Effect of intracanal diode laser irradiation on fracture resistance of roots restored with CAD/CAM posts

Aim: To evaluate the fracture resistance of roots restored with CAD/CAM-fabricated posts, receiving or not intracanal laser treatment, compared with glass fiber posts under mechanical cycling. Methods: Twenty-seven endodontically treated, single-rooted teeth were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (control), prefabricated glass fiber posts relined with resin composite; group 2, CAD/CAM-fabricated intraradicular posts using Resin Nano Ceramic (RNC) blocks; and group 3, CAD/CAM-fabricated intraradicular posts using RNC blocks in canals irradiated with a 940-nm diode laser (100 mJ, 300-um optic fiber, coronal-apical and apical-coronal helical movements, speed of 2 mm/second, 4 times each canal). After cementation of the coping, cyclic loading was applied at an angle of 135° to the long axis of the root, with a pulse load of 130 N, frequency of 2.2 Hz, and 150,000 pulses on the crown at a point located 2 mm below the incisal edge on the lingual aspect of the specimen. Every 50,000 cycles, the specimens were evaluated for root fracture occurring below or above the simulated bone crest. Results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p<0.05). Results: Group 1 was the least resistant, while groups 2 and 3 were the most resistant. Group 1 differed significantly from groups 2 and 3 (p<0.01), but there was no difference between groups 2 and 3 (p<0.01). Conclusion: Treatment of the intracanal surface with diode laser had no influence on fracture resistance of roots restored with CAD/CAM-fabricated posts, but a longer cycling time is required to evaluate the real benefits of diode laser irradiation

Otimização do procedimento de colagem de braquetes ortodônticos utilizando um recipiente fotoprotetor: passo a passo / Optimization of the bonding procedure of orthodontic brackets using a photoprotective vessel: step-by-step

A resina composta fotoativável é usualmente utilizada para o procedimento de colagem de braquetes ortodônticos. No entanto, seu uso requer cuidados antes da fotoativação, pois sua polimerização pode ocorrer precocemente por outras fontes de luz, que não a de um fotoativador dentário (e.g., luz ambiente). Foi idealizado um recipiente fotoprotetor que permite o armazenamento temporário do conjunto de pinças com os braquetes preparados com resina em sua base, evitando o processo de polimerização da resina antes do momento desejado. Objetivo: este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar uma descrição detalhada do procedimento de colagem de braquetes ortodônticos estéticos cerâmicos, quando se utiliza um recipiente fotoprotetor para otimizar o atendimento. Relato de caso: paciente do sexo feminino, 24 anos de idade, submeteu-se ao tratamento ortodôntico em clínica particular. Foram utilizados braquetes ortodônticos autoligados, cerâmicos de alumina policristalina. A colagem dos braquetes foi realizada na arcada inferior de maneira tradicional, porém se fez uso de um recipiente fotoprotetor (protótipo) para otimizar o procedimento. O recipiente teve como finalidade principal o armazenamento temporário de braquetes ortodônticos apreendidos em pinças ortodônticas, já com resina composta para colagem em suas bases. Concluiu-se a instalação do aparelho ortodôntico com a colocação de um arco ortodôntico redondo Ni-Ti 0,014". Considerações finais: a utilização do recipiente fotoprotetor mostrou-se clinicamente eficaz e apresentou um bom resultado final da satisfação tanto do profissional quanto do paciente. O seu uso foi capaz de reduzir o tempo de cadeira do paciente durante o procedimento e impediu a polimerização precoce da resina composta de colagem utilizada. (AU)

