Abstract Objective This study aimed to analyze the effect of irradiation on the push-out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine to radicular dentin. Methodology A total of 60 extracted mature human teeth with single root canals were categorized into two groups (irradiated and non-irradiated) (n=30). Each group was further divided into two sub-groups based on cements used (Biodentine and MTA). Then, a cumulative radiation dose of 60 Gy was divided into 30 fractions (two Gy for every fraction) and administered for five successive days per week over six weeks. Obturation was then performed using MTA and Biodentine. Afterwards, 1.5 mm thick horizontal sections were procured from the middle one-third of all the specimens and then subjected to push-out bond test. Results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with post-hoc Tukey’s test. Results The bond strength of Biodentine and MTA to irradiated teeth was lower than non-irradiated teeth. Highest push-out bond strength was observed in non-irradiated specimens filled with Biodentine (p=0), followed by irradiated specimens filled with Biodentine (p=0); non-irradiated specimens filled with MTA (p=0); and irradiated specimens filled with MTA (p=0.9). Conclusion The push-out bond strength of Biodentine and MTA to root canal dentin decreased significantly post irradiation.

Abstract: Although the effects of different intraoral scanners, model scanners, and CAM units on the marginal and internal fitting of restorations have been investigated, the effects of CAD software in particular has not been evaluated. The marginal and internal fit of indirect restorations may vary according to the CAD software used, even when using the same intraoral scanner and milling machine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the marginal and internal fit of milled full ceramic crowns designed with three different CAD systems. Eleven typodont maxillary first premolar teeth were prepared and scanned using a 3Shape TRIOS Intraoral Dental Scanner. The obtained STL scan data were exported and used to design a full crown using three different CAD systems (CEREC, KaVo, and Planmeca). An independent milling unit was used to manufacture the crowns for each group (n = 11). The marginal and internal fit were evaluated for each restoration using 2D and 3D micro-CT analysis. For 2D analysis, 18 measurements for each sample were made, covering the marginal (Marginal Gap Buccal (MG-A), Marginal Gap Palatinal (MG-B), Finish Line Buccal (FL-A), Finish Line Palatinal (FA-B)) and internal fit locations (Axial Wall Buccal (AW-A), Axial Wall Palatinal (AW-B), Lingual Cusp (LC), Buccal Cusp (BC), and Occlusal Central Fossa (OCF)). Statistical analyses were performed using Open Source R Statistical Software (α = 0.05) The results of Duncan’s multiple range test showed that the values for the marginal measurement points MG-A, MG-B, FL-A, and FL-B in the Planmeca group were significantly higher than the values obtained in the CEREC and KaVo groups (p < 0.05). In AW1, values of the CEREC group were found to be higher than those of the KaVo and Planmeca groups (p < 0.05). CAD software showed an effect on the marginal fit values of crowns whereas no significant difference was observed in terms of the internal fit, except for a single measurement point made from the buccal direction.

Resumo Na RLT (Rapid Layer Technology), a cerâmica de cobertura e infraestrutura são fabricados pelo Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD / CAM) e cimentados para obter a restauração. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da espessura da cerâmica de cobertura fabricada pela técnica RLT na resistência à fratura (RF) de coroas bilaminadas com infraestrutura de zircônia. Vinte infraestruturas de zircônia e vinte coroas posteriores feldspáticas com duas espessuras oclusais da cerâmica de cobertura (1mm = TF1; 2mm = TF2) foram fabricadas usando o sistema CAD / CAM. Os espécimes foram cimentados em preparos de resina epóxi com cimento resinoso dual e ciclados mecanicamente (200N e 4,5×105 Pa, 37° C, 2×106 ciclos, 3Hz). O teste de RF foi realizado (10kN, 0,5mm / min) e, posteriormente, os espécimes foram analisados em estereomicroscópio. Para a análise de tensão (análise de elementos finitos, FEA), uma carga de 10kN foi aplicada igual ao teste in vitro, e a tensão principal foi avaliada. Os dados de RF foram analisados pelo teste t de Student e análise de Weibull. A espessura mostrou forte influência na RF das coroas bilaminadas. A RF foi maior em TF2 do que no grupo TF1. O grupo TF2 apresentou a maior resistência característica em relação ao grupo TF1. O tipo de falha predominante foi a delaminação. O FEA mostrou maiores concentrações de tensões abaixo do ponto de aplicação da carga, na interface cimento e cerâmica de cobertura no modelo de coroa de 1 mm de espessura. As coroas de bilaminadas confeccionadas com 2 mm de cerâmica de cobertura promoveram maior RF em comparação ao grupo com cerâmica de cobertura de 1 mm. Além disso, a FEA mostrou que a espessura da cerâmica de cobertura tem um efeito na distribuição de tensões em coroas bilaminadas à base de zircônia.

