Accumulation and removal of Streptococcus mutans biofilm on enamel and root surfaces in vitro.

Objective: This study aimed to quantitatively investigate the accumulation of Streptococcus mutans biofilm on enamel and root surfaces and assess the amount of biofilm removal using (1) experimental toothpaste and (2) water, in a closed system of flow chamber. Methods: Eight sound premolars were embedded in epoxy resin and polished with silicon carbide grinding papers to display enamel and root surfaces. To mimic biofilm, cultures of Streptococcus mutans were prepared and grown on the tooth surfaces over night before they were exposed to either 2 liters of Milli Q water or 2 liters of 40% experimental toothpaste in the flow chamber. The amount of biofilm was measured and quantified in Fluorescence microscopy. Mean fluorescence values were recorded and analysed using Microsoft® Excel® (MS Excel 2016). Results: The ability to grow biofilm was equally present at both the enamel and root surfaces. The use of water and 40% experimental toothpaste showed a significant reduction of areas covered with biofilm on both enamel and root dentin in comparison to untreated surfaces (p < 0.01). Significantly more biofilm was removed from enamel compared to root surfaces when treated with either water and toothpaste (p < 0.01). Slightly less biofilm was removed by the use of water compared to toothpaste on both enamel and root dentin surfaces, although the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The results indicate that less biofilm is removed from the root surfaces than enamel by the use of water and 40% experimental toothpaste in flow chamber. Assessing oral biofilm accumulation and monitoring biofilm formation on enamel and root dentin surfaces give oral health professionals important directions that could strenghten the significance of dental caries prevention. Improving older individuals' oral hygiene practices should therefore be considered an important measure to prevent root caries.

Oral lesions associated with daily use of snus, a moist smokeless tobacco product. A cross-sectional study among Norwegian adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Use of snus, a moist, smokeless tobacco product, may lead to local changes in the oral mucous membrane in the area where the snus is placed. It can also cause irreversible gingival retraction. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between use of snus, oral mucosal lesions (snus induced lesions) and gingival retractions among adolescents in Norway. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All 18-20 years olds visiting public dental health clinics in the south-eastern region of Norway between October 2015 and December 2016 were invited to participate. All participants (n = 1363) filled in an electronic questionnaire before a clinical examination. Of these, 216 used snus daily. RESULTS: Snus induced lesions were observed in 79.2% of daily snus using participants. In adjusted regression analyses, the odds of having a more severe lesion as opposed to a less severe lesion were 1.12 times greater for each additional box of snus used in a month (p < .01). Women were 46% less likely to have a severe lesion than men (p = .03). Gingival retractions were observed in 18.4% of the participants. The odds for dental retraction were significantly higher by 34% for each year of snus use. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the adolescents using snus had snus induced lesions, whereas approximately one-fifth had gingival retractions. The severity of the lesion and gingival retraction increased with the amount of snus boxes used and the duration of the snus use, respectively.

Factors associated with initiation and use of snus among adolescents.

AIM: We investigated factors associated with the initiation and continuation of snus use in adolescents in Norway. The associations with adolescents' own educational plans, the parents' educational level(s) and tobacco habits were estimated. METHODS: In this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, 1465 patients aged 18-20 years participated. The questionnaire was administered at regular dental examinations in the public dental health service. To assess the association between individual factors and the initiation of tobacco habits, a generalised structural equation model with random effects at the clinic level was used. Binary responses were modelled using multilevel binary logistic regression, while the number of snus boxes used per month was modelled using a multilevel Poisson regression model. RESULTS: Of current (daily and occasional) tobacco users, 85% were snus users, including dual users of both snus and cigarettes. The median age of snus initiation was 16 years. Both parental snus use and smoking were associated with an increased risk of snus initiation, snus use and a higher amount of use. An increased risk of using snus was associated with male gender and with no educational plans or planning for further vocational education. The amount of snus used was higher among current snus users with a prior smoking history and among those planning for further vocational education. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may aid in developing and targeting tobacco prevention strategies aimed at young people. Tobacco prevention measures should start at the elementary school level. The strong association with parental tobacco habits underlines the importance of parents' influence on their children's tobacco use.

