Does the application of whitening dentifrices during at-home bleaching affect the bond strength of resin composite to dentin?

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using whitening dentifrices during at-home bleaching on the shear bond strength (SBS) of resin composite to dentin, and investigate whether the increased polymerization time would improve SBS. METHODS: Ninety-six bovine incisors were divided into 4 groups of 24, according to the whitening treatment applied as follows: group 1, at-home bleaching + brushing with a regular dentifrice; group 2, at-home bleaching + brushing with a whitening dentifrice containing ozone; group 3, at-home bleaching + brushing with a commercial whitening dentifrice; and group 4 (control), no whitening/brushing treatment. Each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 12) to assess the effect of curing time (20 versus 80 s) on SBS. A self-etch adhesive was bonded to dentin, and after 2-day water storage, SBS was determined. RESULTS: SBS was significantly affected by the whitening treatment (P = 0.03), but increasing the curing time had no significant effect on SBS (P = 0.137). Bond strength in group 1 was comparable to the control group (P > 0.05). The specimens in group 3 displayed significantly lower SBS than either group 4 or group 1 (P > 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the SBS of group 2 compared to any other group (P > 0.05). There was no significant association between the treatment group and failure type (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The bonding interface was not negatively influenced by the at-home bleaching procedure. However, using a commercial whitening dentifrice during at-home bleaching produced a significant detrimental effect on SBS. Extending the curing time would have no beneficial effect on adhesion to a whitened dental substrate.

Effect of Er:YAG laser radiation on pull-out fracture load of esthetic posts luted to root canal dentin with various resin cements.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the influence of erbium-doped: yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser on the pull-out fracture load of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts luted to dentin with different resin cements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro experimental study, 90 premolars were endodontically treated. The post spaces were prepared, and the teeth were divided into three groups dependent on the cement applied for luting FRC posts: Group 1: An etch-and-rinse system, Group 2: A self-etch cement, and Group 3: A self-adhesive cement. After 6 months' storage and thermocycling, each group was divided into three subgroups (n = 10) according to the treatment applied for removing the posts; subgroup 1: Control, subgroup 2: Treatment with Er:YAG laser at 250 mJ, 20 Hz, and subgroup 3: Treatment by Er:YAG laser at 300 mJ, 10 Hz. The pull-out load was recorded in Newton. The data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The fracture load was significantly affected by the cementation group (P = 0.005) and treatment subgroup (P = 0.008). The pull-out load of self-etch cement was significantly greater than that of the self-adhesive and etch-and-rinse systems (P < 0.05). Treatment with Er:YAG laser caused a significant reduction in pull-out load of FRC posts (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The fracture load of fiber posts is influenced by the type of cement and treatment applied. Post removal would be less challenging when using a self-adhesive or conventional etch-and-rinse cement or using Er:YAG laser at the FRC-resin interface.

The Effect of the Bioactive Glass and the Er:YAG Laser on the Remineralization of the Affected Dentin: A Comparative In Vitro Study.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of the bioactive glass, the glass ionomer, and the Erbium YAG laser as liners on the remineralization of the affected dentin. Methods: The present study was conducted on 64 healthy extracted human molars divided into 4 groups, 1 control group and 3 experimental groups. After artificially inducing dentinal caries lesions, each of the experimental groups was applied to the cavity floor and then restored with a composite. The samples were stored after thermocycling in an incubator for two months. Finally, the hardness of the cavity floor was measured at 3 depths of 20, 50 and 100 µm by the Vickers microhardness tester. The dentin conditions underneath the liners were also evaluated with FESEM. Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA and the post-hoc Games-Howell test (P<0.05). Results: Among the groups, the lowest microhardness value was in the control group (P<0.05) except at a depth of 100 µm; therefore, there was no significant difference between the control group and the bioactive glass (P>0.05). The laser group had the highest microhardness value, which was significantly different from the control group (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between the laser and bioactive glass (P<0.05), except at a depth of 20 µm. The laser and glass ionomer had only a significant difference at a depth of 100 µm (P<0.05). The microhardness value induced by glass ionomer was higher than bioactive glass, which in no depth was significant (P>0.05). Partial dentinal tubule occlusion was observed with FESEM in each of the experimental groups as compared to the control group. Conclusion: The microhardness values were higher in all groups than in the control group. The laser might be more successful in remineralization than the other ones.

Fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth with different direct corono-radicular restoration methods.

BACKGROUND: Endodontically treated teeth are widely considered to be more susceptible to fracture than vital teeth. Obturation procedures and post placement have been a main cause of vertical root fracture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight human premolars with standardized weakened roots were endodontically treated and allocated to four experimental groups (n=12). After root canal treatment, in group 1, fiber posts #1 were cemented in root canals using Estelite Core Quick, and the crowns were restored with resin composite. For group 2 and 3, the roots and crowns were restored using a light-cured and self-cured adhesive and resin composites respectively. In group 4, it was used the Panavia F 2.0 resin cement and resin composite for corono-radicular reconstruction. In group 5, the teeth remained untouched. After 24 hours storage and 1000 thermocycles, samples were loaded at a cross head speed of 1 mm per minute. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in fracture resistance among groups 4 and 5 compared to other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Root reconstruction with fiber post and Panavia resin cement, and crown building using light-cured resin composite resulted in increased fracture resistance equal to that of intact teeth. Key words:Fracture resistance, fiber post, resin cement, resin composite.

The effects of fractional CO2 laser, Nano-hydroxyapatite and MI paste on mechanical properties of bovine enamel after bleaching.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effect of post bleaching treatments to the change of enamel elastic modulus and microhardness after dental bleaching in- vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty bovine incisor slab were randomly assigned into five groups (n=10). The samples were bleached for three times; 20 minutes each time, by 40% hydrogen peroxide. Next it was applied fractional CO2 laser for two minutes, Nano- hydroxy apatite (N-HA) and MI-paste for 7 days and 2 minutes per day. The sound enamel and bleached teeth without post treatment remained as control groups. The elastic modulus and microhardness were measured at three times; 24 hours, 1 and 2 months. Data were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance with 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Different methods of enamel treatment caused a significant increase in elastic modulus compared to bleached group (P<0.05). Modulus was significantly increased in 1 and 2 months (P<0/001: bleach, P= 0/015: laser, P= 0/008: NHA, P=0/010: MI paste) but there were no significantly difference between 1 and 2 months (P>0.05). There was any significance difference for hardness among treated and control groups, but hardness increased significantly by increasing storage time (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the protective tested agents can be useful in clinical practice to reduce negative changes of enamel surface after whitening procedures. Key words:Bleaching enamel, CO2 laser, MI pastes, Nano-hydroxy apatite, Microhardness, Elastic modulus.

Effect of Self-etch Adhesives on Self-sealing Ability of High-Copper Amalgams.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Similar to conventional amalgam, high-copper amalgam alloy may also undergo corrosion, but it takes longer time for the resulting products to reduce microleakage by sealing the micro-gap at the tooth/amalgam interface. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of self-etch adhesives with different pH levels on the interfacial corrosion behavior of high-copper amalgam restoration and its induction potential for self-sealing ability of the micro-gap in the early hours after setting by means of Electro-Chemical Tests (ECTs). MATERIALS AND METHOD: Thirty cylindrical cavities of 4.5mm x 4.7mm were prepared on intact bicuspids. The samples were divided into five main groups of application of Adhesive Resin (AR)/ liner/ None (No), on the cavity floor. The first main group was left without an AR/ liner (No). In the other main groups, the types of AR/ liner used were I-Bond (IB), Clearfil S3 (S3), Single Bond (SB) and Varnish (V). Each main group (n=6) was divided into two subgroups (n=3) according to the types of the amalgams used, either admixed ANA 2000 (ANA) or spherical Tytin (Tyt). The ECTs, Open Circuit Potential (OCP), and the Linear Polarization Resistance (LPR) for each sample were performed and measured 48 hours after the completion of the samples. RESULTS: The Tyt-No and Tyt-IB samples showed the highest and lowest OCP values respectively. In LPR tests, the Rp values of ANA-V and Tyt-V were the highest (lowest corrosion rate) and contrarily, the ANA-IB and Tyt-IB samples, with the lowest pH levels, represented the lowest Rp values (highest corrosion rates). CONCLUSION: Some self-etch adhesives may increase interfacial corrosion potential and self-sealing ability of high-copper amalgams.

