Peel bond strength between 3D printing tray materials and elastomeric impression/adhesive systems: A laboratory study.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the bonding between three 3D printed custom tray materials and three elastomeric impression/adhesive systems using the peel test. METHODS: Test blocks were 3D printed by three different technologies using Dental LT, FREEPRINT tray, and polylactide (PLA) tray materials. The reference test blocks were conventionally fabricated with Zeta Tray LC, a light-curing resin. The surface topographies of the four tray materials were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses and roughness measurements. The peel bond strength between the four tray materials and three impression/adhesive systems, vinylsiloxanether (VSXE), vinyl polysiloxane (VPS), and polyether (PE), was measured (n=12 per group). The peeling failure modes and rupture sites were identified microscopically. RESULTS: The four tray materials featured different surface topographies. The peel bond strength was not significantly different with VSXE and PE, but PLA and the reference showed higher peel bond strength with VPS than the Dental LT and FREEPRINT tray (p<0.05). The rupture site of adhesive failure in all groups was partly at the adhesive-impression material interface and partly within the adhesive but never at the adhesive-tray material interface. SIGNIFICANCE: The 3D printed tray materials can achieve satisfactory chemical compatibility with the adhesives of VSXE, VPS, and PE. Surface topographies generated by the 3D printing technologies may affect bonding. Generally, 3D printed tray materials can provide clinically adequate bond strength with the elastomeric impression/adhesive systems. PLA is recommended for bonding with VPS when severe impression removal resistance is detected.

Surface characteristics of dental implants: A review.

OBJECTIVES: During the last decades, several changes of paradigm have modified our view on how biomaterials' surface characteristics influence the bioresponse. After becoming aware of the role of a certain microroughness for improved cellular contact and osseointegration of dental titanium implants, the likewise important role of surface energy and wettability was increasingly strengthened. Very recently, synergistic effects of nanoscaled topographical features and hydrophilicity at the implant/bone interface have been reported. METHODS: Questions arise about which surface roughness and wetting data are capable to predict the bioresponse and, ultimately, the clinical performance. Current methods and approaches applied for topographical, wetting and surface energetic analyses are highlighted. Current knowledge of possible mechanisms explaining the influence of roughness and hydrophilicity at the biological interface is presented. RESULTS: Most marketed and experimental surfaces are based on commonly available additive or subtractive surface modifying methods such as blasting, etching or anodizing. Different height, spatial, hybrid and functional roughness parameters have been identified as possible candidates able to predict the outcome at hard and soft tissue interfaces. Likewise, hydrophilic implants have been proven to improve the initial blood contact, to support the wound healing and thereby accelerating the osseointegration. SIGNIFICANCE: There is clear relevance for the influence of topographical and wetting characteristics on a macromolecular and cellular level at endosseous implant/biosystem interfaces. However, we are still far away from designing sophisticated implant surfaces with the best possible, selective functionality for each specific tissue or cavity interface. Firstly, because our knowledge of the respective surface related reactions is at best fragmentary. Secondly, because manufacturing of multi-scaled complex surfaces including distinct nanotopographies, wetting properties, and stable cleanliness is still a technical challenge and far away from being reproducibly transferred to implant surfaces.

Comparative evaluation of topographical data of dental implant surfaces applying optical interferometry and scanning electron microscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Comparability of topographical data of implant surfaces in literature is low and their clinical relevance often equivocal. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of scanning electron microscopy and optical interferometry to assess statistically similar 3-dimensional roughness parameter results and to evaluate these data based on predefined criteria regarded relevant for a favorable biological response. METHODS: Four different commercial dental screw-type implants (NanoTite Certain Prevail, TiUnite Brånemark Mk III, XiVE S Plus and SLA Standard Plus) were analyzed by stereo scanning electron microscopy and white light interferometry. Surface height, spatial and hybrid roughness parameters (Sa, Sz, Ssk, Sku, Sal, Str, Sdr) were assessed from raw and filtered data (Gaussian 50µm and 5µm cut-off-filters), respectively. Data were statistically compared by one-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test. For a clinically relevant interpretation, a categorizing evaluation approach was used based on predefined threshold criteria for each roughness parameter. RESULTS: The two methods exhibited predominantly statistical differences. Dependent on roughness parameters and filter settings, both methods showed variations in rankings of the implant surfaces and differed in their ability to discriminate the different topographies. Overall, the analyses revealed scale-dependent roughness data. Compared to the pure statistical approach, the categorizing evaluation resulted in much more similarities between the two methods. SIGNIFICANCE: This study suggests to reconsider current approaches for the topographical evaluation of implant surfaces and to further seek after proper experimental settings. Furthermore, the specific role of different roughness parameters for the bioresponse has to be studied in detail in order to better define clinically relevant, scale-dependent and parameter-specific thresholds and ranges.

