipurpose surface preparations was recommended for improved bonding between the evaluated adhesive resin and gold alloy.

Assessment of internal fit and micro leakage of conventionally fabricated ceramometallic restoration versus CAD wax and press veneering (in-vitro study)

Statement of problem

Accuracy of internal fit and microleakage for CAD-CAM systems used in metal coping fabrication and veneered with layering or pressing porcelain in ceramometallic restoration is unclear.

Material and methods

A master metal die was milled to resemble the right mandibular first molar preparation for coverage with ceramometallic restoration. Master die was duplicated to twenty-four resin specimen dies.They were divided into two groups according to metal coping construction technique using either conventional (C) or CAD (D) wax. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups (n = 6) according to the technique of porcelain veneering (layered or pressed) to fabricate ceramometallic restorations, where subgroup (CL, DL) were conventionally layered by porcelain and (CP, DP) were press veneered. A standardized thickness of metal and porcelain was performed in all specimens as per manufacturer’s instructions for techniques ceramometallic restoration construction.

Evaluation of internal fit was done with silicone replica technique using stereomicroscope at ×24 magnification where the thickness of silicon layer was measured at 20 reference points on each specimen. Then specimens were subjected to thermocycling. Sectioned specimens were assessed for microleakage using a stereomicroscope at ×12 magnification along die-cement interface with a five scale score.

Results

Mean internal gap values of veneering showed a statistically nonsignificant difference between specimens made with layering(L) and pressing(P). Different techniques of wax construction showed a non-significant difference in internal gap values between specimens made with conventional(C) and CAD(D) waxing. However, a significant difference was found in the internal gap at different sites. The highest internal gap was found at the occlusal surface, while the lowest gap was found at the finish line. The highest mean microleakage score was found with CAD wax and press veneering, while the lowest mean microleakage score was found with conventional wax and press veneering.

Conclusion

Both construction techniques of ceramometallic restoration were considered reliable in restoration production within a clinically acceptable range regarding internal fit and microleakage. There is a strong positive correlation between internal fit and microleakage of ceramometallic restoration constructed.

Minimum Radiant Exposure and Irradiance for Triggering Adequate Polymerization of a Photo-Polymerized Resin Cement

This study aimed to establish the minimum radiant exposure and irradiance to trigger an adequate polymerization of a photo-polymerized resin cement. In total, 220 disc-shaped specimens (diameter of 10 mm and thickness of 0.1 mm) were fabricated using a photo-polymerized resin cement (Variolink N-transparent, Ivoclar Vivadent). To investigate the minimum radiant exposure, the specimens were polymerized with radiant exposures of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 18 J/cm² (n = 20). During polymerization, the irradiance was maintained at 200 mW/cm². To investigate the minimum irradiance, the specimens were polymerized with irradiances of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mW/cm² (n = 20). During polymerization, the radiant exposure was maintained at the previously determined minimum radiant exposure. The Vickers microhardness (HV) and degree of conversion (DC) of the carbon double bond of the specimens were measured to determine the degree of polymerization of the specimens. The results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). In the investigation of the minimum radiant exposure, the HV and DC of the specimens polymerized with a radiant exposure from 1 to 5 J/cm² were significantly lower than those with 18 J/cm² (all p < 0.05). However, no significant difference in HV and DC was found between the specimens polymerized with 6 J/cm² and 18 J/cm² (p > 0.05). In the investigation of the minimum irradiance, the specimens polymerized with an irradiance of 50 mW/cm² had significantly lower HV and DC than the specimens polymerized with an irradiance of 200 mW/cm² (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference in the HV and DC was found among the specimens cured with irradiances of 100, 150, and 200 mW/cm² (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the minimum radiant exposure and irradiance to trigger an adequate polymerization of the light-cured resin cement were 6 J/cm² and 100 mW/cm², respectively.

