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PubMed2003

Continuous-fiber preform reinforcement of dental resin composite restorations.

OBJECTIVES: Direct-filling resin composites are used in relatively small restorations and are not recommended for large restorations with severe occlusal-stresses. The aim of this study was to reinforce composites with fiber preforms, and to investigate the effects of layer thickness and configurations on composite properties. It was hypothesized that fiber preforms would significantly increase the composite's flexural strength, work-of-fracture (toughness) and elastic modulus. METHODS: Glass fibers were silanized, impregnated with a resin, cured, and cut to form inserts for tooth cavity restorations. Also fabricated were three groups of specimens of 2mm x 2mm x 25 mm: a fiber preform rod in the center of a hybrid composite; a thin fiber layer on the tensile side of the specimens; and a thin fiber layer sandwiched in between layers of a hybrid composite. These specimens were tested in three-point flexure to measure strength, work-of-fracture and modulus. Optical and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the restorations and the fiber distributions. RESULTS: Microscopic examinations of insert-filled tooth cavities showed that the fibers were relatively uniform in distribution within the preform, and the inserts were well bonded with the surrounding hybrid composite. Specimens consisting of a fiber preform rod in the center of a hybrid composite had a flexural strength (mean (SD); n=6) of 313 (19)MPa, significantly higher than 120 (16)MPa of the hybrid composite without fibers (Tukey's at family confidence of 0.95). The work-of-fracture was increased by nearly seven times, and the modulus was doubled, due to fiber preform reinforcement. Similar improvements were obtained for the other two groups of specimens. SIGNIFICANCE: Substantial improvements in flexural strength, toughness and stiffness were achieved for dental resin composites reinforced with fiber preforms. The method of embedding a fiber preform insert imparts superior reinforcement to restorations and should improve the performance of direct-filling resin composites in large restorations with high occlusal-loads.

Composite Resins↗
PubMed2003

Polymerization of resin composite restorative materials: exposure reciprocity.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether there is reciprocity between irradiation time and irradiance with regard to the mechanical properties of filled, resin composite restorative materials (RCs). METHODS: Four visible light-cured RCs, all of shade A3, were used: Heliomolar Radiopaque (HR) and Tetric Ceram (TC) (Ivoclar, Schaan, Liechtenstein), Filtek Z250 (FZ) (3M, St Paul, MN, USA) and Prodigy condensable (PR) (Kerr, Orange, CA, USA). Bar specimens (1.0 x 1.5 x 16.0 mm(3)) were cured at irradiances (I) ranging from 25-1500 mW/cm(2) and irradiation times (t) of 1-3000 s. Six specimens at 250 combinations of t and I were prepared and stored in artificial saliva of pH 6, at 37 degrees C for 7d before performing three-point bend tests for flexural strength (F), flexural modulus (E) and total energy to failure (W). Contour plots of property value vs. t and I on log scales were prepared. RESULTS: The contour plots showed three regions: unset at low I.t, a plateau corresponding to more or less full property development, and connecting ramp. The boundary between the plateau and the ramp suggests the minimum acceptable exposure. No practical lower limit to irradiance was detected, but there may be no benefit from increasing I beyond about 1,000 mW/cm(2). The slopes of the contours in the log-log plots provided a test of the hypothesis of reciprocity. These slopes were approximately -1.5 for HR, TC and PR; and approximately -1 for FZ, compared with the expected value of -1. The general hypothesis therefore fails. The existence of localized maxima in property values is further evidence of that failure, even for FZ. SIGNIFICANCE: Dentists may use any lamp, including LED sources, and attain satisfactory results providing irradiation time is long enough. Manufacturers ought to supply a graph indicating the minimum acceptable exposure for each product for specified curing lamps. Calculations based on total energy delivered to guide irradiation protocols are invalid and do not recognize product behavior.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2003

Strengthening effect of aluminum fluoride added to resin composites based on polyacid-containing polymer.

