The effect of surface sealant application and accelerated aging on posterior restorative surfaces: An SEM and AFM study

How the repair bonding strength of hybrid ceramic CAD/CAM blocks is influenced by the use of surface treatments and universal adhesives

We examined how different methods of surface treatment and different universal adhesives with or without extra silane affected the repair bonding strength of hybrid ceramic CAD/CAM restorations. Cerasmart specimens (n=320) were subjected to thermocycling and assigned to the following surface pretreatment protocols: control, diamond bur (DB), hydrofluoric acid (HF), and tribochemical silica coating (TSC). Half the specimens received a coating of silane, followed by application of the universal adhesives Futurabond M+ (FMU), Tokuyama Universal Bond (TUB), Single Bond Universal (SBU), or Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (CUQ) (n=10). A hybrid composite resin was used to simulate repair; then the specimens underwent further thermocycling. Shear bond strength (SBS) was determined and modes of failure were examined. The TSC-CUQ silane (-) group showed the highest SBS values. The best repairs were obtained when the surface was treated with TSC, with the exception of the DB-TUB silane (-) group. TUB increased SBS more than the other adhesives. Additional silane decreased SBS in the HF-TUB and TSC-CUQ groups, while increasing it in the TSC-TUB and DB-FMU groups (p<0.05).

Influence of surface sealants on the quality of posterior restorations with bulk-fill composites: A 4-year randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of surface sealants associated with a bulk-fill composite in posterior restorations after 4 years.

METHODS

A total of 174 posterior restorations were performed on 57 participants using a self-etch adhesive system and a bulk-fill composite. The groups were then divided into the following categories: 1) without surface sealant (NoS), 2) with surface sealant Biscover (Bisco, SBi), and 3) with surface sealant Permaseal (Ultradent, SPe). Restorations were evaluated using FDI criteria at baseline and after 1 and 4 years. Statistical analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Chi-square test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

After 4 years, only one restoration was lost (1 in the NoS group). The fracture/retention rate (with 95% confidence interval) was 98% for NoS and 100% for both SBi and SPe (p = 0.76). The majority of secondary outcomes showed minor defects, with no significant differences among the groups (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of marginal staining and marginal adaptation (p = 0.03). In both items, twelve restorations (nine in NoS, one in SBi, and two in SPe) showed minor marginal discrepancies favoring the sealant groups (SBi and SPe).

SIGNIFICANCE

Regardless of the use of surface sealants, the bulk-fill composite restorations showed excellent clinical performance after 4 years. However, the groups that received sealants showed better marginal adaptation and less marginal discoloration compared to those that did not receive sealants.

Innovative Nanostructured Fillers for Dental Resins: Nanoporous Alumina and Titania Nanotubes

The possibility of improving dental restorative materials is investigated through the addition of two different types of fillers to a polymeric resin. These fillers, consisting of porous alumina and TiO₂ nanotubes, are compared based on their common physicochemical properties on the nanometric scale. The aim was to characterize and compare the surface morphological properties of composite resins with different types of fillers using analytical techniques. Moreover, ways to optimize the mechanical, surface, and aesthetic properties of reinforced polymer composites are discussed for applications in dental treatments. Filler-reinforced polymer composites are the most widely used materials in curing dental pathologies, although it remains necessary to optimize properties such as mechanical resistance, surface characteristics, and biocompatibility. Anodized porous alumina nanoparticles prepared by electrochemical anodization offer a route to improve mechanical properties and biocompatibility as well as to allow for the controlled release of bioactive molecules that can promote tissue integration and regeneration. The inclusion of TiO₂ nanotubes prepared by hydrothermal treatment in the resin matrix promotes the improvement of mechanical and physical properties such as strength, stiffness, and hardness, as well as aesthetic properties such as color stability and translucency. The surface morphological properties of composite resins with anodized porous alumina and TiO₂ nanotube fillers were characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray chemical analysis. In addition, the stress-strain behavior of the two composite resins is examined in comparison with enamel and dentin.

Comparison of surface roughness and color stability of different denture characterizing composite resins: the effect of different surface treatments

