Mechanical Properties of Light-curing Composites Polymerized with Different Laboratory Photo-curing Units

Exposure of Biomimetic Composite Materials to Acidic Challenges: Influence on Flexural Resistance and Elastic Modulus

Acidic conditions of the oral cavity, including soft drinks and cariogenic bacteria, represent a damage for restorative biomimetic composite materials. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of two different acidic challenges on the flexural strength and elastic modulus of five composites: x-tra fil (Group 1, XTF), GrandioSO x-tra (Group 2, GXT), Admira Fusion x-tra (Group 3, AFX), VisCalor bulk (Group 4, VCB), and Enamel Plus HRi (Group 5, EPH). Thirty samples for each group were randomly divided and assigned to three different treatments: storage in distilled water as the controls (subgroups 1a–5a), 3 weeks distilled water + 1 week Coca-Cola (subgroups 1b-5b), and 4 weeks Coca-Cola (subgroups 1c–5c). For each subgroup, the flexural strength and elastic modulus were measured using an Instron universal testing machine, and data were submitted to statistical analysis. Considering subgroups B, no material showed a significant difference in the flexural strength with the controls (p > 0.05), whereas for subgroups C, only GXT and VCB showed significantly lower values (p < 0.05). AFX reported the lowest flexural strength among the materials tested. As regards the elastic modulus, no material showed a significant variation after acidic storages when compared with the respective control (p > 0.05). AFX and EPH reported the lowest elastic modulus compared to the other materials. All composites tested showed adequate flexural properties according to the standards, except for AFX. This biomimetic material, along with EPH, might be indicated for V class (cervical) restorations considering the lowest values of elasticity reported.

Influence of preheating and post-curing on a novel fiber-reinforced composite post material

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of preheating and post-curing methods on diametral tensile strength (DTS), flexural strength (FS), knoop microhardness (KHN), and degree of conversion (DC) of an experimental fiber-reinforced composite (FRC). Specimens (30 wt% of 3-mm-short E-glass fiber, 22.5 wt% of methacrylated-based resin and 47.5 wt% of filler particles) were subjected to: P - photocuring at 1500 mW/cm2 for 40 s (control); P/M - photocuring and microwave post-curing (540W/5 minutes); P/A - photocuring and autoclave post-curing (120°C/15 minutes); PH-P - preheating (60°C) and photocuring; PH-P/M - preheating, photocuring and microwave post-curing; and PH-P/A - preheating, photocuring and autoclave post-curing. Specimens for DTS (Ø 3 x 6 mm) and FS (25 x 2 x 2 mm) were tested at Instron 5965. KHN employed a 50g load for 30s. DC was measured using FTIR spectroscopy. Statistical analysis employed: factorial analysis, normality test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test, independent T-test and the Dunnett test. Interaction between factors was not significant (P>0.05). Preheating promoted significantly higher values of FS and KHN (p = 0.0001). Post-curing promoted significantly higher values for KHN (p = 0.0001). For DTS (p = 0.066) and DC (p= 0.724) no statistical difference was found between groups. SEM images showed that preheating promoted better interaction between glass fibers and resin matrix. Preheating increased FS, KHN and DTS, and post-curing increased KHN. DC was not affected by both methods. Preheating and post-curing methods can be used to improve some mechanical properties of FRCs' but degree of conversion remains unaffected.

Evaluation of the Flexural Strength of Submicron Hybrid Composite using Different Fabrication Methods: An in vitro Study

AIM

The aim of this study is to perform three-point bend test on submicron hybrid composite fabricated with direct and indirect veneer technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20 maxillary anterior teeth were selected, and labial reduction of 0.5 to 0.75 mm with a chamfered finish line for veneer preparation was done. Teeth were divided into two groups depending on fabrication technique being used: group I-veneers fabricated with light and group II-veneers fabricated with light and heat (PHOTOPOL). Specimens were tested under universal testing machine (UTM) where load was applied at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min with a pointer of 1 mm diameter. Data were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The results showed highly significant difference between the two groups with the mean value of group I (246.7 ± 2.285 N) and group II (531.1 ± 4.411 N).

CONCLUSION

The curing mechanism involving light and heat increases the fracture resistance of the veneers.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Within the limitations of this study, the results led to the conclusion that the association of common composites with a simple postcure heat treatment may be an alternative for current indirect composite systems, although more studies are needed to assess other properties of the composites for this application.

