ABSTRACT Objective: This randomized crossover trial evaluated periodontal indexes of two types of 3 x 3 retainers (a modified 0.032-in SS V-loop retainer and a conventional 0.0215-in SS coaxial wire retainer) after bonded for six months. Also, bonded failure rate, and a questionnaire about comfort, ease of cleaning and overall preference were recorded. Material and Methods: 15 patients were enrolled in this study who used both retainers for six months each, having a 15-day wash-out interval between each bonded retainer usage. The following periodontal index were recorded: Plaque Index (PI), Calculus Index (CI) and Gingival Index (GI). Patients answered a questionnaire to assess comfort, ease of cleaning and overall retainer-type preference. Rate of bonding failure was also evaluated. Results: V-Loop retainer showed higher PI (P<0.05) as compared to conventional 0.0215-in coaxial wire retainer. However, CI and GI presented no statistically significant differences between both types of retainers. The conventional 0.0215-in coaxial wire retainer was chosen as the most comfortable (p<0.05), although no statistically significant differences were found for all other questionnaire answers. Bonding failure events were more observed in the 3x3 V-Loop retainer (p<0.002), as compared to the conventional 0.0215-in coaxial retainer. Conclusion: V-Loop retainer showed higher PI (p<0.05), higher bonding failure rate and less comfortable, as compared to conventional 0.0215-in coaxial wire.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo cruzado e randomizado avaliou os índices periodontais de dois tipos de contenções 3x3 (uma contenção aço V-Loop de 0,032” modificada e uma contenção convencional de fio coaxial aço de 0,0215”) após colagem, por seis meses. Além disso, foram registradas a taxa de falha na colagem e um questionário sobre conforto, facilidade de limpeza e preferência geral. Material e Métodos: Foram incluídos nesse estudo 15 pacientes que usaram ambas as contenções por seis meses cada, com intervalo de quinze dias entre cada contenção fixa. Foram registrados os seguintes índices periodontais: Índice de Placa (IP), Índice de Cálculo (IC) e Índice Gengival (IG). Os pacientes responderam a um questionário para avaliar o conforto, a facilidade de limpeza e a preferência geral pelo tipo de contenção. A taxa de falha de colagem também foi avaliada. Resultados: A contenção V-Loop apresentou maior IP (p<0,05) em comparação ao fio coaxial convencional. Entretanto, IC e IG não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as contenções testadas. A contenção convencional de fio coaxial 0,0215” foi escolhida como a mais confortável (p<0,05), embora não tenham sido encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas para todas as outras respostas do questionário. Eventos de falha de colagem foram mais observados na contenção V-Loop 3 x 3 (p<0,002) em comparação com a contenção coaxial convencional de 0,0215”. Conclusão: A contenção V-Loop apresentou maior IP (p<0,05), maior taxa de falha de colagem e foi menos confortável em comparação ao fio coaxial convencional 0,0215”.

Abstract Biofilm on acrylic resin dental prostheses may cause gingival inflammation. This study evaluated the influence of a silicon dioxide coating layer applied onto acrylic resin on the adhesion of microorganisms. Blocks (5 x 5 x 3 mm) of acrylic resin were evaluated for surface roughness and divided into two groups: control (CG) and coated with silicon dioxide (LG group). The specimens were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (n = 1) and by contact angle analysis (n = 3). For the in situ study, 20 volunteers wore acrylic palatal devices containing three samples from each group (n = 60) for 2 days. The biofilm formed was quantified by metabolic activity and total biomass using the crystal violet assay. The results were subjected to Bartlett’s normality test and Gamma model with random effect for the response variable (α = 5%). The mean contact angle of the coated group was significantly lower than that of the uncoated group (p < 0.05). The metabolic activity of microorganisms in the biofilm on the blocks treated with coating was significantly lower than that of control blocks (p = 0.02). Regarding the amount of extracellular matrix produced by the microorganisms, there was no difference between the CG and LG group (p = 0.05). The application of a silicon dioxide coating on acrylic resin reduced the activity of the polymicrobial biofilm formed in situ. This coating may be advantageous for patients with conventional complete dentures or implants made of acrylic resin and who have motor difficulties that prevent them from cleaning their prostheses properly.

