Biomedical subjects

D C Watts

Publications and source records attributed to D C Watts.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Surface characterization of precious alloys treated with thione metal primers.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the effect of two thione metal primers with phosphate groups on the surface morphology and composition of two noble prosthodontic alloys. METHODS: Cast specimens from Argen 81(Au-Pd) and Argipal (Hi-Pd) alloys which were ground, polished and ultrasonicated in water, were divided in two groups (2 x 3) and treated with single layers of Alloy Primer (AP) and Metal Primer II (MP) primers respectively. The treated alloy surfaces were washed off with acetone and then examined by polarized light microscopy (PLM), reflection FTIR microspectroscopy (FTIRM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). RESULTS: After AP treatment, PLM revealed a crystalline phase (VBATDT) dispersed in an amorphous phase (MDP plus soluble VBATDT) on both the alloys tested. MP demonstrated a fibrial arrangement with the most dense structure found on the Hi-Pd alloy. FTIRM failed to clearly resolve the presence of SH peaks on alloy surfaces. Moreover, NH and PS peaks were identified denoting the presence of original thione tautomers. In both primers, phosphates were detected in a dissociative state (-PO(3)(2-)). FTIR molecular mapping confirmed separation of VBATDT from MDP and MEPS from residual MMA. XPS showed that on alloy surfaces approximately 50% of sulphur was in the sulphide state, the rest being organic sulphur. AP showed higher sulphide percentage than MP on both alloys and higher sulphide percentage on the Au-Pd alloy (p<0.05). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Phase separation of the primer components on alloy surfaces may adversely affect their clinical performance. Sulphide formation on alloy surfaces was confirmed only by XPS under ultra-high vacuum and not by environmental techniques like FTIR; this poses serious questions on the chemical bonding capacity of these primers with the noble alloys tested under environmental conditions.

Crystallization↗

PubMed2005

Influence of explorer tip diameter in identifying restoration margin discrepancies.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluations of the marginal adaptation of restorations in clinical trials rely on subjective assessments by evaluators. The purpose of the present study was to assess the use of dental explorers with different tip diameters to detect simulated marginal discrepancies. METHODS: Using three devices simulating vertical steps, horizontal gaps, and the combination of vertical and horizontal discrepancies and explorers with five different tip diameters, 10 experienced dental faculty members were asked to identify discrepancies at the boundary between Alfa (replacement unnecessarily) and Bravo (replacement questionable) ratings, according to modified United States Public Health Service criteria. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between the tip diameters of the explorers and the Alfa/Bravo boundaries for the horizontal gaps, but not for the vertical steps. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the tip diameter of dental explorers had no significant effect on the detection of vertical steps, but had a significant effect on the detection of horizontal gaps. The diagnosis of restoration marginal discrepancies and the rating of marginal adaptation in clinical trials may subsequently be found to be best achieved using techniques other than the probing of restoration margins.

Dental Instruments↗

PubMed2005

In vitro degradation of polyurethane orthodontic elastomeric modules.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the structural characteristics of orthodontic polyurethane elastomeric modules and their changes produced by mechanical and chemical ageing. Three products were tested (Generation II, Dentaurum, Alastic). For each product four groups of modules were studied under the following conditions: as-received (A(0)); after 3 weeks stretching at 50% elongation in air (B(0)); after 3 weeks immersion in an ethanol/water solution (3:1 v/v) to induce accelerated ageing (A(1)); and after 3 weeks immersion in the ethanol/water solution at 50% elongation, as above (B(1)). The chains and the solution extracts were characterized by micro-MIR FTIR spectroscopy. Specimens of group B(0) exhibited changes in peak intensities relative to the control group (A(0)), attributed to molecular orientation of poly (methylene glycol) soft segments and chain extenders such as butanediol. Moreover, group B(0) showed differences in the omega(CH(2))b peak at 1364 cm(-1), attributed to oxidative degradation of alpha-methylene groups by formation of ester, carboxylic acid or aldehyde groups due to hydrogen abstraction. Comparison of A(1) and B(1) groups with the controls (A(0), B(0)) showed no major differences between their respective spectra, apart from the loss of the 1639 cm(-1) peak attributed to ethylene NN bis (stearamide) wax. However, comparison of the spectra of the extracts from the elongated modules with the extracts of the controls revealed differences in the concentration of alcohol and alkene groups. The structural changes identified were the same in all the products tested and may indicate degradation mechanisms that could potentially hold intraorally.