Effect of Steam Autoclaving on the Tensile Strength of Resin Cements Used for Bonding Two-Piece Zirconia Abutments

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of steam autoclave sterilization on the tensile strength of two types of resin cements used to bond customized CAD/CAM zirconia abutments onto titanium bases. Forty sets of zirconia abutments cemented to screwed titanium bases of implants analogs were divided into 4 groups (n = 10). Two groups were treated with a conventional chemically activated resin cement (ML, Multilink Ivoclar Vivadent) and the other two groups with a self-adhesive dual resin cement (RelyX U200, 3M ESPE). One group from each cement was submitted to steam autoclaving. The autoclave sterilization cycle was performed after 72 hours of cementation for 15 minutes at 121°C and 2.1 Kgf/cm2. The samples were subjected to tensile strength testing in a universal testing machine (200 Kgf, 0.5 mm/min), from which the means and standard deviations were obtained in Newtons. Results showed (via ANOVA and Tukey's test; α = 0.05) that in the absence of steam autoclaving, no difference was observed in tensile strength between the cements tested: ML: 344.87 (93.79) and U200: 280 (92.42) (P = .314). Steam autoclaving, however, significantly increased tensile strength for the ML: 465.42 (87.87) compared to U200: 289.10 (49.02) (P &lt; .001). Despite the significant increase in the ML samples (P = .013), autoclaving did not affect the tensile strength of the U200 samples (P &gt; 0.05). The authors concluded that steam autoclaving increases the mean tensile strength of the chemically activated cement compared to the dual-cure self-adhesive cement. The performance of both cements evaluated was similar if the sterilization step was disconsidered.

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.

Comparative effect of different polymerization techniques on residual monomer and hardness properties of PMMA-based denture resins

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the residual monomer and microhardness of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based denture resins processed by using autoclave and conventional water bath techniques.

METHODS

To determine the amount of residual methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer, disk-shaped specimens (n=5) were prepared from 3 different acrylic resins (Meliodent, Paladent and Qc-20). Control groups were polymerized in water bath for 30 minutes at 100°C. The study groups were prepared in an autoclave device for 60°C/30 min followed 130°C/10 min and the other group for 60°C/30 min followed by 130°C/20 min. According to standard calibration curves, ultraviolet spectrophotometry at 230 nm was used to determine the residual monomer. For the Vickers hardness measurements, disk-shaped specimens (n=5) were prepared for each test group. Hardness measurements were performed with a Vickers hardness tester under a 4.91-N press load for a 30 seconds, after immersion in distilled water at 37ºC for 48 hours. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (p<0.05).

RESULTS

Autoclave polymerization produced a significant decrease in the amount of residual monomers for all resin groups (p<0.05). This procedure also showed a significant increase in hardness for all resin groups (p<0.05). For the 3 resin groups, no significant differences were found between autoclave polymerization for 10 minutes and for 20 minutes (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The autoclave polymerization technique exhibited significantly lower residual monomer content and greater hardness than conventional heat polymerization.

The effects of light curing units and environmental temperatures on C 000000000000 000000000000 000000000000 111111111111 000000000000 111111111111 000000000000 000000000000 000000000000 C conversion of commercial and experimental bonding agents

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Polymerization of bonding agents (BA) is a critical factor in determining the success of bonded restorations. We aimed to assess the effects of two light curing units and two temperatures on the extent of polymerization (EP) of a commercial BA and an experimental BA.

METHODS

Forty BA specimens were randomly divided into 8 subgroups of n = 5 to compare the polymerization of two BAs (experimental/Scotchbond) based on the variables: temperature (23/37 °C) and light-curing unit (quartz-tungsten-halogen/light-emitting diode). The EP (%) was measured using differential scanning calorimetry, and analyzed using the t-test, two- and three-way analyses of variance (ANOVA), and the Bonferroni test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

There were significant differences between the EP results between the two BAs (P = 0.012) and due to the different temperatures (P = 0.001), but not between the different light-curing units (P = 0.548). The interaction between BA and temperature was significant (P < 0.001). The other interactions were nonsignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

The two light-curing units had similar effects on the EP. The EP values were better when curing was performed at human body temperature.

Fracture strength of composite fixed partial denture using bovine teeth as a substitute for human teeth with or without fiber-reinforcement

This study evaluate the use of bovine teeth as a substitute for human teeth on fracture strength tests of composite fixed partial dentures (Cpd), with and without fiberglass reinforcement (Fg). Eighty teeth were selected, being 40 bovine incisors, 20 human premolars and 20 molars. Bovine incisors were ground to get a platform, simulating an occlusal surface of human molar. Teeth in pairs were embedded in polystyrene resin, simulating the periodontal ligament and divided in 4 groups: B-Cpd-Fg: bovine teeth restored with Cpd with Fg; B-Cpd-NFg: bovine teeth restored with Cpd without Fg; H-Cpd-Fg: human teeth restored Cpd with Fg; and H-Cpd-NFg: human teeth restored with Cpd without Fg. The Cpd were adhesively fixed and submitted to an axial compression load at the pontic center with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. Failure modes were assessed and classified. Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α=0.05). The tooth type had no influence on fracture strength and fracture mode. The inclusion of fiberglass increased significantly the fracture strength. The failure modes were more reparable in groups with fiber-reinforcement. Bovine teeth can be used as a substitute for human teeth in these types of fracture strength tests.

