Fatigue resistance and structural integrity of different types of fiber posts

A comparative study of CAD/CAM fabricated polyether ether ketone and fiber-glass reinforcement composites versus metal lingual retainers under vertical load (an in vitro study)

BACKGROUND

Retainer is a necessary procedure when orthodontic treatment complete to avoid relapse due to periodontal fiber elasticity and to allow for alveolar bone regeneration. Compare the influence of vertical force on the failure of three fixed retainers: CAD/CAM polyether ether ketone (PEEK), CAD/CAM fiber glass reinforced composites (FRCs), and lingual retainer wire "Bond-A-Braid™".

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and eight maxillary first premolars teeth were randomly allocated to three groups: Group A (CAD/CAM PEEK), Group B (CAD/CAM FRC), and Group C (lingual retainer wire " Bond-A-Braid™"). These retainers were bonded using Assure Plus Bonding Resin and GO TO Paste. For each specimen, a loading cycling and thermocycling machine was used. The failure debonding forces were measured on the interproximal segments using a universal testing machine with a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was calculated after identifying types of failure with a stereomicroscope at (X 20) magnification.

RESULTS

Group B and group C showed the highest failure bonding forces, with a mean of 209.67 ± 16.15 and 86.81 ± 4.59 N, respectively. However, Group A had a statistically significant lower bond failure force, with a mean value of 45.73 ± 4.48 N. At baseline, there was a statistically significant difference in connector retainer displacement between the three studied groups (p < .001). The ARI score was not statistically significant (p < .001) between the three study groups; for groups A and B, the ARI was predominantly score 3, and group C showed a mixed score of 2 and 3. The failure mode of retainers was investigated using an optical stereomicroscope. In group B, there was a cohesive breakdown in the retainer, and groups A and C exhibited failures primarily in the adhesive at the retainer interface.

CONCLUSION

All groups differed significantly, with group A having the lowest debonding force and group B having the highest. Furthermore, there was not a substantial variation in ARI, but there was a significant difference in connector retainer displacement and the types of failure amongst the three groups.

Probability of survival and failure mode of endodontically treated incisors without ferrule restored with CAD/CAM fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post-cores

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the probability of survival and failure mode of endodontically treated incisors without ferrule restored with CAD/CAM FRC post-cores.

METHODS

Root canals of bovine incisors were treated, leaving post preparations of ∼10 mm. Teeth were allocated into three groups: (i) cast metal post-core, (ii) FRC prefabricated post with a direct resin core build-up, and (iii) CAD/CAM FRC post-core. Posts and zirconia crowns were cemented using resin cement. Specimens were subjected to step-stress accelerated-life fatigue testing in water. Use level probability Weibull curves, probability of survival for a mission of 100,000 cycles at 25, 50, and 100 N, Weibull modulus, and characteristic strength were calculated and plotted. Failure mode was examined under a stereomicroscope.

RESULTS

Restored incisors demonstrated high probability of survival (93-100%) for missions estimated at 25 and 50 N, irrespective of post-core foundation. At 100 N, incisors restored with metal posts presented significantly higher probability of survival (99%) relative to CAD/CAM posts (79%), whereas FRC groups demonstrated no significant difference. Weibull analysis indicated no significant difference on the Weibull modulus (m = 3.38-5.92). Incisors reconstructed with metal post-cores (431 N) presented significantly higher characteristic strength relative to prefabricated (200 N) and CAD/CAM (202 N) FRC post-cores. While post fracture was the chief failure mode for prefabricated and CAD/CAM FRC post-cores, post and/or root fracture were the main event for metal post-cores.

CONCLUSION

Endodontically treated incisors without ferrule restored with CAD/CAM FRC post-cores presented promising probability of survival for loads compatible with anterior masticatory forces and favorable failure modes.

Shear Bond Strength of Four Types of Orthodontic Retainers after Thermocycling and Cyclic Loading

Objectives

This study assessed the shear bond strength (SBS) of four types of orthodontic retainers after thermocycling and cyclic loading.

Materials and Methods

This in vitro, experimental study evaluated 120 extracted mandibular central and lateral incisors. The teeth were mounted in acrylic resin blocks in sets of three, such that the interdental contacts and positioning of the teeth resembled the dental arch. The acrylic blocks were divided into four groups (n = 10) for the use of 0.016 × 0.022-inch Bond-A-Braid® wire, 0.0195-inch twisted wire, 0.0175-inch coaxial wire, and 0.038 × 0.016-inch Ortho-Flex Tech® wire, as retainers. The retainers were bonded to the lingual surface of the teeth with Transbond XT adhesive in all groups, and the specimens underwent thermocycling and cyclic loading (125,000 load cycles applied to the incisal edge of the incisor tooth in the middle, simulating 6 months of clinical service). Any fracture in the process of aging was recorded. The teeth were then subjected to vertical loads applied along their occlusoapical axis in a universal testing machine to determine the SBS in Newtons. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores were also determined. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, the Monte Carlo chi-square test, and the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

Thermocycling and cyclic loading did not cause degradation or fracture of the retainers. The SBS and ARI scores of the four groups were not significantly different (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The SBS of retainers with flat rectangular-shaped cross-section was similar to that of retainers with a round cross-section; thus, they have no superiority over each other in this respect.