The photo-activated resin composite is usually used for the bonding procedure of orthodontic brackets. However, their use requires caution prior to photoactivation, as their polymerization may occur early by light sources other than a dental photoactivator (e.g. ambient light). A photoprotective vessel has been developed to allow temporary storage of the clamps assembly with the resin-prepared brackets, avoiding the polymerization process of the resin prior to the desired moment. Objective: this study purpose was to present a detailed description of the bonding procedure of ceramic orthodontic brackets when using a photoprotective vessel to optimize care. Case report: a 24-year-old female patient underwent orthodontic treatment in a private practice. Orthodontic brackets of polycrystalline alumina ceramics were used for treatment. Bracket bonding was performed in the lower arch in the traditional manner, however a photoprotective vessel (prototype) was used to optimize the procedure. The main purpose of the vessel was the temporary storage of orthodontic brackets- -clamps assembly, already with composite resin for bonding in their bases. The installation of the orthodontic appliance was finished with the placement of a 0.014" round Ni-Ti orthodontic arch. Final considerations: the use of the photoprotective vessel was clinically effective and with a good end result in both professional and patient satisfaction. Its use was able to reduce the patient's chair time during the procedure and prevented the early polymerization of the bonded composite resin used. (AU)

Effect of two erosive protocols using acidic beverages on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets to bovine enamel

Abstract Objective: To assess the short-term effect of two in vitro erosive challenge protocols on the bond strength of metal orthodontic brackets on bovine enamel. Methods: Sixty bovine incisors were selected and randomly divided into six groups: AS7 (artificial saliva - 7 days, Control Group); CC7 (Coca-Cola™ - 7 days); LJ7 (lime juice - 7 days); AS30 (artificial saliva - 30 days, Control Group); CC30 (Coca-Cola™ - 30 days); LJ30 (lime juice - 30 days). Microhardness testing was performed prior to the erosive challenge to verify the standardization of samples. Immersion was performed 4x/day for five minutes, for either 7 or 30 days. After immersions were concluded, the brackets were bonded and shear bond strength was assessed after 48 hours. The Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was also assessed. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post-hoc and Student's t test for paired samples, and the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test (α = 5%). Results: The mean and standard deviation of microhardness testing of total samples were 281.89 ± 44.51 KHN. There was no statistically significant difference in shear bond strength for the time factor (7 or 30 days; F5.54= 0.105; p = 0.901). However, there was a statistically significant difference for the solution factor (F5.54= 6.671; p = 0.003). These differences occurred among solutions of Saliva x Coca-Cola™ (p = 0.003) and Coca-Cola™ x Lime Juice (p= 0.029). The assessment of the Adhesive Remnant Index showed no significant difference between groups. Conclusions: The immersion time used in the erosion protocols did not affect the bond strength of brackets to teeth. Coca-Cola™ induced significantly higher shear bond strength values than lime juice and artificial saliva. However, the short term effects of 7/30 days in this in vitro study may not be extrapolated for in vivo ones. Clinical studies should be conducted, substantiating the laboratory results.

Resumo Objetivo: avaliar o efeito de curto prazo de dois protocolos de desafio erosivo, in vitro, na resistência adesiva de braquetes ortodônticos metálicos em esmalte bovino. Métodos: Sessenta incisivos bovinos foram selecionados e divididos aleatoriamente em seis grupos: SA7 (saliva artificial - 7 dias, Grupo Controle); CC7 (Coca-Cola® - 7 dias); SL7 (suco de limão - 7 dias); SA30 (saliva artificial - 30 dias, Grupo Controle); CC30 (Coca-Cola® - 30 dias); SL30 (suco de limão - 30 dias). Foi realizado o teste de microdureza antes do desafio erosivo, para verificar a padronização das amostras. A imersão foi realizada quatro vezes ao dia, por cinco minutos, durante 7 ou 30 dias. Finalizadas as imersões, os braquetes foram colados e, após 48 horas, foi avaliada a resistência ao cisalhamento. O Índice de Adesivo Remanescente (IAR) também foi avaliado. Para análise dos dados, foram utilizados os testes ANOVA dois fatores, seguido do post-hoc de Tukey e teste t de Student para amostras pareadas, e o teste não-paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis (α?#8197;= 5%). Resultados: a média e o desvio-padrão do teste de microdureza das amostras totais foi igual a 281,89 ± 44,51 KHN. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na resistência ao cisalhamento para o fator tempo (7 ou 30 dias; F5,54= 0,105; p= 0,901). Contudo, houve diferença estatisticamente significativa para o fator solução (F5,54=6,671; p= 0,003). Essas diferenças ocorreram entre as soluções de Saliva x Coca-Cola® (p= 0,003) e Coca-Cola® x suco de limão (p= 0,029). Ao avaliar o Índice de Adesivo Remanescente, não foi possível verificar diferença significativa entre os grupos. Conclusões: o tempo de imersão utilizado nos protocolos de erosão não afetou a resistência de união dos braquetes aos dentes. A Coca-Cola® induziu valores de resistência ao cisalhamento significativamente mais altos do que o suco de limão e a saliva artificial. No entanto, os efeitos em curto prazo de 7 e 30 dias, nesse estudo in vitro, não podem ser extrapolados para os estudos in vivo. Estudos clínicos devem ser conduzidos, fundamentando os resultados laboratoriais.