Abstract Acrylic resin has been used in the manufacture of prostheses, however, in the oral cavity, this material starts to retain microorganisms capable of causing gingival inflammation due its porosities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the use of silicon dioxide as a coating layer applied onto acrylic resin, on the adhesion of Candida albicans (Ca). After the incubation period in Sabouraud Dextrose Broth, a total of 1 ml of the Ca suspension was added to plate wells, each well containing a specimen of acrylic resin. The adhesion ability of Ca on acrylic resin was determined by counting colonies. Three groups (n = 6) of acrylic resin were assessed: with polishing (RP); without polishing (RW); with polishing and coating layer of silicon dioxide (RPC). Ca deposited on the surface of the acrylic resin was also observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Statistical assessment by Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls Method were done (α = 2%). There was significant difference among the groups. The RPC group showed the lowest growth, with an average of 5.59 Log CFU/cm 2 ; there was a statistically significant difference in relation to group RW, which presented a growth of 6.07 Log CFU/cm 2 and to group RP with 5.91 Log CFU/cm 2 (p < 000.1). SEM images demonstrated that in the RP and RPC group, the surface of the resin had greater regularity, and smaller number of microorganisms. The application of silicon dioxide coating on acrylic resin appears to be a promising alternative, and its use can help in reducing the adhesion of Ca in prostheses.

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the compressive strength (CS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), flexural strength (FS), and Knoop microhardness (KH) of different conventional restorative glass-ionomer cements (GICs) and to correlate these mechanical properties (MP) with the stabilization time (ST) of their chemical bonds. Eighteen GICs were tested: Bioglass [B], Chemfil Rock [CR], Equia Forte [EF], Gold Label 2 [GL2], Gold Label 9 [GL9], Glass Ionomer Cement II [GI], Ionglass [IG], Ion Z[ IZ], Ionomaster [IM], Ionofil Plus [IP], Ionostar Plus [IS], Ketac Molar Easymix [KM], Magic Glass [MG], Maxxion R [Ma], Riva Self Cure [R], Vidrion R [V], Vitro Fil [VF] and Vitro Molar [VM]. The mechanical strength tests were performed in a universal testing machine. KH readings were done with a diamond indenter. STs were examined by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05). The Spearman rank test was used to evaluate the dependence between the MPs and ST results. The highest MP values were EF, GL2, GL9, GI and KM and the lowest for MG, MA, B, VF and IM. The longest ST was for GL2 and the shortest was for B. ST correlated positively with MP. GICs with longer chemical bonds ST are generally stronger and the ST value obtained from FTIR was useful in predicting the strength of GICs tested.

Abstract Prevention and health promotion are considered important strategies to control oral diseases. Dental caries is preventable disease and remains the most common chronic disease that affects mainly low income children and still considered the main cause of tooth loss in adulthood in Brazil. The aim of this study is to present a System Dynamics model (SDM) specifically developed with the Stella Architect software to estimate the cost and clinical hours required to control the evolution of dental caries in preschool children in Maringá, Brazil. Two main strategies to control caries were considered in the model: the application of fluoride varnish on teeth presenting white spots, and the use of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) in cavitated carious lesions without pulp involvement. The parameters used in the model were: number of people covered by a local oral health team = 4,000; number of children up to 5 years = 7% of the population; children’s decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft) index = 2.4; time/cost of 4 applications of fluoride varnish = 5 minutes/US$ 0.716; and time/cost of each ART restoration = 15 minutes/US$ 1.475. The SDM generated an estimated total cost of US$698.00, and a total of 112 clinical hours to treat the population in question. The use of the SDM presented here has the potential to assist decision making by measuring the material and human resources required to prevent and control dental caries at an early age.

