Effects of argon plasma and aging on the mechanical properties and phase transformation of 3Y-TZP zirconia

Abstract To evaluate the flexural strength (FS) and flexural modulus (FM) of a commercial 3Y-TZ0P ceramic after artificial aging and either without or with two application times of non-thermal plasma treatments (NTP). In addition, changes in crystalline phase transformation and surface nano-topography after NTP application, during different aging periods, were evaluated. Ninety 3Y-TZP bars (45x4x3 mm) were made for FS and FM testing, and assigned to nine groups (n=10): no NTP/no aging (Control); no NTP/4h aging; no NTP/30h aging; 10s NTP/no aging; 10s NTP/4h aging; 10s NTP/30h aging; 60s NTP/no aging; 60s NTP/4h aging and 60s NTP/30h aging. Artificial accelerated aging was simulated using an autoclave (134º C at 2 bar) for up to 30h. FS and FM were assessed using a universal testing machine and data analyzed using a ANOVA and Tukey test (α=0.05). The volume change in zirconia monoclinic phase (MPV) was evaluated using X-ray diffraction and surface nano-topography was assessed using atomic force microscopy (baseline until 30h-aging). NTP application did not influence the FS and FM of zirconia. Compared to the Control (no NTP/no aging), the FS of zirconia samples treated for 30 hours in autoclave ("no NTP/30h aging" group) increased. Artificial aging for 30 hours significantly increased the FM of zirconia, regardless of NTP application. MPV tended to increase following the increase in aging time, which might result in the surface irregularities observed at 30h-aging. NTP did not alter the zirconia properties tested, but 30h-aging can change the zirconia FS, FM and MPV.

Resumo Avaliar a resistência à flexão (FS) e o módulo de flexão (FM) de uma cerâmica comercial 3Y-TZP após envelhecimento artificial, e com ou sem dois tempos de aplicação de plasma não térmico (NTP). Além disso, a transformação de fase cristalina e a nano-topografia de superfície após a aplicação de NTP, durante diferentes períodos de envelhecimento, foram avaliadas. Noventa barras 3Y-TZP (45x4x3 mm) foram feitas para testes de FS e FM, e distribuídas em nove grupos (n=10): sem NTP/sem envelhecimento (Controle); sem NTP/4h de envelhecimento; sem NTP/30h de envelhecimento; 10sNTP/sem envelhecimento; 10sNTP/4h; 10sNTP/30h; 60sNTP/sem envelhecimento; 60sNTP/4h e 60sNTP/30h. O envelhecimento artificial acelerado foi simulado em autoclave (134º C a 2 bar) por até 30 horas. FS e FM foram avaliados em máquina de ensaio universal e os dados analisados ​​pela ANOVA e teste de Tukey (α = 0,05). A mudança de volume da fase monoclínica de zircônia (MPV) foi avaliada usando difração de raios-X e nano-topografia de superfície foi avaliada utilizando microscopia de força atômica (baseline até 30h). A aplicação do NTP não influenciou a FS e FM da zircônia. Comparado ao Controle ("sem NTP/sem envelhecimento"), a FS das amostras de zircônia tratadas por 30 horas em autoclave ("sem NTP/30h de envelhecimento") aumentou. O envelhecimento artificial por 30 horas aumentou significativamente a FM da zircônia, independente do tempo de aplicação do NTP. O MPV tendeu a aumentar em função do aumento do tempo de envelhecimento para todos os grupos, que pode ter resultado nas irregularidades superficiais observadas com 30 horas de envelhecimento. O NTP não afetou as propriedades da zircônia testadas, mas o envelhecimento por 30 horas pode alterar a FS, FM e MPV da zircônia.

