Effects of deflection and archwire dimension on the mechanical performance of two self-ligating orthodontic systems.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of archwire deflection and dimension on the mechanical performance of two self-ligating systems, as passive and active ligation designs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental model was used that was designed to resemble the full dental arch and to allow vertical displacement of a canine element. Two self-ligating systems were investigated: 1) a passive system; and 2) an active system, both in combination with three thermoactive NiTi archwires, with round sections of 0.014-in, 0.016-in and 0.018-in. The full loading-unloading cycles consisted of either 3mm or 6mm maximum deflection, performed at 37 °C. During unloading, the deactivation forces and energy were recorded. The ratio between the deactivation and activation energies was used as representative of the mechanical efficiencies of the systems. RESULTS: The deactivation force increased in combination with larger archwires and greater deflection. The deactivation energy increased in combination with larger archwires only for the 3-mm deflection cycle, while for the 6-mm deflection cycle, the deactivation energy was not influenced by the archwire dimension, and was not greater than that of the 3-mm deflection cycle. The mechanical efficiency decreased in combination with greater deflection and larger archwires, with a maximum decrease of about 12%. Only minor comparative differences were seen between the systems. CONCLUSIONS: The deflection degree and archwire dimension have large effects on the mechanical performance of self-ligating systems.

Combined aging effects of strain and thermocycling on unload deflection modes of nickel-titanium closed-coil springs: an in-vitro comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: There are no reports on the aging effects of thermocycling of nickel-titanium (NiTi) based coil springs, and few studies have investigated their superelasticity phases in full. In this study, we compared the mechanical properties of NiTi-based closed-coil springs after the combined aging effects of prolonged strain and thermocycling, as a reflection of the clinical situation. METHODS: Ninety NiTi-based closed-coil springs were used, 30 each of the following types: (1) Nitinol (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif), (2) Ni-Ti (Ormco, Glendora, Calif), and (3) RMO (Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, Denver, Colo); all had similar dimensions (length, 12 mm). In each sample group, 2 equal subgroups of 15 coil springs were extended by either 50% (to 18 mm) or 150% (to 30 mm), immersed in artificial saliva, and kept at 37°C for 45 days. All springs underwent sessions of 1000 thermocycles (1 minute long) from 5°C to 55°C on days 22 and 45. Unload deflection curves from both the 50% and 150% extensions (according to their strain subgroups) were recorded by using a universal testing machine before the strain (baseline) and at both 22 and 45 days, immediately after thermocycling. RESULTS: At baseline, the loads exerted by the NiTi-based coil springs varied from 99.8 to 245.1 gf for the RMO (50% strain) and Ni-Ti (150% strain) groups. Statistically significant, although small, differences were seen at each time point in both the 50% and 150% strain subgroups; generally, the highest and lowest values were recorded in the Ni-Ti and Nitinol groups (all, P <0.001). Only the Nitinol coil-spring group showed an acceptable superelasticity phase. The strain and thermocycling did not dramatically change the deactivation forces of any coil springs. CONCLUSIONS: NiTi-based closed-coil springs might not have a superelasticity phase, and prolonged strain and thermocycling do not produce clinically relevant alterations in their deactivation forces.

Contraction stress of low-shrinkage composite materials assessed with different testing systems.

OBJECTIVES: The contraction stress of a silorane-based material and a new low-shrinkage nanohybrid composite were compared to three conventional dimethacrylate-based resin composites using two different measuring systems. It was hypothesized that the silorane-based material and the low-shrinkage nanohybrid composite would exhibit lower contraction stress than dimethacrylate-based composites irrespective of measuring system. METHODS: The materials tested were Filtek Silorane LS (3M ESPE), Venus Diamond (Heraeus Kulzer), Tetric EvoCeram (Ivoclar Vivadent), Quixfil (Dentsply DeTrey), and Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE). Shrinkage stress was assessed using a stress-strain analyzer consisting of two opposing attachments, one connected to a load sensor and the other fixed to the device, or a system fixed to a universal testing machine with an extensometer as a feedback system. All specimens were light-cured with 20 J/cm(2); the contraction force (N) generated during polymerization was continuously recorded for 300 s. Contraction stress (MPa) was calculated at both 40 s and 300 s. Data were statistically analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Venus Diamond exhibited the lowest stress under both experimental conditions. Stress values scored as follows: Venus Diamond