Abstract In the RLT (Rapid Layer Technology), veneering ceramic and framework are fabricated by computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and then cemented to obtain the restoration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the thickness of veneering ceramic manufactured by the RLT technique on the fracture resistance (FR) of bilayer crowns with zirconia frameworks. Twenty zirconia frameworks and twenty feldspathic posterior crowns with two different veneering ceramic occlusal thicknesses (1mm=TF1; 2mm=TF2) were manufactured using CAD/CAM system. The specimens were luted to an epoxy resin abutment with resin cement and mechanically cycled (200N and 4.5×105 Pa, 37°C, 2×106 cycles, 3Hz). The FR test was performed (10kN, 0.5mm/min), and the specimens were analyzed in a stereomicroscope. For the stress analysis (finite element analysis, FEA), a 10kN load was equal to the in vitro test, and the principal stress was evaluated. The FR data were analyzed by Student’s t-test and Weibull's analysis. The thickness influenced the FR of bilayer crowns. The FR was higher in the TF2 than in the TF1 group. The TF2 group presented the highest characteristic strength compared to the group TF1. The predominant type of failure was delamination. The FEA showed higher stress concentrations below the loading application point at the veneering cement interface in the 1-mm-thick model. The bilayer crowns manufactured using the approach of 2mm of veneering ceramic promoted higher FR compared to the group with 1mm veneering ceramic. Also, the FEA showed that the veneer ceramic thickness has an effect on stress distribution in zirconia-based bilayer crowns.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência do modo de aplicação de três sistemas adesivos universais nas propriedades físicas interfaciais de restaurações indiretas de compósito adesivamente cimentadas a cavidades dentinária. Setenta e oito incisivos inferiores bovinos foram selecionados e uma fatia de dentina (espessura: 2 mm) entre a face vestibular e a câmara pulpar foi obtida para cada dente. Cavidades cônicas foram feitas nesta superfície. As paredes internas das cavidades foram então revestidas com um gel hidrofílico, preenchidas com resina composta, e fotopolimerizados. Os conjuntos dentina/cone foram divididos em 6 grupos (n=10) de acordo com o tipo de adesivo universal (TETRI: Tetric N Bond, FUT: Futura Bond U, SBU: Single Bond Universal) e ácido na dentina (A: com condicionamento ácido; WA: sem condicionamento ácido). O condicionamento ácido e os sistemas adesivos foram aplicados na superfície da dentina. Todos os cones de resina composta foram jateados (Al2O3, 20 s) e silanizados. Após o tratamento superficial, os cones foram cimentados (RelyX Ultimate) na cavidade dentinária e fotopolimerizados. Após a termociclagem (10.000 ciclos), as amostras foram submetidas a análise de adaptação marginal (usando corante detector de carie), teste push-out (0,5 mm/min) e análise do modo de falha. Amostras adicionais foram preparadas para análise de nanoinfiltração (MEV). Os dados (MPa) foram analisados por ANOVA dois fatores e pós-teste de Tukey (5%). Os grupos em que a dentina foi condicionada por ácido apresentaram valores significativamente menores de resistência de união no teste push-out (p<0,01). O condicionamento ácido da dentina reduziu significativamente a resistência de união entre sistemas adesivos universais e dentina em procedimentos restauradores indiretos.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the application mode of three universal adhesive systems on interfacial physical properties of indirect composite restorations adhesively cemented to dentin cavities. Seventy-eight bovine lower incisors were selected and a slice of dentin (thickness: 2 mm) between the buccal surface and pulp chamber was obtained for each tooth. Conical cavities were made on this surface. The internal walls of the cavities were then coated with a hydrophilic gel, filled with composite resin and photopolymerized. The dentin/cone sets were divided into 6 groups (n=10) according to type of universal adhesive (TETRI: Tetric N Bond, FUT: Futura Bond U, SBU: Single Bond Universal) and acid etching on dentin (A: with acid etching; WA: without acid etching). The acid etching and the adhesive systems were applied to the surface of the dentin. All composite resin cones were sandblasted (Al2O3, 20 s) and silanized. After surface treatment, the cones were cemented (RelyX Ultimate) into the dentin cavity and photopolymerized. After thermocycling (10,000 cycles), samples were submitted to marginal adaptation analysis (using caries detector dye), push-out test (0.5 mm/min), and failure mode analysis. Additional samples were prepared for nanoleakage analysis (SEM). The data (MPa) were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-test (5%). The groups in which the dentin was acid etched showed significantly lower bond strength values in the push-out test (p<0.01). Dentin acid etching significantly reduced the bond strength between universal adhesive systems and dentin in indirect restorative procedures.

