Investigation of retentive force reduction and wear of the locator attachment system with different implant angulations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of cyclic disengagement on the retentive force and wear patterns of pairs of three Locator inserts (blue, pink, and clear) in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Implant analogs (Astra Tech) were positioned into aluminum blocks parallel to each other and perpendicular to the horizontal plane, with one analog angulated mesially by 10 degrees (0/10), or with two implant analogs each angulated mesially by 5 degrees (5/5). Ninety Locator attachments, in 15 pairs of each standard retention strength (blue, pink, and clear), underwent 2,500 cycles of testing, lubricated with artificial saliva. Data were analyzed after 6, 12, and 18 months of simulated clinical use (720, 1,440, or 2,160 cycles). The wear patterns of the Locator inserts were examined before and after the cyclic dislodgments using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: There were significant differences in retentive force between clear, blue, and pink inserts at baseline, with the clear insert being the most retentive in the 0/10 model. The lowest percentage reduction in retentive force from baseline to 2,160 cycles was the pink insert in the 0/10 model, and the highest was the blue insert in the 5/5 angled model. CONCLUSION: A rapid decrease in retentive force was observed in all three models after 720 cycles for all three inserts. The most retentive combination was the clear insert in the 0/10 model, and the least retentive was the blue insert in the 0/10 model. After 2,160 cycles, there was a significant reduction in retentive force of 59% to 70%. However, the values of retention were still higher than those claimed by the manufacturer.

Three-dimensional processing deformation of three denture base materials.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate denture bases deform during and after polymerization, and this deformation may affect the clinical performance of complete dentures. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the processing deformation of 3 denture base materials on a standardized anatomic model by using a contact scanner and surface matching software. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Maxillary reproductions of a definitive cast were digitized by using a contact scanner. The casts were allocated to 4 groups, depending on the denture base material: compression molded (heat polymerized, polymethyl methacrylate based); injection molded (heat polymerized, polymethyl methacrylate based); manually adapted and light-polymerized (urethane dimethacrylate based); and manually adapted, compression molded, and light-polymerized (urethane dimethacrylate-based). The intaglio surfaces of denture bases fabricated on each replicate cast also were digitized by using the contact scanner. Surface-matching software was used to measure dimensional changes between each cast and its corresponding denture base. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance based on ranks was used to assess differences in contraction, expansion, and overall change among groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to determine differences among individual groups. Statistical significance was inferred when P<.01 to compensate for multiple group comparisons. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in processing deformations were observed among polymethyl methacrylate-based resins and urethane dimethacrylate-based resin. No differences were observed between compression molding and injection molding or between manual adaptation alone and the combination of manual adaptation and compression molding. CONCLUSIONS: Urethane dimethacrylate-based resin showed greater processing deformation compared with polymethyl methacrylate-based resins. Compression molding and injection molding techniques produced similar results for the polymethyl methacrylate-based resins. The methodology used showed patterns of deformation that were too complex to be accurately analyzed by linear measurements.

The fatigue life of a cobalt-chromium alloy after laser welding.

The aim of this study was to investigate the fatigue life of laser welded joints in a commercially available cast cobalt-chromium alloy. Twenty rod shaped specimens (40 mm x 1.5 mm) were cast and sand blasted. Ten specimens were used as controls and the remaining ten were sectioned and repaired using a pulsed Nd: YAG laser welder. All specimens were subjected to fatigue testing (30N - 2Hz) in a controlled environment. A statistically significant difference in median fatigue life was found between as-cast and laser welded specimens (p < 0.001). Consequently, the technique may not be appropriate for repairing cobalt chromium clasps on removable partial dentures. Scanning electron microscopy indicated the presence of cracks, pores and constriction of the outer surface in the welded specimens despite 70% penetration of the weld.

Effect of two different disinfectants on dimensional stability of newer alginate impression materials over five days.

The effect of two different disinfectants on the dimensional stability of two alginate impression materials over five days was investigated. 60 impressions were made under standardised conditions, 30 with each alginate, of which ten were disinfected in each disinfectant and ten were controls. Impressions were stored over a period of five days in a container with 100% humidity. Measurements were made between four points. Two-way analysis of variance indicated no differences in the change from baseline to day 5 between any of the combinations of alginate and disinfectant. Only two of the changes between baseline and day 5 reached statistical significance at the p < 0.01 level. Therefore it can be concluded that within the limitations of this study when newer alginate impression materials are disinfected they remain stable over 5 days.