Coronal Microleakage of Teeth Restored with Cast Posts and Cores Cemented with Four Different Luting Agents after Thermocycling

PURPOSE

The apical seal provided by a root canal filling may be breached via coronal leakage. This study aimed to compare the teeth restored with custom-made cast metal posts and cores cemented with different luting agents in terms of coronal microleakage after thermocycling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This in vitro study was conducted on 32 extracted single-canal teeth. Root canals were prepared by step-back technique and filled with gutta percha and sealer. The coronal 7 mm of gutta percha was removed, and post space was prepared using peeso reamers #2 and #3 consecutively. After fabricating the acrylic resin patterns of the posts and cores, they were cast using Ni-Cr metal alloy. The specimens were divided into 4 groups in which the castings were cemented using one of the following luting agents: zinc phosphate (ZP), glass ionomer (GI), Panavia F 2.0, and Speed CEM. After cementation, the teeth were immersed in distilled water and incubated for 7 days. Then, the teeth were subjected to thermocycling, immersed in silver nitrate for 6 hours, and finally sectioned. The degree of dye penetration into the coronal part of the specimens was measured using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitey U tests with significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

The median microleakage in ZP, Speed CEM, GI, and Panavia were 171.89, 114.76, 26.51, and 20.02 μm, respectively. Pairwise comparisons among GI and ZP, GI, and Speed CEM, ZP and Panavia, ZP and Speed CEM, and Panavia and Speed CEM groups yielded significant differences (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Complete coronal seal was not achieved with any of the luting agents. The highest and the lowest degree of microleakage was yielded by ZP and Panavia luting agents, respectively.

Comparing marginal microleakage of three different dental materials in veneer restoration using a stereomicroscope: an in vitro study

Objectives:

The objectives were to evaluate the degree of dye penetration of three different dental materials as esthetic veneer restorations on anterior teeth using stereomicroscope, and to provide reference for clinical choice.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors were selected and randomly divided into three main groups of 20 each. Respectively, the teeth were prepared for veneer restoration by fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) (Everstick NET, Stick Tech), porcelain laminate veneer (PLV) (IPS Empress II(E-Max Press)) and 3M composites (3M ESPE) bonding with G-Cem resin cement (GC). After exposed to thermocycling (500cycles per day (5–55 °C, intervals: 30 s)) and immersed in 2% basic fuchsin dye solution for 24 h, the specimens were then sectioned buccolingual into three halves in a vertical plane parallel and measured dye penetration using stereomicroscope (Zeiss). The data collected was recorded by the dye penetration index (0–5) and statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and T-tests using SPSS 13.

Results:

It is evident that the FRC group showed the lowest mean score of 0.333 mm, and the PLV group showed a highest mean score of 0.749 mm, as compared with the FRC group and the 3M composites group. Overall, when the three groups were compared for microleakage using ANOVA, there was significant difference among the groups.

Conclusions:

To evaluate the dye penetration of microleakage, the FRC showed a better marginal adaptability for veneer restoration. Therefore, within the limitation of this study, the use of FRC as veneer on anterior teeth can be suggested.

Correlation between Microleakage and Absolute Marginal Discrepancy in Zirconia Crowns Cemented with Four Resin Luting Cements: An In Vitro Study

Objectives. To evaluate microleakage and absolute marginal discrepancy (AMD) and to assess correlation between AMD and microleakage with four resin luting cements. Material and Methods. 20 extracted human third molars were prepared for full-coverage crowns. 20 zirconia copings were made (LAVA, 3M ESPE) and cemented. Specimens were randomly allocated for each used type of cement into 4 groups, RelyX® (Rx), Multilink® (Mk), PANAVIA 2.1® (P), and Maxcem® (Mx) and immersed in 10% safranin for 72 hours. 20x magnification lenses were used to observe microleakage areas (μm²) and images software was used to measure AMD areas (μm). Discrepancy and microleakage between the cements were compared with one-way ANOVA test with confidence interval of 95%. Results. Rx Group showed microleakage has lowest value and AMD has highest value. P Group showed microleakage has the highest value and Mk Group presented AMD has lowest value. There were no significative differences between the cements. There were no linear correlations between microleakage and AMD; however a complex regression statistical model obtained allowed formulating an association between both variables (microleakage = AMD^0,896). Conclusions. No significative differences were found among 4 types of cements. No linear correlations between AMD and microleakage were found. Clinical Significance. AMD is not easily related to microleakage. Characteristics of cements are fundamental to decreasing of microleakage values.

Effect of two prophylaxis methods on marginal gap of Cl Vresin-modified glass-ionomer restorations

Background. This study evaluated the effect of two prophylaxis techniques on the marginal gap of CI V resin-modified glass-ionomer restorations.