Non-thermal plasma increase bond strength of zirconia to a resin cement / Plasma não-térmico aumenta a resistência de união da zircônia a um cimento resinoso

Objective: This study investigated the influence of different surface treatments on zirconia surface energy, roughness and microshear bond strength. Material and Methods: Forty eight slices of Yttriastabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZPVITA In-Ceram® YZ for inLab®) (6.4 x 3.2 x 1.6 mm) were divided into 3 groups according to the surface treatment (n = 16): YTZP_control -untreated; YTZP_plasma -surface treatment with non-thermal oxygen plasma; YTZP_primer - coating with ceramic primer. Surface energy (n = 6) was measured with a goniometer; and surface roughness (n = 10) was analyzed with a 3D profilometer were performed over zirconia surface. On the same specimens of surface roughness, on the treated zirconia's surface, resin cement (PANAVIA V5 - Kuraray Noritake Dental) was built up by inserting the resin cement into Tygon tubes (1 mm of internal diameter X 1 mm length). After 24h storage, microshear test was assessed. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey posthoc test (p < 0.05). Results: Nonthermal oxygen plasma treated specimens exhibited higher statistically significant surface energy (p = 0.00) and bond strength (p = 0.00) when compared to control and primer groups. Roughness test (p = 0.897) could not detect statistical difference among the tested groups. Conclusion: Non-thermal oxygen plasma should be a suitable alternative for zirconia surface treatment prior to luting hence it improved microshear bond strength and provided higher surface energy without affecting surface roughness. (AU)

Objetivo: Este estudo investigou a influência de diferentes tratamentos de superfície na energia de superfície, rugosidade e resistência de união da zircônia. Material e Métodos: Quarenta e oito fatias de zircônia tetragonal policristalina estabilizada por ítria (Y-TZP - VITA InCeram® YZ for inLab®) (6,4 x 3,2 x 1,6 mm) foram divididas em 3 grupos de acordo com o tratamento de superfície (n = 16): YTZP_controle sem tratamento; YTZP_plasma - tratamento de superfície com plasma de oxigênio não térmico; YTZP_primer - aplicação de um primer cerâmico. A energia da superfície (n = 6) foi medida com o auxilio de um goniômetro; e a rugosidade superficial (n = 10) foi analisada com um perfilômetro 3D. Nos mesmos espécimes da rugosidade, prolongamentos de cimento resinoso (PANAVIA V5 - Kuraray Noritake Dental) foram construídos inserindo o cimento em micro túbulos de silicone (1mm de diâmetro interno de X 1 mm de comprimento). O teste de microcisalhamento foi realizado após 24h. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente ANOVA um fator e teste auxiliar de Tukey (p < 0,05). Resultados: Os espécimes tratados com plasma de oxigênio apresentaram maiores valores de energia de superficie (p = 0,00) e resistência de união estatisticamente significante (p = 0,00) quando comparados aos grupos controle e do primer. A análise de rugosidade (p = 0,897) não detectou diferença estatística entre os grupos testados. Conclusão: O plasma não térmico pode ser uma alternativa para o tratamento de superfície de zircônia antes da cimentação, pois aumentou a resistência de união ao microcilsalhamento e proporcionou maior energia superficial sem afetar a rugosidade da superfície. (AU)