OBJECTIVES: The study investigates the possible strengthening effect of aluminum ions liberated during long-time water storage of experimental resin composites containing a polymer with carboxylic acid groups. METHODS: The organic part of the resin composites was formed by photopolymerization of methacrylate monomers. The monomer mixture was composed of UEDMA, HEMA or TEGDMA, and 0-40 mol% HEMAN (the adduct of HEMA and maleic anhydride). The filler part of the resin composites consisted of a conventional silanated glass filler and 1 or 5 wt% of AlF3 x 3H2O. The rupture strength and bending modulus were measured without water storage and after 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years of water storage at 37 degrees C of the resin composite. RESULTS: The experimental composites that had been stored in water had lower rupture strength and modulus than the composites that were tested without water storage. Specimens containing 30 or 40 mol% HEMAN increased in strength, and specimens containing 20, 30, or 40 mol% HEMAN increased in modulus during the period of water storage. Depending on composition, values for strength and modulus obtained after 3 years of water storage was up to 50% higher than the values obtained after 1 month. SIGNIFICANCE: The strengthening effect of aluminum fluoride may be interpreted as the result of increased crosslinking by aluminum ions and carboxylate groups. The results may serve as a basis for the improvement of the mechanical properties of polyacid-modified resin composites.

Aluminum Compounds↗
PubMed2003

Mechanism of strength increase for a hydrothermal porcelain.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to verify the formation of a hydrolyzed surface layer on Duceram LFC, to determine the effects of such a layer on mechanical material properties, and to identify a specific mechanism responsible for any strength increase observed. METHODS: Specimens were fabricated from dentin porcelain by a vibration blotting technique and were prepared to have either blunt or sharp surface flaws. Half of the specimens underwent accelerated aging. Specimens were fractured in three-point flexure to measure their strength, and fractographic analysis was used to determine fracture toughness and residual surface stress. Surface hardness and elastic modulus were measured using a microindentation method. Porcelain surface topography was examined using atomic force microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine the composition of the surface layer. RESULTS: The aging treatment modified the porcelain surface topography but did not create a layer with increased hydroxyl ion content. Porcelain strength increased upon aging, and the increase was proportional to initial flaw severity. The apparent fracture toughness of sharp flaw specimens increased to match that for specimens containing blunt flaws upon aging. Surface hardness and elastic modulus decreased upon aging. SIGNIFICANCE: Previous studies on the strength increase of hydrothermal porcelain were contradictory because a variety of specimen preparation procedures were used. This study resolves the apparent contradiction by determining the effect of specimen preparation on material strength.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2003

Mechanical property characterization of resin cement after aqueous aging with and without cyclic loading.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine changes in flexural properties of resin cement under cyclic loading and aqueous aging. METHODS: Panavia F flexural modulus and strength were measured by static loading to failure after 48-h, 31-d, and 60-d aqueous aging at 37 degrees C with and without cyclic loading at clinical stress levels. Six specimens were used for each experimental condition. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used to characterize the morphology of the fractured surfaces to potentially identify resin cement components particularly susceptible to degradation under simulated clinical function. RESULTS: A two-factor ANOVA (p< or =0.05) and Least Significant Difference post hoc test indicated that cyclic loading produced a significant increase in the flexural modulus with no significant effect on the flexural strength. In contrast, aqueous aging time produced a significant decrease in flexural strength with no effect on the flexural modulus. The SEM fracture analysis indicated that resin matrix fracture occurred in static-aqueous specimens; while in the aqueous-cycled specimens, resin matrix fracture occurred in addition to an increasing proportion of filler/resin interface fracture as a result of both increased aqueous aging and increased flexural cycles. SIGNIFICANCE: Evidence suggests that after aqueous aging with cyclic loading to simulate resin cement clinical function, initial degradation may be related to breakdown of the filler/resin interface bond. Such breakdown is potentially reflective of slow crack propagation that may contribute to in vivo resin cement cohesive failure.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2003

Weibull analysis and flexural strength of hot-pressed core and veneered ceramic structures.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the Weibull moduli of single- and multilayer ceramics are controlled primarily by the structural reliability of the core ceramic.Methods. Seven groups of 20 bar specimens (25 x 4 x 1.2 mm) were made from the following materials: (1) IPS Empress--a hot-pressed (HP) leucite-based core ceramic; (2) IPS Empress2--a HP lithia-based core ceramic; (3 and 7) Evision--a HP lithia-based core ceramic (ES); (4) IPS Empress2 body--a glass veneer; (5) ES (1.1 mm thick) plus a glaze layer (0.1 mm); and (6) ES (0.8 mm thick) plus veneer (0.3 mm) and glaze (0.1 mm). Each specimen was subjected to four-point flexure loading at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min while immersed in distilled water at 37 degrees C, except for Group 7 that was tested in a dry environment. Failure loads were recorded and the fracture surfaces were examined using SEM. ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the mean flexural strength values of Groups 2, 3, 5, and 6 or between Groups 1 and 4 (p>0.05). However, significant differences were found for dry (Group 7) and wet (Groups 1-6) conditions. Glazing had no significant effect on the flexural strength or Weibull modulus. The strength and Weibull modulus of the ES ceramic were similar to those of Groups 5 and 6. SIGNIFICANCE: The structural reliability of veneered core ceramic is controlled primarily by that of the core ceramic.

