Bovine Enamel Research Articles

Special architecture and anti-wear strategies for giant panda tooth enamel: Based on wear simulation findings.

Giant pandas are the flagship species in world conservation. Due to bamboo being the primary food source for giant pandas, dental wear is common owing to the extreme toughness of the bamboo fiber. Even though research on tooth enamel wear in humans and domestic animals is well-established, research on tooth enamel wear in giant pandas is scarce. The purpose of this study is to evaluate tooth enamel wear resistance in giant pandas to provide a basis for a better understanding of their evolutionary process. From microscopic and macroscopic perspectives, the abrasion resistance of dental enamel in giant pandas is compared with that of herbivorous cattle and carnivorous dogs in this study. This involves the use of micro-scratch and frictional wear tests. The results show that the boundary between the enamel prism and the enamel prism stroma is well-defined in panda and canine teeth, while bovine tooth enamel appears denser. Under constant load, the tribological properties of giant panda enamel are similar to those of canines and significantly different from those of bovines. Test results show that the depth of micro scratches in giant panda and canine enamel was greater than in cattle, with greater elastic recovery occurring in dogs. Scratch morphology indicates that the enamel substantive damage critical value is greater in pandas than in both dogs and cattle. The analysis suggests that giant panda enamel consists of a neatly arranged special structure that may disperse extrusion stress and absorb impact energy through a series of inelastic deformation mechanisms to cope with the wear caused by eating bamboo. In this study, the excellent wear resistance of giant panda's tooth enamel is verified by wear tests. A possible theoretical explanation of how the special structure of giant panda tooth enamel may improve its wear resistance is provided. This provides a direction for subsequent theoretical and experimental studies on giant panda tooth enamel and its biomaterials.

Evaluation of Enamel Acid Resistance and Whitening Effect of the CAP System.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a novel professional tooth-strengthening system and a conventional caries-prevention method that involved the use of high fluoride concentrations, to determine whether the system has a whitening effect. Bovine tooth-enamel samples were treated with fluoride gel (conventional APF method) or a mixture of citric acid gel, calcium phosphate (α-TCP), and fluoride gel, referred to as the CAP system; these treatments were performed to generate an acid-resistant layer on the enamel surface. For the evaluation of the acid resistance, a cyclic experiment, involving a 1-h remineralization and a 24-h acid treatment, was conducted thrice after the treatments. The height profiles were observed using a 3D-measuring laser microscope and the hardness was evaluated by Vickers hardness test. The morphological changes in the surface and cross-section of the enamel were observed by scanning electron microscopy. To evaluate the whitening effect, the enamel was ground until the color of the underlying dentin was recognizable; the CAP system was applied once, and the color change was measured using a color difference meter. As a result, it was confirmed that an acid-resistant layer was formed on the tooth surfaces treated with the CAP system, and a whitening effect was obtained.

The effect of toothpaste with reduced concentration of fluoride-containing sodium trimetaphosphate and polyols on initial enamel erosion.

This in vitro study evaluated the efficacy of toothpaste containing fluoride (F), sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP), and xylitol and erythritol (XE) to inhibit or repair initial enamel erosion lesions. Bovine enamel blocks (n = 120) were selected according to surface hardness (SH) and randomly divided into 5 experimental groups (n = 24 blocks/group): Placebo (no F, TMP, XE); 1100ppm F; 16% xylitol + 4% erythritol (XE); 200ppm F + 0.2% TMP (200ppm F/TMP); and 200ppm F + 0.2% TMP + 16% xylitol + 4% erythritol (200ppm F/TMP/XE). The sound and softened blocks were immersed in toothpaste slurry in human saliva for 2min. The blocks were then submitted to 4 erosive challenges in citric acid (0.75%, pH 3.5), each challenge for 1min, with stirring. The SH of the blocks was determined after treatment (t) and after the 4 erosive challenges. In addition, the precipitates were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Variables were submitted to a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by a Student-Newman-Keuls test (p < 0.05). Toothpaste containing 200ppm F/TMP/XE led to the highest protective and repair effect compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). The protective and repair effect was XE > 200ppm F/TMP > 1100ppm F > placebo (p < 0.001). All groups produced precipitates with a thicker layer for XE and TMP groups. Toothpaste containing 200ppm F, TMP, and polyols demonstrated a superior protective and repair effect in initial enamel erosive lesions in vitro. Toothpaste containing F and polyols could be an advantage in patients affected by dental erosion, due to its higher preventive potential, mainly in individuals who frequently drink acidic beverages. However, future studies are needed to confirm these results.