Dental ceramics: a review of new materials and processing methods

Abstract The evolution of computerized systems for the production of dental restorations associated to the development of novel microstructures for ceramic materials has caused an important change in the clinical workflow for dentists and technicians, as well as in the treatment options offered to patients. New microstructures have also been developed by the industry in order to offer ceramic and composite materials with optimized properties, i.e., good mechanical properties, appropriate wear behavior and acceptable aesthetic characteristics. The objective of this literature review is to discuss the main advantages and disadvantages of the new ceramic systems and processing methods. The manuscript is divided in five parts: I) monolithic zirconia restorations; II) multilayered dental prostheses; III) new glass-ceramics; IV) polymer infiltrated ceramics; and V) novel processing technologies. Dental ceramics and processing technologies have evolved significantly in the past ten years, with most of the evolution being related to new microstructures and CAD-CAM methods. In addition, a trend towards the use of monolithic restorations has changed the way clinicians produce all-ceramic dental prostheses, since the more aesthetic multilayered restorations unfortunately are more prone to chipping or delamination. Composite materials processed via CAD-CAM have become an interesting option, as they have intermediate properties between ceramics and polymers and are more easily milled and polished.

Influence of Resin Cements on Color Stability of Different Ceramic Systems

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate color stability of two dental ceramics cemented with two resin cements, assessing the color difference (ΔE00) by the measurement of L*, a*, b*, c* and h* of transmittance. The combination of two ceramic system (feldspathic and lithium disilicate) and two resin cements - color A3 (RelyX ARC and Variolink II) resulted in 4 groups (n=5). Ten disks-shaped specimens were fabricated for each ceramic system (10x1.5 mm), etched with hydrofluoric acid (10%) and silanized prior to cementation. The color analysis was performed 24 h after cementation of the samples and after 6 months of storage in relative humidity by means of spectrophotometry. The ΔE00 values were analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test (p<0.05). One-way ANOVA were calculated for the means of individual color coordinates (L*, a*, b*, c* and h*). Two-way ANOVA showed that only the ceramic factor was significant (p=0.003), but there was no difference for the cement factor (p=0.275) nor for the ceramic/cement interaction (p=0.161). The feldspathic ceramic showed the highest values of ΔE00. Variations in L*, a*, b*, c* and h* were more significant for feldspathic ceramic. In conclusion, storage alters similarly the optical properties of the resin cements and feldspathic porcelain was more susceptible to cement color change after aging.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estabilidade da cor de dois sistemas cerâmicos em função de dois cimentos resinosos, avaliando a diferença de cor (ΔE00) pela mensuração de L*, a*, b*, c* e h* de transmitância. Formou-se 4 grupos (n=5) de acordo com as duas cerâmicas (reforçada com dissilicato de lítio e feldspática) e dois cimentos resinosos - cor A3 (RelyX ARC e Variolink II). Dez discos foram confeccionados para cada sistema cerâmico (10 x 1,5 mm), tratados com ácido fluorídrico (10%) e silanizados antes da cimentação. A análise de cor foi feita 24 h após a cimentação das amostras e após 6 meses de armazenamento em umidade relativa por meio de espectrofotometria. ANOVA a dois fatores foi utilizada para análise dos dados de ΔE00 seguido pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). ANOVA a um fator foi realizada para avaliação das coordenadas individuais de cor (L*, a*, b*, c* e h*). Apenas o fator cerâmica foi significativo (p=0,003),mas não houve diferença para o fator imento (p=0,275) nem para a interação entre cerâmica e cimento (p=0,161). A cerâmica feldspática apresentou os maiores valores de ΔE00. Variações de L*, a*, b*, c* e h* foram mais significativas para cerâmica feldspática. Concluiu-se que o armazenamento alterou as propriedades ópticas dos cimentos resinosos de forma semelhante e a porcelana feldspática foi mais susceptível à mudança de cor do cimento após o envelhecimento.