Structural and Morphological Changes in Human Dentin after Ablative and Subablative Er:YAG Laser Irradiation.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the influence of Erbium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Er:YAG) laser on microhardness, chemical composition and subsurface morphology of dentin cavity walls. METHODS: Forty sound human premolars were selected and randomly assigned into four groups. Class V cavities were prepared either with an Er:YAG laser (groups 1 and 2; 15 Hz, 250 mJ for enamel, 10 Hz, 200 mJ for dentin) or with a high speed handpiece (groups 3 and 4). The specimens in groups 1 and 3 served as the control, whereas those in groups 2 and 4 were exposed to subablative laser irradiation following cavity preparation (10 Hz, 50 mJ). After bisecting the specimens, one half was subjected to microhardness assessment and the other half was evaluated by SEM-EDS analysis. RESULTS: Microhardness was significantly greater in the specimens prepared by both ablative and subablative laser irradiation (group 2) than that of the bur-prepared cavities (groups 3 and 4) (P < 0.05). The quantity of calcium ion was significantly greater in cavities prepared by the Er:YAG laser (groups 1 and 2) compared to that of the bur cavities (groups 3 and 4) (P < 0.05). Subablative irradiation improved microhardness and weight percentage of calcium ion in both laser and bur cavities, but the difference was not significant compared to that of the relevant control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cavity preparation with an Er:YAG laser could be considered as an alternative to the conventional method of drilling, as it enhances the mechanical and compositional properties of lased dentin, especially when combined by subablative irradiation.

The Influence of Post Bleaching Treatments in Stain Absorption and Microhardness.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of post bleaching treatments to prevent restaining and the change of enamel surface microhardness after dental bleaching in vitro. METHODS: Sixty intact human incisor teeth were stained in tea solution and randomly assigned into four groups (n=15). Then samples were bleached for two weeks (8 hours daily) by 15% carbamide peroxide. Tooth color was determined both with a spectrophotometer and visually before bleaching (T1) and immediately after bleaching (T2). Next, it was applied in group 1 fluoride (Naf 2%) gel for 2 minutes, and in group 2 a fractional CO2 laser (10 mJ, 200 Hz, 10 s), and in group 3, nanohydroxyapatite gel for 2 minutes. The bleached teeth in group 4 remained untreated (control group). Then teeth placed in tea solution again. Color examinations were repeated after various post bleaching treatments (T3) and restaining with tea (T4) and color change values recorded. The microhardness was measured at the enamel surface of samples. Data was analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey HSD test and Dunnett T3 (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Directly after bleaching (ΔE T3-T2), the treatment with nanohydroxyapatite showed significantly the least color lapse in colorimetric evaluation. In experimental groups, the color change between T3 and T4 stages (ΔE T4-T3) was significantly lower than control group (P < 0.05). Different methods of enamel treatment caused a significant increase in surface microhardness compared to control group (P < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Application of fluoride, fractional CO2 laser and nanohydroxyapatite as post bleaching treatments are suggested for prevention of stain absorption and increasing the hardening of bleached enamel.

