Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Pliability”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,081 records · Page 60Linked to original sources

Contributing factors of mandibular deformation during mouth opening.

OBJECTIVES: A decrease in mandibular arch width during forced opening has been documented. However, the contributing factors of mandibular deformations are still unclear. This study investigated the mandibular deformation during mouth opening, and searched for contributing factors related to this phenomenon. METHODS: Sixty-two dental students volunteered for this study. A linear variable differential transducer (LVDT) was cemented on the mandibular first molars to record mandibular deformation during mouth opening. Proposed factors including geometric factors of the mandible such as lower gonial angle, mandibular length, symphyseal width and height were measured from cephalometric analysis. Densitometric analysis was performed to detect symphyseal area and bone density. RESULTS: The changes in width between the mandibular first molars ranged from 20 to 437 microm, which was negatively correlated to the symphyseal width, area, and bone density. Where the lower gonial angle had a positive influence, the arch width changed during mouth opening. A multifactorial model showed a significant correlation between the set of predictor variables (symphyseal area, bone density, and mandibular length) and mandibular deformation. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular arch width narrowed during forced opening. Subjects with smaller symphysis, lower bone density and longer mandible tend to have larger arch width changes.

Adult↗

Reinforcement effect of short glass fibers with CaO- P(2)O(5) -SiO(2) -Al(2)O(3) glass on strength of glass-ionomer cement.

OBJECTIVES: A high strength glass-ionomer (not resin-modified) cement was developed using short fibers of CaO--P(2)O(5)--SiO(2)--Al(2)O(3) (CPSA) glass. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of the CPSA short fibers contained in the flexural strength of the glass-ionomer cement. METHOD: The 40 mass% short fibers of CPSA glass were added to the powder of commercial glass-ionomer cement. Beam specimens of set cement (25 x 2 x 2 mm) were prepared for measuring the flexural strength (FS). The specimens of set commercial glass-ionomer cement (GI) were used for comparison with glass ionomer cement with CPSA (FRGI). Half of all specimens were thermocycled in water for 60s of dwell time at 4 and 60 degrees C for 2500, 5000, and 10,000 cycles. The other specimens were stored in water at 37 degrees C as a control. The measurements were statistically analyzed using ANOVA. RESULTS: The initial FS of FRGI was 18.1 and that of GI was 7.7 MPa. After thermocycling, the mean FS ranged from 19.3 to 26.3 MPa and 9.8 to 11.1 MPa for FRGI and GI, respectively. After storage in water, the mean FS of FRGI and GI ranged from 20.4 to 25.9 MPa and 9.4 to 10.1 MPa, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that glass-ionomer cement reinforced with CPSA short fibers maintains a higher strength than the conventional cement after aging.

Analysis of Variance↗

An evaluation of the technique sensitivity of a hydrothermal low-fusing dental ceramic.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the technique sensitivity in the manipulation of Duceram Low-Fusing Ceramic, a hydrothermal dental veneering material by employing bi-axial flexure tests. METHODS: Disc shaped specimens of Duceram-LFC dentine powder were condensed from varying powder contents manipulated with 0.33 ml of liquid. Bi-axial flexure (ball-on-ring) testing was employed to determine the mean bi-axial flexure strength, standard deviations and Weibull modulus (m). Apparent solid density and apparent porosity were also measured. RESULTS: Mean bi-axial flexure strengths and standard deviations of specimens condensed from 0.82 g of powder were 66.47 and 9.62MPa (m=7.23, 1.32) compared with 59.12 and 13.62 MPa (m=4.19, 0.77) and 63.91 and 14.51MPa (m=4.46, 0.81) for powder contents of 0.78 and 0.86 g, respectively. A decrease in apparent solid density and an increase in apparent porosity were also associated with increasing or decreasing the powder content of slurry consistencies. CONCLUSIONS: A slurry consistency was identified for Duceram-LFC specimens where the reliability of fracture strength data increased. The technique sensitivity in the manipulation of Duceram-LFC would appear to be confirmed due to the relatively small amount of powder required to complete the transition from a 'fluid' to a 'thick' slurry consistency compared with a conventional veneering dental porcelain.

Analysis of Variance↗

Flexural creep deformation and recovery in dental composites.

