Influence of Different Curing Modes on Polymerization Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Dual-Cured Provisional Resins

Immediate and Long-Term Pull-Out Bond Strength of 3D-Printed Provisional Crowns

Background: Over the past decade, 3D printing technology has revolutionized various fields, including dentistry. Provisional restorations play a crucial role in prosthetic rehabilitation, necessitating the evaluation of their bond strength with different provisional cement agents. Aims: This study is aimed at assessing the immediate and long-term bond strength of 3D-printed dental crowns using three provisional cement agents. Materials and Methods: Provisional crowns (N = 36) were manufactured using 3D modeling software and cemented in dentin analogues (G10 Nema resin). After the crowns' fabrication, they were randomly divided into three groups (n = 12) for cementation with Relyx Temp 3M ESPE, Provicol-VOCO, and Meron-VOCO. Tensile strength tests were conducted using a universal testing machine, with half of the specimens subjected to 2000 thermal cycles before testing. Finite element analysis was employed to assess tensile stress distribution. Results: Statistical analysis (two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test at a 95% confidence level) revealed significant effects of cement type (p = 0.006) and thermal aging (p = 0.001) on bond strength. Glass ionomer cement exhibited the highest immediate resistance, while all types of cement were adversely affected by thermal aging, resulting in decreased bond strength. Conclusion: Thermal aging significantly alters the properties of 3D printing resin and affects the bond strength of provisional cement with 3D-printed crowns. Despite the adverse effects of thermal aging, glass ionomer cement demonstrated the highest immediate resistance. Clinicians should carefully consider these findings when selecting provisional cements for 3D-printed crowns.

The Effect of Thermocycling on the Shear Bond Strength of Flash-free Brackets and Healing Dynamics of Enamel Microcracks: An In vitro Study

AIM

This study evaluates long-term shear bond strength (SBS) and enamel micro cracks (MCs) healing after using adhesive pre-coated brackets (APC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of eighty extracted human premolar teeth were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 20 per group): Control group: Teeth underwent indentation but no bracket bonding; group II : Teeth were subjected to indentation without exposure to thermocycling; group III: Teeth experienced both indentation and thermocycling; group IV: No indentation was applied to the teeth; groups III and IV were further divided into two subgroups to simulate different clinical timelines: Subgroup A (n = 10): Teeth underwent 5,000 thermocycles, equivalent to six months of clinical use. Subgroup B (n = 10): Teeth were subjected to 10,000 thermocycles, representing 12 months of use. All precoated brackets underwent debonding with a universal testing machine to assess the SBS, and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) was scored to evaluate the amount of adhesive left on the tooth surface. The study also examined horizontal and vertical enamel cracks, both pre- and post-intervention, across all groups. Crack healing was quantitatively assessed using computer-assisted digital image analysis to ensure precision. For statistical evaluation, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H-test, and Tukey's post-hoc tests were applied to assess differences among the groups.

RESULTS

The Kruskal-Wallis H-test demonstrated no significant ARI difference between the groups (p = 0.790). A one-way ANOVA showed a significant difference among all groups (p < 0.001), with lower values observed in the group with indentation without thermocycling compared to all other groups and the groups with 5,000 thermocycles compared to the groups with, 10,000 thermocycles. Crack healing was observed in the control and second groups, and cracks were directly proportional to the number of thermocycles and SBS values.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that APC FF's SBS increased, and thermal aging did not change the failure pattern. Thermocyclers and SBS affected enamel cracks.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The bond strength of pre-coated brackets and microcrack healing gradually increased with time, while the pattern of bond failure did not change. How to cite this article: Shamsan H, Albelasy NF, Farahat DS, et al. The Effect of Thermocycling on the Shear Bond Strength of Flash-free Brackets and Healing Dynamics of Enamel Microcracks: An In vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(9):836-845.