Effect of low-level laser therapy on tooth sensitivity induced by in-office bleaching.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on tooth sensitivity induced by in-office bleaching. Sixty-six patients enrolled in this randomized clinical trial. Following the in-office procedure with 40% hydrogen peroxide, the participants were randomly divided into three groups. The patients in group 1 received irradiation from a low-level red laser (LLRL; 660 nm, 200 mW, 15 s, 12 J/cm(2)), whereas participants in group 2 were subjected to a low-level infrared laser (LLIL; 810 nm) under similar conditions as in group 1. In group 3 (placebo), the laser treatment was the same as that in groups 1 and 2, but without energy output. The degree of tooth sensitivity was recorded at 1, 24, and 48 h after bleaching using a visual analog scale (VAS). The change in tooth shade was measured 30 days after tooth whitening. The intensity of tooth sensitivity was not significantly different between groups at 1 h after bleaching (p > 0.05). At 24 h after therapy, pain level was significantly lower in the LLIL group compared to the LLRL and placebo groups (p < 0.05). At 48 h after bleaching, VAS scores in the LLIL and LLRL groups were comparable to each other (p > 0.05) and both were significantly lower than that of the placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the efficacy of tooth whitening among groups (p > 0.05). LLLT with an infrared diode laser could be recommended as a suitable strategy to reduce the intensity of tooth sensitivity after in-office bleaching.

Dentin bond strength and degree of conversion evaluation of experimental self-etch adhesive systems.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) monomer in one-step self-etch experimental adhesives on dentinal microshear bond strength (µSBS), their degree of conversion and bonded micro structure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Composite resin cylinders (Clearfil AP-X) were bonded on human sound molar dentinal surfaces by using five experimental one-step self-etching adhesives (1-SEAs) containing 0% (E0), 5% (E5), 10% (E10), 15% (E15), 20% (E20) (by weight) 10-MDP monomer and Clearfil S3 Bond (CS3) as a control. After 24 hours, microshear bond strength was tested. The degree of conversion was also measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Interfacial ultrastructure was observed under a scanning electron microscope in all the groups. RESULTS: A higher microshear bond strength was observed with adhesives containing 10% and 15% 10-MDP in comparison to study groups (P<.05). Clearfil S3 Bond and 10% MDP had a significantly greater degree of conversion than other groups (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The amount of functional monomer in 1-SEAs influences both the bonding performance and degree of conversion; 10% 10-MDP showed the best combination of bond strength and degree of conversion. Key words:Self-etch adhesives, 10-MDP, bond strength, degree of conversion.

Evaluating Resin-Dentin Bond by Microtensile Bond Strength Test: Effects of Various Resin Composites and Placement Techniques.

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study evaluated the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) of a methacrylate-based compared to a silorane-based resin composite in Class I cavity using different placement techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class I cavities with dimension of (4 mm long, 4 mm wide, 3 mm deep) were prepared in extracted sound human molars. The teeth were randomly divided into six groups. The first three groups were filled with Filtek P90 using three methods of insertion; bulk, incremental and snow-plow, and the remaining three groups were filled with Clearfil AP-X using the same three placement techniques. After 24 hours of storage in water at 37°C, the specimens were thermocycled to 1000 cycles. Specimens were prepared for MTBS testing by creating bonded beams obtained from the pulpal floor. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analyses of data were performed by two-way ANOVA/Tukey (α=.05). RESULTS: The experiment showed significant differences between the two resin composites with regard to filling techniques (P<0.05). The MTBS was significantly higher in each of Filtek P90 subgroup compared to Clearfil AP-X ones (P<0.05). With respect to filling technique in both resin composites, bulk insertion showed the significantly lowest MTBS (P<0.05), while no significant difference was found between the outcome of incremental and snow-plow techniques (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Silorane-based resin composite as opposed to methacrylate based resin composite and layering placements in contrast to bulk filling method had higher microtensile bond strength.