Aluminum Silicates↗
PubMed2003

The effect of thermal cycling on the bond strength of low-fusing porcelain to commercially pure titanium and titanium-aluminium-vanadium alloy.

OBJECTIVES: Titanium-ceramic restorations are currently used in spite of the pending problem of titanium-ceramic bonding, which has only been partially solved. In addition, some titanium-ceramic systems appear to be susceptible to thermal cycling, which can cause weaker bond strength. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bonding characteristics of titanium porcelain bonded to commercially pure titanium (Ti-Cp) or titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy as well as the effect of thermal cycling on bond strength. METHODS: A three-point-flexure-test was used to evaluate the bond strength of titanium porcelain bonded to commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy according to DIN 13.927. To evaluate the effect of thermal cycling on the samples, half were thermal cycled in temperatures ranging from 4 degrees C (+/-2 degrees C) to 55 degrees C (+/-2 degrees C). Results were compared with palladium-silver (Pd-Ag) alloy bonded to conventional porcelain (control). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photomicrographs were taken to characterize the failed surfaces in the metal-ceramic interface. Anova and Tukey's multiple comparison tests were used to analyze the data at a 5% probability level. RESULTS: Thermal cycling did not significantly weaken the bond strength of porcelain to titanium interfaces. There was no significant difference in bond strength between commercially pure titanium (23.60 MPa for thermal cycled group and 24.99 MPa for non-thermal cycled group) and Ti-6Al-4V groups (24.98 and 25.60 MPa for thermal cycled and non-thermal cycled groups, respectively). Bond strength values for the control group (47.98 and 45.30 MPa, respectively) were significantly greater than those for commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V combinations. SIGNIFICANCE: The bond strength of low fusing porcelain bonded to cast pure titanium or Ti-6Al-4V alloy was significantly lower than the conventional combination of porcelain-Pd-Ag alloy. Thermal cycling did not affect the bond strength of any group.

Alloys↗
PubMed2003

Properties of elastomeric calcium phosphate cement-chitosan composites.

OBJECTIVE: Self-hardening calcium phosphate cements (CPC) have been shown to be efficacious in a number of clinical applications. For some applications it is desirable to have CPC in a non-rigid resorbable elastomeric matrix. In the present study, chitosan was evaluated as the matrix for preparing CPC-chitosan composites. METHODS: Cement specimens were prepared by mixing CPC powder (an equimolar mixture of tetracalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous) with a chitosan solution at a powder/liquid ratio of 2-2.5. The setting time was measured by a Gilmore needle method. A standard three-point flexural test was used to fracture the specimens at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis was used to determine the conversion of the CPC to hydroxyapatite. RESULTS: The CPC-chitosan composites were more stable in water than conventional CPC. They did not disintegrate even when placed in water immediately after mixing. The CPC-chitosan paste hardened within 10 min in all cases. The 1d mean flexural modulus (GPa) for the control CPC was 5.3 (0.3) (mean (standard deviation); n=5), and that for CPC-chitosan composites were between 2.7 (0.3) and 4.7 (0.3). The 1d mean flexural strength (MPa) for the control was 16.6 (1.9), and that for the CPC-chitosan ranged from 4.5 (0.5) and 12.0 (1.0) (n=5). Chitosan did not interfere the conversion of CPC components to hydroxyapatite. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that CPC-chitosan composites are stable in a wet environment and have acceptable mechanical strengths for clinical applications.

Biocompatible Materials↗
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

Flexural properties of fiber reinforced root canal posts.

