Objective: To evaluate the in vitro changes on the enamel surface after a micro-abrasion treatment promoted by different products. Material and Methods: Fifty (50) fragments of bovine enamel (15 mm × 5 mm) were randomly assigned to five groups (n=10) according to the product utilized: G1 (control)= silicone polisher (TDV), G2= 37% phosphoric acid (3M/ESPE) + pumice stone (SS White), G3= Micropol (DMC Equipment), G4= Opalustre (Ultradent) and G5= Whiteness RM (FGM Dental Products). Roughness and wear were the responsible variables used to analyze these surfaces in four stages: baseline, 60 s and 120 s after the micro-abrasion and after polishing, using a Hommel Tester T1000 device. After the tests, a normal distribution of data was verified, with repeated ANOVA analyses (p≤0.05) which were used to compare each product in different stages. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were applied for individual comparisons between the products in each stage (p≤0.05). Results: Means and standard deviations of roughness and wear (µm) after all the promoted stages were: G1=7.26(1.81)/13.16(2.67), G2=2.02(0.62)/37.44(3.33), G3=1.81(0.91)/34.93(6.92), G4=1.92(0.29)/38.42(0.65) and G5=1.98(0.53)/33.45(2.66). At 60 seconds, all products tended to produce less surface roughness with a variable gradual decrease over time. After polishing, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups, except for G1. Independent of the product utilized, the enamel wear occurred after the micro-abrasion. Conclusions: In this in vitro study, enamel micro-abrasion presented itself as a conservative approach, regardless of the type of the paste compound utilized. These products promoted minor roughness alterations and minimal wear. The use of phosphoric acid and pumice stone showed similar results to commercial products for the micro-abrasion with regard to the surface roughness and wear.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the influence of the cavity configuration factor ("C-Factor") and light activation technique on polymerization contraction forces of a Bis-GMA-based composite resin (Charisma, Heraeus Kulzer). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three different pairs of steel moving bases were connected to a universal testing machine (emic DL 500): groups A and B - 2x2 mm (CF=0.33), groups C and D - 3x2 mm (CF=0.66), groups e and F - 6x2 mm (CF=1.5). After adjustment of the height between the pair of bases so that the resin had a volume of 12 mm³ in all groups, the material was inserted and polymerized by two different methods: pulse delay (100 mW/cm² for 5 s, 40 s interval, 600 mW/cm² for 20 s) and continuous pulse (600 mW/cm² for 20 s). Each configuration was light cured with both techniques. Tensions generated during polymerization were recorded by 120 s. The values were expressed in curves (Force(N) x Time(s)) and averages compared by statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey's test, p<0.05). RESULTS: For the 2x2 and 3x2 bases, with a reduced C-Factor, significant differences were found between the light curing methods. For 6x2 base, with high C-Factor, the light curing method did not influence the contraction forces of the composite resin. CONCLUSIONS: Pulse delay technique can determine less stress on tooth/restoration interface of adhesive restorations only when a reduced C-Factor is present.

OBJECTIVES: Nanofilled composite resins are claimed to provide superior mechanical properties compared with microhybrid resins. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare nanofilled with microhybrid composite resins. The null hypothesis was that the size and the distribution of fillers do not influence the mechanical properties of surface roughness and wear after simulated toothbrushing test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten rectangular specimens (15 mm x 5 mm x 4 mm) of Filtek Z250 (FZ2), Admira (A), TPH3 (T),Esthet-X (EX), Estelite Sigma (ES), Concept Advanced (C), Grandio (G) and Filtek Z350 (F) were prepared according to manufacturer's instructions. Half of each top surface was protected with nail polish as control surface (not brushed) while the other half was assessed with five random readings using a roughness tester (Ra). Following, the specimens were abraded by simulated toothbrushing with soft toothbrushes and slurry comprised of 2:1 water and dentifrice (w/w). 100,000 strokes were performed and the brushed surfaces were reanalyzed. Nail polish layers were removed from the specimens so that the roughness (Ra) and the wear could be assessed with three random readings (µm). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's multiple-comparison test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Overall outcomes indicated that composite resins showed a significant increase in roughness after simulated toothbrushing, except for Grandio, which presented a smoother surface. Generally, wear ofnanofilled resins was significantly lower compared with microhybrid resins. CONCLUSIONS: As restorative materials suffer alterations under mechanical challenges, such as toothbrushing, the use of nanofilled materials seem to be more resistant than microhybrid composite resins, being less prone to be rougher and worn.