How French dentists manage defective restorations: Evidence from ReCOL the French dental practice-based research network--A survey study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe the knowledge, opinions and practices about the defective restoration (DR) management of French general dental practitioners (GDPs). METHODS: A cross-sectional, online survey-based study was carried out amongst 378 GDPs - members of the dental practice-based research network in France (ReCOL). Bivariate comparisons were made using Fisher's exact test to assess the association of the respondent characteristics (age, gender…) with the decision to repair DRs, and responses to clinical cases. RESULTS: The response rate was 82.9%. 50.4% of the respondents declared they at least sometimes consider DRs repair in their clinical practice instead of DRs total replacement. For the 89.8% who at least rarely repaired DRs, the main characteristic determining the therapeutic strategy was the defect size (71%, mainly inclined to repair small defects), followed by the defect type (marginal defect or crack for more than 60% of the respondents) and the material of initial restoration (composite for 63.5%). When shown clinical photographs illustrating DRs, most of respondents proposed a replacement with inlay/onlay or crown. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that a significant proportion of French GDPs do not make sufficient use of DR repair on a routine basis. A lack of knowledge of the concept seems to explain at least part of this situation. Collective and individual efforts from the profession are still needed to promote DR repair and therefore more often apply MinimalIntervention Dentistry. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This survey shows that MID is not yet sufficiently used in routine practice in France regarding DR management. Further efforts (continuing education toward MID, public funding revaluation for MID strategies…) are needed to help GDPs to implement MID into everyday practice.

Digitalised exercise material in forensic odontology.

INTRODUCTION: This paper presents digital educational material in forensic odontology, including dental identification after multiple fatalities and dental age estimation from different age groups. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Electronic patient records consisting of intraoral scans of the dentition, digital radiographs, photographs and written dental records were collected. Exercises in age estimations contained digital radiographs and photographs of ground tooth sections, with digital measuring tools and tables according to age groups. The teaching material was organised as a module in an electronic Learning Management System with external links to all relevant teaching material. RESULTS: For the identification exercises, intraoral scans and the latest digital radiographs simulated the postmortem examination of the deceased. For comparison, all other radiographs, photographs and dental records were available as antemortem material. The exercise was to match postmortem findings with the antemortem records using the Interpol standard and reconciliation. Age assessment of children used designated tables to grade tooth development on digital radiographs. For adults, non-destructive methods, digital radiographs, photographs and measuring tools were used. DISCUSSION: The teaching concept was hybrid, but it can easily be adapted as a fully digital exercise. The instructions and written material can be translated into different languages. The level of difficulty in the exercises can be adjusted according to the participant's level of knowledge. CONCLUSION: The educational material embraces the new possibilities for digitalisation and intraoral scanning. This might be a valuable tool for motivating and engaging the students in their participation and understanding of the subject.

Knowledge on and treatment practices of erosive tooth wear among Finnish dentists.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate Finnish dentists' knowledge on and means of recording, detecting and diagnosing erosive tooth wear (ETW). Treatment options and possible differences in treatment decisions between general and specialized dentists were also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was sent by e-mail to 3664 Finnish dentists. Respondents' gender, age, work experience, field of specialty, and practice location were requested. The questionnaire also included a patient case where the dentists were asked about their choice of treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using means, proportions, and cross tabulations. RESULTS: Response rate was 24% (n = 866). Almost all respondents (98.0%) recorded ETW in patient files, but only 4.1% used a detailed scoring system. Of the respondents, 64.4% usually found the cause of ETW. Use of carbonated beverages (84.3%), energy drinks (57.0%), and reflux disease (53.1%) were reported to be probable causes. The majority of the respondents (80.9%) usually assessed patient's dietary history while 1.9% evaluated saliva secretion rate. When asked about treatment decisions of ETW patients, the differences between general dentists and specialized dentists were not as obvious as hypothesized. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the Finnish dentists who participated in this survey are able to detect and/or diagnose erosive tooth wear, but there is variation in recording it. The differences in treatment decisions between general dentists and specialized dentists seem to be moderate. The treatment practices for ETW are not established and further research to create clinical guidelines seems to be needed.