OBJECTIVES: Three different popular composite resin systems for dental restorative applications are microfilled, minifilled and midifilled types in which deformation under stress and recovery after stress removal may be strongly influenced by filler parameters and resin formulation. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate these differences in selected composite resins. MATERIALS: Three composites, Clearfil (midifill), Charisma (minifill) and Durafill (microfill), were evaluated. Elastic, viscoelastic and viscous deformation of the composites under a constant stress and the subsequent recovery on removal of stress were measured. Dynamical mechanical properties of these materials were also characterized. RESULTS: The mean values (and SD) of elastic, viscoelastic and viscous components of overall deformation (mm), respectively, under a constant stress of 45(5)KPa were as follows: Clearfil, 0.17(0.03), 0.06(0.02), 0.03(0.05); Charisma, 0.34(0.1), 0.09(0.04), 0.14(0.03); Durafill, 0.68(0.06), 0.14(0.03), 0.23(0.03) The results show that there are significant differences (P<0.0001) between the different composite resins in the elastic, viscoelastic and viscous segments of deformation. The microfilled system deformed significantly more than the minifilled, and the minifilled system more than the midifilled. Storage modulus values evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis were also significantly different (P<0.0001). The observed differences were readily explained by the differences in the type and volume fraction of the filler content in the composites. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in time dependent deformation and recovery as well as dynamic mechanical properties of dental composites were strongly influenced by filler parameter differences. The clinical performance of restorations may be strongly influenced by the observed differences.

Analysis of Variance↗

The effect of surface roughness on the flexure strength of an alumina reinforced all-ceramic crown material.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to assess the contribution of surface defects to early failures. Specific surface flaw distributions were introduced to a series of nominally identical standard disc shaped specimens to assess the contribution of surface flaws to early failures rather than depending on average fracture strengths that cannot be used reliably as a design parameter for brittle all-ceramic crown materials. METHODS: Sets of 30 Vitadur-Alpha core porcelain discs (15mm diameter, 1.7mm thickness) were ground on silicon carbide abrasive paper to induce specific surface flaw distributions to a series of nominally identical standard disc shaped specimens. Mean flexure strengths, standard deviations and associated Weibull moduli (m) were determined using bi-axial flexure (ball-on-ring). RESULTS: A significant increase in mean bi-axial flexure strength and associated Weibull modulus was identified for the "fine" compared with the "coarser" ground nominally identical disc shaped specimens. A reduction in the degree of coarseness of the fit surface of specimens led to an increase in the mean bi-axial flexure strength compared with a control group of samples and therefore an associated increase in the survival probability at low strength levels. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a relevant testing method (bi-axial flexure) combined with the Weibull analysis as a method of predicting survival rates from the strength data could aid in identifying the failure mechanisms involved in crown fracture. This would result in an improved validation of the strength data rather than depending on the average fracture strength that cannot be used reliably as a design parameter for brittle all-ceramic crown materials.

Algorithms↗

The effect of veneering and heat treatment on the flexural strength of Empress 2 ceramics.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to test and compare the biaxial flexural strength and reliability of Empress 2 ceramics after heat treatment and the addition of the veneering material and to characterise their microstructures. METHODS: Forty disc specimens (2 x 14 mm) and forty disc specimens (1 x 14 mm) were produced by heat pressing in the EP 500 press furnace. Group 1 (2 x 14 mm Empress 2 core) was as heat pressed and group 2 (2 x 14 mm Empress 2 core) was subjected to the recommended firing cycles. Groups 3 and 4 (1 x 14 mm Empress 2 core) were veneered with the dentine material and heat-treated as per group 2. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were lapped to 800 grit silicon carbide paper on the compressive surface only and group 4 on both the compressive and tensile test surfaces. Twenty disc specimens per group were tested using the biaxial flexure test at a crosshead speed of 0.15 mm/min. Specimens were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and secondary electron imaging (SEM). RESULTS: Mean biaxial flexural strengths (MPa+/-SD) were group 1: 265.5+/-25.7; group 2: 251.3+/-30.2; group 3: 258.6+/-21.4 and group 4: 308.6+/-37.7. There was no statistical difference between groups 1, 2 and 3 (p>0.05), but differences for group 4 (p<0.05). XRD and SEM revealed lithium disilicate and lithium orthophosphate in the Empress 2 core material and an amorphous glass and some evidence of a crystalline phase in the dentine material. CONCLUSIONS; Veneering or heat treatment of Empress 2 ceramics did not significantly affect the mean biaxial flexural strength (p>0.05) or reliability. Surface modification of the Empress 2 core material increased the mean biaxial flexural strength (p<0.05).