Mechanical properties of glass-fibre-reinforced composite posts after laser irradiation with different energy densities

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the surface treatments on flexural strengths and flexural modulus of glass-fibre-reinforced composite (GFRC) posts. Sixty-three posts were randomly divided into 9 groups (n = 7), and various surface treatments were performed. The control group was left untreated. Other groups were treated with 9% hydrofluoric acid, sandblasting with 120 µm Al₂ O₃ particles and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with different powers (1 W, 2 W, 3 W, 4 W, 5 W and 6 W). The samples were subjected to 3-point bending test, and data were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed. The flexural strengths of fibre posts treated with sandblasting, hydrofluoric acid, 1 W and 2 W laser were statistically similar with control group (P > 0.01). However, the flexural strength of fibre posts treated with 3 W, 4 W, 5 W and 6 W laser was statistically lower than control group (P < 0.01). High laser irradiations cause melting on the post surface and breaks in fibrils.

Bonding of Core Build-Up Composites with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Posts

The purpose of this study was to investigate the bonding capacity of composite core build-up materials with prefabricated glass fiber-reinforced posts possessing different coronal morphologies. Five post types (Archimede Line (ARL), Fibrekleer (FBK), Glassix (GLX), Matrix Plus (MTP), and ParaPost White (PRW) and three core build-up materials (ClearfilPhoto Core (CPC), ClearfilDC Core (CDC), ClearfilNew Bond (CNB) of different curing modes (light-, self-, dual-cured respectively) were selected. The coronal part was embedded in the core build-up materials and the specimens were loaded under tensile force up to failure. The reliability (β) and characteristic life (σο, in Ν) of the debonding force were evaluated by Weibull statistics and the debonded specimens were subjected to failure mode analysis. The results showed that ARL, MPT posts were the most and GLX the least retentive, despite the core build-up material used. CPC provided the highest retention with four posts (FBK, GLX, MTP, and PRW), without statistically significant differences from CDC in two (FBK and MTP) and CNB in one (PRW). CPC and CDC were the most reliable core materials for two posts (ARL and PRW), with no statistically significant difference from CNB in three (FBK, GLX, and MTP). GLX and PRW demonstrated the highest (93%) incidence of post detachment from core, whereas FBK demonstrated the highest percentage of core material fracture, with most fractures occurring in CDC (57%). Post fractures were most prominent in MTP when combined with CNB. The presence of specific coronal retentive features did not essentially ensure increased strength with the core material, due to their delamination.

Relined Fiberglass Post: Effect of Luting Length, Resin Cement, and Cyclic Loading on the Bond to Weakened Root Dentin

This study evaluated the effects of luting length of the post, the resin cement, and cyclic loading on pull-out bond strength of fiberglass posts relined with composite resin in weakened roots. The canals of 80 bovine incisors were endodontically treated and weakened with diamond burs. The teeth were randomly divided into eight groups (n=10) according to the luting procedures of the relined fiberglass post (RFP): In groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, the RFPs were luted with RelyX ARC, and in groups 5, 6, 7, and 8 they were luted with RelyX U200. In groups 1, 3, 5, and 7, the RFPs were luted at a length of 5 mm, and in groups 2, 4, 6, and 8 they were luted at a length of 10 mm. Specimens from groups 3, 4, 7, and 8 were submitted to cyclic loading. Specimens were subjected to a pull-out bond strength test in a universal testing machine. The results (MPa) were analyzed by three-way analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc test (α=0.05). Six human upper anterior teeth were used to analyze the bond interface by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The pull-out bond strength of RFPs luted with RelyX U200 was statistically higher than that of RelyX ARC. Cyclic loading influenced the bond strength only for the luting length of 5 mm. CLSM analysis revealed the formation of resin cement tags for both materials. Luting length is an important factor in retaining RFPs in weakened roots when they are subjected to cyclic loading, and RelyX U200 resulted in greater bond strengths to the root canal in comparison with RelyX ARC.

