Effect of oral exposure on chemical, physical, mechanical, and morphologic properties of clear orthodontic aligners.

INTRODUCTION: The dental industry is heavily committed to developing more esthetic solutions for orthodontic treatments. Invisalign is a system of transparent orthodontic aligners introduced as an alternative to conventional orthodontic fittings with brackets and metal wires. This study aimed to assess the chemical, physical, mechanical and morphologic changes in these polymeric aligners after exposure to the oral environment. METHODS: Twenty-four Invisalign orthodontic aligners were equally divided into 2 groups: an in vivo aged group in which patients used aligners for 14 days and the reference group, unexposed to the oral environment. Different experimental techniques were used to study the chemical structure, the color changes and translucency, the density and subsequent volume of the aligners, mechanical properties, surface roughness, morphology and elemental composition. The data were subjected to several statistical analyses. RESULTS: Clear orthodontic aligners exhibit chemical stability but undergo a statistically significant optical change in color and translucency. There was a gradual increase in the water absorption rate and the dimensional variation of the polymer, indicating a strong correlation among these factors. The mechanical properties of the polymer showed a statistically significant decrease in its elastic modulus and hardness. There was a slight tendency toward increased surface roughness of the material, but no statistical differences were found between reference and aged groups. The surface morphology of the used aligners demonstrates microcracks, distortions and biofilm formation. CONCLUSION: Intraoral aging adversely affected the physical, mechanical, and morphologic properties of the Invisalign appliance.

Evaluation of Recementation Protocols for Dislodged Glass Fiber Posts.

PURPOSE: To evaluate different protocols for recementation of dislodged glass fiber posts (GFPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The root canals of 50 bovine incisors were prepared to receive GFPs that were conditioned with 24% hydrogen peroxide, silanized, and cemented with a self-adhesive resin cement. After light curing, the specimens were submitted to a pullout test. The dislodged GPFs were distributed into five experimental groups (n = 10) for the recementation surface treatment: NT = no treatment; SI = silane; ET = 92.8% ethanol/silane; HP = 24% hydrogen peroxide/silane; and AL = airborne-particle abrasion (50 µm alumina)/silane. The GFPs were recemented with the same self-adhesive resin cement, and specimens were submiLed to a second pullout test. Data were analyzed with Student t test and one-way ANOVA (α = .05). RESULTS: For all groups, the recementation bond strength was higher than the strength obtained after the first cementa4on (P < .05). There were no statistical differences among the experimental recementation protocols (P = .096). CONCLUSIONS: All recementation protocols might be reliably applied because they led to higher bond strength than the first cementation. Int J Prosthodont 2023;36:e74-e87.

Fabrication and characterization of remineralizing dental composites containing calcium type pre-reacted glass-ionomer (PRG-Ca) fillers.

OBJECTIVE: To fabricate and characterize dental composites with calcium type pre-reacted glass-ionomer (PRG-Ca) fillers. METHODS: PRG-Ca fillers were prepared by the reaction of calcium fluoroaluminosilicate glass with polyacrylic acid. Seven dental composites were produced from the same organic matrix (70/30wt% Bis-GMA/TEGDMA), with partial replacement of barium borosilicate (BaBSi) fillers (60wt%) by PRG-Ca fillers (wt%): E0 (0) - control, E1 (10), E2 (20), E3 (30), E4 (40), E5 (50) and E6 (60). Enamel remineralization was evaluated in caries-like enamel lesions induced by S. mutans biofilm using micro-CT. The following properties were characterized: degree of conversion (DC%), roughness (Ra), Knoop hardness (KHN), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), water sorption (Wsp), water solubility (Wsl), and translucency (TP). Data were analyzed to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α=0.05). RESULTS: All composites with PRG-Ca induced enamel remineralization. E0 and E1 presented similar and highest DC% than E2=E3=E4=E5=E6. Ra and KHN were not influenced by PRG-Ca fillers (p<0.05). The higher the content of PRG-Ca, the lower FS, FM and TP (p<0.05). Wsp increased linearly with the content of PRG-Ca fillers (p<0.05). E6 presented the highest Wsl (p<0.05), while the Wsl of the other composites were not different from each other (p>0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Incorporation of 10-40wt.% of PRG-Ca fillers endowed remineralizing potential to dental composites without jeopardizing the overall behavior of their physicochemical properties. Dental composites with PRG-Ca fillers seems to be a good alternative for reinforcing the enamel against caries development.