Direct composite resin restorations have become a viable alternative for patients that require anterior restorative procedures to be integrated to the other teeth that compose the smile, especially for presenting satisfactory esthetic results and minimum wear of the dental structure. Technological evolution along with a better understanding of the behavior of dental tissues to light incidence has allowed the development of new composite resins with better mechanical and optical properties, making possible a more artistic approach for anterior restorations. The combination of the increasing demand of patients for esthetics and the capacity to preserve the dental structure resulted in the development of different incremental techniques for restoring fractured anterior teeth in a natural way. In order to achieve esthetic excellence, dentists should understand and apply artistic and scientific principles when choosing color of restorative materials, as well as during the insertion of the composite resin. The discussion of these strategies will be divided into two papers. In this paper, the criteria for color and material selection to obtain a natural reproduction of the lost dental structures and an imperceptible restoration will be addressed.

Adequate polymerization plays an important role on the longevity of the composite resin restorations. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of light-curing units, curing mode techniques and storage media on sorption, solubility and biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of a composite resin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and forty specimens were made of one composite resin (Esthet-X) in a stainless steel mold (2 mm x 8 mm Ø), and divided into 24 groups (n=10) established according to the 4 study factors: light-curing units: quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) lamp and light-emitting diodes (LED); energy densities: 16 J/cm² and 20 J/cm²; curing modes: conventional (CM) and pulse-delay (PD); and permeants: deionized water and 75% ethanol for 28 days. Sorption and solubility tests were performed according to ISO 4049:2000 specifications. All specimens were then tested for BFS according to ASTM F394-78 specification. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA followed by Tukey, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: In general, no significant differences were found regarding sorption, solubility or BFS means for the light-curing units and curing modes (p>0.05). Only LED unit using 16 J/cm² and PD using 10 s produced higher sorption and solubility values than QTH. Otherwise, using CM (16 J/cm²), LED produced lower values of BFS than QTH (p<0.05). 75% ethanol permeant produced higher values of sorption and solubility and lower values of BFS than water (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Ethanol storage media produced more damage on composite resin than water. In general the LED and QTH curing units using 16 and 20 J/cm² by CM and PD curing modes produced no influence on the sorption, solubility or BFS of the tested resin.

Esse estudo avaliou o desempenho clínico de restaurações de lesões cervicais não-cariosas por um período de 2 anos empregando um sistema adesivo de condicionamento total (Excite/Tetric Ceram) e um cimento de ionômero de vidro modificado por resina (Vitremer). Setenta restaurações (35 por material) foram realizadas por um único operador. Todas as lesões cervicais não-cariosas foram restauradas sem a execução de preparo cavitário e sob isolamento absoluto. As restaurações foram avaliadas por 2 examinadores independentes usando os critérios USPHS modificados nos períodos inicial, 6, 12 e 24 meses. A análise estatística foi realizada pelos testes de Fisher e McNemar. Cinquenta e nove restaurações foram avaliadas após 2 anos, obtendo-se um índice de retenção de 78,8% para resina composta e 100% para o cimento de ionômero de vidro modificado por resina. O teste exato de Fischer detectou diferença significante (p=0,011) para retenção entre os dois materiais. Contudo, não houve diferença significante para integridade marginal, descoloração marginal, forma anatômica e cárie secundária. O teste de McNemar detectou diferença estatística para o sistema Excite/Tetric Ceram entre o período inicial e 2 anos para os critérios de retenção (p=0,02), integridade marginal (p=0,002) e forma anatômica (p=0,04). Portanto, o sistema adesivo de condicionamento total apresentou um desempenho clínico inferior comparado ao cimento de ionômero de vidro modificado por resina.