Functional, compositional, and regulatory analyses of imported and non-imported single dental crowns.

The aims of the study were to investigate functional and esthetic properties, the composition of the alloy, and the content of hazardous elements of single dental crowns with metal skeleton and fired porcelain. Epoxy models made from full mouth impressions taken of a patient with a crown preparation of the right maxillary first permanent molar were used for production of identical polyether impressions, which were distributed to dentists in Norway. The dentists sent the impressions to their regular dental laboratories. All 55 crowns collected were anonymized and examined. Of the crowns received, 35 were made in Norway, 12 were imported, and 8 were of unknown origin. The evaluation of functional properties revealed that 50% of the Norwegian, 42% of the imported, and 25% of the unknown-origin crowns were considered unacceptable. The composition of the alloy was not in accordance with that stated by the manufacturer for 17%, 13% and 20% of the crowns, where this information was provided. The lead content of the alloy exceeded the limit set by the ISO 22674: 2016 for 18% of the crowns in total. The statement that shall follow the work according to EU-regulations was not complete for approximately 75% of the works received.

Bond strength between dentine and a novel fast-setting calcium silicate cement with fluoride.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dentine bond strength of a novel fast-setting calcium silicate cement (Protooth) versus a calcium hydroxide-based cement (Dycal), a calcium silicate cement (ProRoot MTA), and a glass ionomer cement (Ketac-Molar). Mid-root dentine slices of 1 mm thickness were obtained from human maxillary incisors. After enlarging the lumen of the canal to 1.3 mm, the cavities were randomly filled with test materials. Samples were immersed in physiological-like solution. The push-out bond strength was tested on days 1, 28, and 180 (n = 12). Failure types of bonding were determined using a stereomicroscope. We analysed the data using linear regression. Dycal and day 1 were considered as reference for cement type and assessment time, respectively. Protooth, Ketac-Molar, and ProRoot MTA demonstrated higher push-out bond strength than Dycal. The push-out bond strength in the Protooth group increased on day 28 and 180. The bond strength of Ketac-Molar was significantly reduced on day 28. Dycal showed a significant decrease in bond strength on day 180 compared with that on day 1 and 28. Mixed failure was the dominant failure type. Protooth bonding to dentine was increased with time, in contrast to that of ProRoot MTA, Dycal, and Ketac-Molar, as a function of time.

Prevention of snus use: Attitudes and activities in the Public Dental Service in the south-eastern part of Norway.

Dental health care professionals have the opportunity to play a key role in tobacco prevention and cessation among adolescents. Snus use has increased in Norway, especially in the age group 16-24, whereas there has been a decline in smoking. This study investigated attitudes and activities related to snus prevention among dental health care professionals working in the Public Dental Service (PDS) in south-eastern Norway. A web-based survey with a total of 557 dentists and dental hygienists in seven counties in Norway, with a response rate of 53.5%, was carried out in 2017. Dentists' and dental hygienists' activities regarding preventive snus use intervention were analysed using the chi-square test. Intervention was measured with a score (1-5) based on four questions. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between the explanatory variables of attitudes/activities and the outcome intervention variable. Approximately 87% of the dentists and 58% of the dental hygienists were not familiar with the "minimum intervention method" for tobacco prevention and cessation. Dental hygienists were most active in informing and supporting their patients in prevention and cessation of snus use. The PDS is an underutilized arena for tobacco prevention and cessation among adolescents, and the intervention potential is particularly high among the dentists.

Opinions and Treatment Decisions for Dental Erosive Wear: A Questionnaire Survey among Icelandic Dentists.