Tensile strength of laser welded cobalt-chromium alloy with and without an argon atmosphere.

The tensile strength and depth of weld of two cobalt chromium alloys before and after laser welding with and without an argon gas atmosphere were investigated. Using two cobalt chromium alloys, rod shaped specimens (5 cm x 1.5 mm) were cast. Specimens were sand blasted, sectioned and welded with a pulsed Nd: YAG laser welding machine and tested in tension using an Instron universal testing machine. A statistically significant difference in tensile strength was observed between the two alloys. The tensile strength of specimens following laser welding was significantly less than the unwelded controls. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the micro-structure of the cast alloy was altered in the region of the weld. No statistically significant difference was found between specimens welded with or without an argon atmosphere.

Is the bond between acrylic resin denture teeth and denture base resin stronger if they are both made by the same manufacturer?

A previous study suggested that a stronger bond may be achieved between acrylic resin denture base material and acrylic denture teeth when both are made by the same manufacturer. Three denture base acrylic resins from three different manufacturers were bonded to three different acrylic resin denture teeth, one of which was manufactured by each of the manufacturers of the base material. In each group there was a trend that the bond strength achieved between the teeth and base material from the same manufacturer was higher than the unmatched pairs but statistical significance was not achieved.

Dimensional stability of newer alginate impression materials over seven days.

The aim of this study was to determine the dimensional stability of the so called '5 day stable' alginates. Ten specimens each of three alginate materials were prepared using a standardised impression technique and a typodont model. Travelling microscope measurements were recorded for six distances at 24 hour intervals. SEM and EDX analysis was undertaken. Changes in dimension over time and differences between materials were tested using analysis of variance. 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the percentage change for comparison with a target of 1.5% based on the ISO Standard. Statistically significant dimensional changes were observed in some measured distances for all materials, but only six out of fifty four distances measured at 1, 5 and 7 days in three materials showed 95% confidence intervals that included the 1.5% ISO standard. There were no statistically significant differences in the proportional change between the three materials. The three materials showed similar appearance under SEM and similar composition by EDX analysis. It is concluded that all materials demonstrated good dimensional stability over the recommended maximum of 5 days.

Effect of curing cycle on the tensile strength of the bond between heat cured denture base acrylic resin and acrylic resin denture teeth.

The effect of different curing cycles on the tensile strength of the bond between one brand of cross-linked acrylic resin teeth and three heat cured denture base acrylic resins was tested. There were differences in the tensile bond strength between the three heat cured denture base acrylic resins and the three curing cycles used. The bond strength of the acrylic resin denture base material made by the same manufacturer as the cross-linked acrylic resin denture teeth was higher. The bond strength following the short cycle was lowest in all cases, individual differences between curing cycles failed to reach statistical significance.

Effect of GC METALPRIMER II on bond strength of heat-cured acrylic resin to titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) with two different surface treatments.

This study investigated the bond strength of heat-polymerized acrylic resin to titanium alloy using a proprietary bonding agent (GC Metalprimer II). Two surface treatments (sandblasted or roughened with a tungsten carbide bur) were compared for their effect on bond strength with or without thermal cycling. Eighty specimens of heat-polymerized acrylic resin bonded to titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) were prepared: 20 specimens (control) and 60 used a bonding agent. Four-point bend testing was used to record the load at failure. A chemical bond between heat-polymerized resin and alloy was achieved using GC Metalprimer II with both surface treatments. Reduced failure loads were recorded after thermal cycling. The predominant mode of failure was cohesive. GC Metalprimer II was effective in achieving a chemical bond with either the sandblasted or roughened surfaces.

Effect of surfactant on surface hardness of dental stone and investment casts produced from polyvinyl siloxane duplicating materials.