Synthesis, characterization, and incorporation of upconverting nanoparticles into a dental adhesive

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe the synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of b-NaYF4:30%Yb/0.5%Tm upconverting nanocrystals for use as nanofillers in a dental adhesive and microscopically evaluate the interface between the particles and a commercial adhesive. The upconverting nanoparticles were synthesized and purified by thermal decomposition, and their chemical composition determined by energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy. The crystalline structure was characterized using X-Ray diffraction and morphology and size were observed with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Upconverting emission was evaluated by spectrophotometry irradiating the particles with a 975 nm diode laser. Particles were functionalized with polyacrylic acid and the success was confirmed by measurement of Zeta Potential and transmission electron microscopy. The results of X-ray diffraction found a pure hexagonal phase crystalline pattern. Scanning electron microscopy showed uniform dispersion of hexagonal-shaped particles of approximately 150 nm. Upconversion emission was observed in 344 nm, 361 nm, 450 nm, 474nm, 646 nm, 803 nm. Functionalization success was confirmed by formation of a stable aqueous colloid with a Zeta potential of −29.5mV and the absence of voids in the particle-adhesive interface on the transmission electron microscopy images. The reported synthesis and functionalization process produced upconverting nanoparticles emitting photons within the blue spectral region (450 nm and 474 nm).

Comparison of in vivo and in vitro models to evaluate pulp temperature rise during exposure to a Polywave® LED light curing unit

Abstract Objectives: To measure and compare in vivo and in vitro pulp temperature (PT) increase (ΔTEMP) over baseline, physiologic temperature using the same intact upper premolars exposed to the same Polywave® LED curing light. Methodology: After local Ethics Committee approval (#255,945), local anesthesia, rubber dam isolation, small occlusal preparations/minute pulp exposure (n=15) were performed in teeth requiring extraction for orthodontic reasons. A sterile probe of a temperature measurement system (Temperature Data Acquisition, Physitemp) was placed within the pulp chamber and the buccal surface was sequentially exposed to a LED LCU (Bluephase 20i, Ivoclar Vivadent) using the following exposure modes: 10-s low or high, 5-s Turbo, and 60-s high. Afterwards, the teeth were extracted and K-type thermocouples were placed within the pulp chamber through the original access. The teeth were attached to an assembly simulating the in vivo environment, being similarly exposed while real-time temperature (°C) was recorded. ΔTEMP values and time for temperature to reach maximum (ΔTIME) were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post-hoc tests (pre-set alpha 0.05). Results: Higher ΔTEMP was observed in vitro than in vivo. No significant difference in ΔTIME was observed between test conditions. A significant, positive relationship was observed between radiant exposure and ΔTEMP for both conditions (in vivo: r2=0.917; p<0.001; in vitro: r2=0.919; p<0.001). Conclusion: Although the in vitro model overestimated in vivo PT increase, in vitro PT rise was close to in vivo values for clinically relevant exposure modes.

Effect of Ceramic Interposition and Post-activation Times on Knoop Hardness of Different Shades of Resin Cement