Dental erosive wear (DEW) is common among children and adolescents, and a survey of Icelandic children showed that 30.7% of 15-year-olds were diagnosed with the condition. Objective. To gain knowledge about dental practitioners' experiences, opinions, and treatment decisions. Materials and Methods. A precoded questionnaire, previously used among Norwegian dentists, was sent electronically to all dentists in Iceland (n = 341). Results. The response rate was 64.2%, and 58% of dentists were male. More than half of the clinicians (54%) thought that prevalence had increased the last 10-15 years, and 67% reported it to be more common in male. Most (96%) recorded presence of DEW, but only 4% used a detailed scoring system. Lesions were mostly on occlusal surfaces of first mandibular molars (73%), on palatal in upper anterior teeth (61%), and on occlusal of maxillary first molars (36%). Most dentists (74%) reported a probable cause, e.g., high consumption of carbonated beverages (98%), acidic juices (68%), sport drinks (58%), reflux (54%), and eating disorders (20%). Dietary history was often recorded by 38%, and 65% never measured saliva. Most of the dentists (88%) treated patients themselves, and half of them preferred prevention with high fluoride and resin sealants. While some dentists wanted to restore teeth more invasively, most considered to restore with a filling. Conclusion. Icelandic dentists seem to be well educated for diagnosis and treatment of dental erosion, and dentists are aware of a minimally invasive approach. Clinical Significance. It is challenging for dentists to make the best treatment decision for patients with DEW, both in a short perspective and long perspective. At present, little is known about their knowledge and treatment approach, and there is no standard treatment which can be recommended. Therefore, the present study investigated dental practitioners' treatment decisions, as well as knowledge, experiences, and awareness of DEW.

Treatment decisions on Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) by Norwegian dentists - a questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to explore the variability between the treatment decisions dentists make for MIH-affected teeth. METHODS: In 2009, a pre-coded questionnaire was sent electronically to all dentists employed by the Public Dental Service (PDS) in Norway (n = 1061). The questions were related to treatment of MIH-affected teeth, including three patient cases illustrated by photographs and written case descriptions. RESULTS: Replies were obtained from 61.5 % of the respondents after two reminders. In the first case, showing a newly erupted first permanent molar with moderate hypomineralization and no disintegration of the surface enamel, the preferred treatment among the majority of the respondents (53.5 %) was application of fluoride varnish, while 19.6 % would seal the fissure with GIC material. In the second case, showing a severely damaged first permanent molar in a six year old child, more than half of the respondents (57.5 %) would place a conventional glass ionomer restoration and 10.5 % would use a stainless steel crown (SSC). In the third case, showing a severely damaged permanent first molar in a nine year old child, 43.8 % of the dentists would remove only the parts with soft, damaged enamel; while 35.2 % would remove more and 21.0 % would remove all affected enamel and leave the cavity margins in sound enamel. CONCLUSIONS: The survey shows that there is a wide disparity between clinicians' views on how MIH affected teeth should be treated. In a severely affected first permanent molar, only a minority of dentists would remove as much tooth substance as needed to get the full benefit of the acid etch pattern in sound enamel.

The Post-Amalgam Era: Norwegian Dentists' Experiences with Composite Resins and Repair of Defective Amalgam Restorations.

Amalgam was banned as a dental restorative material in Norway in 2008 due to environmental considerations. An electronic questionnaire was sent to all dentists in the member register of the Norwegian Dental Association (NTF) one year later, to evaluate dentists' satisfaction with alternative restorative materials and to explore dentists' treatment choices of fractured amalgam restorations. Replies were obtained from 61.3%. Composite was the preferred restorative material among 99.1% of the dentists. Secondary caries was the most commonly reported cause of failure (72.7%), followed by restoration fractures (25.1%). Longevity of Class II restorations was estimated to be ≥10 years by 45.8% of the dentists, but 71.2% expected even better longevity if the restoration was made with amalgam. Repair using composite was suggested by 24.9% of the dentists in an amalgam restoration with a fractured cusp. Repair was more often proposed among young dentists (p < 0.01), employees in the Public Dental Service (PDS) (p < 0.01) and dentists working in counties with low dentist density (p = 0.03). There was a tendency towards choosing minimally invasive treatment among dentists who also avoided operative treatment of early approximal lesions (p < 0.01). Norwegian dentists showed positive attitudes towards composite as a restorative material. Most dentists chose minimally- or medium invasive approaches when restoring fractured amalgam restorations.