Disparity in the Influence of Implant Provisional Materials on Human Gingival Fibroblasts with Different Phases of Cell Settlement: An In Vitro Study

The development of healthy peri-implant soft tissues is critical to achieving the esthetic and biological success of implant restorations throughout all stages of healing and tissue maturation, starting with provisionalization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eight different implant provisional materials on human gingival fibroblasts at various stages of cell settlement by examining initial cell attachment, growth, and function. Eight different specimens-bis-acrylic 1 and 2, flowable and bulk-fill composites, self-curing acrylic 1 and 2, milled acrylic, and titanium (Ti) alloy as a control-were fabricated in rectangular plates (n = 3). The condition of human gingival fibroblasts was divided into two groups: those in direct contact with test materials (contact experiment) and those in close proximity to test materials (proximity experiment). The proximity experiment was further divided into three phases: pre-settlement, early settlement, and late settlement. A cell culture insert containing each test plate was placed into a well where the cells were pre-cultured. The number of attached cells, cell proliferation, resistance to detachment, and collagen production were evaluated. In the contact experiment, bis-acrylics and composites showed detrimental effects on cells. The number of cells attached to milled acrylic and self-curing acrylic was relatively high, being approximately 70% and 20-30%, respectively, of that on Ti alloy. There was a significant difference between self-curing acrylic 1 and 2, even with the same curing modality. The cell retention ability also varied considerably among the materials. Although the detrimental effects were mitigated in the proximity experiment compared to the contact experiment, adverse effects on cell growth and collagen production remained significant during all phases of cell settlement for bis-acrylics and flowable composite. Specifically, the early settlement phase was not sufficient to significantly mitigate the material cytotoxicity. The flowable composite was consistently more cytotoxic than the bulk-fill composite. The harmful effects of the provisional materials on gingival fibroblasts vary considerably depending on the curing modality and compositions. Pre-settlement of cells mitigated the harmful effects, implying the susceptibility to material toxicity varies depending on the progress of wound healing and tissue condition. However, cell pre-settlement was not sufficient to fully restore the fibroblastic function to the normal level. Particularly, the adverse effects of bis-acrylics and flowable composite remained significant. Milled and self-curing acrylic exhibited excellent and acceptable biocompatibility, respectively, compared to other materials.

Cell Type-Specific Effects of Implant Provisional Restoration Materials on the Growth and Function of Human Fibroblasts and Osteoblasts

Implant provisional restorations should ideally be nontoxic to the contacting and adjacent tissues, create anatomical and biophysiological stability, and establish a soft tissue seal through interactions between prosthesis, soft tissue, and alveolar bone. However, there is a lack of robust, systematic, and fundamental data to inform clinical decision making. Here we systematically explored the biocompatibility of fibroblasts and osteoblasts in direct contact with, or close proximity to, provisional restoration materials. Human gingival fibroblasts and osteoblasts were cultured on the "contact" effect and around the "proximity" effect with various provisional materials: bis-acrylic, composite, self-curing acrylic, and milled acrylic, with titanium alloy as a bioinert control. The number of fibroblasts and osteoblasts surviving and attaching to and around the materials varied considerably depending on the material, with milled acrylic the most biocompatible and similar to titanium alloy, followed by self-curing acrylic and little to no attachment on or around bis-acrylic and composite materials. Milled and self-curing acrylics similarly favored subsequent cellular proliferation and physiological functions such as collagen production in fibroblasts and alkaline phosphatase activity in osteoblasts. Neither fibroblasts nor osteoblasts showed a functional phenotype when cultured with bis-acrylic or composite. By calculating a biocompatibility index for each material, we established that fibroblasts were more resistant to the cytotoxicity induced by most materials in direct contact, however, the osteoblasts were more resistant when the materials were in close proximity. In conclusion, there was a wide variation in the cytotoxicity of implant provisional restoration materials ranging from lethal and tolerant to near inert, and this cytotoxicity may be received differently between the different cell types and depending on their physical interrelationships.