Elastomers↗

PubMed2005

[Microstructure and mechanical property of a new IPS-Empress 2 dental glass-ceramic].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of a new IPS-Empress 2 dental glass-ceramic. METHODS: AFM, SEM and XRD were used to analyze the microstructure and crystal phase of IPS-Empress 2 glass-ceramic. The flexural strength and fracture toughness were tested using 3-point bending method and indentation method respectively. RESULTS: IPS-Empress 2 glass-ceramic mainly consisted of lithium disilicate crystal, lithium phosphate and glass matrix, which formed a continuous interlocking structure. The crystal phases were not changed before and after hot-pressed treatment. AFM showed nucleating agent particles of different sizes distributed on the highly polished ceramic surface. The strength and fracture toughness were 300 MPa and 3.1 MPam(1/2). CONCLUSION: The high strength and fracture toughness of IPS-Empress 2 glass ceramic are attributed to the fine lithium disilicate crystalline, interlocking microstructure and crack deflection.

Aluminum Silicates↗

PubMed2004

Immediate performance of self-etching versus system adhesives with multiple light-activated restoratives.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of both single and double applications of (Adper Prompt L-Pop) self-etching dental adhesive, when used with three classes of light-activated restorative materials, in comparison to the performance of each restorative system adhesive. Evaluation parameters to be considered for the adhesive systems were (a) immediate marginal adaptation (or gap formation) in tooth cavities, (b) free setting shrinkage-strain determined by the immediate marginal gap-width in a non-bonding Teflon cavity, and (c) their immediate shear bond-strengths to enamel and to dentin. METHODS: The maximum marginal gap-width and the opposing-width (if any) in the tooth cavities and in the Teflon cavities were measured immediately (3 min) after light-activation. The shear bond-strengths to enamel and to dentin were also measured at 3 min. RESULTS: For light-activated restorative materials during early setting (<3 min), application of Adper Prompt L-Pop exhibited generally superior marginal adaptation to most system adhesives. But there was no additional benefit from double application. The marginal-gaps in tooth cavities and the marginal-gaps in Teflon cavities were highly correlated (r = 0.86-0.89, p < 0.02-0.01). For enamel and dentin shear bond-strengths, there were no significant differences between single and double applications, for all materials tested except Toughwell and Z 250 with enamel. SIGNIFICANCE: Single application of a self-etch adhesive was a feasible and beneficial alternative to system adhesives for several classes of restorative. Marginal gap-widths in tooth cavities correlated more strongly with free shrinkage-strain magnitudes than with bond-strengths to tooth structure.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed2004

Marginal and flexural integrity of three classes of luting cement, with early finishing and water storage.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this investigation were to clarify the effects of finishing-time and 24 h water-storage on mechanical properties and marginal adaptation to dentin of seven modern luting cements, representing three chemical types. METHODS: Bistite II, Chemiace II, Compolute, XenoCem, PermaCem, Fuji Cem and Fuji Plus were investigated with specimen sub-groups (N=10) for each property measured. The principal series of experiments was conducted in dentin cavities with interfacial polishing either immediately (3 min) after setting or after 24 h water-storage. After the finishing procedure, the maximum marginal gap width and the opposing width (if any) per cavity were measured microscopically, and summed. Then the overall sum of gap-widths (per group; N=10) was calculated. Marginal gaps were similarly measured in Teflon cavities, together with shear-bond-strengths to dentin and early flexural strengths, moduli and swelling data. RESULTS: For specimen-sets polished immediately after setting, summed marginal gaps of 23-121 microm were observed, for all luting cements except Compolute. A significantly different (p<0.05) result of either no gap or 6-28 microm summed gap-widths occurred in specimens polished after 24 h. For all materials, their shear-bond-strengths, flexural strength and moduli significantly increased after 24 h storage. SIGNIFICANCE: The marginal behavior can be interpreted in terms of the contributions of bonding, shrinkage, swelling and compliance of components, along with compositional features of the cements. With these types of cement it is generally inadvisable to polish the interfacial luting surface immediately after cementing. The polishing procedures should be carried out not less than 24 h later. One resin-cement was able to withstand immediate finishing.