Posterior composites and new caries on adjacent surfaces - any association? Longitudinal study with a split-mouth design.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this longitudinal study was to compare caries incidence in sound approximal surfaces adjacent to newly placed composite restorations with the caries incidence in corresponding surfaces in contralateral teeth without any restorations in contact; and to assess risk factors for dentine caries development on adjacent and control surfaces. METHODS: Data from a practice-based study, where 4030 posterior approximal restorations placed in permanent teeth by clinicians working in a Public Dental Health Service in Norway, were used. The study was approved by the Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics. The present study is based on a subsample of patients with a sound surface adjacent to a newly placed composite posterior approximal restoration. All individuals who had intact corresponding contralateral pairs of teeth in the same jaw, were included. At the end of the follow-up period, the study restorations and their adjacent surfaces were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Status of the contralateral tooth pair at baseline and end point was based on recordings from routine dental examinations, retrospectively extracted from the electronic dental records. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety three patients (mean age 15.0 years, SD = 3.4) met the inclusion criteria. The surfaces were followed on average for 4.8 years. Follow-up observations revealed that 41 % of adjacent surfaces remained sound, compared with 67 % of the control surfaces (p < 0.001). Restorations were placed in 17 % of adjacent surfaces, compared with 3 % of the control surfaces (p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis adjacent surfaces in maxillary teeth had increased risk for dentine caries development (OR 3.1, CI 1.3-7.3). CONCLUSIONS: Caries incidence in intact approximal surfaces adjacent to newly placed composite posterior approximal restorations was significantly higher compared with the contralateral control surface without a restoration in contact. Adjacent surfaces in maxillary teeth had increased risk for dentine caries development.

Occlusal Caries Management: Preferences among Dentists in Norway.

The aim was to measure variations in the threshold for operative treatment of occlusal caries in permanent teeth and the use of dental materials, compared with results from a similar study conducted in Norway in 1995. In 2009, a precoded questionnaire was sent electronically to 3,654 dentists with E-mail addresses in the member register of the Norwegian Dental Association. The questions were related to caries, treatment strategies and choice of dental materials. Replies were obtained from 61.3% respondents after two reminders. Restorative treatment of occlusal lesions confined to enamel was proposed by 12% of the dentists, compared with 18% in 1995 (p < 0.01). Older dentists more often than younger dentists would operatively treat enamel lesions (p < 0.01). Most dentists preferred to drill only the carious part of the fissure rather than the whole fissure both in 2009 (78.8%) and 1995 (68.3%; p < 0.01). In 2009, 91.9% preferred composite as the restorative material of choice, compared to only 39.1% in 1995. Logistic regression analyses identified higher age of the dentist as the only variable significantly associated with higher risk of restoring occlusal enamel lesions operatively. The authors conclude that especially young dentists appear to be more reluctant to remove tooth substance in 2009 compared with 1995. Composite is the dominating material of choice in 2009 and seems to have substituted the use of most other filling materials in occlusal restorations in permanent teeth.

Risk factors for caries development on tooth surfaces adjacent to newly placed class II composites--a pragmatic, practice based study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess risk factors for caries development on approximal surfaces in contact with newly placed Class II composite restorations. METHODS: 750 surfaces, either sound or with caries confined to enamel, in contact with newly placed Class II composite restorations, placed by PDS dentists in Norway were evaluated by clinicians, using standardized clinical and radiographic criteria. RESULTS: After the observation period (mean 4.9 year, SD 0.67), 38.8% of the initially sound contact surfaces (n=417) remained sound, 34.0% developed caries confined to enamel and 27.2% developed caries into dentine. Of surfaces with caries confined to enamel present at baseline (n=333), 57.3% remained in enamel, while 42.7% progressed into dentine. Risk factors for dentine caries development were assessed by logistic regression analyses. The risk of developing caries on surfaces that were initially sound at baseline was higher in patients with poor or medium oral hygiene (OR 1.53; CI 1.10-3.68), higher DMFT at baseline (OR 1.12; Cl 1.04-1.20). Maxillary teeth (OR 2.01; Cl 1.14-3.56) and surfaces on the right side of the mouth (OR 1.65; Cl 1.01-2.72) were also risk factors. For surfaces with enamel caries present at baseline, the risk of dentine caries was higher in patients with higher DMFT (OR 1.06; CI 1.00-1.13). In both analyses the treating dentists had a significant impact on the caries development. CONCLUSIONS: Both patient- and dentist related variables are risk factors for caries development on approximal surfaces in contact with newly placed Class II composite restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: All clinicians should be aware of a notable risk of caries development on the adjacent tooth surface, especially when placing approximal restorations in high caries risk patients, and should consider greater use of preventive strategies or non-operative treatment that should be evaluated and repeated at every recall.