Effect of cementation delay on bonding of self-adhesive resin cement to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramic treated with nonthermal argon plasma.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Nonthermal argon plasma (NTAP) has been reported to improve the bond strength of resin cements to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics. However, the effect of the inevitable delay before cementation and after treating Y-TZP ceramics with NTAP is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate whether delays of 8, 12, and 24 hours between the Y-TZP ceramic treatment with NTAP and the cementation would affect the surface energy and the bond strength of a self-adhesive resin cement to Y-TZP ceramic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty plates and 50 blocks of 3Y-TZP ceramic were divided into 2 groups (n=30 and n=25): as-sintered (AS) and airborne-particle abraded with 50-µm Al2O3 (APA). These groups were further divided into 5 subgroups (n=6 and n=5) according to the delay between the NTAP treatment and the measurement of surface energy and microtensile bond strength (µTBS) evaluation: (0, 8, 12, and 24 hours). For both 3Y-TZP surface conditions (AS and APA), a control group without NTAP treatment was used (ASC and APAC). The surface energy (SE) was evaluated with a goniometer and the 3Y-TZP elemental composition with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). For the µTBS test, the 3Y-TZP ceramic blocks were cemented to composite resin blocks with a self-adhesive resin cement. After storage in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 hours, the 3Y-TZP-composite resin blocks were sectioned into beams and submitted to a µTBS test. Data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (α=.05). RESULTS: For the AS group, NTAP increased the SE irrespective of the delay before measurement: ASC<0 hour=8 hours=12 hours=24 hours (P<.05). For the APA group, except after 12 hours, NTAP also increased the surface energy (P<.05). XPS analysis showed an increase in the oxygen/carbon ratio after NTAP treatment for both groups. For the AS group, NTAP increased the µTBS after 0, 8, and 12 hours (P<.05), whereas for the APA group this occurred only after 8 hours (P<.05). For the AS and APA groups, the highest µTBS was reached after 8 hours (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of 3Y-TZP ceramic with NTAP improved the SE and increased the µTBS of self-adhesive resin cement to 3Y-TZP ceramic. These effects were time dependent, with better results at 8 hours after NTAP treatment.

Fabrication and characterization of remineralizing dental composites containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles.

The aim of this study was to fabricate and characterize dental composites containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HApNPs). Four dental composites were produced from the same organic matrix (70 wt% Bis-GMA and 30 wt% TEGDMA), with partial replacement of BaBSi particles (65 wt%) by HApNPs in the following concentrations (wt%): E0 (0) - control, E10 (10), E20 (20) and E30 (30). Ca2+ and PO43- release was evaluated in solutions with different pHs (4, 5.5, and 7) using atomic emission spectroscopy with microwave-induced nitrogen plasma while the enamel remineralization potential was evaluated in caries-like enamel lesions induced by S. mutans biofilm using micro-CT. The following properties were characterized: degree of conversion (DC%), microhardness (KHN), flexural strength (FS), elastic modulus (EM) and translucency (TP). The higher the HApNPs content, the higher the Ca2+ and PO43- release. The ions release was influenced by pH (4 > 5.5 > 7) (p < 0.05). All composites loaded with HApNPs were able to remineralize the enamel (E30 = E20 > E10) (p < 0.05). Contrarily, E0 was not able of recovering the enamel mineral loss. E0 and E10 presented highest DC%, while E20 and E30 showed similar and lowest DC%. KHN and FS were decreased with the addition of HApNPs, while EM was not influenced by the incorporation of HApNPs. E10 presented statistically similar TP to E0, while this property decreased for E20 and E30 (p < 0.05). Incorporation of HApNPs into dental composites promoted enamel remineralization, mainly at potentially cariogenic pH (= 4), while maintained their overall performance in terms of physicomechanical properties.

Effect of different times of nonthermal argon plasma treatment on the microtensile bond strength of self-adhesive resin cement to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramic.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Nonthermal argon plasma may increase the surface energy of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) dental ceramics. However, studies that evaluated the effect of increased plasma treatment times on the bond strength of resin cements to Y-TZP ceramics are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different nonthermal argon plasma (NTAP) treatment times on the surface energy and bond strength of a self-adhesive resin cement to Y-TZP ceramic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eighty Y-TZP plates were divided into 2 groups (n=24): as-sintered (AS) and airborne-particle abrasion (APA) with 50-µm Al2O3, which were subdivided into 4 groups (n=6) according to the time of NTAP treatment: 0, 20, 60, and 120 seconds. The surface energy was evaluated with a goniometer. Forty Y-TZP blocks submitted to the same surface treatments (8 groups; n=5) were cemented to composite resin blocks, using a self-adhesive resin cement. After storage in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours, the Y-TZP-composite resin blocks were cut into beams and submitted to a microtensile bond strength (µTBS) test. Data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey honestly significant differences test (α=.05). RESULTS: Treatment with NTAP increased the surface energy for AS and APA groups (P<.05). For both groups, the µTBS was as follows: 0 seconds < 20 seconds < 60 seconds = 120 seconds (P<.05). Only after 120 seconds of NTAP treatment was the µTBS of APA higher than that of AS (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with NTAP improved the surface energy and increased the µTBS of self-adhesive resin cement to Y-TZP ceramic, with higher times of plasma treatment resulting in higher bond strength.