Peri-implantitis cleaning instrumentation influences the integrity of photoactive nanocoatings.

OBJECTIVE: To determine in vitro the loss of integrity caused on photocatalytic anatase coated implant surfaces by clinical instrumentation through changes in surface topography and loss of functionality. METHODS: Anatase-coated titanium discs were treated with diamond burs, polishers, plastic and metal hand instruments, air scaler and air flow devices. The pressure exerted through instrumentation was measured online. Surface topography was evaluated through scanning electron microscopy and contact profilometry, surface function through hydrophilization capacity upon UV-A activation. RESULTS: Treatment with diamond burs and instruments with metal tips resulted in an increase of roughness. Use of silicone polishers led to smoothening, which was more pronounced on the anatase surface. Plastic instruments, the air abrasive system and rubber cups left the surfaces intact. Functionality was partially lost on surfaces subjected to hand instruments and completely lost upon diamond burs and silicone polishers. SIGNIFICANCE: The integrity of functional nanocoatings depends on the applied instrumentation. Air flow device, rubber cup with polishing paste and plastic tipped instruments prevent damage on these nanosurfaces and may be preferably used when decontaminating anatase and other nanocoatings in a clinical setting.

Cytocompatibility evaluation of different biodegradable magnesium alloys with human mesenchymal stem cells.

In the last few years, the use of biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys has evoked great interest in the orthopedic field due to great advantages over long-term implant materials associated with various side effects like allergy and sensitization and consequent implant removal surgeries. However, degradation of these Mg alloys results in ion release, which may cause severe cytotoxicity and undesirable complications after implantation. In this study, we investigated the cytological effects of various Mg alloys on cells that play an important role in bone repair. Eight different magnesium alloys containing varying amounts of Al, Zn, Nd and Y were either incubated directly or indirectly with the osteosarcoma cell line Saos-2 or with uninduced and osteogenically-induced human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from bone marrow specimens obtained from the femoral shaft of patients undergoing total hip replacement. Cell viability, cell attachment and the release of ions were investigated at different time points in vitro. During direct or indirect incubation different cytotoxic effects of the Mg alloys on Saos-2 cells and osteogenically-induced or uninduced MSCs were observed. Furthermore, the concentration of degradation products released from the Mg alloys differed. Overall, Mg alloys MgNd2, MgY4, MgAl9Zn1 and MgY4Nd2 exhibit good cytocompatibility. In conclusion, this study reveals the necessity of cytocompatibility evaluation of new biodegradable magnesium alloys with cells that will get in direct contact to the implant material. Furthermore, the use of standardized experimental in vitro assays is necessary in order to reliably and effectively characterize new Mg alloys before performing in vivo experiments.

Comparison of different in vitro tests for biocompatibility screening of Mg alloys.

Standard cell culture tests according to ISO 10993 have only limited value for the biocompatibility screening of degradable biomaterials such as Mg alloys. The correlation between in vitro and in vivo results is poor. Standard cytotoxicity tests mimic the clinical situation to only a limited extent, since in vivo proteins and macromolecules in the blood and interstitial liquid will influence the corrosion behaviour and, hence, biocompatibility of Mg alloys to a significant extent. We therefore developed a modified cytotoxicity test simulating the in vivo conditions by use of bovine serum as the extraction vehicle instead of the cell culture medium routinely used in standard cytotoxicity testing according to ISO 10993-5. The modified extraction test was applied to eight experimental Mg alloys. Cytotoxicity was assayed by inhibition of cell metabolic activity (XTT test). When extraction of the alloy samples was performed in serum instead of cell culture medium the metabolic activity was significantly less inhibited for six of the eight alloys. The reduction in apparent cytotoxicity under serum extraction conditions was most pronounced for MgZn1 (109% relative metabolic activity with serum extracts vs. 26% in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)), for MgY4 (103% in serum vs. 32% in DMEM) and for MgAl3Zn1 (84% vs. 17%), resulting in a completely different cytotoxicity ranking of the tested materials when serum extraction was used. We suppose that this test system has the potential to enhance the predictability of in vivo corrosion behaviour and biocompatibility of Mg-based materials for biodegradable medical devices.