Effect of Grinding and Resintering on the Fatigue Limit and Surface Characterization of a Y-TZP Ceramic

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of grinding protocols and resintering on flexural fatigue limit and surface characterization of LavaTM Y-TZP. Bar-shaped specimens (20×4.0×1.2 mm, n=40; 20×4.0×1.5 mm, n=80) were obtained. Half of the thinner specimens (1.2 mm) constituted the as-sintered group (AS), while the thicker ones (1.5 mm) were ground with diamond burs under irrigation (WG) or not (G). The other half of thinner and half of ground specimens were resintered (1000 ºC, 30 min), forming the groups ASR, WGR and GR. Fatigue limit (500,000 cycles, 10 Hz) was evaluated by staircase method in a 4-point flexural fixture. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Surface topography (n=3) and fracture area (n=3) were evaluated by SEM. X-ray diffraction data (n=1) was analyzed by Rietveld refinement. ANOVA revealed significant differences (p<0.001) for the grinding protocol, resintering and their interaction. Grinding increased the fatigue limit of non-resintered groups. There was no significant difference among the resintered groups. Resintering significantly increased the fatigue limit of the AS group only. Both protocols created evident grooves on zirconia surface. The failures initiated at the tensile side of all specimens. The percentages (wt%) of monoclinic phase were AS (8.6), ASR (1.2), G (1.8), GR (0.0), WG (8.2), WGR (0.0) before, and AS (7.4), ASR (6.5), G (3.2), GR (0.2), WG (4.6), WGR (1.1) after cyclic loading. Grinding increased the fatigue limit of non-resintered Y-TZP and formed evident grooves on its surface. Resintering provided significant increase in the fatigue limit of as-sintered specimens. In general, grinding and resintering decreased or zeroed the monoclinic phase.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito de protocolos de desgaste e ressinterização no limite de fadiga flexural e na caracterização da superfície da zircônia LavaTM. Corpos-de-prova em forma de barra (20×4,0×1,2 mm, n=40; 20×4,0×1,5 mm, n=80) foram obtidos. Metade das barras com menor altura (1,2 mm) constituiu o grupo controle (AS), enquanto as de maior altura (1,5 mm) foram desgastadas com fresas diamantadas com (WG) ou sem (G) irrigação. A outra metade dos corpos-de-prova de menor altura e metade dos desgastados foram ressinterizadas (1000 °C, 30 min), obtendo-se os grupos ASR, WGR e GR. O limite de fadiga (500.000 ciclos, 10 Hz) foi avaliado pelo método de escada em dispositivo de flexão em 4 pontos. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes ANOVA a dois fatores e Tukey (α=0,05). A topografia de superfície (n=3) e área de fratura (n=3) foram avaliadas por MEV. Os dados de difração de raios-X (n=1) foram analisados pelo refinamento de Rietveld. ANOVA revelou diferenças significantes (p<0,001) para desgaste, ressinterização e interação entre os fatores. O desgaste aumentou o limite de fadiga para os grupos não ressinterizados. Não houve diferença significante entre os grupos ressinterizados. A ressinterização aumentou o limite de fadiga somente para o grupo AS. Ambos os protocolos criaram riscos evidentes na superfície da zircônia. As falhas iniciaram sempre no lado de tração. A porcentagem de fase monoclínica foi: AS (8.6), ASR (1.2), G (1.8), GR (0.0), WG (8.2), WGR (0.0) antes e AS (7.4), ASR (6.5), G (3.2), GR (0.2), WG (4.6), WGR (1.1) após a ciclagem. O desgaste aumentou o limite de fadiga da zircônia não ressinterizada e formou ranhuras evidentes na sua superfície. A ressinterização promoveu aumento significativo no limite de fadiga somente para o grupo controle. Em geral, o desgaste e a ressinterização diminuíram ou anularam o conteúdo de fase monoclínica.

