Influence of two carbodiimides on the bond strength of universal adhesives to dentin.

The pretreatment of dentin with cross-linking agents during bonding procedures has been proposed to improve the mechanical properties of the collagen in the hybrid layer and reduce the biodegradation of the adhesive interface. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of pretreatment with two carbodiimides on the dentin bond strength of universal adhesives, after thermocycling. Three universal adhesives in the self-etching mode were used (Single Bond Universal-SBU, Clearfil Universal-CLU and Ambar Universal-ABU). A self-etching adhesive system (Clearfil SE Bond-CSB) was used as control. Two carbodiimides, 1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) and N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), were applied for 1 min. The excess solution was removed with absorbent paper and the universal adhesives were applied. The specimens were stored for 24 h in distilled water at 37 °C or 10,000 thermal cycles (5-55 °C, 30 s) and then were prepared for microtensile bond strength test (n = 4 teeth, average of 21 sticks per group). Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey's (α = 5%). After 24 h, SBU and CSB had statistically similar bond strength values for the control groups (22.07 ± 9.03 and 19.82 ± 7.28 MPa), with EDC (30.21 ± 11.30 and 19.67 ± 5.36 MPa) and DCC (30.12 ± 13.43 and 19.82 ± 7.28 MPa) pretreatments (p > 0.05). The use of EDC (32.57 ± 9.60 MPa) and DCC (24.71 ± 9.87 MPa) showed statistically higher bond strength for CLU than for the control group (14.62 ± 6.16 MPa; p < 0.05). After thermocycling, the SBU, CLU, and CSB groups showed statistically similar bond strengths with the use of EDC (27.08 ± 8.44; 18.74 ± 5.41; and 24.55 ± 10.43 MPa) and without the use of cross linkers (20.06 ± 7.99; 22.55 ± 9.04; and 26.54 ± 10.13 MPa; p > 0.05). Groups tested after 24 h in distilled water presented higher bond strength than those submitted to thermocycling. It can be concluded that the use of cross linkers influenced the immediate bond strength of the universal adhesives, and this was dependent on the combination of the adhesive system and type of carbodiimide. The use of EDC increased the immediate bond strength of CLU. DCC increased the bond strength of ABU at 24 h, but the values were lower than those of the control group after aging for three out of the four adhesives.

Flexural strength and crystalline stability of a monolithic translucent zirconia subjected to grinding, polishing and thermal challenges.

The objective of this study is to investigate the magnitude of structural degradation of a monolithic translucent zirconia caused by clinically relevant grinding and polishing procedures, when associated or not with low temperature degradation (LTD), induced by accelerated hydrothermal aging using autoclave or thermocycling Ninety disks (Ø12 × 1 mm) were prepared from dental zirconia for monolithic restorations (Vipi Block Zirconn Translucent, Vipi). The specimens were divided into 3 groups (n = 30) according to surface treatment: As Sintered (untreated), Grind (diamond bur), Grind + Polish (diamond bur + polish); and then subdivided according to aging method (n = 10): Baseline (no aging), Autoclave (134°C, 2.2 kgf/cm2 pressure for 5 h), and Thermocycling (200,000 cycles, 5°C and 55°C, for 15 s each). Roughness, biaxial flexural strength and percentage of monoclinic phase were evaluated. Regarding surface treatment, the Grind group presented higher roughness and greater flexural strength compared to As Sintered group, while Grind + Polish showed intermediate roughness and flexural strength similar to Grind group. Aging had little effect on roughness, but yielded a significant reduction in flexural strength. Tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation was observed in all groups, caused by both mechanical stresses (grinding and polishing) and LTD, which was similarly induced by the traditional autoclave method, as well as the thermocycling method The use of diamond burs to grind zirconia surface may result in deleterious effects on the surface quality of monolithic zirconia restorations, yet has a potential toughening effect by phase transformation. However, when zirconia is exposed to LTD, regardless of the surface treatment, degradation of the surface quality and strength are observed.

Cara smile: Use of planning software to facilitate esthetic dental treatment in a case.