Polyvinylsiloxane duplicating materials are typically treated with a topical surfactant before pouring dental models, but the use of topical surfactants in the dental laboratory may affect the surface hardness of the resultant models. The effect of two different topical surfactants on surface hardness of two dental stones (FujiRock and Dentstone) and one phosphate bonded investment material (Croform WB) produced from polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) dental laboratory duplicating moulds was investigated. Topical surfactants affected the surface hardness of FujiRock, Dentstone and Croform WB investment material. Surface hardness of FujiRock increased with Wax-Mate surfactant. However, surface hardness of Croform WB investment material decreased with both topical surfactants.

Long-term dimensional stability and reproduction of surface detail of four polyvinyl siloxane duplicating materials.

OBJECTIVES: Duplicating materials must routinely accurately reproduce the details of dental casts and thus contribute significantly to the close adaptation and success of a removable prosthesis or fixed indirect restoration. It is important to establish the long-term dimensional stability of polyvinyl siloxane materials (PVS) as they are widely used in dental technology and over the duration of a course of treatment, are stored under dental laboratory conditions. The dimensional stability of four PVS duplicating materials was investigated over a 13-week period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty PVS duplicate moulds of a partially dentate maxillary arch were produced from four materials (Elite double 8, Gemini transparent, C & J pourable silicone and Z Dupe). Three dimensions were measured in triplicate at baseline 1, 5, 9 and 13 weeks using computerised image analysis. Half of the specimens were measured following storage at room temperature (21+/-2 degrees C) and half at 37 degrees C to represent storage in hot climates. Specimens for scanning electron microscopy were prepared by duplicating a rugosity standard. RESULTS: At room temperature two materials Elite Double 8 and Z Dupe showed no statistically significant dimensional change, the other two materials showed a slight increase of dimensions. Specimens stored at 37 degrees C showed greater differences in dimensions with Z Dupe showing statistically significant shrinkage. SEM investigation showed no surface deterioration of two materials. CONCLUSIONS: None of the materials showed a change in dimension greater than 2% and the four PVS materials showed good dimensional stability over the time period of the study.

The constitution, physical properties and biocompatibility of modified accelerated cement.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine constitution and physical properties of a prototype material based on Portland cement and assess biocompatibility compared with glass-ionomer cement by evaluating cell morphology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of the material was performed using energy dispersive analysis (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Compressive strength and the effect of changing the mixing and curing conditions on the compressive strength of the materials were evaluated. Dimensional stability was evaluated by measuring water uptake of the materials. Biocompatibility was assessed at 1 and 28 days using a cell-culture technique and semi-quantitative cell morphological evaluation was performed by SEM. RESULTS: Analysis of the material showed that it was primarily composed of tricalcium silicate and dicalcium silicate. The compressive strength of the prototype cement and variants was comparable to Ketac Molar (47.98 N mm(-2) after 1 day, P>0.05). Vacuum mixing did not improve the compressive strength of the prototype cements at any age. Wet curing was detrimental to the neat cement at 1 day (35.98 N mm(-2), P=0.011) and 7 days (44.08 N mm(-2), P=0.025). The filler-replaced cement prototypes were more stable and less susceptible to changes in compressive strength by varying the curing method (P>0.05). The prototype material took up more water (0.9%) than glass-ionomer cement (1.7%) with P=0 after 1 day. Curing at 100% humidity resulted in a net loss of weight for all the materials tested. The test materials were less biocompatible than glass-ionomer cement at 1 day but their biocompatibility improved as the material aged. CONCLUSIONS: The constitution of the prototype material was broadly similar to that of mineral trioxide aggregate. The prototype cement could be a potential dental restorative material as its compressive strength compared well to an established restorative material. However, the material did not support cell growth, with biocompatibility being similar to that of glass-ionomer cement.

Tensile bond strength of heat and self-cured acrylic denture base resins to the inner and outer layers of two-layered acrylic resin denture teeth.

The tensile bond strength of the inner and outer layers of two-layered acrylic resin denture teeth to heat cured and self-curing acrylic resin denture base material was tested. The bond between the heat-cured resin and the inner layer of the denture teeth was significantly stronger than the bond between the heat-cured resin and the outer layer of the denture teeth. The bond between both layers of the denture teeth and the self-curing acrylic resin was significantly weaker than with the heat-cured acrylic resin. In situations where excessive reduction of the teeth is required there may be a case for choosing teeth with a homogenous structure.

Deformation of phosphate-bonded investment materials at elevated temperatures.