Formation and photocatalytic decomposition of a pellicle on anatase surfaces.

The acquired dental pellicle plays a critical role in the adhesion and detachment of dental plaque bacteria. It has been reported that titanium dioxide biomaterials decompose single-protein films by photocatalysis. However, it is not known whether this can also be achieved with complex structured pellicle films. This in vitro study investigated in real-time the formation and photocatalytic decomposition of human pellicle at anatase-saliva interfaces. Nanostructured polycrystalline anatase layers were deposited on titanium-coated quartz crystals by magnetron-sputtering, serving as a model for titanium implant surfaces. The quartz crystals were used as acoustic sensors in a quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) system with dissipation. In situ UV irradiation of pellicle-covered anatase caused a statistically significant decrease of the adsorbed salivary mass. In contrast, photocatalytic decomposition of pellicle could not be observed on reference titanium surfaces. Wettability characterization revealed superhydrophilicity of anatase upon UV irradiation, whereas titanium was unaffected. XPS measurements provide further information concerning the decomposition of the salivary films. The results suggest that the photocatalytic activity of polycrystalline anatase-modified biomaterial surfaces is able to decompose complex structured macromolecular pellicle films. Therefore, this study opens the way to surface modifications supporting therapeutic approaches of biofilm removal.

Influence of cusp coverage on the fracture resistance of premolars with endodontic access cavities.

AIM: To assess the influence of cusp reduction and coverage with composite resin on the fracture resistance of premolars with prepared access cavities. METHODOLOGY: Endodontic access cavities were prepared in 60 premolar teeth that were divided into four test groups: R1, R2, R3 and NR (n=15). In all test groups, MOD cavities were prepared and extended towards one of the cusps. The remaining cusp-wall thickness was: 1-1.5 mm in R1, 1.5-2 mm in R2 and 2-3 mm in both R3 and NR groups. In addition, in group R1, R2 and R3 the same cusp was reduced in height to 3.5 mm. Cuspal coverage and MOD restorations were performed using composite resin. Ten intact premolars served as positive controls and another ten MOD-prepared unrestored premolars as negative controls. Teeth were submitted to cyclic fatigue of 1.2 million cycles. A compressive load was applied 30° to the long axis of the teeth until fracture. Fracture loads were recorded and the means and the Confidence Intervals were compared. RESULTS: The mean fracture resistance of each of the cusp-reduced groups R1, R2 and R3 (603, 712 and 697 N, respectively) was significantly higher than the non-reduced cusp group (305 N) and was comparable to the intact-premolar group (653 N). CONCLUSIONS: Cusp reduction and coverage with composite resin significantly increased the fracture resistance of premolar teeth with MOD and endodontic access cavities.

Marginal behaviour of self-etch adhesive/composite and combined amalgam-composite restorations.

The aim of this study was to compare the marginal and internal adaptation in self-etching adhesive (SEA)/composite restorations with combined amalgam-resin-based composite restorations in the proximal box with and without bonding agent beneath amalgam both before and after load-cycling. Class II restorations, were manufactured as following a) Bonding agent (Clearfil Liner Bond 2V, Kuraray) beneath amalgam (Tytin, SDS Kerr) and resin-based composite (Clearfil APX, Kuraray) with SEA, b) Amalgam without bonding agent and resin-based composite with SEA and c) Resin-based composite with SEA. Each group divided into two equal subgroups (n=8). Marginal and internal adaptation of first subgroup evaluated after 7-day water storage and of the second after load-cycling in chewing simulator for 1.2 x 10(6) cycles. Marginal and internal adaptation at cervical and amalgam-composite sites evaluated by videomicroscope and ranked as "excellent"/"non-excellent". Slices of restorations examined under optical microscope to determine the quality of bonding layer. Defects in cervical adaptation observed in the three restorative techniques examined prior loading. Amalgam-composite combination in proximal surface provided comparable marginal and internal adaptation results at cervical wall, to self-etching-composite combination. Portion (25-37.5%) of amalgam-resin-based composite interfaces in proximal box presented no perfect sealing. The application of bonding agent beneath amalgam resulted in relatively inferior cervical adaptation. Loading resulted in fewer excellent restorations in all three restorative techniques but not in a statistically significant level.