The effect of curing mode on extent of polymerization and microhardness of dual-cured, self-adhesive resin cements.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of curing mode (self- or light-cure) on the extent of polymerization (%EP1 as measured using differential scanning calorimetry, (DSC) and microhardness of two dual-cured, self-adhesive resin cements, using a conventional, dual-cured resin cement as control. METHODS: Small amounts of the commercial self-adhesive cements Maxcem and RelyX Unicem or Panavia F2.0 dual-cure resin based cement used as control were polymerized within the DSC chamber at 35 degrees C under a nitrogen atmosphere. 10 specimens were light-cured immediately (20 seconds, 600 mW/cm2) and left undisturbed for 2 hours and 10 additional specimens were left to self-cure in the dark for 2 hours. Following DSC treatment, microhardness of the specimens was measured (Vickers). For each test parameter, data were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS: %EP and microhardness of all cements were higher when the light-cure mode of dual-activation was used (P<0.05) instead of only self-curing. No significant difference in %EP was found between either self-adhesive cement or the control using either the light- or self-curing modes. In the light-activated mode, the conventional, dual-cure control cement demonstrated lower microhardness than the self-adhesive cements (P<0.05).

Influence of different initiators on the degree of conversion of experimental adhesive blends in relation to their hydrophilicity and solvent content.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the curing reaction of five experimental adhesive blends containing different photo-initiating systems. The hypothesis tested was that degree of conversion (DC) of resin blends is affected by resin type, solvent content and photo-initiating system. METHODS: The experimental methacrylate resin blends were ranked from hydrophobic (R2) to hydrophilic (R3 and R4) and tested as neat, or solvated with 10% or 20% ethanol, or 10% ethanol and 10% water. Three different photo-initiators were used: IS-1=0.25% CQ (camphorquinone)+1% EDMAB (ethyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate); IS-2=1.25% TPO (diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phosphine oxide); IS-3=0.25% CQ+0.50% EDMAB+0.50% TPO. DC of resin blends was measured with a differential scanning calorimeter. Data were analyzed with a three-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Neat resin type influenced DC, as R4 showed the highest values compared to R2 and R3 (p<0.05). Solvent had a significant effect on DC (p<0.05): dilution of resin blends with 10% or 20% ethanol or 10% ethanol+10% water increased the DC of all resins, except for R4. Initiators influenced the polymerization since neat resins and mixtures solvated with 10% or 20% ethanol showed their highest DC values when polymerized with IS-1 or IS-3 (p>0.05), while IS-2 or IS-3 increased the DC values of resins diluted with 10% ethanol and 10% water (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Water-compatible photo-initiators such as TPO should be included in the hydrophilic solvated adhesive formulation to ensure an appropriate DC of the adhesive layer.

Degree of conversion of Filtek Silorane Adhesive System and Clearfil SE Bond within the hybrid and adhesive layer: an in situ Raman analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the degree of conversion (DC) of the adhesive interfaces created by Filtek Silorane Adhesive and Clearfil SE Bond using micro-Raman spectroscopy. METHODS: The adhesives were applied on human dentin in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Specimens were cut to expose the bonded interfaces to the micro-Raman beam (Ranishaw InVia; laser wl 785 nm). Raman spectra were collected along the dentin/self-etching primer/adhesive interface at 1 microm intervals. The relative intensities of bands associated with mineral (P-O functional group at 960 cm(-1)) and adhesive (C-C-O group at 605 cm(-1)) components within the bonded interface were used to detect monomer penetration into the dentin matrix and to calculate the degree of conversion (C=C at 1640 cm(-1) as reaction peak, C-C-O at 605 cm(-1) as reference peak). Data were statistically analyzed with two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: DC of Filtek Silorane Adhesive was 69+/-7% in the adhesive layer, increasing (p<0.05) to 93+/-5% in the primer and 92+/-9% in the hybrid layer. Clearfil SE Bond showed a DC of 83+/-3% in the hybrid and 85+/-3% in the adhesive layer. Thus, Filtek Silorane Adhesive showed a higher DC than Clearfil SE Bond in the hybrid layer (p<0.05), but a lower DC in the adhesive (p<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: As high DC is a fundamental pre-requisite for the stability of the bond over time, this study supports the hypothesis that optimal stability of Filtek Silorane Adhesive can be obtained. However, further research is needed to investigate the mechanical properties of the hybrid layer created by Filtek Silorane Adhesive and its long-term stability.

Flowability of composites is no guarantee for contraction stress reduction.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to measure the contraction stress development of three flowable resin-composite materials (Grandio Flow, VOCO GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany; Tetric Flow, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein; Filtek Supreme XT Flowable Restorative, 3M ESPE, ST. Paul, MN, USA) and an universal micro-hybrid composite resin (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) during photopolymerization with a halogen curing light, using a novel stress-measuring gauge. METHODS: Curing shrinkage stress was measured using a stress-analyzer. Composites were polymerized with a halogen curing unit (VIP, Bisco Inc., Schaumburg, IL, USA) for 40s. The contraction force (N) generated during polymerization was continuously recorded for 180s after photo-initiation. Contraction stress (MPa) was calculated at 20s, 40s, 60s, 120s and 180s. Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Filtek Supreme XT Flowable Restorative exhibited the highest stress values compared to other materials (p<0.05), while the lowest values were recorded with Tetric Flow (p<0.05). Tetric Flow was also the only flowable composite showing stress values lower than the conventional composite Filtek Z250 (p<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Flowable composites investigated with this experimental setup showed shrinkage stress comparable to conventional resin restorative materials, thus supporting the hypothesis that the use of flowable materials do not lead to marked stress reduction and the risk of debonding at the adhesive interface as a result of polymerization contraction is similar for both type of materials.