OBJECTIVES: To determine deformation in phosphate-bonded investment (PBI) materials for "in-service conditions" and to investigate the influence of air bubble pores on deformation at 900 degrees C. METHODS: Surviving high and low strain-rate disc-rupture strength test samples were assessed for deformation. A dental centrifugal casting machine and a dental superplastic-forming machine were used to apply the loads. An indirect technique was used to measure the deformation of investment diaphragms with both a wide pore size distribution and with very low porosity for four investment materials. A total of 128 high strain-rate and 29 low strain-rate samples were investigated. A one-way analysis of variance was carried out. RESULTS: All but one of the high strain-rate test samples showed measurable deformation. All of the low strain-rate test samples containing pores showed measurable deformation. Six out of 14 samples, in which pores had been eliminated, showed no deformation. There was no statistically significant difference in deformation between samples with no pores and those with a large pore size distribution for either the high or low strain-rate tests (P>0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: PBI must survive all forming procedures without deformation if the resultant prosthesis is to fit. One hundred micrometres is generally recognized as the acceptable tolerance of fit for removable metal-based prostheses. The vast majority of deformations measured during this investigation were considerably greater than 100 microm.

In vitro assessment of image-guided otologic surgery: submillimeter accuracy within the region of the temporal bone.

OBJECTIVES: Application of image-guided surgery to otology has been limited by the need for submillimeter accuracy via a fiducial system that is easily usable (noninvasive and nonobstructive). METHODS: A dental bite-block was fitted with a rigid frame with 7 fiducial markers surrounding each external ear. The temporal bones of 3 cadaveric skulls were removed and replaced with surgical targets arranged in a bull's-eye pattern about the centroid of each temporal bone. The surgical targets were identified both within CT scans and in physical space using an infrared optical tracking system. The difference between positions in CT space versus physical space was calculated as target registration error. RESULTS: A total of 234 independent target registration errors were calculated. Mean +/- standard deviation = 0.73 mm +/- 0.25 mm. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that image-guided otologic surgery with submillimeter accuracy is achievable with a minimally invasive fiducial frame. Significance In vivo validation of the system is ongoing. With such validation, this system may facilitate clinically applicable image-guided otologic surgery. EBM RATING: A.

Dimensional change of heat-cured acrylic resin dentures with three different cooling regimes following a standard curing cycle.

The aim of the study was to compare dimensional changes in poly(methylmethacrylate) complete denture bases resulting from three different cooling regimens following a standard heating cycle. Changes in three separate dimensions were measured on ten dentures within each cooling regimen after curing, and before and after removing the denture from the cast using a computer imaging system. No consistent differences occurred as a result of removing the denture from the cast. The results indicated that there was greater change in dimension of dentures with the quenching cooling method than with either overnight cooling in the water bath or bench cooling. This was particularly evident after removal from the cast after curing (p<0.001). It is concluded that slow cooling results in less dimensional change.

Sensitivity of a disc rupture strength test to air bubble pores in phosphate-bonded investment materials at elevated temperatures.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the sensitivity of a modified disc rupture test to variables affecting the strength of four phosphate-bonded investment materials under conditions closely resembling the in-service environment. This study examined the influence of air bubble pores on the strength of phosphate bonded investment materials at a temperature of 900 degrees C. METHODS: A modified disc rupture configuration was used to test a circular investment diaphragm with clamped edges, in tension, initiated by bending. A sequentially-varying molten metal mass was used to apply the load using an electronic centrifugal casting machine. The staircase method was used to determine the increase or decrease of the applied load with the standardized increment of load being no greater than 1 or 2g. The mean load applied to 30 samples defined the transition of survival to failure of the investment disc and was taken as a measurement of investment strength. Two material handling techniques, one giving virtually no pores and one showing a wide pore size distribution were used. RESULTS: The diaphragm clearly either failed or survived the test with the pattern of fracture indicating brittle failure. A statistically significant difference in strength (P<0.050) of diaphragms with and without air bubble pores was demonstrated for three materials. Fewer pores resulted in increased strength of those materials and produced a much reduced scatter of strength in the fourth. SIGNIFICANCE: The modified disc rupture test is sufficiently sensitive to identify variations in strength of phosphate bonded investment materials caused by differing pore size distributions.