Mechanical Properties of Bisacryl-, Composite-, and Ceramic-resin Restorative Materials

OBJECTIVE

Resin-based materials used in restorative dentistry are introduced at a fast pace with limited knowledge about their properties. Comparing properties of these materials from different restorative categories is lacking but can help the clinician in material selection. This study aimed to compare mechanical properties and wear resistance of bis-acryl-, composite-, and ceramic-resin restorative materials.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Bisacryl-resin (Bis-R, LuxaCrown, DMG), composite-resin (Com-R, Filtek Supreme Ultra, 3M Oral Care), and ceramic-resin (Cer-R, Enamic, VITA Zahnfabrik) specimens were prepared for mechanical tests: fracture toughness (FT) with and without initial thermomechanical loading using a mastication simulator, flexural strength (FS), and flexural modulus (FM), compressive strength (CS), and volumetric wear loss measurement. The datasets for FT and wear resistance were each analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by pairwise comparisons or Tukey testing as appropriate. The datasets for FS, FM, and CS were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test.

RESULTS

Analysis of FS, FM, and CS showed significant differences between materials, with all pairwise comparisons between materials showing significance. Analysis of FT resulted in a significant interaction between the material and treatment, with analysis of wear loss showing a significant interaction between the material and the number of cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

Cer-R demonstrated superior FT, CS, and wear resistance compared to Bis-R and Comp-R materials. Fracture toughness of Bis-R increased after thermomechanical loading.

Failure load of milled, 3D-printed, and conventional chairside-dispensed interim 3-unit fixed dental prostheses

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

New techniques and materials for the laboratory fabrication of interim fixed dental prostheses have gained in popularity, yet how their failure strengths compare with conventional chairside materials is unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the strength of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or 3-dimensionally (3D) printed bis-acryl interim fixed dental prostheses with a traditional chairside-dispensed autopolymerizing bis-acryl prosthesis while taking into account the effect of loading rate and storage time.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A dentiform mandibular second premolar and second molar with a first molar pontic were prepared and scanned. Three groups of 3-unit interim fixed dental prostheses were fabricated: milled PMMA, 3D-printed bis-acryl, and chairside-dispensed autopolymerizing bis-acryl. The interim prostheses were evaluated for fit with a silicone disclosing material and cemented onto 3D-printed resin dies. The specimens were stored in 100% humidity at 37 °C. After 1 or 30 days of storage, the cemented interim prostheses were loaded to failure in a universal testing machine at 1 or 10 mm/min (n=15/group). Failure loads were analyzed by 3-way analysis of variance and multiple comparisons (α=.05).

RESULTS

Mean ±standard deviation failure loads ranged from 363 ±93 N (3D-printed bis-acryl, 30 days, 1 mm/min) to 729 ±113 N (milled PMMA, 24 hours, 1 mm/min). Loading rate did not significantly affect failure load of the interim prostheses (P=.306). After 30 days of storage in 100% humidity, the failure load of milled PMMA and 3D-printed bis-acryl interim prostheses decreased significantly, but the chairside autopolymerizing bis-acryl prostheses were not affected. After 30 days of storage, the failure loads of milled PMMA and chairside autopolymerizing bis-acryl were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of loading rate, interim fixed dental prostheses from milled PMMA had the highest initial strength 1 day after storage. Thirty days of exposure to humidity, however, reduced the strength of the CAD-CAM-manufactured interim prostheses, whereas the traditional chairside prostheses retained their strength.

A study on the characteristics of resin composites for provisional restorations

In this study, we evaluated the characteristics of five commercial resin composites used for provisional restorations. The inorganic filler contents of the resins were measured, and three-point bending, wear, surface hardness, water absorption, and staining tests were performed. The specimens underwent additional three-point bending tests after water storage and undergoing thermal stresses at 5°C and 55°C (10,000 cycles). Data were analyzed using one- or two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for pairwise comparisons. Each resin composite presented with different mechanical properties, based on variations in the inorganic filler content. The flexural strength of each resin composite was significantly decreased after water storage. There has a positive correlation between flexural strength and dynamic hardness but a negative correlation between flexural strength and maximum wear depth. The types and contents of the inorganic fillers, the composition of the monomer in the resin matrix, and the addition of plasticizers can affect the properties of the material.

Development of a novel resin for provisional prostheses using hyperbranched polyurethane acrylate and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate - An in vitro study

PURPOSE

To develop a novel resin for provisional prostheses using hyperbranched polyurethane acrylate (HBPUA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) with promising mechanical properties and low volumetric shrinkage.