Abstract Glaze application on monolithic zirconia (Y-TZP) can be a practical approach to improve the mechanical properties of this material. Objective Our study evaluated the effect of glazing side and mechanical cycling on the biaxial flexure strength (BFS) of a Y-TZP. Methodology Eighty sintered Y-TZP discs (Ø:12 mm; thickness: 1.2 mm - ISO 6872) were produced and randomly assigned into eight groups (n=10), according to the factors “glazing side” (control – no glazing; GT – glaze on tensile side; GC – glaze on compression side; GTC – glaze on both sides) and “mechanical aging” (non-aged and aged, A – mechanical cycling: 1.2×106, 84 N, 3 Hz, under water at 37°C). Specimens were subjected to BFS test (1 mm/min; 1,000 Kgf load cell) and fractured surfaces were analyzed by stereomicroscopy and SEM. Hsueh’s rigorous solutions were used to estimate the stress at failure of glazed specimens. Two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s test (5%), and Weibull analysis were performed. Results The “glazing side”, “mechanical aging” and the interaction of the factors were significant (p<0.05). Groups GC (1157.9±146.9 MPa), GT (1156.1±195.3 MPa), GTC (986.0±187.4 MPa) and GTC-A (1131.9±128.9 MPa) presented higher BFS than control groups (Tukey, 5%). Hsueh’s rigorous solutions showed that the maximum tensile stress was presented in the bottom of zirconia layer, at the zirconia/glaze interface. Weibull characteristic strength (σo) of the GC was higher than all groups (p<0.05), except to GT, GTC-A and GTC, which were similar among them. The fractography showed initiation of failures from zirconia the tensile side regardless of the side of glaze application and fatigue. Conclusion Glazing zirconia applied on both tensile and compression sides improves the flexural strength of Y-TZP, regardless the mechanical aging.

Abstract This paper aims to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on surface topography, wettability, and shear bond strength of resin cement to glass ceramic. Methodology: For SBS test, 32 blocks (7x7x2 mm) of lithium disilicate were obtained and randomly divided into eight groups (four blocks per group) according to each surface treatment (HF 20 s, 60 s, 120 s + silanization/S or Scotch Bond Universal/ SBU) and the Monobond Etch & Prime - MEP application followed or not by SBU. On each treated surface ceramic block, up to four dual-curing resin cement cylinders were prepared and light-cured for 40s (N=120/n=15). The specimens were thermocycled (10,000 cycles, 5-55°C, 30 s) and the SBS test (50KgF, 0.5 mm/min) was performed. Furthermore, failure analysis, wettability, AFM, and SEM were carried out. SBS data (MPa) were analyzed using Student's t-test, two-way ANOVA, Tukey's test (5%) and Weibull's analysis. Results: For HF experimental groups, two-way ANOVA presented the factors “etching time” and “bonding agent” as significant (p<0.05). After silane application, the HF groups presented similar bond strength. SBU application compromised the SBS, except for 120s etching time (HF120sS: 23.39ᵃ±6.48 MPa; HF120sSBU: 18.76ᵃ±8.81MPa). For MEP groups, SBU application did not significantly affect the results (p=0.41). The MEP group presented the highest Weibull modulus (4.08A) and they were statistically different exclusively from the HF20sSBU (0.58B). Conclusion: The HF 20s, 60s, 120 s followed by silane, promoted similar resin-bond strength to ceramic and the SBU application after HF or MEP did not increase the SBS.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência de união, razão base/topo de microdureza, adaptação marginal e nanoinfiltração interfacial de resinas compostas bulk fill (BF) e tradicional (RT) de viscosidade regular.: Duas BF (Filtek Bulk Fill e Aura Bulk Fill) e duas RT (Filtek Z250XT e Aura) foram testados. Quarenta cavidades cônicas (4,8×2,8×4,0) foram preparadas em dentina bovina e restauradas com os compósitos (n=10). Depois de 24 h em água, a adaptação marginal foi avaliada por meio do corante com detector de cárie. As faces de topo e base das restaurações cônicas foram coradas por cinco segundos e a porcentagem de fendas na interface compósito/dentina foi determinada utilizando-se imagens analisadas num programa (ImageTool). A microdureza Vickers foi mensurada