RESUMO Racional: A cirurgia bariátrica pode repercutir negativamente nas condições bucais. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto de um programa educativo/preventivo em saúde bucal desenvolvido em pacientes submetidos à gastroplastia. Método: A amostra foi constituída por 109 pacientes aleatoriamente alocados em dois grupos: grupo de intervenção (GI), onde participaram do programa de promoção de saúde bucal com abordagens educativo-preventivas; grupo controle (GC), onde receberam cuidado da equipe da clínica, sem participação no programa. As condições bucais investigadas nos períodos pré e pós-operatório de um mês (1M) e seis meses (6M) foram: cárie dentária, doença periodontal, desgaste dentário, placa dentária e fluxo salivar. Resultados: Após a gastroplastia, pacientes do GI apresentaram: menor alteração em esmalte (6M: p=0,004), dentina (6M: p=0,005) e sangramento gengival (6M: p<0,0001); redução no índice de placa (1M, 6M: p<0,0001) e aumento do fluxo salivar (6M: p=0,039), quando comparados aos do GC. Desgaste dentário incipiente foi registrado em ambos os grupos (6M: p=0,713). Conclusão: Houve impacto positivo do programa implementado na prevenção dos principais problemas de saúde bucal em pacientes submetidos à gastroplastia, contribuindo para sua qualidade de vida.

ABSTRACT Background: The bariatric surgery may have negative repercussions on oral conditions. Aim: To evaluate the impact of oral health educational/preventive program developed with patients submitted to gastroplasties. Method: The sample consisted of 109 patients randomly allocated to two groups: intervention group (IG), where they participated in the oral health promotion program that include multiple educational-preventive approaches; control group (CG), where they received usual care from the bariatric clinic staff, without participation in the program. The oral conditions investigated in the pre-operative and postoperative periods of one month (1M) and six months (6M) were: dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth wear, dental plaque and salivary flow. Results: After bariatric surgery, patients in IG presented: fewer changes in enamel (6M: p=0.004), dentin (6M: p=0.005) and gingival bleeding (6M: p<0.0001), reduction in plaque index (1M, 6M: p<0.0001) and increased salivary flow (6M: p=0.039), when compared with CG. Incipient tooth wear was recorded in both groups (6M: p=0.713). Conclusion: There was a positive impact of the implemented program in the prevention of the main oral health problems in patients who underwent gastroplasties, contributing to their quality of life.

Resumo Introdução A solubilidade e sorção dos materiais restauradores são considerados fatores críticos, pois podem interferir na qualidade e durabilidade das restaurações. Objetivo Avaliar a solubilidade e sorção de água de alguns materiais restauradores. Material e método Foram confeccionados quatorze espécimes de cada um dos seguintes materiais: Equia® Forte, Z100, Fuji IX/ e Vidrion R, os quais foram levados a uma dessecadora e pesados diariamente até estabilização. Em seguida, foram inseridos em recipientes individuais contendo 40 mL de água destilada cada e divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o tempo de armazenagem: 7 ou 30 dias. Ao final de cada período, os espécimes foram retirados da água, pesados, levados à dessecadora e pesados novamente até estabilização. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente utilizando os testes ANOVA 2 critérios e Tukey. Resultado Com exceção do Equia® Forte e Z100, os demais materiais, apresentaram uma variação significativa da solubilidade ao longo do tempo. Quanto à sorção, observa-se que apenas o material Z100 não apresentou diferença significativa em relação ao tempo de armazenagem, mas, na comparação entre os materiais, todos apresentaram diferenças significativas em ambos os períodos. Conclusão Após os períodos de armazenagem de 7 e 30 dias em água, os materiais restauradores Equia® Forte e Z100 não apresentam variação significativa da solubilidade, sendo mais estáveis que os materiais Fuji IX e Vidrion R. Os materiais à base de ionômero de vidro, Equia® Forte, Fuji IX e Vidrion R, sofrem mais sorção em água quando comparados ao material Z100 em ambos os períodos.