Carbon Compounds, Inorganic↗

The influence of functional forces on the biomechanics of implant-supported prostheses--a review.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate published evidence related to the influence of functional forces on the biomechanics of implant-supported prostheses. DATA AND SOURCES: The literature was searched for original research articles relating control of loads on dental implants, effects of early and late occlusal loads, the influence of bone quality, prosthesis type, prosthesis material, number of supporting implants, and engineering techniques employed for evaluating mechanical and biomechanical behavior of implants using MEDLINE and manual tracing of references cited in key papers otherwise not elicited. STUDY SELECTION: Current literature on implant biomechanics as main focus and pertinent to key aspects of the review. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of implant treatment is often maximized when implants are placed in dense bone, number of supporting implants are increased, implant placement configuration reduces the effects of bending moments, and when a fixed prosthesis is delivered to the patient.

Animals↗

Fracture toughness and hardness evaluation of three pressable all-ceramic dental materials.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the fracture toughness and hardness of three pressable all-ceramic materials: IPS-Empress, Empress 2 and an experimental ceramic material. METHODS: Fifteen discs and 15 bars per material were prepared. Fracture toughness was measured with two different techniques: indentation fracture and indentation strength. During the indentation fracture tests the hardness of each material was also measured. Statistical significance among groups of population was studied using one-way Anova and Tukey's multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: Fracture toughness results using the indentation strength technique (with three-point bending and biaxial flexure tests) were: IPS-Empress (1.39 (SD 0.3) and 1.32 (SD 0.3)); Empress 2 (3.14 (SD 0.5) and 2.50 (SD 0.3)) MPa x m(1/2); and the experimental ceramic (3.32 (SD 0.6) and 2.43 (SD 0.3)) MPa x m(1/2). The indentation fracture technique generated orthogonal cracks of different lengths for Empress 2 and the experimental ceramic, whether perpendicular or parallel to the lithium disilicate elongated crystals. Thus, two values were reported: Empress 2 (1.5 (SD 0.2) and 1.16 (SD 0.2)) MPa x am(1/2) and the experimental ceramic (1.67 (SD 0.3) and 1.15 (SD 0.15)) MPa x m(1/2). The IPS-Empress indentation fracture result was 1.26 (SD 0.1). The hardness results were: 6.6, 5.3 and 5.5 GPa for IPS-Empress, Empress 2 and the experimental ceramic, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in fracture toughness and hardness results were found between Empress 2 and the experimental ceramic (P>0.05 ANOVA). Both materials exhibited fracture toughness anisotropy following pressing. They demonstrated improved fracture toughness and reduced hardness compared with IPS-Empress P<0.05(ANOVA), which should be beneficial for clinical applications.

Analysis of Variance↗

The volumetric fraction of inorganic particles and the flexural strength of composites for posterior teeth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the content of inorganic particles and the flexural strength of new condensable composites for posterior teeth in comparison to hybrid conventional composites. METHOD: The determination of the content of inorganic particles was performed by mass weighing of a polymerized composite before and after the elimination of the organic phase. The volumetric particle content was determined by a practical method based on Archimedes' principle, which calculates the volume of the composite and their particles by differential mass measured in the air and in water. The flexural strength of three points was evaluated according to the norm ISO 4049:1988. RESULTS: The results showed the following filler content: Alert, 67.26%; Z-100, 65.27%; Filtek P 60, 62.34%; Ariston pHc, 64.07%; Tetric Ceram, 57.22%; Definite, 54.42%; Solitaire, 47.76%. In the flexural strength test, the materials presented the following decreasing order of resistance: Filtek P 60 (170.02 MPa)>Z-100 (151.34 MPa)>Tetric Ceram (126.14 MPa)=Alert (124.89 MPa)>Ariston pHc (102.00 MPa)=Definite (93.63 MPa)>Solitaire (56.71 MPa). CONCLUSION: New condensable composites for posterior teeth present a concentration of inorganic particles similar to those of hybrid composites but do not necessarily present higher flexural strength.