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate Knoop hardness of different shades of a resin cement light-cured directly or through ceramic discs, measured 15 min or 24 h after light exposure, and at different depths. Specimens of a commercial resin cement (Variolink Veneer) in seven shades, were fabricated in an elastomeric mold, covered with a mylar strip, a 0.7 mm thick ceramic disc (IPS e.max Press) was placed and the cement was light-activated for 20 s using a blue LED (Radii-Cal). The cured resin cement specimens were transversely wet-flattened to their middle portion and microhardness (Knoop) values were recorded at 15 min after light exposure and after deionized water storage at 37 ºC for 24 h. Five indentations were made in the cross-sectional area at 100 and 700 μm depths from the top surface. Ten specimens were made for each test conditions. Data were submitted to ANOVA split-plot design (shade, post-cure time, mode of activation and depth), followed by Tukey post hoc test (α=0.05). Significant differences for shade (p<0.0001), mode of activation (p<0.001), post-cure time (p<0.0001) and depth (p<0.0001) were detected. No significant interactions (p>0.05) were found, except for shade x post-cure time (p<0.0045) and mode of activation x post-cure time (p<0.0003). Resin cement shade has a significant effect on Knoop hardness. Indirect activation through a ceramic material reduced significantly Knoop hardness. Hardness Knoop significantly increased after 24 h in all cements shades compared to values obtained after 15 min. Resin cement depth significantly reduced Knoop hardness.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a dureza Knoop de diferentes cores de um cimento resinoso fotoativado diretamente ou através da interposição de um disco de cerâmica, medindo 15 min ou 24 h após exposição à luz, em diferentes profundidades. Amostras do cimento resinoso (Variolink Veneer) em sete cores foram fabricados num molde de elastômero, coberto com tira de poliéster, seguido de um disco cerâmico (IPS e.max Press) com 0.7 mm de espessura e fotoativado por 20 s com o aparelho LED (IPS e.max Press). O cimento resinoso fotoativado foi transversalmente desgastado na porção média e os valores de microdureza Knoop foram obtidos após 15 min após exposição à luz e após armazenagem em água deionizada à 37 °C por 24 h. Cinco penetrações foram feitas na secção transversal à 100 e 700 μm da superfície de topo. Dez amostras foram confeccionadas para cada condição de teste. Os dados foram submetidos à Análise de Variância em esquema de parcelas subdivididas (cor, tempo pós-ativação, modo de ativação e profundidade), seguido pelo teste de Tukey post hoc (α=0,05). Diferença significante para a cor (p<0,0001), modo de ativação (p<0,001), tempo pós-ativação (p<0,0001) e profundidade (p<0,0001) foi detectada. Nenhuma interação significante foi encontrada (p>0,05), exceto para a interação cor x tempo pós-ativação (p<0,0045) e modo de ativação x tempo pós-ativação (p<0,0003). A cor do cimento resinoso teve significante efeito na dureza Knoop. A ativação indireta através do material cerâmico reduziu significativamente a dureza Knoop. A dureza Knoop aumentou significativamente após 24 h em todas as cores do cimento comparados aos valores obtidos após 15 min. A profundidade do cimento resinoso reduziu significativamente os valores de dureza Knoop.

Light curing in dentistry and clinical implications: a literature review

Abstract Contemporary dentistry literally cannot be performed without use of resin-based restorative materials. With the success of bonding resin materials to tooth structures, an even wider scope of clinical applications has arisen for these lines of products. Understanding of the basic events occurring in any dental polymerization mechanism, regardless of the mode of activating the process, will allow clinicians to both better appreciate the tremendous improvements that have been made over the years, and will also provide valuable information on differences among strategies manufacturers use to optimize product performance, as well as factors under the control of the clinician, whereby they can influence the long-term outcome of their restorative procedures.

Indirect Restoration Thickness and Time after Light-Activation Effects on Degree of Conversion of Resin Cement

This study evaluated the effects of indirect restorative materials, curing conditions and time on the degree of conversion (DC) of a dual-cured resin cement using infrared spectroscopy. The resin cement (RelyX Unicem 2, 3M ESPE) was applied to the diamond surface of a horizontal attenuated-total-reflectance unit and activated using one of following conditions: self-cure, direct light exposure, light exposure through indirect restorative materials (resin nano-ceramic: Lava Ultimate, 3M ESPE or feldspathic ceramic: Vita Blocks Mark II, Vita Zahnfabrik). Four thicknesses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 mm) of each indirect material were analyzed, and the light-activation was performed using a blue LED light. Data (n=5) were analyzed by three-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc and Dunnett's tests (α=5%). No significant differences in DC were observed between indirect materials of similar thickness. All groups exhibited higher DC after 10 min than after 5 min. At both times points, the self-cure group exhibited significantly lower DC than all the light exposure groups. Only when the overlying indirect restoration had a thickness of 2 mm did DC decrease significantly. The presence of a thick, indirect restoration can decrease the DC of resin cement. DC after 10 min was higher than after 5 min. The self-cure mode yielded lower DC than the light-activating one.