Multifunctional nature of UV-irradiated nanocrystalline anatase thin films for biomedical applications.

Anatase is known to decompose organic material by photocatalysis and to enhance surface wettability once irradiated by ultraviolet (UV) light. In this study, pulse magnetron-sputtered anatase thin films were investigated for their suitability with respect to specific biomedical applications, namely superhydrophilic and biofilm degrading implant surfaces. UV-induced hydrophilicity was quantified by static and dynamic contact angle analysis. Photocatalytic protein decomposition was analyzed by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation. The surfaces were characterized by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The radical formation on anatase, responsible for photocatalytic effects, was analyzed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Results have shown that the nanocrystalline anatase films, in contrast to reference titanium surfaces, were sensitive to UV irradiation and showed rapid switching towards superhydrophilicity. The observed decrease in carbon adsorbents and the increase in the fraction of surface hydroxyl groups upon UV irradiation might contribute to this hydrophilic behavior. UV irradiation of anatase pre-conditioned with albumin protein layers induces the photocatalytic decomposition of these model biofilms. The observed degradation is mainly caused by hydroxyl radicals. It is concluded that nanocrystalline anatase films offer different functions at implant interfaces, e.g. bedside hydrophilization of anatase-coated implants for improved osseointegration or the in situ decomposition of conditioning films forming the basal layer of biofilms in the oral cavity.

[Effects of voltage during anodization on titanium surface on cell attachment and spreading of osteoblasts].

PURPOSE: The effects of the voltage during anodic oxidation on cell attachment and spreading of human osteoblasts in early stage were investigated. METHODS: The samples were anodized in the electrolyte of 0.03 M calcium glycerophosphate (Ca-GP) mixed with 0.15 M calcium acetate (CA) under current density of 70 A/m2 and different voltages, 140V, 200V or 260V. The surface roughness of the specimens and the attachment and spreading of human osteoblasts in early stage were investigated. SPSS13.0 for windows was used for one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The surface average roughness of cp Ti was significantly improved from 0.17 micro m to 0.23 micro m, 0.26 micro m, 0.33 micro m, respectively, by anodic oxidation with increased voltage (P<0.05). After 2 hours of cell culture, cell skeleton was reorganized and cell morphology became more irregular with the increase of anodizing voltages. Cell attachment on the specimens anodized under 260V was significantly higher than on the surface of cp Ti (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The surface properties of cp Ti can be affected by anodic oxidation. The early cell attachment and spreading were enhanced with anodizing voltage.

Biomechanical evaluation of the interfacial strength of a chemically modified sandblasted and acid-etched titanium surface.

The functional capacity of osseointegrated dental implants to bear load is largely dependent on the quality of the interface between the bone and implant. Sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) surfaces have been previously shown to enhance bone apposition. In this study, the SLA has been compared with a chemically modified SLA (modSLA) surface. The increased wettability of the modSLA surface in a protein solution was verified by dynamic contact angle analysis. Using a well-established animal model with a split-mouth experimental design, implant removal torque testing was performed to determine the biomechanical properties of the bone-implant interface. All implants had an identical cylindrical shape with a standard thread configuration. Removal torque testing was performed after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of bone healing (n = 9 animals per healing period, three implants per surface type per animal) to evaluate the interfacial shear strength of each surface type. Results showed that the modSLA surface was more effective in enhancing the interfacial shear strength of implants in comparison with the conventional SLA surface during early stages of bone healing. Removal torque values of the modSLA-surfaced implants were 8-21% higher than those of the SLA implants (p = 0.003). The mean removal torque values for the modSLA implants were 1.485 N m at 2 weeks, 1.709 N m at 4 weeks, and 1.345 N m at 8 weeks; and correspondingly, 1.231 N m, 1.585 N m, and 1.143 N m for the SLA implants. The bone-implant interfacial stiffness calculated from the torque-rotation curve was on average 9-14% higher for the modSLA implants when compared with the SLA implants (p = 0.038). It can be concluded that the modSLA surface achieves a better bone anchorage during early stages of bone healing than the SLA surface; chemical modification of the standard SLA surface likely enhances bone apposition and this has a beneficial effect on the interfacial shear strength.