METHODS

Four groups including TIH3-0 (100 wt% TEGDMA), TIH3-30 (30 wt% HBPUA + 70 wt% TEGDMA), TIH3-60 (60 wt% HBPUA + 40 wt% TEGDMA), and TB-60 (60 wt% bisphenol A-glycidyl dimethacrylate + 40 wt% TEGDMA) were prepared and commercial Luxatemp (DMG) was used for comparison. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography were used for material characterization. Mechanical properties including microhardness, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and load energy were measured before and after water immersion. Physical properties measurement included weight changes, solubility, water absorption, surface hydrophobicity, and volumetric shrinkage. Finally, biocompatibility was evaluated using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay.

RESULTS

The number- and weight-average molecular weights of the HBPUA were approximately 870 and 1480, respectively. The addition of HBPUA to TEGDMA increased the mechanical strength considerably. Although the weight changes and water absorption of TIH3-60 were higher than those of Luxatemp, the microhardness, flexural strength, flexural modulus, load energy, solubility, shrinkage, and biocompatibility of TIH3-60 were either comparable or superior to those of Luxatemp.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings of the present study, TIH3-60 has potential for development as a new provisional material.

Comparative evaluation of the effect of thermocycling on the mechanical properties of conventionally polymerized, CAD-CAM milled, and 3D-printed interim materials

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Studies on the energy absorption characteristics by means of elastic and plastic material deformation of interim materials are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effect of different thermocycling periods on the flexural strength (σ_fs), resilience (U_r), and toughness (U_T) of conventionally polymerized, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled, and 3-dimensionally (3D) printed interim materials.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Rectangular specimens (n=30 for each material) were fabricated from autopolymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), bis-acryl resin (Bis-acryl), CAD-CAM polymethyl methacrylate-based polymer (CAD-CAM/Milled), and 3D-printed composite resin (3D-Printed). Each material was divided into 3 groups (n=10) according to the applied thermocycling (5 °C to 55 °C) procedure: control (0 cycles), 2500, and 10 000 cycles. Parameters of the materials such as σ_fs, U_r, and U_T were tested in a 3-point bend test according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 10477. Data were statistically analyzed with the Shapiro-Wilk test followed by Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Friedman test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test (α=.05).

RESULTS

The tested material and thermocycling had a statistically significant influence on the σ_fs, U_r, and U_T values (P<.05). PMMA showed the lowest mean σ_fs, U_r, and U_T values (P<.05), and CAD-CAM/Milled showed σ_fs values similar to those of 3D-Printed at all thermocycling periods. CAD-CAM/Milled showed the highest U_r values at 10 000 cycles and the highest U_T values at all thermocycles. No significant differences were found in the mean change of σ_fs and U_r of CAD-CAM/Milled among different thermocycling periods.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that digitally fabricated interim materials had better mechanical properties than conventionally polymerized materials and that milled materials had the highest stability in maintaining their initial capacity to absorb energy.

Influence of Polymeric Restorative Materials on the Stress Distribution in Posterior Fixed Partial Dentures: 3D Finite Element Analysis

Background: This study evaluated the effect of interim restorative materials (acrylic resin (AR), resin composite (RC) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for dental computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)) on the stress distribution of a posterior three-unit fixed partial denture. Methods: The abutment teeth (first molar and first premolar) were modeled using the BioCAD protocol containing 1.5 mm of axial reduction and converging axial walls. A static structural analysis was performed in the computer-aided engineering software, and the Maximum Principal Stress criterion was used to analyze the prosthesis and the cement layers of both abutment teeth. The materials were considered isotropic, linearly elastic, homogeneous and with bonded contacts. An axial load (600 N) was applied to the occlusal surface of the second premolar. Results: Regardless of the restorative material, the region of the prosthetic connectors showed the highest tensile stress magnitude. The highest stress peak was observed with the use of RC (129 MPa) compared to PEEK and AR. For the cement layers, RC showed the lowest values in the occlusal region (7 MPa) and the highest values for the cervical margin (14 MPa) compared to PEEK (21 and 12 MPa) and AR (21 and 13 MPa). Conclusions: Different interim restorative materials for posterior fixed partial dentures present different biomechanical behavior. The use of resin composite can attenuate the stress magnitude on the cement layer, and the use of acrylic resin can attenuate the stress magnitude on the connector region.

