Comparative evaluation of mechanical and physical properties of a new bulk-fill alkasite with conventional restorative materials.

PURPOSE: The physical and mechanical performance of a newly commercialized dental restorative material (alkasite) was compared with glass ionomer cement (GIC) and nano-hybrid composite. METHODOLOGY: Human extracted premolars were used to investigate the shear bond strength. Restorative materials were placed on the dentine surface and were aged in deionized water for 14 days. The 3-D surface roughness was evaluated before and after chewing simulation cycles (50,000). The samples were fatigued mechanically using a chewing simulator and investigated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: For shear bond strength, alkasite showed significantly high values than GIC, whereas non-significant difference was observed between alkasite and nano-hybrid composite. After the chewing simulation (50,000 cycles), non-significant difference was found between GIC and nano-hybrid composite, where surface roughness values were highest for GIC and lowest for alkasite. CONCLUSION: The newly developed restorative material (alkasite) has shown better results than existing restorative materials.

Preparation of a toothpaste containing theobromine and fluoridated bioactive glass and its effect on surface micro-hardness and roughness of enamel.

The aim was to synthesize a toothpaste and analyze its effect on surface micro-hardness and roughness of enamel. Basic paste was prepared by using basic ingredients. Theobromine (0.2 wt%) and laboratory synthesized fluoridated-bioactive glass (F-BG, 4 wt%) were added to it. Post-demineralization, 36 enamel blocks were divided into six groups that were brushed with their respective toothpaste+artificial saliva (AS): group 1 (control): basic paste; group 2: basic paste+theobromine; group 3: commercial theobromine toothpaste; group 4: commercial BG toothpaste; group 5: basic paste+F-BG; and group 6: basic paste+theobromine+F-BG. On micro-hardness analysis, group 6 performed best, followed by group 4. Surface roughness results showed the maximum decrease in roughness values for group 6, followed by group 5. Treatment with toothpaste composition containing theobromine+F-BG resulted in the enamel's increased micro-hardness and decreased surface roughness.