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of surface treatment and type of composite resin material on the color stability and surface roughness of different denture characterizing composites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two nanohybrids [Gradia Plus Gum, (GP) and SR Nexco Paste Gingiva, (SR)] and one microhybrid gingiva-colored composite resin (Amaris Gingiva, (AG)] were investigated. A total of 120 disk-shaped samples were prepared, 40 of each material. Samples were divided into two groups (n = 20) for each material according to the surface treatment applied: conventional polishing (control) and coated with a sealant in addition to the surface polishing. All groups were thermocycled. The surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a profilometer after thermal cycling. The samples were then divided into 2 subgroups (n = 10) and stored for 7 days in distilled water or coffee solution. Color differences (ΔE₀₀ ) were calculated with a spectrophotometer. Results were evaluated with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The type of denture characterizing composite material and surface treatment method revealed statistically significant differences for the ΔE₀₀ (after immersion both in coffee and distilled water) and the Ra values of denture characterizing composite (p < 0.001 for both). All sealed groups showed significantly higher Ra than the all polished groups. Both in the polished groups and the sealant applied groups, the GP had the highest mean Ra values (0.29 ±0.05 μm and 0.47 ±0.09 μm, respectively). It was followed by SR (0.23 ±0.06 μm and 0.41 ±0.10 μm, respectively), and AG groups (0.20 ±0.06 μm and 0.39 ±0.09 μm, respectively). According to the mean ΔE₀₀ results, all composite groups showed significantly higher ΔE₀₀ values immersed in coffee solutions compared to distilled water. In coffee solutions, the highest ΔE₀₀ was observed in the polished GP (1.90 ±0.40), and the lowest ΔE₀₀ was observed in the polished SR (0.97 ±0.36). The sealed groups showed higher ΔE₀₀ than the polished groups, except for GP.

CONCLUSIONS

The surface roughness value of sealant applied groups were significantly higher than those of their polished groups. The surface sealant application significantly increased the staining of all composite groups compared to conventional polishing, except for GP. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Accelerated Aging Effects on Color Change, Translucency Parameter, and Surface Hardness of Resin Composites

Background

The aging process can induce a change in the surface microstructure of materials, the chemical compositions of matrices, and the filler particles of resin composites. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of accelerated artificial aging (AAA) on the color change, translucency parameter (TP), and surface hardness of resin composites.

Methods

Five resin composite materials (Tetric N-Ceram, Filtek Z250, Charisma Smart, Herculite Classic, and Escom100) were evaluated. A spectrophotometer was used for color measurements (L∗, a∗, and b∗). TP and color changes (ΔE 00) were calculated using the CIEDE2000 formula. The resin materials were subjected to aging for 300 hours. The hardness and TP values were measured before and after AAA. One- and two-way ANOVA and the Tukey test were used. The significance level was accepted as p < 0.05.

Results

Escom100 had significantly higher ΔE 00 values than the other resin composites, and Charisma Smart had significantly lower ΔE 00 values than the other tested materials (p < 0.05). Before and after AAA, Charisma Smart had the lowest TP values, and Filtek Z250 exhibited the highest hardness values (p < 0.05). For TP and surface hardness, the effect size value of the composite material was found to be higher than that of AAA.

Conclusions

After AAA, the investigated resin composites had ΔE 00 values that were above clinically acceptable thresholds. After aging, the tested materials generally exhibited decreases in L∗ values and a∗ values, while increases in b∗ values were observed. The ΔTP values of the resin composites were similar. AAA significantly increased the surface hardness of the tested materials.

Optical Behavior and Surface Analysis of Dental Resin Matrix Ceramics Related to Thermocycling and Finishing

Color preservation of esthetic dental restorative materials in the oral environment represents, besides longevity, a concern, and there is still limited knowledge related to the effect of aging on the optical behavior of resin matrix ceramics. The study analyzed the finishing and thermocycling of resin matrix ceramic material surfaces, in order to assess their consequences on optical properties. Five resin matrix CAD/CAM ceramics, namely a polymer-infiltrated ceramic and four types of nanoparticle-filled resins, were selected for the study, and finished by polishing and glazing. Thermocycling was chosen as the in vitro aging method. Surface microroughness, optical and hardness evaluations were achieved before and after artificial aging. Statistical analyses were performed with IBM SPSS Statistics software at a significance value of p < 0.05. Micro-roughness values increased after thermocycling, but were kept under the clinically accepted values. The optical characteristics of resin matrix ceramics were not significantly modified by thermocycling. Values of the glazed samples became closer to those of the polished ones, after hydrothermal aging, even if the differences were insignificant. Thermocycling significantly decreased the microhardness, mainly for glazed samples. This could be the consequence of glaze removal during thermocycling, which means that glazes provide a surface protection for a limited time.

Effect of Polishing Systems on the Color and Surface Properties of Resin Composites in the Process of Accelerated Artificial Aging

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of polishing system on the color stability, surface roughness, and hardness of resin composites in the presence and absence of accelerated artificial aging (AAA). Methods: Six resin composites (Universal Restorative 200, G-Aenial Anterior, Ceram-X Duo, Admira, IPS Empress Direct, Clearfil Majesty Esthetic) were evaluated. Thirty disc-shaped samples were prepared for each composite group. Resin composite groups were divided into three subgroups: control (Mylar strip), disc (Optidisc), and rubber (Dimanto) (n=10). Color change (ΔE00) was calculated using the CIEDE 2000 formula. Before and after AAA, the surface roughness (Ra, μm) and hardness (VHN) values were measured. Data were analysed using ANOVA, the Bonferroni test, and Pearson correlation (p