OBJECTIVES: Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) root canal posts have been introduced to be used instead of metal alloys and ceramics. The aim of this study was to investigate the flexural properties of different types of FRC posts and compare those values with a novel FRC material for dental applications. METHODS: Seventeen different FRC posts of various brands (Snowpost, Carbopost, Parapost, C-post, Glassix, Carbonite) and diameters, (1.0-2.1 mm) and a continuous unidirectional E-glass FRC polymerized by light activation to a cylindrical form (everStick, diameter 1.5 mm) as a control material were tested. The posts (n=5) were stored at room's humidity or thermocycled (12.000 x, 5 degrees C/55 degrees C) and stored in water for 2 weeks before testing. A three-point bending test (span=10 mm) was used to measure the flexural strength and modulus of FRC post specimens. RESULTS: Analysis of ANOVA revealed that thermocycling, brand of material and diameter of specimen had a significant effect (p<0.001) on the fracture load and flexural strength. The highest flexural strength was obtained with the control material (everStick, 1144.9+/-99.9 MPa). There was a linear relationship between fracture load and diameter of posts for both glass fiber and carbon fiber posts. Thermocycling decreased the flexural modulus of the tested specimens by approximately 10%. Strength and fracture load decreased approximately 18% as a result of thermocycling. SIGNIFICANCE: Considerable variation can be found in the calculated strength values of the studied post brands. Commercial prefabricated FRC posts showed lower flexural properties than an individually polymerised FRC material.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2004

Determining the slow crack growth parameter and Weibull two-parameter estimates of bilaminate disks by constant displacement-rate flexural testing.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the influence of displacement-rate and relative layer heights (RLH) on the slow crack growth exponent and Weibull two-parameter estimates of bilayered ceramic composite disks composed of In-Ceram Alumina and Vitadur Alpha porcelain. METHODS: Equibiaxial disks were fabricated with RLH of 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1, for In-Ceram Alumina and Vitadur Alpha porcelain, respectively. Ninety specimens each (30 1:2, 30 1:1, and 30 2:1) were tested in an equibiaxial ring-on-ring testing apparatus at displacement-rates of 0.127, 1.27 and 12.7 mm min(-1). RESULTS: Weibull parameters were statistically significantly affected by changes in RLH at a constant displacement-rate and the slow crack growth parameters were significantly affected by RLH. Many specimens exhibited nonbrittle failure modes. Nonbrittle failures usually exhibited a fall, followed by a rise in load prior to catastrophic failure, and most occurred in specimens with thicker cores at low displacement-rates. SIGNIFICANCE: Geometries of layered materials may affect their reliability and longevity.

Aluminum Oxide↗
PubMed2004

Morphology and properties of denture acrylic resins cured by microwave energy and conventional water bath.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the influence of microwave energy levels on the morphology and properties of an impact resistant denture material poly(methyl methacrylate) with a thickness of 10 mm. METHODS: A microwave flask containing two resin blocks was processed at 80, 160, 240, and 560 W for 15, 10, 7, and 2 min, separately. Each Flask was then turned over, and cured for an additional 2 min at 560 W. The process using conventional methods was carried out at 70 degrees C for 9 h. The blocks were tested for hardness, porosity, flexural properties, solubility, and molecular weight. The morphology of the specimens after staining with osmium tetroxide was examined by transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: The changes in temperature with time were recorded during microwave heating at 80, 160, and 240 W, respectively. A significantly large difference in the curing temperature was observed when comparing these two processing methods. There was little difference in the mean values of surface hardness and the weight percent of the insoluble parts. The mean domain size and the volume fraction of the rubber phase favor of the water-bath method. However, the porosity in the water-bath-cured specimens was much less than that in the microwave-cured specimens. Thus, the conventionally cured specimens showed better flexural strength and flexural modulus than the microwave-cured specimens. SIGNIFICANCE: This study has shown that microwave energy can efficiently polymerize denture base polymer. Highly statistical differences in morphology and flexural properties favor of the water-bath method. Choice of a suitable microwave power and polymerization time is important in order to reduce porosity to a minimum level and increase the domain size and volume of the rubber phase.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2004