Effects of Different Amine Activators on the Monomer Conversion, Biaxial Flexural Strength, and Color Stability of Experimental Provisional Dental Restorations

Objective  The aim was to assess the effect of different amine activators including N, N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT) or Na-N-tolyglycine glycidyl methacrylate (NTGGMA) on chemical-activated monomer conversion, biaxial flexural strength (BFS), and color stability of composites for provisional dental restorations.

Materials and Methods  Two formulations of composites containing either DMPT (D-temp) or NTGGMA (N-temp) were prepared. The degree of monomer conversion was assessed. The BFS of the materials was tested using the ball-on-ring testing jig. The color difference (∆E ₀₀ ) of the materials after immersion in water was also determined. The commercial comparisons were Unifast (UF), Protemp (PT), Luxacrown, and Luxatemp (LT).

Results  The monomer conversion of D-temp (57.4 ± 1.3%) was comparable to that of N-temp (59.0 ± 1.3%). The conversion of both D-temp and N-temp were higher than that of PT (48.1 ± 3.4%) and LT (48.0 ± 1.6%). BFS of both D-temp (164.2 ± 18.1 MPa) and N-temp (168.6 ± 8.9 MPa) were comparable but higher than that of UF (119.8 ± 13.6 MPa). ∆E ₀₀ of D-temp (2.7 ± 0.7) and N-temp (2.5 ± 0.8) were comparable but higher than that of other commercial materials (0.6–1.2).

Conclusion  The use of DMPT or NTGGMA showed negligible effect on monomer conversion, BFS, and color stability of the experimental provisional restorations. The conversion and BFS of the experimental materials were in the range of that obtained from commercial bis-acryl-based materials. However, the color stability of the experimental materials was lower than that of commercial materials.

Effect of Cartridge Storage Time and Ambient Laboratory Conditions on the Stability of Mechanical Properties of Bis-Acryl Interim Resin Materials

PURPOSE

To investigate the stability of mechanical properties during the entire shelf life of chemically-activated bis-acryl interim resin materials stored at ambient laboratory conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four bis-acryl interim resin materials with no explicit recommendation for refrigerator storage were selected (Luxatemp Plus, Visalys Temp, Structur 3, Structur Premium). Following cartridge storage at ambient laboratory conditions in 6-month intervals, 30 specimens (2.0 × 2.0 × 25.0 mm³ ) were prepared in each case and stored in distilled water (37.0 ± 1.0 °C) with 3 different water storage times (2 hours, 24 hours, 7 days). Flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, modulus of toughness, and elastic recovery were determined (3-point bend test). Data were subjected to a three-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to determine overall significance, followed by a series of separate one-way ANOVAs after data were split, using Tukey and Games-Howell post hoc tests to identify significant differences between groups (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

While Luxatemp Plus showed no significant decrease for all mechanical properties during the investigated shelf life of 21 months (p > 0.05), Visalys Temp exhibited a continuous decline of the corresponding values (p < 0.05), irrespective of the water storage time. Structur 3 and Structur Premium properties remained almost unchanged during the first 6 months of the examination period. Subsequently, a progressive decrease was observed for flexural strength and modulus of elasticity, while most modulus of toughness and elastic recovery results revealed little alteration.

CONCLUSION

Depending on the bis-acryl interim resin material, mechanical properties appeared to be susceptible to continuous degradation processes during cartridge storage at ambient conditions, especially towards the end of the material shelf life. For some materials, the chemical stabilization and recommended storage conditions should be revised by the manufacturers to prevent premature aging during shelf life.