Surface Characterisation of Dental Resin Composites Related to Conditioning and Finishing

Due to the little information related to surface processing and conditioning of resin matrix ceramic materials previous glazing, the main purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of different surface treatments on the surface morphology of different resin composite materials. Five types of resin composite CAD-CAM materials: a resin composite ceramic Vita Enamic (E) and four types of nanoparticle-filled resins, like Lava Ultimate (L), Cerasmart (C), Shofu HC (S), Hyramic (H) were taken into consideration. Specimens received the following surface treatment protocols: conventional polishing [p], polishing and glazing [pg], conditioning with CoJet [c], conditioning with CoJet and glazing [cg], sandblasting [s], sandblasting and glazing [sg], etching [e], etching and glazing [eg]. Surface roughness was analyzed for all samples and nanosurface topographic characterization was made by Atomic Force Microscopy. The highest roughness was registered for sandblasted surfaces [s], followed by tribochemical silica airborne particle abrasion [c], and etching [e]. A very strong correlated conditioning behavior of resin nanoceramic materials, like L, C and S samples was found. The microroughness decreased thus [s] > [c] > [e]. These are moderate correlated with H, and are moderate negative correlated to E, where e is more efficient. Three-dimensional images indicated visible grain boundaries after conditioning, for all materials. After polishing and glazing, surfaces became smoother. For all tested conditioning and finishing methods, surface roughness values were within clinically acceptable limits. Finishing by polishing was proved to be a good choice for all materials taken into consideration, polishing and glazing likewise, excepting Hyramic. For Enamic and Shofu HC sandblasting or tribochemical conditioning and glazing and for Hyramic polishing and glazing are not the best options, related to nanoroughness values. Referring to the nanosurface topography, for Enamic, Cerasmart and Hyramic, glazing would be the method of choice, associated with the adequate conditioning method for each material.

Effect of thermocycling on the surface properties of resin-matrix CAD-CAM ceramics after different surface treatments

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of thermocycling on the water contact angle (WCA), surface roughness (SR), and microhardness (MH) of resin-matrix computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD-CAM) ceramics after different surface treatments (conventional polishing or 2 different surface sealants).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two different types of resin-matrix CAD-CAM ceramics; a nanoparticle-filled resin (CeraSmart; CS) and a resin nanoceramic (Lava Ultimate; LU) were tested. Rectangular-shaped plates (1 mm-thick) were divided into 3 groups (n = 8) in terms of surface treatment methods applied: conventional polishing (control) or 2 surface sealants (Optiglaze (OG) and Palaseal (PS)). Scanning electron microscope images ( × 1000 and × 700 magnifications) of each material were taken from 2 additional specimens before surface treatments. After surface treatments, WCAs of deionized water, SR, and MH values of specimens were measured. All specimens were subjected to 5000 thermocycling and measurements were repeated. SR, WCA, and MH data before and after thermocycling were compared by using a 2-way ANOVA (α=.05).

RESULTS

A significant interaction was found between the surface treatment and the material for WCA after thermocycling (P < .001), for SR before thermocycling (P = .014), and for MH both before and after thermocycling (P < .001). SEM images before surface treatments revealed that the surface of CS was mechanically rougher with a more microretentive topography compared with the surface of LU. No significant correlation was found between SR and WCA (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Thermocycling affected the SR, MH, and WCA of all resin-matrix CAD-CAM ceramics.

Effect of surface sealant on the surface roughness of different composites and evaluation of their microhardness

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a surface sealant on the surface roughness of different composites and compare their microhardness values.

Materials and methods:

Sixty disc-shaped specimens were prepared and assigned to 6 groups (n =10). Groups were prepared as follows; Group 1 (Herculite XRV Ultra), Group 2 (Beautifil Bulk Restorative) and Group 3 (Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative). Groups 4, 5, and 6 were prepared by applying a surface sealant (BisCover LV) on the specimens in groups 1, 2 and 3. Surface hardness of the discs in group 1, 2, and 3 and surface roughness of the discs in all groups were measured using the Vickers hardness test and a profilometer, respectively. One-way ANOVA was used to test for differences among the groups.

Results:

No significant differences were observed in the microhardness and roughness between the experimental and control groups for each restorative materials. Group 3 showed the highest surface hardness and group 4 showed the lowest surface roughness values.

Conclusion:

Using the BisCover LV resin after the polishing step has no significant effect on the surface roughness. The highest hardness values were obtained for the Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative after the polishing step. The smoothest surfaces were obtained for all experimental groups using the BisCover LV resin after the polishing step, Herculite XRV Ultra showed lower average roughness values than the other materials.