Correlation between the Mechanical Properties and Structural Characteristics of Different Fiber Posts Systems

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the flexural strength and flexural modulus of different fiber-reinforcement composite (FRC) posts and determine the correlation between mechanical properties and structural characteristics. Eleven brands of fiber posts were analyzed (n=10): Exacto Cônico (Angelus), DT Light SL (VDW), RelyX Fiber Post (3M-Espe), Glassix Radiopaque (Nordim), Para Post Fiber White (Coltène), FRC Postec Plus (Ivoclar), Aestheti-Plus Post (Bisco), Superpost Cônico Estriado (Superdont), Superpost Ultrafine (Superdont), Reforpost (Angelus), and White Post DC (FGM). The posts were loaded in three-point bending test to calculate the flexural strength and flexural modulus using a mechanical testing machine (EMIC 2000 DL) at 0.5 mm/min. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Scott-Knot test (p<0.05). The cross-sections of the posts were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Correlation between the mechanical properties and each of the structural variables was calculated by Pearson's correlation coefficients (p<0.05). The flexural strength values ranged from 493 to 835 MPa and were directly correlated with the fiber/matrix ratio (p=0.011). The flexural modulus ranged from 4500 to 8824 MPa and was inversely correlated with the number of fibers per mm2 of post (p<0.001). It was concluded that the structural characteristics significantly affected the properties of the FRC posts. The structural characteristic and mechanical properties of fiber glass posts are manufacture-dependent. A linear correlation between flexural strength and fiber/matrix ratio, as well as the flexural modulus and the amount of fiber was found.

Fatigue resistance, debonding force, and failure type of fiber-reinforced composite, polyethylene ribbon-reinforced, and braided stainless steel wire lingual retainers in vitro

Objective

To analyze the fatigue resistance, debonding force, and failure type of fiber-reinforced composite, polyethylene ribbon-reinforced, and braided stainless steel wire lingual retainers in vitro.

Methods

Roots of human mandibular central incisors were covered with silicone, mimicking the periodontal ligament, and embedded in polymethylmethacrylate. The specimens (N = 50), with two teeth each, were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10/group) according to the retainer materials: (1) Interlig (E-glass), (2) everStick Ortho (E-glass), (3) DentaPreg Splint (S2-glass), (4) Ribbond (polyethylene), and (5) Quad Cat wire (stainless steel). After the recommended adhesive procedures, the retainers were bonded to the teeth by using flowable composite resin (Tetric Flow). The teeth were subjected to 10,00,000 cyclic loads (8 Hz, 3 - 100 N, 45° angle, under 37 ± 3℃ water) at their incisoproximal contact, and debonding forces were measured with a universal testing machine (1 mm/min crosshead speed). Failure sites were examined under a stereomicroscope (×40 magnification). Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance.

Results

All the specimens survived the cyclic loading. Their mean debonding forces were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The DentaPreg Splint group (80%) showed the highest incidence of complete adhesive debonding, followed by the Interlig group (60%). The everStick Ortho group (80%) presented predominantly partial adhesive debonding. The Quad Cat wire group (50%) presented overlying composite detachment.

Conclusions

Cyclic loading did not cause debonding. The retainers presented similar debonding forces but different failure types. Braided stainless steel wire retainers presented the most repairable failure type.

Fatigue susceptibility of an endodontic fibre post material

AIM

To evaluate effects of ageing and fatigue on the elastic modulus and short-beam shear strength of a quartz fibre/epoxy resin post material.

METHODOLOGY

Cylindrical specimens (25 × 2.2 mm) were made. Elastic moduli were dynamically measured before immersion in water; after immersion in water; periodically during storage in water for up to 7 years; periodically during thermal cycling in water for up to 10 000 cycles to produce thermo-mechanical fatigue; and periodically during boiling in water for up to 100 h. After ageing, the specimens underwent short-beam shear strength testing.

RESULTS

Elastic modulus was significantly decreased by thermal cycling and by immersion in boiling water, but not by water storage. Short-beam shear strength was profoundly decreased by all three ageing processes. Short-beam shear strength was much more sensitive than elastic modulus to the ageing or fatigue processes applied in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

A representative endodontic fibre post material was susceptible to a variety of ageing and fatigue processes. The effects of ageing and fatigue had a more pronounced impact on short-beam shear strength than on elastic modulus. The effects of boiling in water and thermal cycling in water were considerably larger than those of simple storage in water.

Effect of ascorbic acid, ethanol and acetone on adhesion between the treated fiber posts and composite resin cores

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of ascorbic acid, ethanol and acetone on microtensile bond strength between fiber posts pre-treated with hydrogen peroxide and composite resin cores.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty four fiber posts were pre-treated with 24% hydrogen peroxide and divided into 4 groups as follows: G1: no treatment, as control group; G2: treatment with 10% ascorbic acid solution for 5 minutes; G3: treatment with 70% ethanol solution for 5 minutes; and G4: treatment with 70% acetone solution for 5 minutes. Each fiber post was surrounded by a cylinder-shaped polyglass matrix which was subsequently filled with composite resin. Two sections from each sample were selected for microtensile test at a crosshead with speed of 0.5 mm/min. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey HSD test. Fractured surfaces were observed under a stereomicroscope at ×20 magnification. The fractured surfaces of the specimens were observed and evaluated under a SEM.