Effect of Restorative Material on Mechanical Response of Provisional Endocrowns: A 3D-FEA Study

The goal of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution in an endocrown restoration according to different provisional restorative materials. An endodontically treated maxillary molar model was selected for conducting the finite element analysis (FEA), with a determined amount of dental remnant of 1.5 mm. The model was imported to the analysis software (ANSYS 19.2, ANSYS Inc., Houston, TX, USA) in STEP format. All contacts were considered perfectly bonded. The mechanical properties of each structure were considered isotropic, linear, elastic, and homogeneous. Three different provisional restorative materials were simulated (acrylic resin, bis-acrylic resin, and resin composite). An axial load (300 N) was applied at the occlusal surface in the center of the restoration. Results were determined by colorimetric stress maps of maximum principal stress, maximum shear stress, and total deformation. The different materials influenced the stress distribution for all structures; the higher the material’s elastic modulus, the lower the stress magnitude on the cement layer. In the present study, all provisional restorative materials showed similar stress patterns in the endocrown and on the cement layer however, with different magnitude. Based on this study limitation, the use of resin composite to manufacture provisional endocrowns is suggested as a promising material to reduce the stresses in the cement layer and in the dental tissue surfaces.

Strength and stiffness of interim materials and interim fixed dental prostheses when tested at different loading rates

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

How the loading rate might affect the mechanical properties of interim materials and interim fixed dental prostheses is unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the material stiffness, material strength, and structural strength of interim 3-unit fixed dental prostheses fabricated from 3 interim materials when stressed at different loading rates.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Bar-shaped specimens and anatomically correct interim 3-unit fixed dental prostheses with a modified-ridge lap pontic were fabricated from polyethyl methacrylate resin (Trim) and 2 bis-acrylic composite resins (TempSmart; Integrity) (n=10). Flexural modulus and strength of the bar specimens, representing material stiffness and strength, were determined with a 4-point bend test in a universal testing machine. The structural strength of the prosthesis was assessed from the failure load from a vertical force applied on the occlusal surface of the pontic. Three loading rates, 0.5, 5, or 10 mm/min, were evaluated. Results were statistically analyzed with 2-way analysis of variance and multiple comparisons (α=.05).

RESULTS

Loading rate and material significantly affected flexural modulus, flexural strength, and structural strength (P<.05). Increasing loading rate significantly increased the flexural modulus of all materials (P<.05), but the effect of loading rate on the flexural strength of bis-acrylic composite resins was mostly insignificant. Polyethyl methacrylate specimens did not fracture when loaded at 0.5 or 5 mm/min, and the interim fixed dental prostheses made from polyethyl methacrylate did not fracture at the 0.5 mm/min loading rate. Dual-polymerizing bis-acrylic composite resin had significantly higher flexural modulus and strengths than autopolymerizing bis-acrylic composite resin.

CONCLUSIONS

Polyethyl methacrylate resin had the lowest stiffness among the interim materials tested and did not fracture but excessively deformed at the low loading rate. Dual-polymerizing bis-acrylic composite resin consistently had higher stiffness and material strength and provided higher structural strength than the autopolymerizing bis-acrylic composite resin. Loading rate significantly affected the mechanical properties of polyethyl methacrylate resin (P<.05), but the effect was indistinct for the bis-acrylic materials.

Optical properties of bisacryl-, composite-, ceramic- resin restorative materials: An aging simulation study

OBJECTIVE

Compare optical properties of a bisacryl-, composite-, and ceramic-resin restorative materials pre and post artificial aging.

METHODS

Bisacryl-resin (LuxaCrown [LC], DMG), resin-composite (Filtek Supreme Ultra, [Filtek SU] 3M ESPE), and ceramic-resin (Enamic, VITA Zahnfabrik) specimens were prepared. The L*, C*_ab , and h_ab values were measured pre and post artificial aging to determine color stability (CIEDE2000) and changes in contrast ratio (CR), transmittance block, and relative translucency parameter. The datasets were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA followed by pairwise comparisons.

RESULTS

Color difference data showed a significant interaction between materials and treatments [F(6:60) = 375.04, P < .0001] with Enamic being most color stable material and coffee having most effect on color stability. CR data showed a significant interaction between materials and treatments [F(6:60) = 4.12, P = .0016]. LC showing most change in CR values with coffee treatment. Change in transmittance blocked by Filtek SU and LC was greater for coffee treatment than that by each of the other treatments (P < .0001). Filtek SU and LC, coffee produced a greater decrease in relative translucency than that each of the other treatments (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Resin-based materials demonstrate optical properties that encourage their use for direct/indirect restorative options. Color stability and translucency of these materials are proportionally related.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the optical properties of resin-based materials provides help in material selection and provides insight into clinical performance and esthetic longevity. The optical stability of certain bisacryl-resin is better than what was previously determined for these restorative materials.