e a razção base/topo de microdureza (B/T) foi determinada. A resistência de união por push-out foi executada numa máquina de ensaios universal (0,5mm/min) e o padrão de fratura avaliado num estereomicroscópio (20x). Espécimes adicionais (n=3) foram confeccionados para avaliação da nanoinfiltração interfacial. Os dados foram analisados por meio de ANOVA a dois fatores e teste de Tukey (a=0,05). A porcentagem de fendas foi maior na base que no topo. A B/T da Aura Bulk Fill foi estatisticamente menor que os demais compósitos. A resistência de união por push-out foi similar entre os compósitos. As BF apresentaram menos nanoinfiltração que as RT na base das restaurações cônicas e não houve diferenças entre os materiais no topo. Conclui-se que a Filtek Bulk Fill comportou-se melhor que a Aura Bulk Fill considerando-se as propriedades analisadas.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the bond strength, bottom/top hardness ratio, marginal adaptation, and interfacial nanoleakage of regular viscosity bulk fill composites (RVBFC) and regular viscosity traditional composites (RVTC). Two RVBFC (Filtek Bulk Fill and Aura Bulk Fill) and two RVTC (Filtek Z250XT and Aura) were assessed. Forty conical cavities (4.8×2.8×4.0) were prepared in bovine dentin and restored with composites (n=10). After 24h in water, marginal adaptation was evaluated by staining with a caries detector. The top and bottom surfaces of the conical restorations were stained for five seconds and the gap percentage in the composite/dentin interface was determined using digital images on a measurement program (ImageTool). The Vickers microhardness was measured and the bottom/top microhardness ratio (B/T) was determined. Push-out bond strength test was performed in a universal testing machine (0.5mm/min) and failure modes were evaluated in a stereomicroscope (20×). Other specimens (n=3) were produced for interfacial nanoleakage evaluation. Data were analyzed using one and two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=0.05). The gap percentage was higher in the bottom compared to the top. The B/T ratio of the Aura Bulk Fill was statistically lower than other composites. Push-out bond strength were similar among composites. The RVBFC presented lower nanoleakage than the RVTC in the bottom of the conical restoration and there was no difference among the materials in the top surfaces. In conclusion, Filtek Bulk Fill performed better than Aura Bulk Fill regarding the analyzed properties.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a efetividade de um adesivo “multi-mode” (Single Bond Universal/3M) como um substituto para a silicatização e aplicação do silano na resistência de união das cerâmicas de zircônia e um cimento resinoso. Para isso, 120 blocos cerâmicos sinterizados de zircônia nas dimensões de (5 x 5 x 5 mm) foram obtidos, lixados com lixas de granulação decrescente (#600, #800, #1000 e #1200) e divididos aleatoriamente em 12 grupos (n = 10), de acordo com os fatores “tratamento de superfície” (ScSi - silicatização + silanização; ScSBU - silicatização + Single Bond; SBU - SBU sem fotoativação e SBUp - SBU com fotoativação) e “cerâmica” (Lava/3M ESPE, Ceramill Zircônia/ Amann Girrbach e Zirkonzahn/Zirkonzahn). Posteriormente, cilindros de cimento resinoso dual (RelyX Ultimate/3M ESPE) foram confeccionados no centro de cada bloco com auxílio de uma matriz de silicone (Ø=2 mm; h=5 mm) e fotopolimerizados por 40 s (1200 mW/ cm²). Em seguida, as amostras foram armazenadas durante trinta dias em água destilada (37 °C) e submetidas ao ensaio de resistência de união ao cisalhamento (1 mm/min, 100 kgF). Os dados (MPa) foram analisados sob ANOVA (2 fatores) e teste de Tukey (5%). Análises complementares também foram realizadas. ANOVA revelou que apenas o fator “tratamento de superfície” foi significativo (p=0,0001). O tratamento ScSi (14.28A) promoveu valores de adesão estatisticamente superiores aos demais ScSBU (9.03B), SBU (8.47B) e SBUp (7.82B), os quais foram semelhantes entre si (Tukey). A Análise de falhas revelou que 100% da falhas que ocorreram foram mistas. A silicatização seguida da silanização promoveu a melhor resistência de união entre cimento resinoso e a cerâmica, independentemente do tipo da cerâmica ou do SBU.