Abstract Introduction The solubility and sorption parameters of restorative materials are considered critical factors since they may interfere with the quality and durability of restorations. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the solubility and water sorption of some restorative materials. Material and method Fourteen specimens were made (10.0 mm x 2.0 mm) of each of the following material: Equia® Forte, Z100, Fuji IX/ e Vidrion R, then taken to a desiccator and weighed daily until stabilized. They were then placed in individual containers with 40mL of distilled water each and divided into two groups according to the storage time: 7 or 30 days. At the end of each period, the specimens were removed from the water, weighed, taken to the desiccator and weighed again until stabilized. The results were analyzed statistically with two-way ANOVA and Tukey. Result Except for Equia® Forte and Z100, the other materials presented a significant variation of solubility over time. As for sorption, it was noticed that only Z100 presented no significant difference in relation to the storage time, but in comparison of the materials, all had significant differences in both 7 and 30 days periods. Conclusion After storage periods of 7 and 30 days in water, the restorative materials Equia® Forte and Z100 do not present significant variation of solubility, being more stable than the materials Fuji IX and Vidrion R. The glass ionomer-based materials, Equia® Forte, Fuji IX and Vidrion R, suffer more sorption in water when compared to Z100 material in both periods.

Abstract Objectives To perform a systematic review of test methodologies on conventional restorative glass-ionomer cement (GIC) materials for mechanical and optical properties to compare the results between different GICs. Material and Methods Screening of titles and abstracts, data extraction, and quality assessments of full-texts were conducted in search for in vitro studies on conventional GICs that follow the relevant specifications of ISO standards regarding the following mechanical and optical properties: compressive strength, flexural strength, color, opacity and radiopacity. Sources The Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), Brazilian Bibliography of Dentistry (BBO) databases from Latin-American and Caribbean System on Health Sciences Information (BIREME) and PubMed/Medline (US National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health) databases were searched regardless of language. Altogether, 1146 in vitro studies were selected. Two reviewers independently selected and assessed the articles according to pre-established inclusion/exclusion criteria. Among all the properties investigated, only one study was classified as being of fair quality that tested compressive strength and was included. It was observed that many authors had not strictly followed ISO recommendations and that, for some properties (diametral tensile strength and microhardness), there are no guidelines provided. Conclusions It was not possible to compare the results for the mechanical and optical properties of conventional restorative GICs due to the lack of standardization of studies.

Resumo Dentre as abordagens minimamente invasivas atualmente disponíveis, o tratamento restaurador atraumático (ART) demonstra resultados promissores tanto na dentadura decídua quanto permanente. Objetivo Avaliar a sobrevivência de restaurações ART Classe I, em pré-escolares, com duas marcas brasileiras de cimentos de ionômeros de vidro (CIV) em comparação com um CIV de referência. Material e método Cavidades de 49 crianças pré-escolares (três a cinco anos de idade) com lesões cariosas nos dentes posteriores (N = 81) foram preenchidas por dois odontopediatras experientes, de acordo com a técnica ART. Os CIV brasileiros Maxxion-R (MR) e Vitro-Fil LC (VF) e o CIV de referência, Ketac-Molar (KM), foram inseridos em uma sequência pré-estabelecida aleatoriamente. As restaurações foram avaliadas após 6 e 12 meses por outro pesquisador. As pontuações 0 e 1 foram consideradas bem-sucedidas, enquanto as pontuações 3-9 foram classificadas como falhas. Foram aplicadas a análise de sobrevivência de Kaplan-Meier e o teste log-rank (p <0,05). Resultado Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas taxas de sobrevivência dos CIV testados após 12 meses. Conclusão O desempenho clínico dos CIV brasileiros MR e VF, observado após 12 meses, sugere que estes podem ser uma alternativa para restaurações ART Classe I para proteger a esfoliação natural dos dentes decíduos. No entanto, até que sejam realizados estudos adicionais envolvendo um maior número de restaurações e períodos de acompanhamento mais longos, os CIV de referência, como o KM, devem continuar sendo o material de escolha para as restaurações ART.