The influence of interfacial surface roughness on bilayered ceramic specimen performance.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to assess the influence of interfacial surface roughness on the performance of bilayered ceramic composite disc-shaped specimens. METHODS: Specific surface flaw distributions were introduced to a series of standard aluminous core porcelain disc specimens (12 mm diameter, 1.7 mm thickness) prior to bilayering with dentin porcelain. Mean flexure strengths, standard deviations and associated Weibull moduli (m) were determined using bi-axial flexure (ball-on-ring) for each series of 30 bilayered specimens. RESULTS: The mean bi-axial fracture strengths of bilayered specimens resulted in significant differences between specimen groups with the smoothest interfacial roughness recording the highest strength and fracture strength reliability. Specimen delamination was identified in five of the bilayered group with the smoothest interfacial roughness compared with no specimen delaminations in the rougher interface groups. However, fracture occurred in the weaker dentin layer rather than along the interface between the dentin and core porcelain for specimens in these rougher interface groups. CONCLUSIONS: A smoother interfacial surface roughness resulted in increased performance, namely increased strength and reliability amongst the bilayered dental ceramic composite specimens examined in the current investigation. The incidence of complete or partial delamination of the reinforcing core and aesthetic dentin was increased for these specimens since the reduced tortuosity of the interface between porcelain layers fails to restrict propagation of a crack front along the interface.

Aluminum↗
PubMed2004

Mechanical properties of commercial high strength ceramic core materials.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to evaluate and compare the flexural strength, dynamic elastic moduli and true hardness (H(o)) values of commercial Vita In-Ceram alumina core and Vita In-Ceram matrix glass with the standard aluminous porcelain (Hi-Ceram and Vitadur), Vitadur N and Dicor glass and glass-ceramic. METHODS: The flexural strength was evaluated (n=5) using 3-point loading and a servo hydraulic Instron testing machine at a cross head speed of 0.5 mm/min. The density of the specimens (n=3) was measured by means of the water displacement technique. Dynamic Young's shear and bulk moduli and Poisson's ratio (n=3) were measured using a non-destructive ultrasonic technique using 10 MHz lithium niobate crystals. The true hardness (n=3) was measured using a Knoop indenter and the fracture toughness (n=3) was determined using a Vickers indenter and a Tukon hardness tester. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using ANOVA and a Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) rank order multiple comparative test. RESULTS: The SNK rank order test analysis of the mean flexural strength was able to separate five commercial core materials into three significant groups at p=0.05. Vita In-Ceram alumina and IPS Empress 2 exhibited significantly higher flexural strength than aluminous porcelains and IPS Empress at p=0.05. The dynamic elastic moduli and true hardness of Vita In-Ceram alumina core were significantly higher than the rest of the commercial ceramic core materials at p=0.05. SIGNIFICANCE: The ultrasonic test method is a valuable mechanical characterization tool and was able to statistically discriminate between the chemical and structural differences within dental ceramic materials. Significant correlation was obtained between the dynamic Young's modulus and true hardness, p=0.05.

Aluminum Oxide↗
PubMed2004

Heat-pressed ionomer glass-ceramics. Part II. Mechanical property evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: A series of ionomer glasses based on the formula: 4.5SiO2-1.5P2O5-(X)Al2O3-4.5CaO-0.5CaF2, were investigated where X was varied from 3.0 to 1.5 in order to develop heat pressable dental ceramics. METHODS: The glasses were heat-pressed and then subjected to different heat-treatment cycles. The mechanical properties of the glass-ceramics were investigated, specimens were tested for hardness, fracture toughness (indentation method) and flexural strength (biaxial method). RESULTS: Good mechanical properties were obtained for heat-treatments at lower temperatures (i.e. 1150 degrees C). At intermediate heat-treatment temperatures the glass-ceramics were highly crystalline which did not favor the mechanical properties. There appears to be an inverse relationship between fracture toughness and flexural strength. High fracture toughness values of 2.7 (0.4) MPam0.5 were produced for the X = 2.8 glass heat-treated for 8 h at 1150 degrees C, the flexural strength was lowest for this heat-treatment. High flexural strengths of 194.4 (75.0) MPa were obtained by heat-treating the same glass for 1 h at 1150 degrees C. Increasing the hold time increases crystal size thereby increasing the extent of microcracking in the glass-ceramic thus lowering the flexural strength. Microcracks appear to increase the fracture toughness of the glass-ceramics probably by a crack termination mechanism. SIGNIFICANCE: Good flexural strength and high fracture toughness are attainable in this system, but appear to be mutually exclusive in the materials studied. With further investigation this system could provide clinically useful materials.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2004