Enhancing surface free energy and hydrophilicity through chemical modification of microstructured titanium implant surfaces.

Roughness-induced hydrophobicity, well-known from natural plant surfaces and intensively studied toward superhydrophobic surfaces, has currently been identified on microstructured titanium implant surfaces. Studies indicate that microstructuring by sandblasting and acid etching (SLA) enhances the osteogenic properties of titanium. The undesired initial hydrophobicity, however, presumably decelerates primary interactions with the aqueous biosystem. To improve the initial wettability and to retain SLA microstructure, a novel surface modification was tested. This modification differs from SLA by its preparation after acid etching, which was done under protective gas conditions following liquid instead of dry storage. We hypothesized that this modification should have increased wettability due to the prevention of contaminations that occurs during air contact. The main outcome of dynamic wettability measurements was that the novel modification shows increased surface free energy (SFE) and increased hydrophilicity with initial water contact angles of 0 degrees compared to 139.9 degrees for SLA. This hydrophilization was kept even after any drying. Reduced hydrocarbon contaminations were identified to play a possible role in altered surface thermodynamics. Such surfaces aim to retain the hydrophilicity and natural high surface energy of the Ti dioxide surface until surgical implants' insertion and are compared in this in vitro study with structural surface variants of titanium to compare roughness and chemically induced wettability.

High surface energy enhances cell response to titanium substrate microstructure.

Titanium (Ti) is used for implantable devices because of its biocompatible oxide surface layer. TiO2 surfaces that have a complex microtopography increase bone-to-implant contact and removal torque forces in vivo and induce osteoblast differentiation in vitro. Studies examining osteoblast response to controlled surface chemistries indicate that hydrophilic surfaces are osteogenic, but TiO2 surfaces produced until now exhibit low surface energy because of adsorbed hydrocarbons and carbonates from the ambient atmosphere or roughness induced hydrophobicity. Novel hydroxylated/hydrated Ti surfaces were used to retain high surface energy of TiO2. Osteoblasts grown on this modified surface exhibited a more differentiated phenotype characterized by increased alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin and generated an osteogenic microenvironment through higher production of PGE2 and TGF-beta1. Moreover, 1alpha,25OH2D3 increased these effects in a manner that was synergistic with high surface energy. This suggests that increased bone formation observed on modified Ti surfaces in vivo is due in part to stimulatory effects of high surface energy on osteoblasts.

Marginal and internal adaptation of Class II ormocer and hybrid resin composite restorations before and after load cycling.

To overcome the shortcomings of the conventional composite restorative materials, ormocer materials have been introduced over the past few years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the marginal and internal adaptation of two ormocer restorative systems (Admira, Voco and Definite, Degussa) compared to a hybrid composite one (TPH Spectrum, Dentsply/ DeTrey), before and after load cycling in Class II restorations. Standardized Class II restorations with cervical margins on enamel were divided into three groups ( n=16). Teeth of each group were filled with one of the restoratives tested and its respective bonding agent. Each group was divided into two equal subgroups. The marginal and internal adaptation of the first subgroup was evaluated after 7-day water storage at room temperature and of the second after cyclic loading in a mastication simulator (1.2x10(6) cycles, 49 N, 1.6 Hz). The occlusal and cervical marginal evaluation was conducted by videomicroscope and ranked as "excellent" and "not excellent". One thin section (150 microm), in mesial-distal direction, of each restoration, was examined under metallographic microscope to determine the quality of internal adaptation. The occlusal and cervical adaptation of both ormocer restorative systems was similar and clearly worse compared with the hybrid composite restorative one before as well as after load cycling. Concerning internal adaptation, no gap-free ormocer restorations were detected, whereas all Spectrum restorations presented perfect adaptation. The bonding agents of the ormocers formed layers with unacceptable features (pores, fractures) whereas that of the hybrid composite achieved perfect bonding layer even after loading. The rheological characteristics of the bonding agents of the ormocer restorative systems are proposed to be responsible for their inferior marginal and internal quality in Class II restorations compared with the hybrid composite one.

Roughness induced dynamic changes of wettability of acid etched titanium implant modifications.