Abstract Among the minimally invasive approaches available today, the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) has demonstrated promising results both in the primary and permanent dentition. Objective To evaluate the survival of Class I ART restorations in preschoolers with two Brazilian brands of glass ionomer cements (GIC) in comparison with a reference GIC. Material and method The cavities of 49 preschool children (three to five years) with carious lesions in the posterior teeth (N=81) were filled by two experienced pediatric dentists according to the ART technique. The Brazilian GICs Maxxion-R (MR) and Vitro-Fil LC (VF), and the reference GIC Ketac-Molar (KM) were placed in a randomly pre-established sequence. Restorations were evaluated after 6 and 12 months by another investigator. Scores 0 and 1 were considered successful, while scores 3-9 were classified as failures. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test were performed (p<0.05). Result No statistically significant differences in survival rates of the tested GIC were observed after 12 months. Conclusion The clinical performance the low-cost Brazilian GICs MR and VF observed after 12 months suggests that they may be an alternative for Class I ART restorations to safeguard the natural exfoliation of primary teeth. However, until further studies involving a larger number of restorations and longer follow-up periods are conducted, reference GIC such as KM should continue to be the material of choice for ART restorations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of pacifier-sucking habit with occlusal and oral myofunctional alterations in preschool children. Eighty-four 2- to 5-year-old children participated in the study. Data on duration and frequency of pacifier use were collected from parents or guardians. Occlusal and oral myofunctional characteristics were examined by a dentist and a speech therapist, respectively. Chi-square tests and Poisson regression were used to analyze the data. The occlusal characteristics that were significantly associated with a pacifier-sucking habit were anterior open bite, altered canine relation, posterior crossbite, increased overjet, and malocclusion. The oral myofunctional characteristics that were significantly associated with a pacifier-sucking habit were resting lip position, resting tongue position, shape of the hard palate, and swallowing pattern. The strongest associations were for anterior open bite (prevalence ratio [PR] = 11.33), malocclusion (PR = 2.33), altered shape of the hard palate (PR = 1.29), and altered swallowing pattern (PR = 1.27). Both duration and frequency of pacifier-sucking habit were associated with occlusal and oral myofunctional alterations. These results emphasize the need for pediatric dentists to advise parents and caregivers about the risks of prolonged pacifier use and refer children to professionals for multidisciplinary assistance to minimize these risks whenever necessary.

The National Curricular Guidelines (NCGs) for undergraduate dental courses establish conceptual, philosophical and methodological elements in different practical scenarios aiming at changing the professional educational process through the development of competences and skills. As a result, professional training activities should be performed throughout the entire undergraduate course. The aim of this study was to report on activities performed during the Community Health Care Supervised Training Program at a nursery school by dental students from State University of Maringá. Students from the 3rd year were responsible for performing supervised toothbrushing, developing recreational-educational activities with the pupils, and providing oral health training to parents, caregivers and members of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) team; while students in the 4th year performed atraumatic restorative treatment (ATR) and, whenever necessary, applied sealant material to pupils' teeth. Undergraduates interacted directly with children, parents, teachers and the ESF team. By applying theory to their practice, students gained experience in team work. The six general competences and skills required by the NCGs for the health area courses were developed. The activities developed with the pupils demonstrated the importance of establishing of a relationship based on a multi-professional, interdisciplinary and holistic approach for the promotion of health in the community.