The influence of cement lute, thermocycling and surface preparation on the strength of a porcelain laminate veneering material.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of thermocycling on the development of surface flaws on the cemented surfaces of PLV restorations prepared by acid-etching or alumina (Al2O3) abrasion. METHODS: Sets of 30 Vitadur-alpha dentin porcelain discs (15 mm diameter, 0.9 mm thickness) were prepared by either abrading with 50 microm Al2O3 or hydrofluoric (HF) acid-etching. Further specimen series were coated with a resin luting cement prior to thermocycling to simulate the conditions encountered 'in service'. Mean fracture strengths, standard deviations and associated Weibull moduli (m) were determined using bi-axial fracture (ball-on-ring). RESULTS: The two-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between the mean strength values of the porcelain specimens abraded with 50 microm Al2O3 compared with the higher strength HF acid-etched specimens. Significant differences were also identified in the mean fracture strength data for the abraded cemented and acid-etched cemented groups with the abraded groups recording the highest strength levels. SIGNIFICANCE: Composite resin polymerisation shrinkage may help to strengthen porcelain surfaces by imposing a compressive stress on the porcelain surface. However, the strength of the HF etched cemented groups when bonded to composite resin were weaker than abraded specimens. Etching the porcelain does not only provide the necessary surface roughness conducive to mechanical interlocking but would appear to have a weakening effect on the porcelain surfaces.

Aluminum Oxide↗
PubMed2004

Acoustic emission analysis of fiber-reinforced composite in flexural testing.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the emission of acoustic signals from six commercially available fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) used in the frameworks of fixed partial dentures in material bending. METHODS: FRC test specimens were made of six commercially available fiber products of polyethylene or glass and five light-curing resins. FRC test specimens were polymerized with a hand light-curing unit or with a light-curing oven. The flexural test for determination of ultimate flexural strength of test specimens (n = 6) was based on the ISO 10477 standard after the specimens were stored in air or in water for two weeks. The acoustic emission (AE) signals were monitored during three-point loading test of the test specimens using a test with increasing loading levels until the specimens fractured. RESULTS: Generally, stress level required for the AE activity initiation ranged from 107 MPa (Ribbond) to 579 MPa (everStick). The ultimate flexural strength of FRC specimens were higher, ranging from 132 to 764 MPa, being highest with everStick and Vectris FRC, and lowest with Ribbond FRC. ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference between the initiation of AE activity and the ultimate flexural strength according to the brand (p < 0.001) storing conditions (p < 0.001) and polymerization procedure (p < 0.001). AE activity and ultimate flexural strength correlated significantly (p < 0.010, r = 0.887). SIGNIFICANCE: The result of this study suggested that AE activity in FRC specimens started at a 19-32% lower stress level than occurred at final fracture.

Acoustics↗
PubMed2004

Effect of energy density on properties and marginal integrity of posterior resin composite restorations.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the minimal extent of cure required by the base of a Class 2 resin composite restoration (Z250, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) that allows it to support the rest of the restoration and maintain its marginal seal under simulated clinical conditions. METHODS: Resin composite (Z250, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) was placed incrementally or in bulk into Class 2 preparations in extracted human molar teeth and exposed to various light-curing energy densities. The restorations were subjected to 1000 thermal cycles (5-55 degrees C) and 500,000 fatigue cycles from 18 to 85 N using a stainless-steel sphere. Marginal integrity was evaluated using visual rating (ridit analysis) and microleakage. Degree of conversion (DC) and Knoop hardness (KHN) were determined at the occlusal and gingival surfaces using a reusable tooth template with identical preparation dimensions. Percentage of maximum DC and KHN were determined. Mechanical properties were tested in resin composite bars having similar KHN values as the resin composite at the gingival margins. RESULTS: Energy density had a significant effect on gingival marginal defects as determined by ridit analysis but not on microleakage. Water had a significant dissolving effect on gingival margin integrity at very low degrees of conversion and energy densities (4000 mJ/cm2). There was no overall significant effect of thermal-mechanical stressing on gingival marginal defects or microleakage. SIGNIFICANCE: Based on ridit analysis, a recommended lower limit of gingival margin acceptability in the bulk-filled Z250 resin composite restoration was created by 80% of maximum conversion, 73% of maximum hardness and approximately 70% of maximum flexural strength and modulus in the gingival marginal area.

Analysis of Variance↗