This controlled clinical trial evaluated the 2-year clinical performance of a one-bottle etch-and-rinse adhesive and resin composite system (Excite/Tetric Ceram) compared to a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) (Vitremer/3M) in non-carious cervical lesions. Seventy cervical restorations (35 resin composite - RC- restorations and 35 RMGIC restorations) were placed by a single operator in 30 patients under rubber dam isolation without mechanical preparation. All restorations were evaluated blindly by 2 independent examiners using the modified USPHS criteria at baseline, and after 6, 12 and 24 months. Data were analyzed statistically by Fisher's exact and McNemar tests. After 2 years, 59 out of 70 restorations were evaluated. As much as 78.8% retention rate was recorded for RC restorations, while 100% retention was obtained for RMGIC restorations. Fisher's exact test showed significant differences (p=0.011) for retention. However, there were no significant differences for marginal integrity, marginal discoloration, anatomic form and secondary caries between the RC and RMGIC restorations. The McNemar test detected significant differences for Excite/TC between baseline and the 2-year recall for retention (p=0.02), marginal integrity (p=0.002) and anatomic form (p=0.04). Therefore, the one-bottle etch-and-rinse bonding system/resin composite showed an inferior clinical performance compared to the RMGIC.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sorption and solubility of a composite resin (TPH³; Dentsply) cured with halogen light due to different storage media and curing modes. The methodology was based on the ISO 4049 standard. Two independent groups were established according to the storage time (7 days-G1; 60 days-G2). A stainless steel mould (2 mm x 8 mm Ø) was used. The selected curing modes were: I (Conventional - C): 40s - 600 mW/cm²; II (Pulse I - PD): 3 s - 200 mW/cm² + 2 min (delay) + 39 s - 600 mW/cm²; III (Pulse II): 10 s - 200 mW/cm² + 2 min (delay) + 37 s - 600 mW/cm²; IV (Pulse III): 3 s- 600 mW/cm² + 2 min (delay) + 37 s -600 mW/cm². The media used were: distilled water, 75% ethanol and 100% chlorophorm. Five repetitions were made for each group. The specimens were placed in a desiccator at 37ºC for 24 h and, after that, at 23ºC for 1 h to be weighed until a constant mass (m1) was obtained. The discs were immersed separately into the 3 media for 7 days (G1) and 60 days (G2), and thereafter reweighed (m2). The reconditioning in the desiccator was done until a constant mass (m3) was obtained. Sorption and solubility were calculated and the data of G1 and the sorption data of G2 were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p=0.05). The solubility data of G2 were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (p=0.05). For G1 and G2, no statistically significant differences were found in sorption among curing techniques (p>0.05). The solubility values were negative, which means that there was mass gain. Regarding the storage media, in G2 chlorophorm had the highest sorption values. It may be concluded that the curing modes (C and PD I, II and III) did not affect the sorption of the tested composite resin. However, different storage media influenced sorption behavior. The solubility test demonstrated negative data, masking the real solubility.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress of composites polymerized with a LED and a quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light sources. The LED was used in a conventional mode (CM) and the QTH was used in both conventional and pulse-delay modes (PD). The composite resins used were Z100, A110, SureFil and Bisfil 2B (chemical-cured). Composite deformation upon polymerization was measured by the strain gauge method. The shrinkage stress was measured by photoelastic analysis. The polymerization shrinkage data were analyzed statistically using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05), and the stress data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Shrinkage and stress means of Bisfil 2B were statistically significant lower than those