Comparative experimental evaluation of guidewire use in urology.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the characteristics and mechanical properties of five different guidewires principally used in urology to provide a guide to the best choice in every situation. This objective was achieved by performing mechanical tests on each guidewire and on the same guidewire in relationship to a real human ureter. Finally, the mechanical properties of a real human ureter were evaluated experimentally. METHODS: Five different guidewires with a 0.035-in. external diameter were studied to determine their mechanical properties of interest: tip buckling, shaft permanent deformation, guide friction on the human ureter, and the force at which the tip perforated a real human ureter. RESULTS: Nitinol guidewires with hydrophilic coating had the least dangerous tip in the tip buckling and tip piercing force tests and the lowest friction values on the friction guide test. The shaft of the polytetrafluoroethylene-coated guidewires was stiffer on the bending resistance and plastic deformation tests. CONCLUSIONS: The ideal endourologic guidewire should be sufficiently flexible and lubricated to negotiate a tortuous ureter and pass possible obstructions. However, high strength against bending is also required when we need to pass a stent or catheter over a guidewire.

Effect of two in-office whitening agents on the enamel surface in vivo: a morphological and non-contact profilometric study.

This study evaluated the morphological effects produced in vivo by two in-office bleaching agents on enamel surface roughness using a noncontact profilometric analysis of epoxy replicas. The null hypothesis tested was that there would be no difference in the micromorphology of the enamel surface during or after bleaching with two different bleaching agents. Eighteen subjects were selected and randomly assigned to two treatment groups (n=9). The tooth whitening materials tested were 38% hydrogen peroxide (HP) (Opalescence Xtra Boost) and 35% carbamide peroxide (CP) (Rembrandt Quik Start). The bleaching agents were applied in accordance with manufacturer protocols. The treatments were repeated four times at one-week intervals. High precision impressions of the upper right incisor were taken at baseline as the control (CTRL) and after each bleaching treatment (T0: first application, T1: second application at one week, T2: third application at two weeks and T3: fourth application at three weeks). Epoxy resin replicas were poured from impressions, and the surface roughness was analyzed by means of a non-contact profilometer (Talysurf CLI 1000). Epoxy replicas were then observed using SEM. All data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and differences were determined with a t-test. No significant differences in surface roughness were found on enamel replicas using either 38% hydrogen peroxide or 35% carbamide peroxide in vivo. This in vivo study supports the null hypothesis that two in-office bleaching agents, with either a high concentration of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, do not alter enamel surface roughness, even after multiple applications.

Degree of conversion of resin blends in relation to ethanol content and hydrophilicity.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the degree of conversion of five experimental adhesive systems in relation to their hydrophilicity. The resin blends ranged from hydrophobic to hydrophilic and were tested as neat bonding agents, or solvated with increasing percentages of ethanol. The hypothesis tested was that extent of polymerization of resin blends is affected by resin hydrophilicity, solvent concentrations or time of polymerization. METHODS: Five light-curing versions of neat experimental resin blends were submitted to investigation: (1) 70% E-BisADM, 28.75% TEGDMA; (2) 70% BisGMA, 28.7% TEGDMA; (3) 70% BisGMA, 28.7% HEMA; (4) 40% BisGMA, 30% TCDM, and 28.75% TEGDMA; (5) 40% BisGMA, 30% BisMP, and 28.75% HEMA. All blends included 1% EDMAB and 0.25% CQ. Ethanol in different weight percentages (A: 0%, B: 30%, C: 50%, D: 70% and E: 90%) was added to these resin blends simulating different formulation of adhesives. A differential scanning calorimeter was used to measure the degree of conversion of resin blends as a function of resin hydrophilicity, solvent concentration and time of curing. Data were analyzed with three-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: Exotherms showed that degree of conversion was influenced by the hydrophilicity of the blends resin (p<.05), percentage of ethanol dilution (p<.05) and time of curing (p<.05). 30% ethanol dilution increased degree of conversion compared to neat compounds irrespective to resin type and curing time, showing the highest degree of conversion values of the study design. SIGNIFICANCE: This study supports the hypothesis that high ethanol percentages (>50mass%) may compromise extent of polymerization kinetics of dental adhesives.

Extent of polymerization of dental bonding systems on bleached enamel.