Dynamic contact angle analysis (DCA) was used to investigate time-dependent wettability changes of sandblasted and acid-etched commercially pure (cp) titanium (Ti) implant modifications during their initial contact with aqueous systems compared to a macrostructured reference surface. Surface topography was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and by contact stylus profilometry. The microstructured Ti surfaces were found to be initially extremely hydrophobic. This hydrophobic configuration can shift to a completely wettable surface behavior with water contact angles of 0 degrees after the first emersion loop during DCA experiments. It is suggested that a hierarchically structured surface topography could be responsible for this unexpected wetting phenomenon. Roughness spatial and hybrid parameters could describe topographical features interfering with dynamic wettability significantly better than roughness height parameters. The Ti modifications which shift very sudden from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic state adsorbed the highest amount of immunologically assayed fibronectin. The results suggest that microstructuring greatly influences both the dynamic wettability of Ti implant surfaces during the initial host contact and the initial biological response of plasma protein adsorption. The microstructured surfaces, once in the totally wettable configuration, may improve the initial contact with host tissue after implantation, due to the drastically increased hydrophilicity.

Adsorption/desorption phenomena on pure and Teflon AF-coated titania surfaces studied by dynamic contact angle analysis.

As a result of inflammatory processes, plaque formation on dental titanium implants often leads to clinically pathogenic situations. This special biofilm formation on (bio)materials in contact with saliva is initiated by ionic and protein interactions. In this interfacial process, albumin becomes a main constituent of dental pellicle. Interfacial reactions change the surface characteristics. They determine the following steps of macromolecular adsorption and bacterial adhesion. This work focuses on the dynamic contact angle analysis (DCA), which is a tool for online measurements of dynamic changes of wettability without disturbing the interface during detection. Repeatability of the DCA method has been assessed according to the Bland and Altman method. The kinetics and equilibrium data of shifts in the wetting tension hysteresis indicate ionic influences at the titanium/bovine serum albumin (BSA) interface: the Ca-mediated increase of the BSA adsorption on titanium and the adsorption maximum at the isoelectric point (IEP) of BSA. Ti was surface modified by Teflon AF polymeric coatings. The result of the assessment gives reason to consider Teflon AF as a reference material for DCA repeatability studies. This surface modification caused drastic changes in the dynamic interfacial reactions. Shifts in the wetting tensions during DCA adsorption-desorption experiments clearly demonstrated the partially irreversible adsorption of BSA on Teflon AF. In contrast, reversible adsorption behavior was detected on pure Ti surfaces. These findings strengthen the hypothesis that the analysis of dynamic changes in wetting tension and wetting tension hysteresis is a sensitive analytical method for the detection of dynamic interfacial changes at biomaterial/biosystem interfaces during the initial steps of biofilm formation.

Effects of gallium and mercury ions on transport systems.

Mercury was previously shown to exert toxic effects by influencing ion channels and transporters in the kidney and brain. Gallium alloys were suggested as less toxic restorative materials. To compare the toxicity of gallium ions with those of mercury ions, we applied gallium nitrate Ga(NO3)3 (0.1-100 microM and mercuric chloride (HgCl2) (0.001-10 microM) to Xenopus oocytes expressing mammalian ion channels and transport proteins. Mercury (10 microM) inhibited the K+-channels ROMK and HERG, the phosphate transporter NaPi-3, the amino acid transporter rBAT, the cation transporter OCT-2, and the osmolyte transporter BGT. It activated the I(Ks)-channel but did not affect the Na+-channel ENaC, the anion channel NaPi-1, and the glucose transporter SGLT-1. Gallium was without significant effect on the channels and on SGLT1, NaPi-3, and rBAT, but inhibited BGT and OCT-2. In conclusion, both Hg2+ and Ga3+ may exert toxic effects on transport systems, which may partially explain their cytotoxic effects.

In vitro evaluation of a glass-ceramic restorative material.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinically relevant properties of the recently introduced ceramic material IPS Empress, which is marketed for all-ceramic restorations. The following parameters were investigated: three- and four-point bending strength, bi-axial flexure strength, compressive and diametral tensile strength, compressive strength and marginal fit of full crowns. The results show that this material is a highly developed glass-ceramic with physical properties making this dental material well suitable for adhesively luted restorations.