of Z100, A110 and SureFil. In general, the PD mode reduced the contraction and the stress values when compared to CM. LED generated the same stress as QTH in conventional mode. Regardless of the activation mode, SureFil produced lower contraction and stress values than the other light-cured resins. Conversely, Z100 and A110 produced the greatest contraction and stress values. As expected, the chemically cured resin generated lower shrinkage and stress than the light-cured resins. In conclusion, The PD mode effectively decreased contraction stress for Z100 and A110. Development of stress in light-cured resins depended on the shrinkage value.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different light-curing units on the tensile bond strength and microhardness of a composite resin (Filtek Z250 - 3M/ESPE). Conventional halogen (Curing Light 2500 - 3M/ESPE; CL) and two blue light emitting diode curing units (Ultraled - Dabi/Atlante; UL; Ultrablue IS - DMC; UB3 and UB6) were selected for this study. Different light intensities (670, 130, 300, and 600 mW/cm², respectively) and different curing times (20s, 40s and 60s) were evaluated. Knoop microhardness test was performed in the area corresponding to the fractured region of the specimen. A total of 12 groups (n=10) were established and the specimens were prepared using a stainless steel mold composed by two similar parts that contained a cone-shaped hole with two diameters (8.0 mm and 5.0 mm) and thickness of 1.0 mm. Next, the specimens were loaded in tensile strength until fracture in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min and a 50 kg load cell. For the microhardness test, the same matrix was used to fabricate the specimens (12 groups; n=5). Microhardness was determined on the surfaces that were not exposed to the light source, using a Shimadzu HMV-2 Microhardness Tester at a static load of 50 g for 30 seconds. Data were analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Regarding the individual performance of the light-curing units, there was similarity in tensile strength with 20-s and 40-s exposure times and higher tensile strength when a 60-s light-activation time was used. Regarding microhardness, the halogen lamp had higher results when compared to the LED units. For all light-curing units, the variation of light-exposure time did not affect composite microhardness. However, lower irradiances needed longer light-activation times to produce similar effect as that obtained with high-irradiance light-curing sources.

The polymerization shrinkage of composite resins may affect negatively the clinical outcome of the restoration. Extensive research has been carried out to develop new formulations of composite resins in order to provide good handling characteristics and some dimensional stability during polymerization. The purpose of this study was to analyze, in vitro, the magnitude of the volumetric polymerization shrinkage of 7 contemporary composite resins (Definite, Suprafill, SureFil, Filtek Z250, Fill Magic, Alert, and Solitaire) to determine whether there are differences among these materials. The tests were conducted with precision of 0.1 mg. The volumetric shrinkage was measured by hydrostatic weighing before and after polymerization and calculated by known mathematical equations. One-way ANOVA (<FONT FACE=Symbol>a</font > or = 0.05) was used to determine statistically significant differences in volumetric shrinkage among the tested composite resins. Suprafill (1.87±0.01) and Definite (1.89±0.01) shrank significantly less than the other composite resins. SureFil (2.01±0.06), Filtek Z250 (1.99±0.03), and Fill Magic (2.02±0.02) presented intermediate levels of polymerization shrinkage. Alert and Solitaire presented the highest degree of polymerization shrinkage. Knowing the polymerization shrinkage rates of the commercially available composite resins, the dentist would be able to choose between using composite resins with lower polymerization shrinkage rates or adopting technical or operational procedures to minimize the adverse effects deriving from resin contraction during light-activation.