Este estudo avaliou os efeitos do tipo de material restaurador indireto, da condição de ativação e do tempo no grau de conversão de um cimento resinoso de dupla ativação, utilizando espectroscopia de luz infravermelha. O cemento resinoso (RelyX Unicem 2, 3M ESPE) foi aplicado à superfície do diamante da unidade de reflectância atenuada e ativado segundo as seguintes condições: ativação química, exposição direta da luz e aplicação da luz através de dois materiais protéticos: resina nano-cerâmica (Lava Ultimate, 3M ESPE) ou cerâmica feldspática (Vita Blocks Mark II, Vita Zahnfabrik). Quatro espessuras de cada um desses materiais (0,5; 1,0; 1,5 e 2,0 mm) foram analisadas e a ativação realizada com luz LED. Os dados (n=5) foram analisados pela ANOVA três fatores, testes de Tukey e Dunnett (5%). Nenhuma diferença do grau de conversão foi observada entre os materiais. Todos os grupos mostraram maior grau de conversão após 10 min que após 5 min. Em ambos os tempos, o grupo ativado quimicamente teve menor grau de conversão que todos os grupos fotoativados. O grau de conversão foi reduzido somente quando foi utilizada a peça protética de 2 mm. Espessas peças protéticas podem reduzir o grau de conversão do cemento resinoso. A grau de conversão após 10 min é maior que após 5 min da cimentação. A ativação química produz menor grau de conversão que a fotoativação.

Efeito de cerâmicas odontológicas na passagem da luz emitida por aparelhos fotoativadores / Effect of dental ceramics on the transmittance of light emitted by curing units

Este estudo avaliou a influência de dois tipos de cerâmicas odontológicas (óxido de zircônio e dissilicato de lítio) na transmitância da luz emitida por diferentes aparelhos fotoativadores. Discos com 1 mm de espessura e 10 mm de diâmetro foram preparados a partir dos materiais restauradores indiretos: IPS e.Max Zircad (lvoclar Vivadent) e IPS e.Max (lvoclar Vivadent). Sobre os materiais protéticos foi aplicada a cerâmica à base de nanofluorapatita (IPS e.Max Ceram, Ivociar vivadent), com 1 mm de espessura. Cinco diferentes aparelhos fotoativadores foram testados: Arc Light 11 (AirTechniques), ColtoLux LED (Colténe Whaledent), Elipar Free Light 2 (3M ESPE), Astralis 10 (lvoclar Vivadent) e Ultralume 5 (Ultradent), sendo esse último utilizado no modo normal, apenas com luz azul ou luz violeta. A irradiância através dos diferentes materiais restauradores foi mensurada com um espectroradiômetro (DAS 2100, Labsphere) associado a um software especifico (Spectra Suite, Ocean Optics). Os dados foram submetidos à analise de variância de 2 fatores e teste de T ukey (p:s;O,05). A luz emitida pelo aparelho arco de plasma (Arc Light 11) mostrou maior passagem através dos materiais indiretos estudados, enquanto a luz violeta emitida pelo aparelho Ultralume 5 foi a mais bloqueada entre os aparelhos. A zircônia permitiu maior passagem de luz quando comparada ao dissilicato de lítio. Os materiais restauradores indiretos estudados apresentaram comportamentos distintos com relação à passagem de luz. O tipo de aparelho fotoativador influenciou a irradiância através dos diferentes materiais restauradores.

This study evaluated the influence of different types of restorative indirect materiais (zirconium oxide and lithium disilicate) in transmittance of light emitted by different types of curing units. Discs with 1 mm thickness and 10 mm dia meter were prepared from the indirect restorative materiais: IPS e.max ZirCAD (Ivoclar Vivadent) and IPS e.max (Ivoclar Vivadent). A nanofluorapatite ceramic (IPS e.max, Ivoclar Vivadent) was applied over theindirect materiais with 1 mm thickness. Five different light curing units were tested: Arc Light II (Air Technologies), ColtoLux LED (Colténe Whaledent), Elipar Free Light 2 (3M ESPE), Astralis 10 (Ivoclar Vivadent) and Ultralume 5 (Ultradent), which was used in regular mode, only light blue and only violet. The Irradiance through different restorative materiais was measured using a spectroradiometer (DAS 2100, Labsphere) associated with a specific software (Spectra Suite, Ocean Optics). Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (p:s;O,05). The plasma are curing unit (Arc Light 11) showed the highest irradiance values through different restorative materiais, while the light source Ultralume 5, violet mode, showed the lowest irradiance values through different restorative materiais. The zirconia allowed higher light intensity passed through it when compared to lithium disilicate. The indirect restorative materiais tested showed distinct properties regarding the transmittance of light. Type of curing unit significantly influenced the Irradiance through different restorative materiais.