Air↗

Monomer conversion versus flexure strength of a novel dental composite.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the monomer conversion and flexural strength of an experimental oxirane-based composite material (EXL596) compared with two, commercially available, dimethacrylate based restoratives (Z250 and Z100). METHODS: Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilised to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) (n=5) and biaxial flexure strength (BFS) testing (n=20) was used to analyse flexural strength and associated Weibull moduli (m) of each material following 0.1, 0.5, 1, 4, 24 and 48 h immersion in a lightproof waterbath maintained at 37+/-1 degrees C. RESULTS: The DC of Z250 and Z100 following 0.1, 0.5 and 1 h post-irradiation was significantly greater than the DC of EXL596 for the same immersion periods. This was manifested as a significant decrease in BFS and associated m of EXL596 compared with Z250 and Z100 for the 0.1, 0.5 and 1 h post-irradiation periods. The DC and BFS of EXL596 were significantly greater than Z250 and Z100 following 24 h immersion. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of FTIR spectra, BFS and associated m has provided a useful method in the quantitative analysis of resin-based composite conversion. Identification of the decreased DC of EXL596 compared with Z250 and Z100 was achieved using FTIR. However, decreased conversion rates within the first hour following irradiation of EXL596 may compromise flexural strength properties (associated with a decrease in BFS and m) which may be inadequate under masticatory loading.

Analysis of Variance↗

Adhesion of porcelain to titanium and a titanium alloy.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to determine the adhesion at the titanium-porcelain interface using a fracture mechanics approach, and to investigate the bonding mechanism using SEM and X-ray microanalysis. METHODS: Specimens of four titanium-porcelain bonding systems were prepared in a rectangular shape for a four-point bending test on a universal testing machine. The pre-cracked specimen was subjected to a limited number of load and partial unload cycles, and the strain energy release rate or interfacial toughness (G(c) value) was calculated for each system. The interface was investigated in an SEM, which also enabled quantitative X-ray microanalysis, and comparison with a simulation of an atomically sharp interface to ascertain whether diffusion bonding occurred. RESULTS: The Titanium/Titankeramik with GoldBonder bonding system showed the highest G(c) value (48.9+/-12.4 J/m(2)) among the groups whilst Titanium/Duceratin showed the lowest (12.9+/-3.6 J/m(2)). The former was significantly higher than that of nickel-chromium/porcelain (40.3+/-4.8 J/m(2)) from the previous study [Int J Prosthod 12 (1999) 547], which is a clinically accepted bonding system. The G(c) values of Titanium/Titankeramik and Titanium alloy/Titankeramik were 16.7+/-2.4 and 27.8+/-5.3 J/m(2), respectively. The X-ray microanalysis suggested that diffusion of some elements has occurred at the interface. CONCLUSIONS: The strain energy release rate (G(c)-value) of titanium/Titankeramik with GoldBonder was highest among the four systems. X-ray microanalysis gave some evidence of diffusion of some elements, particularly of the porcelain into the metal, which may assist the bonding during the firing.

Ceramics↗

The reliability in flexural strength testing of a novel dental composite.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the reliability of bi-axial flexure and three-point flexure testing of an experimental, low-shrink oxirane-based dental composite, EXL596 compared with two conventional methacrylate based restoratives, Z250 and Z100. METHODS: Specimens (n=20) of a novel oxirane-based composite and two commercially available methacrylate based composites were fabricated for flexural testing to evaluate mean bi-axial flexure strengths, three-point flexure strengths and the associated Weibull moduli (m) following 24 h immersion in a lightproof waterbath maintained at 37+/-1 degrees C. RESULTS: Mean bi-axial flexure strengths and the associated m of EXL596, Z250 and Z100 were 168+/-11 MPa (m=16.2+/-4), 140+/-12 MPa (m=11.9+/-3) and 126+/-13 MPa (m=10.2+/-2), respectively. Three-point flexure strengths and the associated m of EXL596, Z250 and Z100 were 113+/-15 MPa (m=9.2+/-2), 92+/-10 MPa (m=8.5+/-2) and 79+/-16 MPa (m=6.3+/-1), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation suggests that bi-axial flexure strength testing of dental resin-based composites provides a more reliable testing method than three-point flexure. The increased reliability was considered in terms of the associated Weibull moduli following bi-axial flexure testing as a result of the elimination of the additional induced variability introduced during the curing regime of three-point flexure specimens.