Bicuspid↗

PubMed2004

Resin composite monomers alter MTT and LDH activity of human gingival fibroblasts in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: Substances such as monomers may be released from composite resin systems and may induce adverse effects in biological tissues. The aim of this study is to investigate the cytotoxic concentrations of resin composite monomers on cultures of human gingival fibroblasts. METHODS: A range of dilutions of five resin composite monomers (HEMA, HPMA, DMAEMA, TEGDMA, and Bis-GMA) were added to the culture medium of human gingival fibroblasts for 24 h. Their cytotoxic effects were measured by using two colorimetric functional assays, mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH) assay. The logP values (water/octanol partition) of test monomers were also calculated computationally. RESULTS: Mitochondrial reducing activity assessed with the MTT test was inhibited by all monomers and all the monomers increased the LDH release in a reproducible dose dependent manner. A wide range of TC 50 values (concentrations altering MTT and LDH activity by 50%) (0.32-5.8 mM by MTT assay and 0.36-6.7 mM by LDH assay) was observed. Ranking of composite resin monomer cytotoxicities (TC 50) were similar for both the MTT and LDH assays, (Bis-GMA>TEGDMA>DMAEMA>HPMA >HEMA). However, the MTT assay was found to be more sensitive than the LDH assay, particularly when lower doses of the tested monomers were determined. The ranking of TC 50 concentrations correlated with the calculated logP values. SIGNIFICANCE: Monomers used in dental restorative materials show a variety of toxic effects on gingival fibroblasts. A combination approach using MTT and LDH assays provides valuable information about their toxic effects.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2004

Polymerization shrinkage-strain kinetics of temporary crown and bridge materials.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure the polymerization shrinkage kinetics of four commercially available polymer-based temporary crown and bridge materials, including the effect of ambient temperature. METHODS: Three dimethacrylate-based materials and one monomethacrylate-based material were investigated. The polymerization shrinkage-strains were measured by using the Bonded-disk method with initial specimen temperature at both 23 and 37 degrees C, with values particularly noted at 5, 10, and 120 min after mixing. Five recordings were taken for each material. The progress of the setting reaction and its temperature-dependence were evaluated by the kinetic curves, and net shrinkage and total shrinkage (inclusive of expansion magnitude) of each material were compared by independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Most shrinkage occurred in the first 10 min after mixing although there was an early expansion especially with the monomethacylate in the first 5 min. At 120 min, the net shrinkage-strain at 23 and 37 degrees C of the materials used in this test ranged from 3.54 to 4.13%. The fastest setting dimethacrylate-based material and the monomethacrylate-based material showed higher shrinkage-strain than other materials. No significant differences of net shrinkage-strain were found between 23 and 37 degrees C, but higher shrinkage rates were measured at 37 degrees C than at 23 degrees C. SIGNIFICANCE: The Bonded-disk method is a suitable method for measuring temperature-dependence of shrinkage-strain of polymer-based temporary materials. The dimethacrylate-based materials are preferable to monomethacrylates for temporary restoration as judged by the magnitude of polymerization shrinkage-strain, the majority of which is apparent within 10 min from the start of mixing and may affect the clinical outcome.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2004

Tensile properties of orthodontic elastomeric chains.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the permanent elongation, tensile strength and toughness of elastomeric chains. Two types (open and closed chains, i.e. with and without an intermodular link) of three brands of elastomeric module yielding six groups were included in the study. Specimens with equal numbers of loops were measured and classified into four groups based on their ageing state: (a) as-received; (b) subjected to a 24 hour steady strain in air determined as 50 per cent of original length; (c) exposed intraorally for 24 hours; and (d) retrieved following 3 weeks of intraoral exposure. All specimens were subjected to tensile stress and their behaviour was analysed with three-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test at alpha = 0.05 level of significance, with brand, type (open or closed chains), and treatment variables serving as discriminating variables. Modular geometry or design were found not to have significant effects on elongation, probably due to the substantial variation in chain shape, modular size, and link length among products of the same category. Similarly, no correlation was identified between specimen treatment and the tensile strength of elastomers. The toughness results were not consistent with the group rankings for tensile strength, probably because of variation in the elastic and plastic deformation of specimens upon loading.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2003

In vitro characterization of two laboratory-processed resin composites.