El Diseño Curricular Nacional (DCN) para carreras de grado en Odontología determina los elementos conceptuales, filosóficos y metodológicos para cambiar el proceso de formación profesional a través del desarrollo de destrezas y habilidades. Para tal fin, las residencias se deben realizar a través de todo el cursado. El objetivo de este trabajo es dar a conocer las actividades realizadas durante el cursado de la Práctica Profesional Supervisada de Salud Pública, llevada a cabo por los estudiantes de Odontología de la Universidad Estatal de Maringá en un Centro de Educación Infantil. Los estudiantes del tercer año fueron los responsables por realizar la tarea de cepillado dental supervisado, las actividades lúdico-educativas con los niños, la formación para la salud bucal tanto de padres, como de cuidadores y miembros del personal de Estrategia Salud de la Familia. Por otro lado, los estudiantes del cuarto año realizaron el tratamiento restaurativo atraumático y el sellado de fosetas y fisuras de los dientes de los niños de acuerdo con la necesidad. Los estudiantes trabajaron directamente con los niños, padres, maestros, y el personal de la ESF, aplicando la teoría a la práctica y a su vez adquiriendo experiencia en el trabajo en equipo. Por lo tanto, se lograron las seis competencias y habilidades generales exigidas por el DCN para las carreras de Ciencias de la Salud. Estas actividades son el punto de partida para la creación de nuevas prácticas de salud, con una relación de trabajo basada en la salud multiprofesional, interdisciplinaria e integral, con el objetivo de promover la misma.

As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCN) para os cursos de graduação em Odontologia apontam elementos conceituais, filosóficos e metodológicos que visam mudar o processo de formação profissional por meio do desenvolvimento de competências e habilidades. Para tal, atividades de estágio devem ser realizadas ao longo de todo o curso de graduação. O objetivo do presente trabalho é relatar as atividades realizadas durante a disciplina de Estágio Supervisionado em Saúde Coletiva, desenvolvidas em um Centro de Educação Infantil pelos alunos do curso de Odontologia da Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Os alunos do 3º ano eram responsáveis por realizar escovação supervisionada, atividades lúdico-educativas com as crianças, capacitação em saúde bucal dos pais, cuidadoras e integrantes da equipe da Estratégia Saúde da Família, enquanto os alunos do 4º ano realizavam tratamento restaurador atraumático e, quando necessário, o selamento das fossas e fissuras dos dentes das crianças. Os acadêmicos interagiam diretamente com as crianças, os pais, os professores e a equipe da Estratégia Saúde da Família, aplicando a teoria na prática e ganhando experiência no trabalho em equipe. Assim, as seis competências e habilidades gerais requeridas pelas DCNs para os cursos da saúde foram desenvolvidas. Estas atividades se validam na criação de novas práticas de saúde, com uma relação de trabalho baseada na atuação multiprofissional, interdisciplinar e integral, visando à promoção da saúde da comunidade.