Analysis of Variance↗

Physical properties and gap formation of light-cured composites with and without 'softstart-polymerization'.

OBJECTIVES: Recently it has been pointed out that light-initiated prepolymerization at low intensity followed by a post-light-cure at full intensity ('softstart-polymerization') may lead to light-cured composite fillings with improved marginal adaptation. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of this procedure with different initial cure conditions on physical material properties like flexural modulus, flexural strength and Vickers microhardness of different composites. Additionally, an in vitro study was carried out to investigate the influence of different initial cure conditions on the marginal quality of composite restorations in cases of Class V cavities with a cemento-enamel junction. METHODS: Physical properties of composite materials Tetric (Vivadent, Liechtenstein) and Charisma (Kulzer, Germany) were evaluated. Three hundred specimens were made for the flexural tests performed similar to EN 24049:1993. Microhardness was measured with a Vickers indenter. For the in vitro study of Class V composite fillings, cavities of 32 extracted teeth were filled with Tetric and analysed by quantitative marginal gap analysis and dye penetration test before and after thermocycling. RESULTS: The results indicate that initial cure with decreased light intensity followed by final cure with high light intensity has no influence on microhardness and increases flexural modulus and flexural strength. With the low-level initial cure/high-level final cure regime the marginal integrity was significantly better compared with the high light intensity curing system. CONCLUSION: Therefore, initial cure with low light intensity followed by final cure with high light intensity significantly improves the marginal integrity of light-cured composite fillings and also the material properties.

Chemical Phenomena↗

An investigation of debonding between heat-cured PMMA and titanium alloy (Ti-6A1-4V).

OBJECTIVES: The bonding of acrylic resin to dental prostheses constructed from metal has been the subject of extensive research in recent years, much of it between base-metal alloys such as Ni-Cr alloys and dental composite. The development of techniques for the manufacture of dental appliances from titanium and titanium alloys has opened new avenues for investigation of the metal/acrylic resin bond. METHODS: In this study, a bond strength comparison between two PMMA products, Trevalon and Metadent, and discs of titanium alloy, Ti-6A1-4V, was investigated using a four-point bend test configuration. Trevalon is a standard, commercially available, heat-cured acrylic resin, while Metadent is an acrylic resin incorporating a chemical bonding agent, 4-META. A comparison was made between two processes that are routinely used to enhance the bond between metal and acrylic, namely sandblasting of the metal surface and using the Silicoater system following sandblasting. Each of the samples was paired, thus allowing a further comparison to be made between samples that had undergone thermocycling in a water bath, with those that had been held at a constant temperature. RESULTS: The study revealed that a superior metal/acrylic bond was achieved by the use of the silicoating system when either Trevalon or Metadent was used both before and after thermocycling. Reduced debonding loads were recorded for all samples that had undergone thermocycling. CONCLUSIONS: Highest bond strengths were recorded for Trevalon or Metadent processed against a silicoated Ti-alloy surface.

Acrylic Resins↗

The transverse strength, reliability and microstructural features of four dental ceramics--Part I.

OBJECTIVES: The flexural strength, reliability and microstructure of a heat pressed ceramic system (Empress) was evaluated in comparison with three current frit materials used in ceramic crown and inlay construction. METHODS: Twenty bar specimens per material were constructed, overglazed and transverse tested at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Etched and fractured bar specimens were viewed under a scanning electron microscope using secondary electron imaging. RESULTS: Mean strengths (MPa +/- SD) were: Empress, 117.3 +/- 31.7; Cerinate porcelain, 118.2 +/- 8.7; Corum porcetain, 92.9 +/- 13.3; and Alpha porcelain, 60.9 +/- 10.1. Results were highly significant (P < 0.001) with differences between all groups (P < 0.05) except Cerinate porcelain and Empress (P > 0.05). Weibull analysis of the results provided m-values and the predicted strength at the 1 and 5% probabilities of failure. Microstructural examination using secondary electron imaging showed leucite crystals 1.6-3.5 microns and associated microcracking in Corum porcelain and leucite crystal clusters (1.5 microns) in Empress. Cerinate porcelain exhibited a uniform distribution of fine leucite crystals (1 micron). Spherical porosity combined with crack pore combinations were noted in Vita Alpha porcelain. CONCLUSIONS: Empress glass ceramic was not stronger than Cerinate or more reliable than many of the frit materials. Uniform leucite distribution and fine crystal size may be associated with improved strength and reliability.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

The biaxial flexural strength and reliability of four dental ceramics--Part II.