Abstract This study evaluated the effectiveness of a multi-mode adhesive (SBU-Scotch Bond Universal/3M) as a substitute for silica coating and silane application on the bonding of zirconia ceramics to resin cement. One-hundred and twenty sintered zirconia ceramic blocks (5 x 5 x 5 mm) were obtained, finished by grounding with silicon carbide paper (#600, #800, #1000 and #1200) and randomly divided into 12 groups (n=10) in accordance with the factors “surface treatment” (ScSi - silicatization + silanization; ScSBU - silicatization + SBU; SBU - SBU without photoactivation and SBUp - SBU photoactivated) and “ceramic” (Lava / 3M ESPE, Ceramill Zirconia / Amann Girrbach and Zirkonzahn / Zirkonzahn). Dual resin cement cylinders (RelyX Ultimate/3M ESPE) were subsequently produced in the center of each block using a silicon matrix (Ø=2 mm, h=5 mm) and photoactivated for 40 s (1200 mW/cm2). The samples were stored for 30 days in distilled water (37ºC) and submitted to shear bond strength test (1 mm/min, 100 KgF). Data (MPa) were analyzed under ANOVA (2 levels) and Tukey test (5%). Complementary analyzes were also performed. ANOVA revealed that only the factor “surface treatment” was significant (p=0.0001). The ScSi treatment (14.28A) promoted statistically higher bond strength values than the other ScSBU (9.03B), SBU (8.47B) and SBUp (7.82B), which were similar to each other (Tukey). Failure analysis revealed that 100% of the failures were mixed. The silica coating followed by the silanization promoted higher bond strength values of resin cement and ceramic, regardless of the zirconia ceramic or SBU.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glazing on biaxial flexural strength of different zirconia core materials. Disc-shaped zirconia (ZirkonZahn, Cercon, Ceramill) specimens (15 mm x 1.15±0.02 mm) were prepared according to manufacturers’ instructions. The specimens from each system were divided into 2 groups (N=10): unglazed and glazed. Glaze liquid was applied on the entire surface of the specimens of the glazed group and fired according to manufacturers’ instructions. Flexural strength test was performed in a universal testing machine (crosshead speed: 1 mm/min). Data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p=0.05). The mean flexural strength values for unglazed ZirkonZahn specimens (1388±132 MPa) were significantly higher than those of unglazed Cercon (1104±124 MPa) and unglazed Ceramill (1172±127 MPa) specimens. The mean flexural strength of glazed specimens did not show any statistically significant difference. Glazing decreased the flexural strength results significantly for all systems (p<0.05). Glazing decreased the flexural strength values for ZirkonZahn, Cercon and Ceramill specimens. Unglazed ZirkonZahn specimens revealed significantly higher mean flexural strength values than that of unglazed and glazed zirconia materials tested in this study.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto del glaseado sobre la resistencia flexural biaxial de diferentes tipos de materiales para nucleo a base de circonia. Se confeccionaron especimenes de circonia en forma de disco (15 mm x 1.15±0.02 mm) de acuerdo con las instrucciones del fabricante. Los especimenes de cada sistema fueron divididos en dos grupos (n=10): glaseados y sin glasear. El liquido glaseador fue aplicado sobre toda la superficie de los especimenes del grupo glaseado y fue cocido de acuerdo con las instrucciones del fabricante. Se llevo a cabo el ensayo de resistencia flexural en una maquina universal (velocidad de desplazamiento del cabezal: 1mm/min). Los datos fueron analizados estadisticamente por medio de ANOVA de dos vias y prueba de Tukey (p=0.05). El valor medio de resistencia flexural para los especimenes sin glasear ZirkonZahn (1388±132 MPa) fue significativamente mas elevado que los especimenes sin glasear Cercon (1104±124 MPa) y Ceramill (1172±127 MPa). El valor medio de resistencia flexural para los especimenes glaseados no mostro diferencias significativas. El glaseado disminuyo significativamente la resistencia flexural de todos los sistemas (p<0.05). El glaseado disminuye los valores de resistencia flexural de los especimenes de ZirkonZahn, Cercon y Ceramill. Los especimenes sin glasear ZirkonZahn revelaron valores significativamente mas elevados que aquellos materiales glaseados y sin glasear a base de circonia empleados en este estudio.