Influence of resin cement shade on the color and translucency of ceramic veneers

ABSTRACT Objective This in vitro study evaluated the effect of two different shades of resin cement (RC- A1 and A3) layer on color change, translucency parameter (TP), and chroma of low (LT) and high (HT) translucent reinforced lithium disilicate ceramic laminates. Material and Methods One dual-cured RC (Variolink II, A1- and A3-shade, Ivoclar Vivadent) was applied to 1-mm thick ceramic discs to create thin RC films (100 µm thick) under the ceramics. The RC was exposed to light from a LED curing unit. Color change (ΔE) of ceramic discs was measured according to CIEL*a*b* system with a standard illuminant D65 in reflectance mode in a spectrophotometer, operating in the light range of 360-740 nm, equipped with an integrating sphere. The color difference between black (B) and white (W) background readings was used for TP analysis, while chroma was calculated by the formula C*ab=(a*2+b*2)½. ΔE of 3.3 was set as the threshold of clinically unacceptable. The results were evaluated by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Results HT ceramics showed higher ΔE and higher TP than LT ceramics. A3-shade RC promoted higher ΔE than A1-shade cement, regardless of the ceramic translucency. No significant difference in TP was noted between ceramic discs with A1- and those with A3-shade cement. Ceramic with underlying RC showed lower TP than discs without RC. HT ceramics showed lower chroma than LT ceramics, regardless of the resin cement shade. The presence of A3-shade RC resulted in higher chroma than the presence of A1-shade RC. Conclusions Darker underlying RC layer promoted more pronounced changes in ceramic translucency, chroma, and shade of high translucent ceramic veneers. These differences may not be clinically differentiable.

Correlation between clinical performance and degree of conversion of resin cements: a literature review

AbstractResin-based cements have been frequently employed in clinical practice to lute indirect restorations. However, there are numerous factors that may compromise the clinical performance of those cements. The aim of this literature review is to present and discuss some of the clinical factors that may affect the performance of current resin-based luting systems. Resin cements may have three different curing mechanisms: chemical curing, photo curing or a combination of both. Chemically cured systems are recommended to be used under opaque or thick restorations, due to the reduced access of the light. Photo-cured cements are mainly indicated for translucent veneers, due to the possibility of light transmission through the restoration. Dual-cured are more versatile systems and, theoretically, can be used in either situation, since the presence of both curing mechanisms might guarantee a high degree of conversion (DC) under every condition. However, it has been demonstrated that clinical procedures and characteristics of the materials may have many different implications in the DC of currently available resin cements, affecting their mechanical properties, bond strength to the substrate and the esthetic results of the restoration. Factors such as curing mechanism, choice of adhesive system, indirect restorative material and light-curing device may affect the degree of conversion of the cement and, therefore, have an effect on the clinical performance of resin-based cements. Specific measures are to be taken to ensure a higher DC of the luting system to be used.

Planejamento protético pré-cirúrgico em Implantodontia: caso clínico com correção de sorriso gengival / Pre-surgical prosthetic planning in implant dentistry: case repart oi gummy smile

O presente artigo descreve a reabilitação de arco superior por meio de prótese total fixada a implantes em um caso clínico de sorriso gengival associado a perdas dentárias. Para a obtenção de um resultado previsível, estética e funcionalmente, foi realizado extenso planejamento protético pré-cirúrgico em modelos e simulações digitais do sorriso. Baseado nesse planejamento foi realizada uma osteotomia maxilar com instalação imediata dos implantes. Aguardou-se o tempo de osseointegração dos implantes, para em seguida reabilitá-Ios com a prótese total fixa metaloplástica parafusada. A descrição desse caso objetiva ressaltar a importância do planejamento protético pré-cirúrgico minimizando assim, possíveis erros e prejuízos no resultado final estético e funcional da reabilitação.

The present study describes the rehabilitation of the upper arch with fixed full arch prosthesis screw retained to implants in a gummy smile case report. In order to obtain predictable results, esthetically and functionally, an extensive pre-surgical prosthetic planning and smile digital simulations were done. Based on this planning a maxillary osteotomy was done and immediate implants were installed. After the osseointegration period, the patient received a full fixed metaloplastic prosthesis, screw retained. This case report aims to highlight the importance of pre-surgical prosthetic planning to minimize errors and to achieve esthetic and functional results.