PURPOSE: To compare various characteristics of two new-generation laboratory-processed resin composites (BelleGlass HP/SDS-Kerr and Sinfony/3M-ESPE). The properties evaluated were degree of C=C conversion, microhardness, roughness, biaxial flexural strength and polymerization shrinkage-strain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All specimens were subjected to a first and a second polymerization cycle according to the manufacturers' instructions. The degree of C=C conversion (DC) was recorded on rectangular (3 x 2 x 0.5mm(3)) specimens (n=3) by FT-IR micromultiple internal reflectance spectroscopy immediately after each of the two polymerization cycles. Twenty cylindrical specimens (10 x 2mm(2)) of each material were prepared for surface microhardness (n=10, VHN, 200 g load, 20s) and surface roughness (n=10, Ra) measurements. The biaxial flexural strength and stiffness were determined on disk-shaped (n=8, 15 x 0.7 mm(2)) specimens loaded to fracture at 1 mm/min crosshead speed. The polymerization shrinkage-strain was calculated with the bonded-disk method. All values were statistically analyzed by Student's unpaired t-test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The second polymerization cycle significantly increased the degree of C=C conversion for both materials (p<0.05). BelleGlass HP exhibited significantly higher degree of C=C conversion, surface microhardness, surface roughness, biaxial flexural strength and stiffness values compared to Sinfony (p<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Several differences exist between the materials although both products are recommended for the same clinical applications.

Composite Resins↗

PubMed2003

Photo-polymerization shrinkage-stress kinetics in resin-composites: methods development.

OBJECTIVES: Studies of free shrinkage-strain kinetics on restoratives have begun to multiply. However, there have been fewer investigations of the more difficult problem of concurrent stress-kinetic measurements. The aim was to outline design parameters for a new methodology for this problem, amenable especially to light-cured materials, and to present illustrative results for a range of restorative composites. METHODS: Absolute values of stress measurable for a given material and geometry are dependent upon the stiffness of the measurement system. In an infinitely stiff system, the measured stress would also tend towards infinity. Real teeth and their cavities are not infinitely stiff; they have elastic and visco-elastic compliance. Consequently, it is important that some minimal, but essentially constant compliance be allowed, whatever the final or time-dependent modulus of the material may be. This goal has been realised by measurement of the time-development, for a disk-geometry specimen (phi=10, h approximately 1.0 mm) of stress (S(r)), with a calibrated cantilever beam-geometry load cell. A novel specimen-holder design was used for this purpose, held in a rigid base assembly. Specimen thicknesses (or gap-widths) of 0.8 and 1.2 mm were specifically investigated on four representative resin-composites. Concurrent measurements were made of the end-displacement of the cantilever load cell, relative to a lower glass plate retaining the specimen. RESULTS: Load-calibration of the cantilever load cell gave an end-displacement per unit stress of circa 6 microm/MPa. This compares with literature values for cuspal compliance or displacement of circa 20 microm. Re-normalisation of the stress-data was implemented. This was accomplished assuming Hooke's law behavior at each instant and equivalent to a stiffer system, with a correction (multiplier) factor of 4 on the raw-stress values. For the materials examined, resultant maximum-stress levels determined were circa 5-8 MPa Stress-levels obtained at 1.2mm thickness were slightly higher (11-15%) than the level of stress obtained at 0.8 mm thickness. This is attributable to the greater mass of material undergoing shrinkage at 1.2 mm, offset slightly by the different C-factors. SIGNIFICANCE: The new device is a practical and self-contained system for rapid and accurate measurement of stress-kinetics in photo-polymerising and also self-cure materials.

Calibration↗

PubMed2003

Mercuric chloride: toxicity and apoptosis in a human oligodendroglial cell line MO3.13.

A human-human oligodendroglial cell line MO3.13 was chosen in this study to model the loss of oligodendrocytes that occurs during episodes of multiple sclerosis. The influence of mercuric chloride (HgCl(2)) upon cell viability specifically the mode of cell death, whether by an active apoptotic mechanism or passive necrosis was determined by morphological and biochemical analysis. Mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity MTT assay showed that HgCl(2) had toxic effects on MO3.13 cells at levels of (5-25 microM) with approximately 50% cell death observed at 58 microM. Death of cells was dependent on both time and concentrations of HgCl(2). Differentiated MO3.13 cells exposed to low concentrations (25 microM) of HgCl(2) exhibited features of apoptotic cell death, including cell shrinkage and chromatin condensation. High doses of HgCl(2) (>100 microM) induced death with characteristics of necrosis. Biochemical analysis showed that HgCl(2) activated the caspase family of proteases. This was measured directly by cleavage of fluorescent substrates and by immunoblotting assay of caspase substrate proteins; alpha-fodrin, lamin B and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). These results indicate that HgCl(2) is toxic at low concentrations for oligodendroglial cells and that the MO3.13 cell line dies in an apoptotic manner when exposed to low concentrations of HgCl(2). However, blood mercury concentrations in vivo in a normal population with amalgam restorations are lower by a factor of some 500 times than those causing toxicity in vitro suggesting a good safety margin in respect of environmental uptake.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2003

