Bulk-fill versus layering pure ormocer posterior restorations: A randomized split-mouth clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical performance of Class II restorations made with bulk-fill or layering pure ormocer materials, as well as the time necessary to fill the preparations. METHODS: After ethics approval, a randomized controlled split-mouth clinical trial was performed. 30 subjects were selected according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and two restorations were randomly performed in each first or second molar that presented caries, fracture, or cosmetic needs. One restoration was done with the bulk-fill material Admira Fusion x-tra, applied with increments up to 4 mm (intervention group), while the second was performed with the regular Admira Fusion, applied by a 2 mm layering technique (control group). The universal adhesive system Futurabond U was used for both groups. The subjects and examiners were blinded, and the examiners were previously calibrated. The restorations were evaluated according to FDI criteria, after 7 days, 6, 12 and 24 months, and the outcome was success rate based on esthetic, functional and biological properties. The time necessary for application of both materials into the preparations was also measured. RESULTS: After 24 months, 26 patients attended the recall and 52 restorations were evaluated. The Fisher's statistical analysis (α= 5%) showed non-significant differences between techniques for esthetic, biological and functional properties in all evaluations (P> 0.05). After 2 years, 96% of the subjects for both groups did not show any sign of post-operative sensitivity and 100% of the teeth were vital and without secondary caries. Around 70% of the restorations received score excellent for surface luster, more than 83% for surface staining and 63% for color match. In relation to marginal adaptation and marginal staining, more than 80% for the layering material and 63% for the bulk showed excellent scores. Only three restorations of the 60 performed showed small fractures, although not affecting the esthetics or function. The time for composite application was significantly shorter for the bulk material (P= 0.0454). After 24 months of intraoral service, the restorations made with both materials presented similar and excellent clinical performance for all parameters analyzed. The bulk-fill material required significantly less chair time to apply than the layering one, simplifying and accelerating the restorative technique. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The bulk-fill ormocer-based composite was an appropriate alternative to the conventional layering material, since similar clinical performance was observed after 2 years, with the advantage of shorter chair time, due to simplified operative procedures.

Effect of Over-the-counter Whitening Products associated or Not with 10% Carbamide Peroxide on Color Change and Microhardness: in vitro Study.

Aim: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the color and microhardness of teeth subjected to different over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products in association or not with 10% carbamide peroxide (10% CP). Materials and methods: Enamel-dentin specimens (n = 210) were obtained from bovine incisors and stained. Half of the specimens were then subjected to daily cycles of staining (5 minutes), 10% CP bleaching (8 hours) in association with OTC products, and artificial saliva storage until complete 24 hours, for 2 weeks; the other half was subjected to daily cycles of staining, OTC treatment, and storage in artificial saliva for 12 weeks. The specimens were divided into 14 groups according to the OTC: CP-Water and Water (deionized water); CP-Listerine and Listerine (whitening mouth rinse); CP-Brushing and Brushing (mechanical brushing); CP-Colgate and Colgate (conventional toothpaste), CP-ColgateW and ColgateW, CP-OralBW and OralBW, and CP-CloseUpW and CloseUpW (whitening toothpaste). After staining and whitening, color and microhardness were measured. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey's test for multiple comparisons for color analysis and the paired t-test for microhardness analysis. Results: The CP and CloseUpW groups had the largest color change (AE00). The teeth treated with Colgate increased significantly in microhardness after whitening. Conclusion: The association of 10% CP with OTC whitening agents did not increase the whitening effect or microhardness. The OTC agents containing hydrogen peroxide and abrasives had a similar effect to one another but were not as effective as the CP groups and the subgroup brushed only with blue covarine toothpaste. Clinical significance: The current study provides information about the mechanism of OTC whitening products. None of the whitening agents evaluated damaged the enamel when used according to the manufacturers' instructions. The use of toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide or abrasives cannot provide a whitening effect similar to at-home bleaching, and this does not improve with the association with 10% CP. However, toothpaste containing blue covarine has a satisfactory whitening effect immediately after brushing. Keywords: Laboratory research, Mouthwashes, Tooth bleaching, Toothpaste.