Evaluation of the adaptation of zirconia-based fixed partial dentures using micro-CT technology

The objective of the study was to measure the marginal and internal fit of zirconia-based all-ceramic three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) (Y-TZP - LAVA, 3M-ESPE), using a novel methodology based on micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) technology. Stainless steel models of prepared abutments were fabricated to design FPDs. Ten frameworks were produced with 9 mm2 connector cross-sections using a LAVATM CAD-CAM system. All FPDs were veneered with a compatible porcelain. Each FPD was seated on the original model and scanned using micro-CT. Files were processed using NRecon and CTAn software. Adobe Photoshop and Image J software were used to analyze the cross-sectional images. Five measuring points were selected, as follows: MG - marginal gap; CA - chamfer area; AW - axial wall; AOT - axio-occlusal transition area; OA - occlusal area. Results were statistically analyzed by Kruskall-Wallis and Tukey's post hoc test (α= 0.05). There were significant differences for the gap width between the measurement points evaluated. MG showed the smallest median gap width (42 µm). OA had the highest median gap dimension (125 µm), followed by the AOT point (105 µm). CA and AW gap width values were statistically similar, 66 and 65 µm respectively. Thus, it was possible to conclude that different levels of adaptation were observed within the FPD, at the different measuring points. In addition, the micro-CT technology seems to be a reliable tool to evaluate the fit of dental restorations.

Propriedades ópticas de cerâmicas odontológicas após múltiplos ciclos de sinterização / Optical properties of dental por celains after multiple fining cycles

Os objetivos deste estudo foram: a) determinar o índice de opalescência (10), diferença de cor (~E, reflectância em fundo preto x fundo branco) e razão de contraste (RC) de amostras do esmalte dental e de cerâmicas odontológicas (a hipótese testada foi a de que todas as cerâmicas apresentariam propriedades ópticas semelhantes àquelas determinadas para amostras de esmalte dental), e b) avaliar o efeito do número de ciclos de sinterização (1, 4 e 7) sobre as mesmas propriedades ópticas (a hipótese testada foi a de que a realização de múltiplos ciclos de sinterização não afetaria as propriedades ópticas). Espécimes em forma de disco (0 12 x 1 mm) de 18 cerâmicas comerciais de recobrimento (n = 10) foram confeccionados de acordo com as recomendações dos fabricantes e tiveram seus dois lados polidos. Amostras de esmalte com 1 mm de espessura foram obtidas a partir de 7 molares humanos hígidos. Um espectrofotômetro foi utilizado para medição da curva espectral de reflectância difusa (para determinação da RC) e dos parâmetros de cor L *, a* e b* (para determinação de LlE, e 10). A medição foi realizada no modo de reflectância difusa na faixa de À entre 400 e 700 nm com passo de 10 nm. Para a medição da reflectância, fixaram-se os parâmetros de cálculo de cor em iluminante CIE D65 (luz do dia, 6500 K) e função observador de 2°. O ensaio de reflectância foi realizado em cada espécime utilizando-se um cartão padrão para ensaios com dois fundos diferentes, preto (CIE L* = 24,58, a* = 0,27, b* = 2,58) e branco (CIE L* = 92,95, a* = -0,78, b* = 3,57). Os resultados mostraram que, para cada uma das propriedades ópticas testadas (10, ~E e RC), somente alguns grupos contendo de 5 a 7 materiais obtiveram valores estatisticamente semelhantes aos do esmalte, independentemente do número de ciclos de sinterização a que foram submetidos. Portanto, a primeira hipótese foi rejeitada, pois nem todas as cerâmicas analisadas apresentaram propriedades ópticas semelhantes àquelas determinadas para amostras de esmalte dental. Com relação ao efeito do número de ciclos de sinterização, para cada propriedade óptica estudada, os materiais se dividiram em três grupos distintos: a) materiais para os quais a propriedade óptica não se alterou significativamente com a mudança do número de ciclos de sinterização e, além disso, todos os valores foram semelhantes àquele obtido para o esmalte; b) materiais para os quais não houve efeito significativo do número de ciclos sobre as propriedades ópticas, entretanto os valores obtidos não foram estatisticamente semelhantes ao do esmalte e c) materiais que sofreram alterações significativas das propriedades ópticas em função do número de ciclos de sinterização. Dessa forma, a segunda hipótese também foi rejeitada, pois a realização de múltiplos ciclos de sinterização afetou significativamente as propriedades ópticas de vários materiais.