Silorane- and high filled-based"low-shrinkage" resin composites: shrinkage, flexural strength and modulus

This study compared the volumetric shrinkage (VS), flexural strength (FS) and flexural modulus (FM) properties of the low-shrinkage resin composite Aelite LS (Bisco) to those of Filtek LS (3M ESPE) and two regular dimethacrylate-based resin composites, the microfilled Heliomolar (Ivoclar Vivadent) and the microhybrid Aelite Universal (Bisco). The composites (n = 5) were placed on the Teflon pedestal of a video-imaging device, and VS was recorded every minute for 5 min after 40 s of light exposure. For the FS and FM tests, resin discs (0.6 mm in thickness and 6.0 mm in diameter) were obtained (n = 12) and submitted to a piston-ring biaxial test in a universal testing machine. VS, FS, and FM data were submitted to two-way repeated measures and one-way ANOVA, respectively, followed by Tukey's post-hoc test (a = 5%). Filtek LS showed lower VS than did Aelite LS, which in turn showed lower shrinkage than did the other composites. Aelite Universal and Filtek LS exhibited higher FS than did Heliomolar and Aelite LS, both of which exhibited the highest FM. No significant difference in FM was noted between Filtek LS and Aelite Universal, while Heliomolar exhibited the lowest values. Aelite LS was not as effective as Filtek LS regarding shrinkage, although both low-shrinkage composites showed lower VS than did the other composites. Only Filtek LS exhibited FS and FM comparable to those of the regular microhybrid dimethacrylate-based resin composite.

The effect of viscosity and activation mode on biaxial flexure strength and modulus of dual resin cements / Efeito da viscosidade e modo de ativação na resistência flexural biaxial e módulo em cimentos resinosos duais

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of curing mode and viscosity on the biaxial flexural strength (FS) and modulus (FM) of dual resin cements. METHODS: Eight experimental groups were created (n=12) according to the dual-cured resin cements (Nexus 2/Kerr Corp. and Variolink II/IvoclarVivadent), curing modes (dual or self-cure), and viscosities (low and high). Forty-eight cement discs of each product (0.5 mm thick by 6.0 mm diameter) were fabricated. Half specimens were light - activated for 40 seconds and half were allowed to self-cure. After 10 days, the biaxial flexure test was performed using a universal testing machine (1.27 mm/min, Instron 5844). Data were statistically analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). RESULTS: Light-activation increased FS and FM of resin cements at both viscosities in comparison with self-curing mode. The high viscosity version of light-activated resin cements exhibited higher FS than low viscosity versions. The viscosity of resin and the type of cement did not influence the FM. Light-activation of dual-polymerizing resin cements provided higher FS and FM for both resin cements and viscosities. CONCLUSION: The use of different resin cements with different viscosities may change the biomechanical behavior of these luting materials.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo é avaliar o efeito do modo de ativação na resistência flexual biaxial (RF) e módulo (MF) em cimentos resinosos duais. METODOLOGIA: Foram formados oito grupos experientais (n=12) de acordo com cimento resinos (Nexus 2/Kerr Corp. and Variolink II/IvoclarVivadent), modo de ativação (dual ou auto-polimerizado) e viscosidade (baixa e alta). Quarenta e oito discos de cada cimento foram fabridados (0,5 mm espessura por 6,0 mm diametro). Metade dos espécimes foram foto-ativados e a outra metade foi deixado para auto-polimerização. Após dez dias, o teste biaxial foi realizado em máquina de ensaio universal (1,27 mm/min, Instron 5844). Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente por ANOVA e teste Tukey (5%). RESULTADOS: A foto-ativação aumentou a RF e RM para os cimentos em ambas as viscosidades em comparação com os grupos auto-polimerizados. A versão alta viscosidade dos cimentos foto-ativados apresentou maior RF que os cimentos em baixa viscosidade. A viscosidade e o tipo de cimento não influenciam o MF. A foto-ativação aumenta os valores de RF e MF para ambos os cimentos e viscosidades. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de diferentes cimentos com diferentes viscosidades pode influenciar o comportamento biomecânico de cimentos resinoso.