Methods. Standard Cl V cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of 48 sound bovine mandibular incisors in this in vitro study. After restoration of the cavities with GC Fuji II LC resin-modified glass-ionomer, the samples were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 16. In group 1, the prophylactic procedures were carried out with rubber cup and pumice powder and in group 2 with air-powder polishing device (APD). In group 3 (control), the samples did not undergo any prophylactic procedures. Then the marginal gaps were measured. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare marginal gaps at the occlusal and gingival margins between the groups. Post hoc Tukey test was used for two-by-two comparisons. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results. There were significant differences in the means of marginal gaps in terms of prophylactic techniques (P < 0.001), with significantly larger marginal gaps in the APD group compared to the pumice and rubber cup group, which in turn exhibited significantly larger marginal gaps compared to the control group (P < 0.0005). In addition, the means of marginal gaps were significant in terms of the margin type (P < 0.001), with significantly larger gaps at gingival margins compared to the occlusal margins (P < 0.0005).

Conclusion. The prophylactic techniques used in this study had a negative effect on the marginal gaps of Cl V resin-modified glass-ionomer restorations.

Microleakage of Four Dental Cements in Metal Ceramic Restorations With Open Margins

Background:

Fixed prosthodontics is a routine dental treatment and microleakage is a major cause of its failure.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess the marginal microleakage of four cements in metal ceramic restorations with adapted and open margins.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty sound human premolars were selected for this experimental study performed in Tehran, Iran and prepared for full-crown restorations. Wax patterns were formed leaving a 300 µm gap on one of the proximal margins. The crowns were cast and the samples were randomly divided into four groups based on the cement used. Copings were cemented using zinc phosphate cement (Fleck), Fuji Plus resin-modified glass ionomer, Panavia F2.0 resin cement, or G-Cem resin cement, according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Samples were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution. After 24 hours, dye penetration was assessed under a stereomicroscope and analyzed using the respective software. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, paired t-tests, and Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney tests.

Results:

The least microleakage occurred in the Panavia F2.0 group (closed margin, 0.18 mm; open margin, 0.64 mm) and the maximum was observed in the Fleck group (closed margin, 1.92 mm; open margin, 3.32 mm). The Fleck group displayed significantly more microleakage compared to the Fuji Plus and Panavia F2.0 groups (P < 0.001) in both closed and open margins. In open margins, differences in microleakage between the Fuji Plus and G-Cem as well as between the G-Cem and Panavia F2.0 groups were significant (P < 0.001). In closed margins, only the G-Cem group displayed significantly more microleakage as compared to the Panavia F2.0 group (P < 0.05). Paired t-test results showed significantly more microleakage in open margins compared to closed margins, except in the Fuji Plus group (P = 0.539).

Conclusions:

Fuji Plus cement exhibited better sealing ability in closed and open margins compared to G-Cem and Fleck cements. When using G-Cem and Fleck cements for full metal ceramic restorations, clinicians should try to minimize marginal gaps in order to reduce restoration failure. In situations where there are doubts about perfect marginal adaptation, the use of Fuji Plus cement may be helpful.

Sealing properties of three luting agents used for complete cast crowns: a bacterial leakage study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the sealing properties of three different luting materials used for cementation of full cast crowns on extracted human premolars.

METHODS

Thirty noncarious human premolars were prepared in a standardized fashion for full cast crown restorations. All margins were placed in dentin. After impressions of the preparations, stone dies were fabricated on which copings were waxed, which were cast in type III alloy using standardized laboratory methods. Teeth were randomly assigned to three groups of 10 samples each (n=10), for which the following cements were used: 1) a resin-modified glass ionomer cement, Rely X Luting Plus (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA); 2) a self-adhesive resin cement, Maxcem Elite (Kerr Corporation, Orange, CA, USA); and 3) a glass ionomer cement, Ketac Cem (3M ESPE), the latter used as control. After cementation the samples were allowed to bench-set for 10 minutes, stored in water at 37°C, subjected to thermal cycling (2000×, between 5°C and 55°C, dwell time 35 seconds), and then stored in sterile phosphate buffer for seven days at 37°C. Subsequently, the occlusal surface was carefully reduced until the dentin was exposed. Finishing on wet sand paper removed the gold flash caused by grinding. After sterilization, the specimens were subjected to bacterial microleakage in a dual chamber apparatus for 60 days. Bacterial leakage was checked daily. Data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier survival test. Significant pairwise differences were analyzed using the log-rank test followed by Fisher exact test at a p<0.05 level of significance.

RESULTS

Rely X Luting Plus showed the lowest microleakage scores, which statistically differed significantly from Maxcem Elite and Ketac Cem (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Rely X Luting Plus cement displayed significantly lower microleakage scores than a self-adhesive resin-based and conventional glass ionomer cement.