Effectiveness of silica-lasing method on the bond strength of composite resin repair to Ni-Cr alloy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of silica-lasing method for improving the composite resin repair of metal ceramic restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty Ni-Cr cylindrical specimens were fabricated. The bonding surface of all specimens was airborne-particle abraded using 50 µm aluminum oxide particles. Specimens were divided into six groups that received the following surface treatments: group 1-airborne-particle abrasion alone (AA); group 2-Nd:YAG laser irradiation (LA); group 3-silica coating (Si-CO); group 4-silica-lasing (metal surface was coated with slurry of opaque porcelain and irradiated by Nd:YAG laser) (Si-LA); group 5-silica-lasing plus etching with HF acid (Si-LA-HF); group 6-CoJet sand lased (CJ-LA). Composite resin was applied on metal surfaces. Specimens were thermocycled and tested in shear mode in a universal testing machine. The shear bond strength values were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05). The mode of failure was determined, and two specimens in each group were examined by scanning electron microscopy and wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. RESULTS: Si-CO showed significantly higher shear bond strength in comparison to other groups (p < 0.001). The shear bond strength values of the LA group were significantly higher than those of the AA group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found among lased groups (LA, Si-LA, Si-LA-HF, CJ-LA; p > 0.05). The failure mode was 100% adhesive for AA, Si-LA, Si-LA-HF, and CJ-LA. LA and Si-CO groups showed 37.5% and 87.5% cohesive failure, respectively. CONCLUSION: Silica coating of Ni-Cr alloy resulted in higher shear bond strength than those of other surface treatments.

Effect of Bleaching and Thermocycling on Resin-Enamel Bond Strength.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bleaching and thermocycling on microshear bond strength of bonded resin composites to enamel. Enamel slices were prepared from ninety-six intact human premolars and resin composite cylinders were bonded by using Adper Single Bond 2 + Filtek Z350 or Filtek silorane adhesive and resin composite. Each essential group was randomly subdivided to two subgroups: control and bleaching. In bleaching group, 35% hydrogen peroxide was applied on samples. Thermocycling procedure was conducted between 5°C and 55°C, for 3.000 cycles on the half of each subgroup specimen. Then microshear bond strength was tested. Methacrylate-based resin composite had higher bond strength than silorane-based one. The meyhacrylate-based group without bleaching along with thermocycling showed the most bond strength, while bleaching with 35% carbamide peroxide on silorane-based group without thermocycling showed the least microshear bond strength. Bleaching caused a significant degradation on shear bond strength of silorane-based resin composites that bonded using self-etch adhesive resin systems.

A randomized clinical trial of the effect of low-level laser therapy before composite placement on postoperative sensitivity in class V restorations.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of low-level laser irradiation when applied just before placement of resin composite on reducing postoperative sensitivity of class V lesions. In this randomized clinical trial, 31 patients with 62 class V cavities were included (two teeth in each participant). The teeth were randomly assigned into laser and placebo groups. After cavity preparation, the teeth in the experimental group were subjected to irradiation from a low-power red laser (630 nm, 28 mW, continuous wave, 60 s, 1.68 J), which was applied for 1 min on the axial wall of the cavity. In the control group, the same procedure was performed but with laser simulation. Then, a self-etch adhesive was applied and the cavities were restored with a microhybrid resin composite. Before treatment and on days 1, 14, and 30 after treatment, tooth sensitivity to a cold stimulus was recorded using a visual analogue scale. Data were analyzed by Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (p < 0.05). Pain scores after restorative procedures were significantly lower in the laser group compared to the placebo application (p < 0.05). Although both groups experienced a significant improvement in pain and discomfort throughout the follow-up periods (p < 0.001), the changes in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores between baseline and each follow-up examination were significantly greater in the laser than the placebo group (p < 0.05). Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) before placement of resin composite could be suggested as a suitable approach to reduce postoperative sensitivity in class V restorations.

Microleakage evaluation of adhesive systems following pulp chamber irrigation with sodium hypochlorite.