Effect of experimental heat treatment on mechanical properties of resin composites

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of an experimental heat treatment (170 masculineC/10 min) using a casting furnace on the mechanical properties (hardness and flexural strength) of 2 commercial direct resin composites (TPH Spectrum and Filtek P60) compared to a commercial indirect resin system (BelleGlass). Heat treatment temperature was determined after thermal characterization by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Data was analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. There was statistical significance for the main factor heat treatment (p=0.03) and composite (p=0.02), for flexural strength. For Knoop hardness, only the main factor composite was statistically significant (p=0.00). P60 presented higher hardness than TPH. No statistically significant correlation between mechanical properties tested was detected. Based on these results, it was possible to conclude that heat treatment influenced flexural strength of direct composites, while it was not observed for hardness. The association of direct composites with a simple post-cure heat treatment may be an alternative for current indirect composite systems, although more studies are needed to verify other properties of the composites for this application.

Influence of post-cure treatments on hardness and marginal adaptation of composite resin inlay restorations: an in vitro study

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Vickers hardness number (VHN) and the in vitro marginal adaptation of inlay restorations of three hybrid composite resins (Filtek Z250, Opallis and Esthet-X) subjected to two post-cure treatments.

Material and Methods:

For the microhardness test, three different groups were prepared in accordance with the post-cure treatments: control group (only light cure for 40 s), autoclave group (light cure for 40 s + autoclave for 15 min at 130°C); and microwave group (light cure for 40 s + microwave for 3 min at 450 W). To assess the marginal adaptation, the composite resin was inserted incrementally into a mesial-occlusal-distal cavity brass mold and each increment light-cured for 40 s. A previous reading in micrometers was taken at the cervical wall, using a stereomicroscope magnifying glass equipped with a digital video camera and image-analysis software. Subsequently, the specimens were subjected to the post-cure treatments (autoclave and microwave) and a reading was taken again at the cervical wall. Data were compared using ANOVA for the hardness test, split-plot ANOVA for the adaptation assessment and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons. A significance level of 5% was adopted for all analyses.

Results:

The post-cure treatments increased the hardness of conventional composites (p<0.001) and the gap values of inlay restorations (p<0.01). Filtek Z250 showed higher hardness (p<0.001) and lower gap values than Opallis and Esthet-X (p<0.05). Gap values did not exceed 90 μm for any of the experimental conditions.

Conclusion:

The post-cure treatments increased the VHN and the gap values on the cervical floor of composite resin inlays. Moreover, Filtek Z250 showed the best results, with higher hardness and lower gap values.

In Vitro Wear of New Indirect Resin Composites

The application of indirect resin composites for full-coverage restorative purposes still remains a concern due to wear. New indirect composites behave differently under different wear-testing conditions. Overall, Belleglass-NG showed the lowest wear when tested in vitro under different wear tests.

Examination of composite resins with electron microscopy, microhardness tester and energy dispersive X-ray microanalyzer

This study was conducted to examine the ultrastructures of eight recently improved light-cure restorative composite resins with scanning and transmission electron microscopes (SEM and TEM). Additionally, Vickers hardness, volume/weight fraction of filler, and chemical composition were analyzed. Composite resins selected for evaluation were Beautifil II, Clearfil AP-X, Clearfil Majesty, Estelite sigma, Filtek Supreme, Filtek Z250, Solare, and Synergy. SEM and TEM images revealed a great diversity in ultrastructure, and Vickers hardness test showed significant differences amongst all the composite resins (except between Clearfil Majesty and Estelite sigma, and between Filtek Supreme and Filtek Z250). By means of EDX, similar elements such as C, O, and Si were detected, but the concentration was different in every composite resin. Results obtained in this study served to validate that the methods employed in this study SEM and TEM at high magnification--were useful in examining the ultrastructures of composite resins. It was also found that the ultrastructure, size of filler particles, volume/weight fraction of filler, and chemical composition of the composite resins had an effect on Vickers hardness. Given the great diversity of ultrastructures amongst the composite resins, which stemmed from the different revolutionary technologies used to manufacture them, further studies are warranted in the search of clinical applications that optimally match the differing properties of these materials.