AIMS: To investigate the effect of the storage period on the accuracy of recently developed elastomeric materials. METHODS: Simultaneous impressions of a steel die were taken using a polyether (I: Impregum Soft Heavy and Light body, 3M ESPE) and vinyl polysiloxane (P: Perfectim Blue Velvet and Flexi-Velvet, J.Morita). The trays were loaded with the heavy-bodied impression materials while the light-bodied impression materials were simultaneously spread on the steel die. The impressions were poured after 2 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days. Impressions were stored at approximately 55% relative humidity and room temperature. Ten replicas were produced for each experimental condition (n=60). Accuracy of the stone dies was assessed with a depth-measuring microscope. The difference in height between the surface of the stone die and a standard metallic ring was recorded in micrometers at four demarcated points, by two independent examiners. Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (a = 0.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were found among the groups. Smaller discrepancies were observed when pouring was performed up to 24 hours (I-2h= 65.0 ± 15.68 µm; I-24h= 81.6 ± 11.13 µm) for the polyether, and up to 7 days for the vinyl polysiloxane (P-2h= 79.1 ± 13.82 µm; P-24h= 96.8 ± 6.02 µm; P-7d= 81.4 ± 4.3 µm). Significant dimensional discrepancies, however, were observed when polyether was stored for 7 days (I-7d= 295.3 ± 17.4 µm). CONCLUSION: Storage may significantly affect the dimensional accuracy of impressions and, thus, a maximum period and storage condition should be specified for the recently developed materials.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the internal adaptation of Class V composite restorations to the cavity walls using three different techniques of polymerization. METHODS: Standard cavities were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 24 extracted human third molars with margins located above and below the cementoenamel junction. Restorations were placed in one increment using two restorative systems: 3M Filtek A110/ Single Bond (M) and 3M Filtek Z250/ Single Bond (H) in the same tooth, randomly in the buccal and lingual surfaces. Resin composites were polymerized using three techniques: Group 1 - Conventional (60 s - 600 mW/cm²); Group 2 - Soft-start (20 s - 200 mW/cm² , 40 s - 600 mW/cm²); Group 3 - Pulse Activation (3 s - 200 mW/cm², 3-min hiatus, 57 s - 600 mW/cm²). Buccolingual sections were polished, impressions taken and replicated. Specimens were assessed under scanning electron microscopy up to X1000 magnification. Scores were given for presence or absence of gaps (0 - no gap; 1 - gap in one wall; 2 - gap in two walls; 3 - gap in three walls). RESULTS: The mean scores of the groups were (±SD) were: G1M-3.0 (± 0.0); G2M-2.43 (± 0.8); G3M- 1.71 (± 0.9); G1H- 2.14 (± 1.2); G2H- 2.00 (± 0.8); G3H- 1.67 (± 1.1). Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunnet's tests. No statistically significant difference (p>0.05) was found among groups. Gaps were observed in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The photocuring technique and the type of resin composite had no influence on the internal adaptation of the material to the cavity walls. A positive effect was observed when the slow polymerization techniques were used.

O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar o efeito do pH de diferentes sistemas adesivos na polimerização de uma resina composta quimicamente ativada (Adaptic - AD), por meio do teste de resistência à tração. Os sistemas adesivos utilizados foram: ARM, Prime & Bond 2.1 (PB), Scotchbond Multi Purpose (SMP) e Single Bond (SB). Cinco grupos (n=5) foram formados: G1: AD/ARM/AD; G2: AD/PB/AD; G3: AD/SMP/AD; G4: AD/SB/AD; G5: AD/AD (sem interposição de adesivo). Uma matriz de aço inoxidável com abertura central no formato de cone (1 mm de espessura; 4 mm de diâmetro), foi utilizada para obter dois discos de resina composta. A resina AD foi inserida em uma primeira metade da matriz em incremento único. Após a polimerização da resina, uma camada de adesivo foi aplicada na superfície de união e foto-ativada. A segunda metade da matriz foi justaposta à primeira e preenchida com a resina. Após 10 min, o conjunto foi adaptado em uma máquina universal de ensaios para determinar a resistência à tração, com velocidade de 0,5 mm/min. Os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA e teste de Tukey (p<0,05). As médias (kgf) obtidas em cada grupo foram: G1: 15,23 ± 4,1; G2: 0,00 ± 0,0; G3: 16,96 ± 2,4; G4: 10,08 ± 2,7; G5: 15,44 ± 0,9. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante (p<0.05) entre os grupos G2-G1; G2-G3; G2-G4; G4-G1; G4-G3. Os sistemas com pHs mais baixos (PB e SB) apresentaram as menores médias de resistência à tração. Os achados desse estudo in vitro sugerem que o pH dos sistemas adesivos influencia na polimerização e na resistência adesiva de materiais resinosos quimicamente ativados. Os sistemas adesivos simplificados testados, com valores de pH mais baixos, mostraram graus distintos de incompatibilidade com a resina quimicamente ativada, quando comparados aos sistemas adesivos convencionais.