Multi-technique characterization of retrieved bone cement from revised total hip arthroplasties.

The purpose of this study was to assess the chemical composition, structure and degree of double bond conversion of retrieved bone cement from 29 total hip replacement revision arthroplasties, employing a multi-technique approach. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a porous cement surface, which replicated the characteristics of bone or femoral stem surface irregularities. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the retrieved bone cement samples were covered by a well-organized proteinaceous film rich in amides and alcohols, probably because of the adsorption of species from body tissues and fluids. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry showed the presence of potassium, sodium, calcium and phosphorus, implying the development of a mineralization process of the adsorbed biofilm. X-ray microtomography demonstrated a dense porous network in the bulk material comprised of macropores with a mean diameter >1 mm. FTIR analysis of the degree of double bond conversion of retrieved samples was in the order of 70%, similar to that of samples prepared in vitro in air, but 30% lower relative to their counterparts mixed in vitro and set in water. The effect of the adsorption of species onto bone cement surface on the reactivity of the material with the surrounding tissues and materials, is currently unknown. The results of this investigation reveal that the in vivo aging pattern of bone cements may involve alterations, which cannot be simulated under current in vitro protocols, emphasizing the necessity for adopting in vivo approaches including retrieval studies in assessing bone cement properties.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2003

Quality of marginal adaptation evaluation of posterior composites in clinical trials.

The evaluation of margins of restorations in clinical trials relies on the subjective assessment of evaluators, with no instrument having been developed, let alone validated, to assist in the process. The purpose of the present study was to assess the quality of evaluations of marginal adaptation by analyzing the distribution of marginal steps rated according to clinical criteria. Replicas of 435 restorations, the marginal qualities of which had been evaluated according to modified USPHS criteria, were randomly selected from the Occlusin multi-center clinical trial program. The marginal step height in the most deteriorated area of each restoration was measured by means of a digital step-height instrument. An overlap between the steps in the restorations with A (Alfa; replacement unnecessary) and B (Bravo; replacement questionable) ratings was found to be in the range of 101 microm to 321 microm. When the steps with a height greater or less than one standard deviation of the mean were excluded, the overlap was reduced to a range of 168 micro m to 173 microm. This finding indicates a marginal height boundary between A and B ratings for marginal adaptation of 170 +/- 3 microm.

Chi-Square Distribution↗

PubMed2002

Marginal gap formation of light-activated restorative materials: effects of immediate setting shrinkage and bond strength.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore multiple correlations between shrinkage, bonding and marginal gap parameters, immediately after light-activation, for three classes of restorative materials. The correlations of interest were between: (a) their marginal gap formation in tooth cavities, (b) their free setting shrinkage-strain determined by two different measurement methods ((i) the marginal gap-width in a non-bonding Teflon cavity and (ii) a linear (diametral) measure of shrinkage-strain), and (c) their shear bond strengths to enamel and to dentin. METHODS: The maximum marginal gap width and the opposing width (if any) in the tooth cavity were measured immediately (3 min) after light-activation. Two factors for the setting shrinkage-strain and the shear bond strength to enamel and to dentin were measured concomitantly. RESULTS: Out of the set of restorative materials investigated, those that produced a smaller marginal gap in the tooth cavity had a smaller marginal gap in the Teflon cavity. There was a highly significant correlation between the two parameters (r=0.914, p<0.001). However, no relationship was observed between the marginal gap in the tooth cavity and the immediate diametral shrinkage-strain (p>0.05). Thus the restorative materials that produced a smaller marginal gap in the tooth cavity did not generally have a smaller diametral setting shrinkage-strain. Furthermore, no relationship was observed between the marginal gap in the tooth cavity and the shear bond strength to enamel or to dentin (p>0.50). SIGNIFICANCE: For light-activated restorative materials during the early stage of setting (<5 min), the free shrinkage-strain, measured by marginal-gaps in Teflon cavities, had a greater correlation with immediate marginal-gaps in tooth cavities than either the immediate diametral shrinkage-strain or the bond strengths to the tooth structure.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2001

Intraoral aging of the inner headgear component: a potential biocompatibility concern?