Influence of different curing modes on flexural properties, fracture toughness, and wear behavior of dual-cure provisional resin-based composites

We investigated the influence of different curing modes on the mechanical properties and wear behavior of dual-cure provisional resin-based composites (DCPRs). Three DCPRs and a self-curing bis-acryl provisional resin-based composite were used. Flexural strength (σ_F), elastic modulus (E), resilience (R), and fracture toughness (K_IC) were measured. The specimens were fabricated with and without light irradiation, stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h, and subjected to 5,000 or 10,000 thermal cycles. For sliding impact wear testing, 12 specimens were prepared with and without light irradiation. The maximum facet depth and volume loss were determined using a noncontact profilometer. Some of the mechanical properties and wear behavior of DCPRs are affected by light irradiation. This study indicated that proper light irradiation is important in polymerization process of the DCPRs to enhance the wear resistance and some mechanical properties.

Wear resistance of indirect composite resins used for provisional restorations supported by implants

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate simulated localized and generalized wear of indirect composite resins used for implant supported provisional restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study investigated ten indirect composite resins. Two kinds of wear were simulated by 400,000 cycles in a Leinfelder-Suzuki (Alabama) machine. Localized wear was simulated with a stainless-steel ball bearing antagonist and generalized with a flat-ended stainless-steel cylinder antagonist. The tests were carried out in water slurry of polymethyl methacrylate beads. Wear was measured using a Proscan 2100 noncontact profilometer in conjunction with Proscan and AnSur 3D software.

RESULTS

Both localized and generalized wear were significantly different (P<.05) among the indirect composite resins. SR Nexco and Gradia Plus showed significantly less wear than the other indirect composite resins. The rank order of wear was same in both types of wear simulation.

CONCLUSION

Indirect composite resins are recommended when a provisional implant-supported restoration is required to function in place over a long period. Although only some indirect composite resins showed similar wear resistance to CAD/CAM composite resins, the wear resistance of all the indirect composite resins was higher than that of bis-acryl base provisional and polymethyl methacrylate resins.

Polymerization Behavior and Mechanical Properties of High-Viscosity Bulk Fill and Low Shrinkage Resin Composites

The present study determined the mechanical properties and volumetric polymerization shrinkage of different categories of resin composite. Three high viscosity bulk fill resin composites were tested: Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (TB, Ivoclar Vivadent), Filtek Bulk Fill posterior restorative (FB, 3M ESPE), and Sonic Fill (SF, Kerr Corp). Two low-shrinkage resin composites, Kalore (KL, GC Corp) and Filtek LS Posterior (LS, 3M ESPE), were used. Three conventional resin composites, Herculite Ultra (HU, Kerr Corp), Estelite ∑ Quick (EQ, Tokuyama Dental), and Filtek Supreme Ultra (SU, 3M ESPE), were used as comparison materials. Following ISO Specification 4049, six specimens for each resin composite were used to determine flexural strength, elastic modulus, and resilience. Volumetric polymerization shrinkage was determined using a water-filled dilatometer. Data were evaluated using analysis of variance followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference test (α=0.05). The flexural strength of the resin composites ranged from 115.4 to 148.1 MPa, the elastic modulus ranged from 5.6 to 13.4 GPa, and the resilience ranged from 0.70 to 1.0 MJ/m3. There were significant differences in flexural properties between the materials but no clear outliers. Volumetric changes as a function of time over a duration of 180 seconds depended on the type of resin composite. However, for all the resin composites, apart from LS, volumetric shrinkage began soon after the start of light irradiation, and a rapid decrease in volume during light irradiation followed by a slower decrease was observed. The low shrinkage resin composites KL and LS showed significantly lower volumetric shrinkage than the other tested materials at the measuring point of 180 seconds. In contrast, the three bulk fill resin composites showed higher volumetric change than the other resin composites. The findings from this study provide clinicians with valuable information regarding the mechanical properties and polymerization kinetics of these categories of current resin composite.