Flaxseed (linum usitatissimum) flour contributes to bone health in adult male rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated effects of flaxseed flour diet on bone health in adult Wistar male rats at 180 d. METHODS: After birth, pups were randomly assigned: Control (C, n = 12) and flaxseed flour (FF, n = 12) diet during lactation period. At 21 d, pups were weaned and they continued to receive the control and experimental diet, respectively. At 180 d, body length, total bone structure, and femur and lumbar vertebrae were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Femoral and lumbar vertebra dimensions, biomechanical properties of femur, and serum osteocalcin were measured. RESULTS: FF produced greater (P <0.05) total (+3.4%) and spine (+5.9%) bone mineral density, total (+10%) and spine (+12%) bone mineral content, total bone area (+8.7%), and osteocalcin (+82%). As to femur, FF produced greater (P <0.05) width of diaphysis (+8.1%), bone mineral density (+5.2%), maximum force (+10.6%), breaking strength (+12.9%), and stiffness (+23%). CONCLUSION: This experimental study found that a diet containing flaxseed flour contributed to bone mineral density and femur resistance at 180 d.

Sorption and solubility of self-etching adhesives immersed in organic acids present in oral biofilm.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the sorption and solubility of self-etching adhesive systems after immersion in distilled water, lactic acid, and propionic acid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens of 2 two-step (P90 System Adhesive [P90], Clearfil SE Bond [CSE]) and 1 single-step (Adper Easy One [AEO]) adhesive systems were prepared and divided into 4 groups: P90 primer ( P90-P), P90 bond (P90-B), AEO, and CSE bond (CSE-B). Specimens were placed in a desiccator and weighed daily until achieving a constant mass (m1). The specimens (n = 5) were then immersed in the respective media and weighed until a achieving a constant mass (m2). The specimens were again desiccated (m3). Sorption and solubility data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Turkey's test. Specimens were also observed using SEM without immersion, after 24 h, and at the end of the respective total time of immersion. RESULTS: For all immersion media, the highest sorption values were obtained for AEO and P90-P, followed by CSE-B and P90-B, which presented the lowest sorption. The time required for adhesives to absorb the solutions was: 11 to 19 days for P90-P, 12 to 13 days for P90-B, 15 to 19 days for AEO, and 14 to 18 days for CSE-B. The highest values of solubility were shown for AEO and P90-P in all immersion media. In water and propionic acid, the adhesives with the lowest solubility values were CSE-B and P90-B. CSE-B had the lowest solubility in lactic acid. CONCLUSION: The greatest surface degradation was observed after each respective total time of immersion. AEO specimens presented more evident surface degradation and the highest sorption and solubility.

The influence of C-factor, flexural modulus and viscous flow on gap formation in resin composite restorations.

This study analyzed the influence of C-factor, flexural modulus and viscous flow on gap formation in resin composite restorations. Two resin composites, a mini-filled hybrid (P 60) and a nanofilled (Supreme), were used. The flexural modulus was obtained from bar-shaped specimens submitted to three-point bending. Viscous flow was obtained from the difference between the initial and final diameter of resin composite disks submitted to a load of 10 N for 120 seconds. Gap analysis was conducted in three types of cylindrical cavities (C-factor of 1.8, 2.6 and 3.4) that were prepared on the occlusal surfaces of human molars. The gap width at the dentin-resin composite interface was measured using a 3D scanning system (Talyscan 150). The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls' test, t-test and linear regression analysis (alpha = 0.05). The cavities with C-factor 3.4 presented the highest Gap formation (p < 0.0001). The lowest Gap formation was found in cavities restored with Supreme resin composite (p < 0.0001). P 60 presented significantly higher flexural modulus and lower viscous flow than Supreme (p < 0.0001). Regression analyses detected a significant influence of flexural modulus and viscous flow on gap formation (p < 0.05).