The effect of intraoral aging of biomaterials on the modification of their surface properties has mostly been unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate and characterize surface alterations of retrieved inner face-bow headgear components. Specimens were prepared from 3 areas of retrieved headgear wires: inner-outer face-bow soldered junction, buccal segment, and projection entering the buccal tube. Specimens from as-received headgear wires that matched the brand and size of the retrieved wires were also fabricated; all specimens were then subjected to multitechnique characterization. Optical microscopy revealed extensive biofilm islands of amorphous precipitants and accumulated microcrystalline particles. Micro-multiple internal reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy investigation of the retrieved wire samples demonstrated the presence of a proteinaceous biofilm, the organic constituents of which were mainly amide, alcohol, and carbonate. Scanning electron microscopy and radiographic microanalysis showed that the elemental species precipitated on the material surface were mainly calcium and phosphorus, forming calcium-phosphorus precipitates with thicknesses reaching 300 microm, whereas radiograph fluorescence spectrometry provided evidence of integument calcification through identification of calcium and phosphorus peaks. The clinical implication of the aging pattern that was identified relates to the potential protective role or induction of disintegration by the biofilm adsorbed on the wire that affected the biocompatibility of the alloy. Whereas further investigation is suggested for the clarification of the effect of intraoral aging on ionic release, the results of this study emphasize the necessity for the incorporation of in vivo approaches, including retrieval analyses, in the study of the biologic performance of orthodontic materials.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Use of FT-NIR transmission spectroscopy for the quantitative analysis of an active ingredient in a translucent pharmaceutical topical gel formulation.

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the use of transmission Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy for quantitative analysis of an active ingredient in a translucent gel formulation. Gels were prepared using Carbopol 980 with 0%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% ketoprofen and analyzed with an FT-NIR spectrophotometer operated in the transmission mode. The correlation coefficient of the calibration was 0.9996, and the root mean squared error of calibration was 0.0775%. The percent relative standard deviation for multiple measurements was 0.10%. The results prove that FT-NIR can be a good alternative to other, more time-consuming means of analysis for these types of formulations.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2000

Light intensity effects on resin-composite degree of conversion and shrinkage strain.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the degree of conversion (DC) and shrinkage strain values of two representative resin-composites when irradiated by two light intensity levels, for different time periods. METHODS: The DC of Z100 and Tetric Ceram was measured by FTIR spectroscopy immediately post-cure and shrinkage strain values were obtained continuously for 30 min from photoinitiation with the bonded-disk technique. All samples were photopolymerized at an initial temperature of 23 degrees C with the Elipar Highlight unit under the following modes of variable light intensity (I) 40 s at 750 mW/cm2; (II) a two-step 'soft-start' irradiation mode of 10 s at 200 mW/cm2 plus 30 s at 750 mW/cm2; (III) 40 s at 200 mW/cm2; and (IV) 10 s at 200 mW/cm2. Temperature effects of the light and curing exotherm were not eliminated. RESULTS: Mode II of irradiation did not reduce the DC for each material, relative to the values obtained with mode I (p > 0.05). The corresponding shrinkage strain values after 30 min were also not significantly different (p > 0.05). However, the effects of reduced light intensity levels for 10 s and 40 s (modes III and IV), were in agreement with previous findings implying reduced shrinkage strain levels. For both resin composites, data from all curing times and light-intensities gave a linear regression relationship (with r2 > 0.99) between the bonded-risk shrinkage strain versus DC values. SIGNIFICANCE: For the materials and light-intensities studied, the correlation between DC and shrinkage strain values means that some reductions in the problems of shrinkage may be achieved by an acceptable reduction in DC. However, this must also be consistent with generating adequate curing performance in the resin-network. Nevertheless, DC is not the exclusive parameter describing network character and a fuller understanding of the latter is an important research goal.

Analysis of Variance↗