Longevity of posterior dental restorations and reasons for failure.

Tooth-coloured restorative materials are being used increasingly more often in Class II preparations in permanent teeth. Using a practice-based study design, we aimed to assess the survival time of Class II restorations and to identify factors relevant to their longevity. Class II restorations (n = 4,030), consisting of resin composites (81.5%), compomers (12.7%), amalgams (4.6%), and glass-ionomer cement restorations (1.2%), were placed in 1,873 patients with a median age of 15 yr. In total, 92.7% of restorations were placed due to primary caries and 5.8% were replacements. After an average follow-up period of 4.6 yr, 61.6% of the restorations were successful, 11.2% had failed, and 27.2% were not available for evaluation (owing to patient drop-out). The mean annual failure rate was 2.9% for resin-composite restorations and 1.6% for amalgams. For resin-composite restorations, secondary caries was the most common reason for replacement (73.9%), followed by loss (8.0%), fracture (5.3%), and marginal defects (2.4%). Multilevel Cox-regression analyses identified young age of the patient, high previous caries experience, deep cavities, and saucer-shaped preparation technique as predisposing to shorter longevity of resin-composite restorations. One brand of resin composite had a shorter survival time than the others.

Opinions on Dental Erosive Lesions, Knowledge of Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies among Norwegian Dentists: A Questionnaire Survey.

This study aimed to investigate dentists' general experience, knowledge about diagnosis, and treatment of dental erosive wear in young adults. A questionnaire was sent to 1262 Norwegian public dental health-employed dentists. The response rate was 60%. Results indicated that most dentists recorded erosive wear, half of them used a specific scoring system, and half registered lesions at the tooth surface level. Lesions were reported most often on palatal surfaces of upper anterior teeth (79% of dentists), on occlusal surfaces of lower 1st molars (74%), and on upper 1st molars (32%). Half the dentists used clinical photographs for documentation and 60% made study models. While 40% reported more erosive lesions in males, 36% reported no gender differences. High intake of carbonated beverages and acidic juices were reported as the most common cause by 97% and 72% of the dentists, respectively. Only 21% of dentists recorded the patient's dietary history, and 73% never measured saliva secretion. The majority (78%) of the dentists treated patients with erosive wear themselves. In general, the survey suggests that the dentists are relatively up to date regarding the clinical recording, diagnosis, and treatment of dental erosive wear. However, dietary and salivary analyses were not given priority, and early, preventive treatment was lacking.

Factors influencing dentists' choice of amalgam and tooth-colored restorative materials for Class II preparations in younger patients.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with dentists' decisions on choice of restorative material in children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the period 2001-2004, 27 dentists in the Public Dental Health Service in Norway placed 4030 Class II restorations in 1912 patients. The reason for placement, previous caries experience (DMFT), oral hygiene, and characteristics of the cavity were recorded. RESULTS: The most frequently used material was resin composite (81.5%), followed by compomer (12.7%), amalgam (4.6%), and glass ionomer cement (1.2%). Tooth-colored restorations were more frequently placed than amalgam in younger patients (p=0.017). Female patients received fewer amalgam restorations than male patients (p=0.006). Amalgam was more often used in patients with high DMFT (p<0.001) and more commonly in treatment of deeper dentine caries than caries near the dentino-enamel border (p=0.021). Amalgam was more frequently placed in molars than in premolars (p<0.001). In a logistic regression model, gender, DMFT, caries severity, and tooth type were significantly related to choice of material. CONCLUSION: Dentists' choices of restorative material indicate that the majority prefer amalgam in more challenging restorations with respect to caries activity, lesion depth, and tooth type. The findings indicate that in a period when the use of amalgam was phasing out, resin composite was the predominant material of choice for Class II restorations in children and adolescents.