As polimerizacoes de resinas compostas indiretas (RCI) sao realizadas em Laboratorio em dispositivos fotopolimerizadores especiais para que seja alcancado um maior grau de conversao (GC). Estes dispositivos apresentam variacoes nas cameras e nas lampadas polimerizadoras as quais podem gerar consequencias nas propriedades fisicas e quimicas das RCIs. Este estudo avaliou o efeito de diferentes unidades polimerizadoras na resistencia a flexao, dureza Vickers e GC de uma RCI. Amostras da RCI Sinfony (3M ESPE) foram preparadas, utilizando matrizes especiais para o teste de resistencia a flexao (N=30) (25x2x2 mm, ISO 4049), teste de microdureza Vickers (N=30) (5x4 mm) e para o GC (N=30), utilizando a espectroscopia Micro-raman. Todas as amostras foram submetidas a polimerizacao inicial na unidade Visio Alpha (3M ESPE) e em seguida elas foram divididas aleatoriamente em tres grupos (n=10/por grupo). As amostras do Gr1 (controle) tiveram sua polimerizacao final realizada na unidade Visio Beta Vario (3M ESPE), e as do Gr2 e Gr3 nas unidades Powerlux (EDG) e Strobolux (EDG), respectivamente e entao os testes mecanicos e do GC foram conduzidos. Para os testes mecanicos, os dados foram analisados utilizando a analise de Variancia (ANOVA) e o teste de Tukey (p<0.05) e ANOVA 1-fator para o GC. A polimerizacao na unidade Strobolux (Gr3) gerou valores de resistencia a flexao (MPa) significativamente inferiores (134�±27) comparado a unidade Visio Beta Vario (165�±20) (Gr1) (p<0.05). Os menores valores de microdureza (Kg/mm2) foram obtidos para o Gr3 (30�±1) (p<0.05). O GC em todas as unidades polimerizadoras (75�±1, 91�±5, 85�±7 % para Visio Beta Vario, Powerlux e Strobolux, respectivamente) foi semelhante entre os grupos (p=0.1205). O tipo de unidade polimerizadora afetou a resistencia a flexao e a dureza Vickers da RCI testada. O GC tambem foi afetado pelo tipo de unidade polimerizadora, mas a diferenca nao foi significativa.

Polymerization of indirect resin composites (IRC) is carried out in the laboratories using special photo-polymerization devices to achieve a higher degree of conversion (DC). Such devices present variation in chambers and light output which may have consequences on the chemical and physical properties of IRCs. This study evaluated the effect of different polymerization devices on the flexural strength, Vickers microhardness and DC of an IRC. Specimens were prepared from an IRC material, Sinfony (3M ESPE), using special molds for flexural strength test (N=30) (25x2x2 mm, ISO 4049), Vickers microhardness test (N=30) (5x4 mm) and for DC (N=30) utilizing Micro-raman Spectroscopy. All specimens were submitted to initial polymerization with a Visio Alpha unit (3M ESPE) and then randomly divided into three groups (n=10/ group). Specimens in Group 1 (control) received additional polymerizations using a Visio Beta Vario device (3M ESPE), and those in Group 2 and Group 3 using Powerlux (EDG) and Strobolux (EDG) devices, respectively. DC and mechanical tests were then conducted. For the mechanical tests, the data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s tests (p<0.05) and for DC, one-way ANOVA was used. Polymerization in Strobolux (Group 3) resulted in significantly lower flexural strength (MPa) values (134�±27) compared to Visio Beta Vario (165�±20) (Group 1) (p<0.05). The lowest microhardness values (Kg/mm2) were obtained in Group 3 (30�±1) (p<0.05). DC was similar in all groups (75�±1, 91�±5, 85�±7 % for Visio Beta Vario, Powerlux and Strobolux, respectively) (p=0.1205). The type of polymerization device may affect the flexural strength and Vickers hardness of the IRC tested. DC also seems to be affected by the type of polymerization device but the results were not significant.