OBJECTIVES: The biaxial flexural strength and reliability of four dental ceramics including: Empress glass ceramic (EM), Cerinate porcelain (CE), Corum porcelain (CO) and Alpha porcelain (AL) were compared. METHODS: Twenty disc specimens per material were prepared overglazed and tested. The piston on three ball test was used to test the specimens in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.15 mm/min. Weibull analysis provided m-values and the 1 and 5% probabilities of failure. RESULTS: Mean strengths (MPa +/- SD) were: EM, 133.5 +/- 21.5; CE, 109.1 +/- 11.3; CO, 119.8 +/- 19.2; and AL, 68.2 +/- 9.9. There was no statistical difference between EM or CO and CO and CE strengths (P > 0.05). Weibull m-values included: EM, 6.60; CE, 10.20; CO, 5.27; and AL, 6.93. Cerinate had the highest m-value (P < 0.01) and good dependability. CONCLUSION: Empress was not stronger or more reliable than many of the frit materials.

Aluminum Silicates↗

An in vitro study of the passivity of splints in dental trauma.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the passivity of splints which were constructed with orthodontic materials since a force could unintentionally be generated by the appliance and perturb the healing process of the injured teeth. METHODS: A specific data acquisition system, with a 2D force transducer, was developed to evaluate its passivity. Four types of splints were studied on a maxillary dental arch model and the splints were constructed with 0.559 mm standard edgewise brackets, with stainless steel square or round orthodontic wires and with 0.254 mm preformed ligatures or 3.05 mm elastomeric ones. The studied orthodontic wires were straight-lengthened or Arch Blank preformed types and three sizes of square wires and five sizes of round ones were tested. RESULTS: The orthodontic appliances were rarely passive but the splints constructed with elastomeric ligatures and an Arch Blank preformed wire were significantly different from those constructed with stainless steel ligatures and a straight wire or with stainless steel ligatures and an Arch Blank preformed wire or with elastomeric ligatures and a straight wire (P < 0.05). The best control of passivity was obtained with the 0.432 mm x 0.432 mm splints (P < 0.05) and the mean force generated by those appliances was 0.13 x 10(-2) N. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of orthodontic materials influenced the passivity of dental splints and it would seem that elastomeric ligatures and an Arch Blank preformed wire should be used for its construction.

Analysis of Variance↗

Long-term flexural strength of three direct aesthetic restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: This investigation evaluates the long-term flexural strength behaviour of three different glass-ionomer cement (GIC) based materials. METHODS: The materials under investigation were a conventional GIC (Opusfil), a metal-reinforced GIC (Opus Silver) and a resin-modified GIC (Fuji II LC). Flexural strength specimens of the materials were prepared according to the relevant manufacturers' instructions for clinical use. After 10-min maturation at 37 degrees C, the specimens were placed in water, also at 37 degrees C, until required for testing. Specimens were tested under four-point bend at intervals between 7 and 130 days after manufacture. RESULTS: Opusfil increased in strength up to day 56, but was significantly weaker after this time. Opus Silver was strongest on day 7, although there was no further decline in strength after day 14. Fuji II LC increased in strength up to day 14, but there was deterioration in strength after day 100. Opus Silver had the highest early strength of the three materials, but after day 7 there was no significant difference in strength between the three materials under test. CONCLUSIONS: The three cements tested did not exhibit the continued increase in strength with time that has been attributed to glass-ionomer cements. Each material behaved differently, but they all appeared to be adversely affected by storage in aqueous media. Materials formed by the inclusion of metal or the incorporation of resins into the glass-ionomer cement formulation should be regarded as separate sub-classes of materials in their own rights.

Dental Cements↗