OBJETIVO: o propósito desse estudo foi analisar, por meio de modelos de estudo e paquímetro digital, a proporção largura/altura e o zênite gengival (ZG) em pacientes com agenesia bilateral do incisivo lateral superior após o tratamento. MÉTODOS: a amostra consistiu de 52 voluntários divididos em 3 grupos: GBR (n=18), pacientes com agenesia bilateral tratados com reanatomizações dentárias; GBI (n=10), pacientes com agenesia bilateral tratados com implantes; e GC (n=24), grupo controle. Os dados foram avaliados por meio dos testes de Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, teste t, ANOVA (p<0,05) e correlação de Spearman. RESULTADOS: para a proporção largura/altura dos incisivos laterais, o GBI apresentou menores valores (0,72 direito e esquerdo), quando comparado aos demais. Porém, a comparação intergrupos revelou diferenças estatisticamente significativas para o incisivo lateral direito (GBI x GC) e para o canino (GBR x GC). A avaliação das medianas obtidas para o ZG demonstrou que o GBR foi o mais destoante (0,5 direito e 0,48 esquerdo), e que o GBI (0,95 direito e 0,98 esquerdo) e o GC (0,98 direito e 0,8 esquerdo) apresentaram valores semelhantes, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa (p>0,05). Os valores obtidos para os lados direito e esquerdo foram considerados iguais dentro de cada grupo. CONCLUSÃO: embora não tenham sido encontradas diferenças estatísticas na comparação entre os grupos, pela análise descritiva dos dados, o GBI foi o grupo que apresentou as medidas mais destoantes dos demais em relação à proporção largura/altura, sendo que, para o zênite gengival, a maior diferença observada foi no GBR.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the width/length ratio and the gingival zenith (GZ), by means of dental casts and digital caliper, in patients with missing maxillary lateral incisors after treatment. METHODS: The sample was composed of 52 subjects divided into 3 groups: BRG (n = 18), patients with bilateral agenesis treated with tooth re-contouring; BIG (n = 10) patients with agenesis treated with implants and CG (n = 24), control group. The data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk, Spearman correlation, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, t test and ANOVA tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: For the width/length ratio of the lateral incisors, BIG presented the lowest mean values (0.72 right and left), when compared with other groups. However, comparison between groups presented statistically significant differences for the right lateral incisor (BIG x CG) and for the canine (BRG x CG). GZ data evaluation showed the greatest difference for BRG (0.5 right and 0.48 left). BIG (0.95 right and 0.98 left) and CG (0.98 right and 0.8 left) presented more similar values, nevertheless, without statistical difference (p > 0.05). GZ data for the right and left sides of the smile were not considered statistically different. CONCLUSION: Although no statistical difference was found in the comparison between the groups, analysis of the descriptive values showed that group BIG showed the greatest difference in values with regard to width/length ratio. Regarding gingival zenith, BRG showed the greatest difference.

The light-curing technique is relevant to reduce the degree of polymerization shrinkage, improving clinical and esthetic success of composite resin restorations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in vitro the effect of four light-curing techniques on depth of cure of a composite resin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten specimens of a composite resin were made in cylindrical cavities prepared in PVC plates (3.0 X 7.0 mm) for each light-curing technique. Four photoactivation methods were investigated: stepped, ramped, pulse-delay and traditional. Specimens were longitudinally sectioned and polished for microhardness measurements (kg/mm²), which were made at 0.1, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mm from the irradiated surface. Data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test. RESULTS: The effect of factors studied (curing method and distance from the surface) and the interaction of these factors was statistically significant (p<0.05). The traditional method of cure provided higher microhardness values (69.6 ± 2.5) than the stepped (63.5 ± 3.1) and pulsed (63.9 ± 3.2) methods at all depths evaluated, but it did not differ from the ramped method (66.7± 4.4) at 0.1 and 1.0 mm of depth. CONCLUSION: All techniques employed provided satisfactory cure of the composite resin up to the depth of 2.0 mm from the irradiated surface.

A liberação de flúor de quatro cimentos de ionômero de vidro usados para restauração— Photac Fil (PF), Vitremer (VT), Fuji II LC (F2) e Fuji IX (F9) — foi testada durante 14 dias. As leituras do flúor liberado para água deionizada foram realizadas por um eletrodo específico para esse íon, acoplado a um analisador de pH/íons. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância e teste de Tukey-Kramer. A quantidade de flúor liberada foi significantemente maior para o PF em relação aos outros materiais (PF > VT > F9 > F2), sendo que VT/F9 e F2/F9 não apresentaram diferença significante entre si (p < 0,05).

The fluoride release of four restorative glass-ionomer cements — Photac Fil (PF), Vitremer (VT), Fuji II LC (F2) and Fuji IX (F9) — was compared during 14 days. The readings of the fluoride released to deionized water were done by means of a fluoride ion selective electrode and an ion analyzer. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. The amount of fluoride released from PF was significantly higher than that from the other materials (PF > VT > F9 > F2). There was no significant difference between VT and F9, nor between F2 and F9 (p < 0.05)