An Enamel Based Biopolymer Prosthesis for Dental Treatment with the Proper Bond Strength and Hardness and Biosafety

Magnetic Hydroxyapatite-Coated Iron-Chromium Microspheres for Dental Surface Polishing and Plaque Removal

This research aimed to engineer magnetic hydroxyapatite-coated iron-chromium (HAp-FeCr) microspheres to enhance dental surface polishing and plaque elimination. Utilizing a tailored sol-gel approach, the HAp-FeCr microspheres were synthesized and exhaustively characterized via scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ζ-potential, X-ray diffractometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy methodologies. Key findings showcased that these microspheres retained their magnetic properties post-HAp coating, as evidenced by the magnetization curves. An innovative magnetic polishing system was developed, incorporating these microspheres and a 2000 rpm magnet. Comparative evaluations between traditional air-powder polishing and the proposed magnetic technique demonstrated the latter's superiority. Notably, the magnetic polishing led to a substantial reduction in dental plaque on the tooth surface, decreasing bacterial adhesion and early biofilm formation by Streptococcus gordonii and Lactobacillus acidophilus, where the most pronounced effects were observed in samples with elevated HAp content. A significant 60% reduction in dental plaque was achieved with the magnetic method relative to air-powder polishing. Furthermore, the HAp-FeCr microspheres' biocompatibility was verified through cytotoxicity tests and animal studies. In essence, the magnetic HAp-FeCr microspheres present a novel and efficient strategy for dental treatments, holding immense potential for improving oral health.

Improving retention of dental veneers fabricated from an experimental enamel-based biopolymer compared with CAD/CAM hybrid materials

Objectives

CAD/CAM hybrid materials have become increasingly utilized in restorative dentistry. However, their low tensile bond strength (TBS) may lead to the detachment of minimally invasive restorations. When prepared, an experimental enamel-based biopolymer prosthesis provided a honeycomb-like interfacial layer with luting adhesives leading to a higher TBS than Ni-Cr-Be based alloy, lithium disilicate-based ceramic, and cured-resin-composite. This study aimed to compare TBSs of dental veneers fabricated from experimental biopolymer and commercial hybrid materials bonded to enamel using two different luting adhesives.

Methods

Laminate veneers (4 × 4 mm) 1 mm thick were prepared from commercial CAD/CAM blocks: VITA ENAMIC, SHOFU Block HC, KATANA AVENCIA, and an experimental biopolymer. The flat bonding surface of the veneers was ground to 600-grit, followed by 50-μm alumina air-abrading for standardization. Each veneer was fixed on flat ground bovine enamel using either Super-Bond C&B or RelyX™ U200 resin (n = 10). The surface treatment and bonding procedures were treated as recommended by the manufacturers. All bonded specimens were stored in water at 37 °C for 24 h before tensile testing with a universal testing machine at a cross-headed speed of 1.0 mm/min. The fractured surface was examined with a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. TBS data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α = 0.05).

Results

Experimental biopolymer veneers demonstrated the highest mean TBS with cohesive failure in the luting agents. Adhesive failure at the veneer side interface was found in other groups. There was no significant difference between the two luting agents.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the experimental biopolymer veneer bonded to enamel provided the best retention. The TBS at the enamel-resin interface is higher than at the veneer-resin interface for all commercial CAD/CAM hybrid materials.

Clinical significance

An experimental enamel-based biopolymer veneer can provide better retention than CAD/CAM hybrid materials in clinical treatment.