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pH of different adhesive systems on the polymerization of a chemically cured composite resin (Adaptic - AD), by means of tensile bond strength testing. The adhesive systems tested were: ARM, Prime & Bond 2.1 (PB), Scotchbond Multi Purpose (SMP) and Single Bond (SB). Bond strength at the resin/adhesive system/resin interface was assessed. Five groups (n=5) were formed, according to following configuration: G1: AD/ARM/AD; G2: AD/PB/AD; G3: AD/SMP/AD; G4: AD/SB/AD; G5: AD/AD (no adhesive). A two-mold stainless steel matrix with a cone-shaped opening (1-mm-thick; 4 mm in diameter) was used to obtain resin discs. AD resin was inserted into the first mold, left-self curing and an adhesive layer was applied onto resin surface and light-cured. The second mold was assembled over the first and was filled with the resin. After 10 min, this setting was loaded in tension in a universal testing machine running at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Bond strength means (kgf) were: G1: 15.23 ± 4.1; G2: 0.00 ± 0.0; G3: 16.96 ± 2.4; G4: 10.08 ± 2.7; G5: 15.44 ± 0.9. There were statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between G2-G1; G2-G3; G2-G4; G4-G1; G4-G3. The systems with the lowest pHs (PB and SB) yielded the lowest bond strength. The findings of this in vitro study demostrates that the pH of adhesive systems influences the polymerization and bond strength of chemically cured resin materials. The low pH simplified adhesive systems showed distinct degrees of incompatibility with the chemically cured resin, when compared to the conventional adhesive systems.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência ao desgaste de compômeros submetidos a um teste escovação simulada. A hipótese nula testada foi que não haveria diferenças em perda de massa e alterações de rugosidade superficial entre os compômeros após o teste. Os materiais empregados foram o Dyract (Dentsply), Dyract AP (Dentsply), Compoglass F (Vivadent), Freedom (SDI), F2000 (3M ESPE), comparados às resinas compostas Z100 (3M ESPE) e Silux Plus (3M ESPE). Para cada material, dez espécimes cilíndricos foram confeccionados com 5 mm de diâmetro e 3 mm de espessura. Para o teste de abrasão, uma máquina com escovas de cerdas macias e uma solução de dentifrício e água deionizada foi utilizada. Foram realizados 100.000 ciclos de escovação simulada. A perda de massa foi verificada através da diferença em porcentagem entre a massa inicial (antes da escovação) e massa final (após a escovação) através de uma balança analítica Sartorius. A alteração de rugosidade superficial foi determinada pela diferença em porcentagem entre as médias de rugosidade inicial e final, após 5 leituras aleatórias por espécime realizado pelo rugosímetro Hommel Tester T 1000 antes e depois do teste de abrasão. A análise estatística (Teste t pareado, ANOVA e Tukey, á=0,05) demonstrou que todos os materiais do estudo apresentaram perda de massa e aumento significante de rugosidade. Todos os compômeros apresentaram maior perda de massa em relação às resinas compostas. Entre os compômeros, Freedom e Dyract AP apresentaram a menor perda de massa. F2000 apresentou a maior alteração de massa sem diferenças estatísticas quando comparado ao Dyract. Quanto à rugosidade superficial, Dyract, Dyract AP, Z100, Compoglass F e Silux Plus se tornaram mais rugosos, porém sem diferenças estatísticas entre si. Freedom apresentou a maior alteração de rugosidade após o teste de escovação simulada.

This study aimed at analyzing the compomers wear by an "in vitro" toothbrushing abrasion test. The null hypotheses tested were that there would be no differences in weight loss and no significant changes in surface roughness of the compomers after this test. The utilized commercial brands were Dyract (Dentsply), Dyract AP (Dentsply), Compoglass F (Vivadent), Freedom (SDI), F2000 (3M ESPE), which were compared to the two resin composites Z100 (3M ESPE) and Silux Plus (3M ESPE). Ten cylindrical specimens for each commercial brand were prepared with 5mm diameter and 3mm thickness. An appropriate machine with soft bristle tips containing dentifrice solution and deionized water was used. A total of 100,000 brushing cycles were performed. The amount of weight loss was measured by the percentage alteration between the initial (before toothbrushing) and final weight (after toothbrushing), measured by a Sartorius analytical balance. The surface roughness change was determined by the percentage difference between initial and final means after 5 tracings by a T 1000 Hommel Tester roughness meter on the specimen's surfaces before and after toothbrushing abrasion test. The statistical analysis (Students paired t-test, ANOVA and Tukey, á=0.05) showed that all materials presented statistically significant weight loss and roughness increase after abrasion test. All compomers presented higher weight loss than resin composites. Freedom and Dyract AP presented the lowest weight loss among compomers. F2000 presented the worst abrasion resistance, without statistical differences with Dyract. For roughness changes, Dyract, Dyract AP, Z100, Compoglass F and Silux Plus showed the lowest surface roughness alteration, in increasing order, without statistical differences between them. Freedom was the statistically roughest material of the study.