Background and aims. This in vitro study evaluated the effect of delaying composite resin restorative procedures bonded with total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems on microleakage following root canal irrigation with sodium hy-pochlorite (NaOCl) solution. Materials and methods. The roofs of pulp chambers and roots (1–2 mm below furcation) of 40 human first molar teeth were cut and pulp tissues completely removed. The teeth were randomly divided into two main groups (n = 20). Group E (experimental) was irrigated with 5% NaOCl and group C (control) was left untreated. For the experimental group, after obturation of root canals with gutta-percha and sealing the cavity with Cavit, the specimens were stored in artificialsaliva for two weeks. Then each group was divided into two subgroups according to the total-etch or self-etch adhesive application protocol: Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and Clearfil SE Bond. The specimens were restored with composite resin using each bonding agent: Z250 and Clearfil Photo Core, respectively. Fluid filtration method was used for evaluation of microleakage. Data was analyzed using two-way ANOVA ( α= 0.05). Results. Two types of dentin adhesive systems showed no statistically significant differences in microleakage (P = 0.77). NaOCl-treated groups demonstrated significantly higher microleakage values compared to the non-NaOCl-treated groups (P= 0.001). The interaction between the two factors was not significant (P = 0.78). Conclusion. Differences in inlay temperature had no effect on microleakage. CAD/CAM inlays had lower cement thick-ness than laboratory-made inlays, but this was not related to their microleakage.

Microleakage and shear bond strength of orthodontc brackets bonded to hypomineralized enamel following different surface preparations.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of several conditioning methods on shear bond strength (SBS) and microleakage of orthodontic brackets bonded to demineralized enamel. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred premolars were selected and immersed in a cariogenic solution for 12 weeks. The teeth were randomly assigned into 5 groups. In groups 1 and 2, the teeth underwent acid etching for 30 and 120 seconds, respectively. In group 3, a combination of laser and acid etching was employed. A self-etch primer (SEP) was applied in group 4 and in group 5, the teeth were exposed to acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) for 4 minutes before etching. After bracket bonding, the teeth were immersed in methylen blue for 12 hours and then were mounted in acrylic resin. SBS was determined with an Instron Universal Testing Machine and the amount of microleakage under the brackets was assessed under a stereomicroscope. RESULTS: The lowest SBS was related to the SEP group and the highest one was observed in the specimens prepared by APF+acid etching. There was a significant difference in SBS (p=0.009), but not in microleakage (p=0.971) of the study groups. The SBS of the specimens treated with SEP was significantly Lower than the other groups, which were not significantly different from each other. The SEP group displayed a higher frequency of bond failure at the enamel-adhesive interface. CONCLUSIONS: Enamel preparation with SEP provided the lowest SBS among the groups. All groups showed some degree of microleakage. There was no significant correlation between SBS and microleakage. Key words:Bond strength, microleakage, bonding, self-etch primer, Er:YAG laser.

The effect of fractional CO2 laser irradiation on remineralization of enamel white spot lesions.

This study investigated the combined effect of fractional CO(2) laser irradiation and fluoride on treatment of enamel caries. Sixty intact premolars were randomly assigned into four groups and then stored in a demineralizing solution to induce white spot lesions. Tooth color was determined at baseline (T1) and after demineralization (T2). Afterwards, the teeth in group 1 remained untreated (control), while group 2 was exposed to an acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel for 4 min. In groups 3 and 4, a fractional CO(2) laser was applied (10 mJ, 200 Hz, 10 s) either before (group 3) or through (group 4) the APF gel. The teeth were then immersed in artificial saliva for 90 days while subjected to daily fluoride mouthrinse and weekly brushing. Color examinations were repeated after topical fluoride application (T3) and 90 days later (T4). Finally, the teeth were sectioned, and microhardness was measured at the enamel surface and at 30 and 60 µ from the surface. In both lased groups, the color change between T1 and T4 stages (∆E(T1-T4)) was significantly lower than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). Laser irradiation followed by fluoride application (group 3) caused a significant increase in surface microhardness compared to APF alone and control groups (p < 0.05). Microhardness at depths of 30 and 60 µ was also significantly greater in group 3 compared to those of all other groups (p < 0.05). Application of a fractional CO(2) laser before fluoride therapy is suggested for recovering the color and rehardening of demineralized enamel.