Effect of Surface Sealant Reapplication on Clinical Performance of HEMA-containing and HEMA-free Self-etch Adhesives: Two-year Results

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical performance of one-step self-etch adhesives over two years with and without the application of a surface sealant.

Methods and Materials:

In total, 160 restorations in 40 patients were performed for occlusal caries. Each patient received four Class I restorations, which included a 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)–containing (Clearfil S3 Bond) and HEMA-free (G-aenial Bond) one-step self-etch adhesive system with and without surface sealant. Half of the restored teeth received Fortify Plus (Bisco) surface sealant material, and the other half were polished with Sof-Lex discs only. Two experienced calibrated examiners clinically evaluated the restorations at baseline and at one- and two-year recalls according to the modified US Public Health Service criteria. The filled surface sealant material was reapplied at each evaluation period.

Results:

After two years, none of the restorations had failed. There were no significant differences between the two dentin adhesives with or without a surface sealant application among the evaluation periods. Each dentin adhesive with and without surface sealant showed significant changes from the clinically ideal (Alfa) to clinically acceptable (Bravo) with regard to marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, and surface texture. Sealed restorations exhibited lower ideal restoration rates with regard to color matching and surface texture and higher ideal restoration rates with respect to marginal adaptation compared with unsealed restorations. In addition, the surface sealant application reduced the marginal discoloration of the HEMA-free one-step self-etch adhesive.

Conclusions:

The two-year success rates of HEMA-containing and HEMA-free self-etch adhesives with and without surface sealing application were excellent. Although the surface sealant application was not effective with regard to changes in color matching and surface texture, it improved the marginal adaptation of the dentin adhesive and the marginal discoloration of a HEMA-free adhesive.

The effect of sandblasting duration on the bond durability of dual-cure adhesive cement to CAD/CAM resin restoratives

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of prolonged sandblasting on the bond durability of dual-cure adhesive resin cement to computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) restoratives.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nano-ceramic LAVA Ultimate and hybrid-ceramic VITA Enamic CAD/CAM blocks were used for this study. Each CAD/CAM block was sectioned into slabs of 4-mm thickness for the microtensile test (µTBS) test and 2-mm thickness for the surface roughness test. Three groups were created according to the sandblasting protocols; group 1: specimens were sandblasted for 15 seconds, group 2: specimens were sandblasted for 30 seconds, and group 3: specimens were sandblasted for 60 seconds. After sandblasting, all specimens were luted using RelyX Ultimate Clicker. Half the specimens were subjected to µTBS tests at 24 hours, and the other half were subjected to tests after 5000 thermocycles. Additionally, a total of 96 CAD/CAM block sections were prepared for surface roughness tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluations. The Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance, and Dunn's post hoc test were used to compare continuous variables among the groups.

RESULTS

At baseline, group 1, group 2, and group 3 exhibited statistically similar µTBS results for LAVA. However, group 3 had significantly lower µTBS values than groups 1 and 2 for VITA. After 5000 thermocycles, µTBS values significantly decreased for each block (P<.05).

CONCLUSION

It is important to perform controlled sandblasting because it may affect bond strength results. Sixty seconds of sandblasting disturbs the initial µTBS values and the stability of adhesion of CAD/CAM restoratives to dual-cure adhesive resin cement for VITA Enamic.

The effect of glazing and aging on the surface properties of CAD/CAM resin blocks

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of accelerated aging on surface properties of glazed CAD/CAM resin blocks using a 2D surface profilometer and a 3D non-contact optical profilometer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three types of CAD/CAM resin restorative materials, LAVA Ultimate (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA), VITA Enamic (Vita Zahnfabrik H. Rauter, Bad Säckingen, Germany), and Cerasmart (GC Corparation, Tokyo, Japan) were used for this study. CAD/CAM blocks were cut in 3-mm thickness slabs and divided into three groups; Group 1: control group (specimens polished with 600 grit SCI paper); Group 2: specimens sandblasted, silanized, and glazed with Optiglaze Color (GC); Group 3: glazed specimens subjected to 5000 thermocycles (n=15). The surface roughness (R_a and R_z) was evaluated using a profilometer and a 3D scanning instrument. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (P<.05).

RESULTS

LAVA, VITA, and Cerasmart exhibited statistically similar R_a and R_z values for each group (P>.05). For VITA and Cerasmart, the specimens in Group 1 exhibited significantly higher R_a values than Group 2 (P<.05). Group 1 (0.502 R_a), Group 2 (0.384 R_a), and Group 3 (0.431 R_a) exhibited statistically similar R_a values for LAVA (P=.062). After 5000 thermocycles, surface roughness values did not change significantly for glazed LAVA, VITA, and Cerasmart (P>.05).

CONCLUSION

Glaze material Optiglaze Color makes CAD/CAM resin surfaces smooth and glazed CAD/CAM surfaces seem resistant to deterioration under 5000 thermocycles.