Treatment of the anterior teeth is challenging. Computer resources and software are available to facilitate a digital smile approach, thus allowing the dentist to plan and predict an esthetic result for a patient, particularly when an integrated multidisciplinary approach is necessary. Digital smile design has emerged as a tool in cosmetic dentistry that helps both professionals and the patient to visualize the result, in addition to facilitating a discussion between the two before establishing a final treatment decision. Here, we present a case involving a 27-year-old female who underwent multidisciplinary treatment initiated by digital planning using specific software, namely Cara Smile. The patient presented with complaints of maxillary tooth malalignment, staining, and fractures. To obtain the correct width-to-height ratio, a simulated gingival procedure was performed in the software. Gingivectomy was performed using digital simulation, and 90 days after surgery, cast and wax-up models maintaining the previously planned width-to-height ratio for the maxillary anterior teeth were made. Esthetic crowns and veneers were fabricated using the digital planning protocol. Therefore, Cara Smile is useful to facilitate the diagnosis through digital photos, improve communication between the various professionals involved in treatment, and guide the predictability of treatment and patient acceptance.

Physicomechanical properties of different nanohybrid composites after aging: color stability, flexural strength, and microhardness

Aim: To evaluate the physicomechanical properties of different hybrid composites (Charisma Diamond - CD, Aura - AU, NT Premium - NT, Opallis - OP, Filtek Z250 ­ Z250) after 6 months of aging in distilled water. Methods: Discs were fabricated and color measurements were performed after 24 hours and at 7, 30, and 180 days. Flexural strength was determined using the three-point bending test. For the microhardness test, the specimens were flattened to obtain polished and flat surfaces and indentations. The results for ∆E and microhardness were analyzed by two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. The flexural strength results were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Results: The ∆E values for composite resins varied in the following order: CD (3.54)a < Z250 (4.70)ab < AU (4.95)ab < OP (5.20)ab < NT (6.23)b. ∆E values were lower for 24 h (3.84)a < 7 days (4.43)ab < 30 days (4.93)b. The highest values were observed after 180 days (ΔE = 6.54)c. The flexural strength of composite resins varied in the following order: CD (89.17 MPa)a < Z250 (73.06 MPa)b < OP (60.30 MPa)c < NT (51.28 MPa)c < AU (23.77 MPa)d. Flexural strength values were significantly higher for 24 h (68.62 MPa)a < 180 days (51.40 MPa)b. The microhardness of composite resins varied in the following order: Z250 (112.05)a < CD (102.15)ab < OP (92.04)bc < NT (87.77)d < AU (87.68)d. Microhardness was significantly higher for 180 days (113.44)a < 24 h (78.21)b. Conclusion: The microhybrid (Z250) and one of the nanohybrid composites (CD) performed better. The color stability and flexural strength of all tested composites decreased with storage time

Physical properties of two bis-acryl interim materials: color stability, flexural strength and shear bond strength to flowable composite resin as add-on material

Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of two bis-acryl interim resin materials, such as color stability, flexural strength and shear bond strength to flowable composite resin, simulating clinical situations when this material has to be used for repair as add-on. Two shades of two bis-acryl interim resin materials [Structur 2 SC (shades Bleach and A2); Protemp 4 (shades A1 and A2)] were evaluated. Discs (5 x 1 mm) were fabricated and baseline color was determined after 1 h. Ten specimens were immersed at 37oC in solutions of distilled water (control) and cola-based soft drink (Coca-Cola). Color measurements were performed with a spectrophotometer using CIELab parameters. Color readings were again measured after 2 hours, 4 hours, 24 hours and 7 days. Flexural strength was determined using the three-point bending test (10 x 1 x 2 mm) on a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min) (n = 10). Discs of bis-acryl resin were embedded in acrylic resin, planned and distributed in 2 groups: G1 - Filtek Z350 Flow/Protemp4 and G2 - Grandio SO Flow/Structure 3 (n = 15). Cylinders (3.5 x 2 mm) were made with the flowable composite resins and polymerized for 20 s. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37oC for 24 h and subjected to shear bond strength test. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). ΔE values were higher for Structur Bleach (3.08)a compared with Protemp 4 (shade A1, 2.22)b (shade A2, 2.25)b. There were no significant differences between Structur Bleach and Structur A2 (2.62)ab. Coca-Cola presented higher ΔE values (3.08)a than (2.00)b. Regarding time, ΔE values increased from 1.84a after 2 h to 2.31b after 4 h. The higher values were observed after 24 h and 7 days (2.93c and 3.09d, respectively). No significant differences were observed for the flexural strength of Structur (22.05 MPa)a and Protemp 4 (19.01 MPa)a. The repairs executed with Structur/Grandio flow (9.21 MPa)a were similar to those performed with Protemp 4/Z350XT flow (10.71 MPa)a. It can be concluded that the two bis-acyl resins evaluated showed similar physical and mechanical properties (AU)