The effect of different surface treatments of demineralised enamel on microleakage under metal orthodontic brackets.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this investigation was to assess the effects of different treatments of demineralised enamel on microleakage under orthodontic brackets. METHODS: Seventy-five intact premolars were randomly assigned to five groups. The teeth in groups 2 through 5 were immersed in a demineralising solution for 16 weeks. In groups 1 (control) and 2 (demineralised/control), conventional acid etching was used. In group 3, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was applied on the enamel surface for 1 min after acid etching, and in group 4, Transbond Plus (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) self-etching primer (SEP) was used. The teeth in group 5 were treated with 2% sodium fluoride (NaF) for 4 min before etching. After bracket bonding, the specimens were thermocycled, sealed with nail varnish, immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsine solution for 24 h and sectioned. Microleakage was measured under a stereomicroscope for the enamel-adhesive and adhesive-bracket interfaces of both occlusal and gingival sides. RESULTS: Demineralised teeth showed more microleakage at the enamel-adhesive interface on both occlusal and gingival sides compared to sound teeth, but the difference was not significant (P>0.005). Treating the demineralised enamel with 5% NaOCl or Transbond Plus SEP was not effective in reducing microleakage. NaF treatment followed by acid etching of demineralised enamel resulted in significantly lower microleakage in most comparisons (P<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The use of 2% NaF on hypomineralised enamel before the bracket bonding procedure is an effective way to decrease microleakage.

Effect of different air-drying time on the microleakage of single-step self-etch adhesives.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effect of three different air-drying times on microleakage of three self-etch adhesive systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class I cavities were prepared for 108 extracted sound human premolars. The teeth were divided into three main groups based on three different adhesives: Opti Bond All in One (OBAO), Clearfil S(3) Bond (CSB), Bond Force (BF). Each main group divided into three subgroups regarding the air-drying time: without application of air stream, following the manufacturer's instruction, for 10 sec more than manufacturer's instruction. After completion of restorations, specimens were thermocycled and then connected to a fluid filtration system to evaluate microleakage. The data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey-test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The microleakage of all adhesives decreased when the air-drying time increased from 0 sec to manufacturer's instruction (p < 0.001). The microleakage of BF reached its lowest values after increasing the drying time to 10 sec more than the manufacturer's instruction (p < 0.001). Microleakage of OBAO and CSB was significantly lower compared to BF in all three drying time (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing in air-drying time of adhesive layer in one-step self-etch adhesives caused reduction of microleakage, but the amount of this reduction may be dependent on the adhesive components of self-etch adhesives.

Effects of curing mode and moisture on nanoindentation mechanical properties and bonding of a self-adhesive resin cement to pulp chamber floor.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of dentin surface moisture and curing mode on microtensile bond strength (MTBS) and nanoindentation characteristics of a self-adhesive resin cement. METHODS: Forty-four extracted human molars were distributed into four groups according to dentin surface moisture (dry or wet) and curing mode of the resin cement (light or chemical). Clearfil SA Cement (Kuraray Noritake Dental, Japan) was used for cementation of composite cores to the pulp chamber dentin. The specimens were sectioned into beams for MTBS test at the pulpal floor. Nanoindentation hardness and creep of the cement layer were measured under 100 mN load with 30s hold segment. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Weibull distribution of MTBS (α=0.05). RESULTS: Moisture, curing mode or their interaction did not significantly affect mean MTBS values that ranged 17.6-22.6 MPa (p>0.05); however, the lowest characteristic strength was found in moist chemically cured group. Hardness ranged 437-512 MPa, and was not affected by the experimental factors (p>0.05). Nanoindentation creep ranged 9.3-10.9% with the chemically cured groups showing the highest values, indicating lower cross-linking and deformation resistance of their polymer network. SIGNIFICANCE: Additional moisture on dentin surface did not contribute to adhesion of the anhydrous self-adhesive resin cement to dentin. Light-curing, despite attenuation through the composite core, was beneficial and improved nanoindentation creep resistance of the cement. The difference was not, however, reflected in the mean bond strength or hardness values.