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the surface degradation effect of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel exposure on the glassy matrix ceramics as a function of time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Disc-shaped ceramic specimens (N = 120, 10/per ceramic material) were prepared in stainless steel molds (inner diameter: 5 mm, height: 2 mm) using 6 dental ceramics: 3 indicated for ceramic-fused-to-metal (Vita Omega 900, Carmen and Vita Titankeramik), 2 for all-ceramic (Vitadur Alpha and Finesse® Low Fusing) and 1 for both types of restorations (IPS d.SIGN). The specimens were wet ground finished, ultrasonically cleaned and auto-glazed. All specimens were subjected to calculation of percentage of mass loss, surface roughness analysis and topographical description by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before (0 min) and after exposure to 1.23 % APF gel for 4 min and 60 min representing short- and long-term etching effect, respectively. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and Tukey's test (a=0.05). RESULTS: Significant effect of the type of the ceramics (p=0.0000, p=0.0031) and exposure time (p=0.0000) was observed in both surface roughness and percentage of mass loss values, respectively. The interaction factor between both parameters was also significant for both parameters (p=0.0904, p=0.0258). Both 4 min (0.44±0.1 - 0.81±0.2 mm) and 60 min (0.66±0.1 - 1.04±0.3 mm) APF gel exposure created significantly more surface roughness for all groups when compared to the control groups (0.33±0.2 - 0.68±0.2 mm) (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in percentage of mass loss between the ceramics at 4 min (p>0.05) but at 60 min exposure, IPS d.SIGN showed the highest percentage of mass loss (0.1151±0.11). The mean surface roughness for Vita Titankeramik (0.84±0.2 mm) and Finesse® Low Fusing (0.74.±0.2 mm) was significantly higher than those of the other ceramics (0.59±0.1 mm - 0.49±0.1 mm) and Vita Titankeramik (p<0.05) regardless of the exposure time. A positive correlation was found between surface roughness and percentage of mass loss for all ceramic materials [(r=0.518 (Vitadur Alpha), r=0.405 (Vita Omega 900), r=0.580 (Carmen), r=0.687 (IPS d.SIGN), r=0.442 (Finesse® Low Fusing), r=0.572 (Vita Titankeramik), Pearson's correlation coefficient)]. The qualitative SEM analysis showed evidence of corrosive attack on all of ceramics at varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The ceramics indicated for either metal-ceramic or all-ceramic restorations were all vulnerable to surface texture changes and mass loss after short-term and long-term APF gel exposure.

The aim of this study was to qualitatively demonstrate surface micro-morphological changes after the employment of different surface conditioning methods on high-alumina and glassy-matrix dental ceramics. Three disc-shaped high-alumina specimens (In-Ceram Alumina, INC) and 4 glassy-matrix ceramic specimens (Vitadur Alpha, V) (diameter: 5 mm and height: 5 mm) were manufactured. INC specimens were submitted to 3 different surface conditioning methods: INC1 - Polishing with silicon carbide papers (SiC); INC2 - Chairside air-borne particle abrasion (50 µm Al2O3); INC3 - Chairside silica coating (CoJet; 30 µm SiOx). Vitadur Alpha (V) specimens were subjected to 4 different surface conditioning methods: V1 - Polishing with SiC papers; V2 - HF acid etching; V3 - Chairside air-borne particle abrasion (50 µm Al2O3); V4 - Chairside silica coating (30 µm SiOx). Following completion of the surface conditioning methods, the specimens were analyzed using SEM. After polishing with SiC, the surfaces of V specimens remained relatively smooth while those of INC exhibited topographic irregularities. Chairside air-abrasion with either aluminum oxide or silica particles produced retentive patterns on both INC and V specimens, with smoother patterns observed after silica coating. V specimens etched with HF presented a highly porous surface. Chairside tribochemical silica coating resulted in smoother surfaces with particles embedded on the surface even after air-blasting. Surface conditioning using air-borne particle abrasion with either 50 µm alumina or 30 µm silica particles exhibited qualitatively comparable rough surfaces for both INC and V. HF acid gel created the most micro-retentive surface for the glassy-matrix ceramic tested.