RESULTS

MEANS OF MICROTENSILE BOND STRENGTH VALUES (MPA) AND STANDARD DEVIATIONS IN THE GROUPS WERE AS FOLLOWS: G1: 9.70±0.81; G2: 12.62±1.80; G3: 16.60±1.93; and G4: 21.24±1.95. G4 and G1 had the highest and the lowest bond strength values, respectively. A greater bond strength value was seen in G3 compared to G2. There were significant differences between all the groups (P<.001). All the failures were of the adhesive mode.

CONCLUSION

Application of antioxidant agents may increase microtensile bond strength between fiber posts treated with hydrogen peroxide and composite cores. Acetone increased bond strength more than ascorbic acid and ethanol.

Premolars restored with posts of different materials: fatigue analysis

Previous works studied the effect of the material and the dimensions of the post on the biomechanical performance (fracture strength and stress distribution) of restored teeth, under static loads. The aim of this work was to study the effect of the post material (glass fibre and stainless steel) on restored teeth, which have the final crown, under dynamic conditions. The use of a biomechanical model, including a fatigue analysis from FEA, is presented as a powerful method to study the effect of the material of the intraradicular post. The inclusion of the fatigue analysis allows for a more realistic study that takes into account the dynamic nature of masticatory forces. At the same time, the results obtained are easier to interpret by both dentists and mechanical engineers. No differences were found, with the load and number of cycles considered, between glass fibre and stainless steel as material for the intraradicular post used in premolars restorations.

Different scanning electron microscopic evaluation methods of cement interface homogeneity of adhesively luted glass fiber posts

OBJECTIVE

To compare two methods used to examine the cement interface homogeneity of adhesively luted glass fiber posts (GFPs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

GFPs were divided into four groups (n = 5 in each) and inserted into artificial root canals under standardized conditions: Group I = RelyX Unicem, application with application aid; Group II = RelyX Unicem; Group III = Panavia F 2.0; and Group IV = Variolink II. Posts in Groups II-IV were cemented without using an appliance. All specimens were sectioned at three levels (cervical, middle and apical) perpendicularly to the post's long axis and examined and photographed (n = 60) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cement interface inhomogeneities were (A) measured by means of SEM software and (B) estimated using a graphics program with SEM images being divided into 72 equal circle segments to calculate a percentage value of inhomogeneities of the 360° circumference.

RESULTS

Median values of inhomogeneities (A/B; %) within the cement interface for the cervical, middle and apical levels of analysis, respectively were 1.4/2.1, 2.2/4.2 and 1.9/2.1 for Group I; 21.0/20.1, 24.8/23.6 and 27.0/24.3 for Group II; 1.5/1.7, 5.5/6.3 and 19.4/20.8 for Group III; and 18.1/16.7, 16.1/15.3 and 27.2/25.7 for Group IV. The two methods correlated very well (0.994), with a value of one indicating a 100% correlation.

CONCLUSION

Both evaluation methods were found to be equally appropriate for quantifying the cement interface homogeneity of SEM cross-sections of adhesively luted GFPs.

Randomized clinical trial comparing the effects of post placement on failure rate of postendodontic restorations: preliminary results of a mean period of 32 months

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to assess whether the placement of a fiber post (DT Light Post) (DT) and the amount of residual coronal dentin affect the time to failure of single-unit postendodontic restorations.

METHODS

Ninety patients providing 120 teeth were selected. Three groups (n = 40) were defined on the basis of the amount of residual coronal dentin: 2-walls group, 2 or more coronal walls; 1-wall group, 1 coronal wall; no-wall group, no wall exceeding 2 mm above the gingival level. Within each group teeth were randomized and allocated to 2 intervention groups (n = 20), including subgroups no post (no root canal retention) and subgroups post (placement of DT).

RESULTS

After a mean observation period of 32.4 (13.7) months in subgroups no post, the failure rates were 10%, whereas in subgroups post, failure rates of 7% were observed (P = .318). In no-wall group post placement significantly affected the time to failure of total restorations (P = .029, log-rank test). Teeth without post retention revealed a significantly higher failure rate (31%) compared with teeth restored with post retention (7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the observation time of the present study, fiber post placement was efficacious to reduce failures of postendodontic restorations only with teeth that exhibited no coronal walls. Post insertion for teeth showing a minor substance loss should be critically reconsidered.