The objectives of this study were: a) to determine the opalescence parameter (OP), the color difference (L~E,· reflectance over white x black backgrounds) and the contrast ratio (CR) of dental enamel samples and dental ceramics (the null hypothesis was that ali ceramic materiais would have similar optical properties compared to the dental enamel), and b) to evaluate the effect of multiple sintering cycles (1, 4 and 7) on the above-mentioned optical properties (the null hypothesis was that carrying out multiple firing cycles would not affect the optical properties). Disk specimens (0 12 x 1 mm) were produced out of 18 commercial veneering ceramics (n=10) according to manufacturers' instructions and both sides were polished. One millimeter-thick enamel samples were obtained from seven sound human molars. A spectrophotometer was used to measure the spectral curve of diffuse reflectance (for CR determination) and to measure the L*, a* e b* coordinates (for ~E and OP determination). Measurements were performed in the diffuse reflectance mode in the range of À between 400 and 700 nm at 10 nm measurement intervals. The following fixed parameters were used: illumination of CIE 065 (day light, 6500 K) observe r at 2°. The reflectance test was performed in each specimen using a standard card as the different backgrounds, black (CIE L * = 24.58, a* = 0.27, b* = 2.58) and white (CIE L * = 92.95, a* = -0.78, b* = 3.57). The results showed that, for each mechanical property tested (OP, ~E and CR), only some groups comprising from 5 to 7 materiais obtained optical properties similar to the enamel. Therefore, the first hypothesis had to be rejected since not ali materiais showed similar optical behavior when compared to the dental enamel. With respect to the number of sintering cycles, for each optical property studied, the materiais could be divided in three distinct groups: a) those for which the optical property did not change with the multiple firing cycles and ali values were similar to that of the enamel, b) those for which the optical properties did not significantly change after the multiple firing cycles but the values were statistically ditferent from that of the enamel; and c) those that had the optical properties significantly atfected by the multiple firing cycles. In this way, the second hypothesis was also rejected since performing multiple firing cycles significantly atfected the optical properties of several materiais.

Tenacidade à fratura e microestrutura de porcelanas odontológicas / Fracture toughness and microstructure of dental porcelains

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a tenacidade à fratura (KIc) de quatro porcelanas odontológicas por meio de três testes, e correlacionar os resultados com a microestrutura dos materiais. Duas porcelanas de alta fusäo (A e B, DentsplyCeramco tipo I e tipo II, respectivamente) e duas de baixa fusäo (C, DentsplyCeramco tipo III, e D, Ivoclard.Sign) foram testadas, todas possuindo composiçäo de matriz vítrea e fase cristalina de leucita. Os testes de tenacidade à fratura realizados foram: 1) método da fratura por indentaçäo (indentation fracture - IF)/ 2) método surface crack in flexure (SCF) e 3) método single edge precracked beam (SEPB). Blocos de porcelana com tamanho e geometria específicos para cada um dos testes foram confeccionados com as diferentes cerâmicas utilizando-se moldes de a;o e seguindo-se o ciclo de cocçäo recomendado pelos fabricantes. A análise microestrutural dos materiais foi realizada por meio de microscopia óptica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura, difratometria de raios X e microanálise química por espectroscopia por dispersäo de energia. Com base nos resultados foi possível concluir que, para todos os materiais, as médias de tenacidade obtidas no teste SEPB foram significativamente maiores do que as médias obtidas nos outros dois testes. Além disso, para a porcelana A, o valor de KIc obtido no teste IF foi significativamente maior do que aquele obtido no teste SCF...