PURPOSE: To analyze the extent of polymerization of four adhesive systems on whitened enamel immediately after bonding or delayed for 24 hours and 2 weeks. The effect of prolonged light-curing was also analyzed. METHODS: One adhesive of each class was investigated: Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (three-step etch-and-rinse), One-Step (two-step etch-and-rinse), Clearfil Protect Bond (two-step self-etching) and Xeno III (one-step self-etching). Enamel fragments were treated with Opalescence Xtra Boost for 30 minutes, powdered and pressed into aluminum pans. Specimens were bonded immediately after bleaching, after 24 hours or after 14 days of storage in 100% humidity at 37 degrees C. Unbleached enamel powder was prepared as control. Extent of polymerization of bonded interfaces was obtained with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at 20, 40 and 60 seconds and data were statistically analyzed with 3-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test. RESULTS: The extent of polymerization obtained from DSC exotherms of adhesives applied immediately after bleaching was significantly lower compared to controls. Increased extent of polymerization after storage was confirmed for all adhesives and no difference with controls was found after 14 days. Prolonged irradiation time increased curing rate for all the tested adhesives. This study supported the hypothesis that polymerization of the adhesive is reduced after enamel bleaching and delayed adhesive application reverses the polymerization inhibition. Prolonged polymerization intervals may counteract the inhibition of polymerization due to the bleaching procedure; nevertheless further clinical studies should validate this hypothesis.

Polymerization kinetics of dental adhesives cured with LED: correlation between extent of conversion and permeability.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the polymerization kinetics of different adhesive films in relation to their permeability after exposure to different LED curing units. METHODS: One adhesive from each class was analyzed: a three-step etch-and-rinse (OptiBond FL; Sybron-Kerr), a two-step etch-and-rinse (One-Step, Bisco), a two-step self-etch (Clearfil Protect Bond, Kuraray) and a one-step self-etch adhesive (Xeno III; Dentsply DeTrey). Adhesive films were prepared and cured with SmartLite IQ (Dentsply) or L.E. Demetron I (Demetron Kerr) up to complete curing. Polymerization kinetic curves of the tested adhesives were obtained with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In particular, total reaction time and extent of polymerization (Ep) at 20, 40 or 60s were compared. Permeability of the adhesive films was evaluated on flat dentin surfaces of human extracted teeth connected to a permeability device and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Total reaction time differed among the adhesives tested: OptiBond FL

Influence of whitening on the degree of conversion of dental adhesives on dentin.

The aim of this study was to analyze the extent of polymerization of different adhesive systems on whitened dentin. One adhesive of each class was investigated: Adper Scotchbond Multi Purpose (3M ESPE); One-Step (Bisco); Clearfil Protect Bond (Kuraray); and Xeno III (Dentsply DeTrey). Dentin disks were treated with Opalescence Xtra Boost (Ultradent) for 30 min and bonded immediately after 24 h or after 14 d of storage in 100% humidity at 37 degrees C. Unbleached dentin disks were prepared as controls. The extent of polymerization of bonded interfaces was obtained with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at 20, 40 and 60 s, and the data were statistically analyzed. The extent of polymerization obtained from DSC exotherms of adhesives applied immediately after whitening was significantly lower compared with controls. An increased extent of polymerization after storage was confirmed for all adhesives, and no difference with controls was found after 14 d. A prolonged irradiation time increased the curing rate for all the tested adhesives. This study supports the hypothesis that polymerization of the adhesive is reduced after dentin whitening and that delayed adhesive application reverses the polymerization inhibition. Prolonged polymerization intervals may counteract the inhibition of polymerization caused by the whitening procedure. Nevertheless, further in vivo studies should validate this issue.

Degree of conversion and permeability of dental adhesives.

The aim of this study was to analyse the extent of polymerization of different adhesive films in relation to their permeability. One adhesive of each class was investigated: OptiBond FL; One-Step; Clearfil Protect Bond; and Xeno III. Adhesive films were prepared and cured with XL-2500 (3M ESPE) for 20, 40 or 60 s. Polymerization kinetic curves of the adhesives tested were obtained with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and data were correlated with microhardness. The permeability of the adhesives under the same experimental conditions was evaluated on human extracted teeth connected to a permeability device and analysed statistically. The results showed that the extent of polymerization obtained from DSC exotherms was directly correlated with microhardness. An increased level of polymerization after prolonged light-curing was confirmed for all adhesives. Simplified adhesives exhibited a lower extent of polymerization and showed incomplete polymerization, even after 60 s. An inverse correlation was found between the degree of cure and the permeability. This study supports the hypothesis that the permeability of simplified adhesives is correlated with incomplete polymerization of resin monomers and the extent of light exposure. These adhesives may be rendered less permeable by using longer curing times than those recommended by the respective manufacturer.