O objetivo deste estudo foi estudar a influência da fonte de luz, LED e lâmpada halógena (LH), na efetividade de polimerização do cimento resinoso dual Enforce fotoativado sob um disco de porcelana. Três tempos de exposição (60, 80 e 120 segundos) foram também avaliados. Dois grupos experimentais, na qual a polimerização do cimento resinoso foi feita através de um disco cerâmico, e dois controles, polimerização direta do cimento, sem presença do disco cerâmico foram subdivididos em três subgrupos, com cinco amostras em cada: G1A- LH 60s; G1B- LH 80s; G1C- LH 120s; G2A- LED 60s; G2B- LED 80s; G2C- LED 120s; e grupos controles: G3A- LH 60s; G3B- LH 80s; G3C- LH 120s; G4A- LED 60s; G4B- LED 80s e G4C- LED 120s. O cimento resinoso foi inserido em uma matriz de aço (4 mm de diâmetro e 1,2 mm de espessura). Nos grupos experimentais um disco de porcelana (6 mm de diâmetro por 2 mm de espessura) foi colocado sobre o cimento. Este foi fotoativado através da porcelana pela lâmpada halógena e pelo LED, por outro lado nos grupos controles a luz foi aplicada sem o disco de porcelana. As amostras foram armazenadas em um frasco que impedia a passagem de luz a 37(0)C por 24 horas, para que depois a dureza Vickers fosse determinada. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância a quatro critérios seguido pelo teste Tukey (p£ 0,05). Todas as amostras polimerizadas pelo LED por 60s mostraram valores inferiores quando comparadas com as do grupo da lâmpada halógena. Em geral, a fotoativação realizada por 80 e 120 s com o LED foi estatisticamente similar à fotoativação com a lâmpada halógena (60 e 80 s). A tecnologia LED pode ser viável para a fotoativação de restaurações indiretas de porcelana quando o tempo de polimerização é aumentado.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of light source, LED unit and halogen lamp (HL), on the effectiveness of Enforce dual-cured cement cured under a ceramic disc. Three exposure times (60, 80 and 120 s) were also evaluated. Two experimental groups, in which the polymerization of the dual-cured cement was performed through a ceramic disc, and two control groups, in which the polymerization of the dual-cured cement was performed directly without presence of ceramic disc were subdivided into three subgroups (three different exposure times), with five specimens each: G1A- HL 60s; G1B- HL 80s; G1C- HL 120s; G2A- LED 60s; G2B- LED 80s; G2C- LED 120s; and control groups: G3A- HL 60s; G3B- HL 80s; G3C- HL 120s; G4A- LED 60s; G4B- LED 80s and G4C- LED 120s. Cement was applied in a steel matrix (4mm diameter, 1.2mm thickness). In the experimental groups, a ceramic disc was placed on top. The cement was light-cured through the ceramic by a HL and LED, however, the control groups were cured without the ceramic disc. The specimens were stored in a light-proof container at 37ºC for 24 hours, then Vickers hardness was determined. A four-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p£ 0.05) were performed. All specimens cured by LED for 60s showed inferior values compared with the halogen groups. In general, light-curing by LED for 80s and 120s was comparable to halogen groups (60s and 80s) and their control groups. LED technology can be viable for light-curing through conventional ceramic indirect restorations, when curing time is increased in relation to HL curing time.