Microtensile bond strength of adhesive systems to dentin with or without application of an intermediate flowable resin layer

This study evaluated the effect of flowable composite resin application on the microtensile bond strength (muTBS) of adhesive systems to dentin. Occlusal surfaces of human third molars were ground to obtain flat dentin surfaces. The crown of each tooth was sectioned occluso-gingivally into four quarters with a water-cooled diamond saw. One of the following adhesive systems was applied to dentin surface in each quarter of the same tooth, following manufacturers' instructions: Scotchbond Multipurpose, Single Bond Adper Prompt and Clearfil SE Bond. Experimental and control groups received the same treatment, except for the fact that a layer of flowable composite (Filtek Flow) was placed and light-cured on top of the adhesive layer in the specimens of the experimental groups. Resin composite (Filtek Z250) crown buildups were then made on the bonded surfaces and incrementally light-cured for 20 s. The restored teeth were stored in water at 37ºC for 24 h. Each tooth quarter was serially cut in a longitudinal direction in order to obtain several bonded sticks (0.9-mm² in cross-section). Maximal microtensile stress (in MPa) at failure was recorded using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5 percent significance level. Placement of a low-viscosity resin to the hybridized dentin increased the muTBS for all tested adhesive systems. However, such increase was significant only for Clearfil SE Bond (p<0.05). When the restorations were placed without low-viscosity resin, Clearfil SE Bond presented higher muTBS than Adper Prompt (p<0.05). For the groups treated with flowable composite, Clearfil SE Bond produced the highest muTBS means to dentin. In conclusion, the effect of the addition of an intermediate flowable composite layer on muTBS to dentin was material-dependent and resulted in an increased adhesion for all tested materials, though with significance only for Clearfil SE Bond.

Este estudo avaliou o efeito da aplicação de uma resina flow na resistência de união (RU) (microtração) de sistemas adesivos à dentina. Superfícies oclusais de terceiros molares humanos foram abrasionadas para formar superfícies dentinárias planificadas. As coroas foram seccionadas no sentido ocluso-gengival em quatro partes de tamanhos similares com disco diamantado sob refrigeração. Os sistemas adesivos (Scotchbond Multipurpose; Single Bond; Adper Prompt e Clearfil SE Bond) foram aplicados nas superfícies dentinárias, de acordo com as instruções dos fabricantes, sendo cada um deles em uma das quatro partes de um mesmo dente. Os grupos experimentais e controle receberam o mesmo tratamento, porém a resina flow (Filtek Flow) foi aplicada e fotoativada sobre os sistemas adesivos nos espécimes dos grupos experimentais. Um bloco de compósito (Filtek Z250) foi confeccionado em incrementos sobre as superfícies tratadas com o sistema adesivo e fotoativado por 20 s. Os dentes restaurados foram armazenados em água a 37ºC por 24 h e seccionados longitudinalmente para obtenção de espécimes com formato de paralelepípedo, com 0,9 mm² na área de união. O ensaio de tração foi realizado em máquina universal de ensaios e os valores de RU foram expressos em MPa. Os dados foram analisados pela ANOVA (dois fatores) e teste de Tukey (5 por cento). A aplicação da resina flow na dentina previamente hibridizada aumentou a RU para todos os sistemas adesivos, entretanto, foi estatisticamente significativa somente para o adesivo Clearfil SE Bond (p<0,05). Quando as restaurações foram confeccionadas sem a resina de baixa viscosidade, o Clearfil SE Bond obteve maior valor de RU que o adesivo Adper Prompt (p<0,05). Para os grupos com a resina flow, o Clearfil SE Bond resultou no maior valor médio de RU à dentina. Conclui-se que o efeito da aplicação da resina flow foi depende do sistema adesivo utilizado e indicou um aumento na RU para todos os sistemas adesivos...