Impact of particle morphology on abrasion, polishing and stain removal efficacy in a tooth cleaning model system

Toothbrushing with toothpaste is used for daily maintenance of oral hygiene, and aims to remove food debris, the dental plaque biofilm and dental stains from tooth surfaces. However, toothpastes can also cause tooth abrasion as different particle morphologies are known to exert differential cleaning and abrasivity. Consequently, silica and alumina particles with spherical and angular morphologies, at comparable size ranges and concentrations, were used to brush polished, partially roughened or stained bovine enamel specimens and their impact on tooth abrasion, surface polishing and stain removal in vitro, was determined. Spherical silica gel particles at concentrations as low as 0.5% (w/w) achieved greater dental stain removal and higher surface polishing compared with 15% (w/w) standard abrasive silica without producing significant increases in enamel wear. Comparable results were also found for alumina abrasive particles, whilst spherical alumina particles at concentrations as low as 0.25% (w/w) showed greater stain removal compared with 1% (w/w) angular alumina particles. Both particles achieved similar surface polishing and produced less enamel wear. These findings are important in underpinning the development of dentifrices which aim to achieve optimal cleaning whilst minimising dental hard tissue damage.

Wear Behavior between Aesthetic Restorative Materials and Bovine Tooth Enamel.

Tooth enamel wear occurs because of daily mastication and occlusion. This study investigated the wear behavior of bovine teeth against aesthetic restorative materials in vitro. Abrader specimens were fabricated using four tooth-colored restorative materials (zirconia, lithium disilicate glass ceramic, dental porcelain, and resin composite), with bovine tooth enamel as a control. Flattened bovine tooth enamel was used as the substrate specimen. These materials were characterized by Vickers hardness tests and surface roughness measurements. Two-body wear tests between the abrader and substrate specimens were performed, and the worn topographies were evaluated using a contour-measuring instrument and 3D laser microscope. The restorative materials and bovine tooth enamel had similar surface roughness but different hardness and wear behaviors. Bovine teeth showed the largest wear in tooth–tooth contact as the abrader and substrate specimens. Compared to bovine teeth, zirconia, lithium disilicate glass ceramic, and dental porcelain showed greater hardness and less wear on their surfaces, and less substrate wear of the opposite tooth enamel. The lowest hardness resin composite showed intermediate wear on its surface, resulting in the lowest substrate wear. Accordingly, dentists should pay attention to the selection of restorative materials to reconstruct their morphologies owing to different wear behaviors.

Influence of periodic polyphenol treatment on the anti-erosive potential of the acquired enamel pellicle—A qualitative exploratory study

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of periodic polyphenol treatment on the ultrastructure and anti-erosive potential of an in-situ formed pellicle. Methods: Subjects wore intraoral appliances with buccally and palatally fixed bovine enamel specimens. During 6 h of intraoral pellicle formation, 100 ml black tea or tannic acid was applied ex-vivo every 25 min for 5 min. Untreated pellicles served as control. After the trial, specimens were immersed in 0.1% or 1% citric acid for 60 s and analysed for calcium release with atomic adsorption spectrometry and ultrastructure with transmission electron microscopy. Results: Specimens covered by pellicles treated with black tea or tannic acid released less calcium than untreated pellicles. Ultrastructural analyses reveal an increase in pellicle's thickness and density after treatment with polyphenols. Conclusions: Periodic polyphenol treatment of the pellicle modify its ultrastructure and increase its anti-erosive potential. Clinical significance: Consumption of polyphenolic beverages can enhance the anti-erosive potential of the enamel pellicle.

The effect of phytosphingosine associated with tooth brushing on color change, surface roughness, and microhardness of dental enamel - an in vitro and in situ study.

This study evaluated the in vitro and in situ effects of phytosphingosine (PHS) associated with tooth brushing on color stability, surface roughness, and microhardness of dental enamel. Sixty-four specimens of bovine teeth (6 × 6 × 2mm) were separated into 8 groups (n = 8): S + TB: PHS (spray) + tooth brushing; TB + S: tooth brushing + PHS (spray); I + TB: PHS (immersion) + tooth brushing; TB + I: tooth brushing + PHS (immersion); TB: tooth brushing; S: PHS spray; I: immersion in PHS solution, and Saliva: immersion in saliva. Tooth brushing simulation (Mavtec, Brazil) was performed (356rpm on 3.8cm area by the toothbrush - Soft Tek) for 1, 7, 15, and 30days. PHS remained in contact with specimens for 15min. The specimens were evaluated before and after tooth brushing for color alteration (Easy Shade, VITA), and surface roughness (Model SJ-201P Mitutoyo), and Knoop microhardness (HMV-2, Shimadzu Corporation). For the in situ analyses, 8 participants were recruited and received an intraoral device with 6 fragments of bovine enamel (6 × 6 × 2mm). The properties evaluated were the same as those of the in vitro study. Participants were randomized following best results of in vitro tested protocols, for 15days: TB, TB + S, I + TB. Data obtained by in vitro (two-way ANOVA, Tukey, p < .05) and in situ (one-way ANOVA, Tukey, p < .05) studies were analyzed. The in vitro study showed that greater color change was found after 30days. The greatest differences in surface roughness occurred between the initial value and after 1day. Regarding microhardness, the highest values occurred after 15 and 30days, which showed similar results. The in situ study showed greater color changes for the TB and I + TB, and greater surface roughness changes for TB as well as a similar increase in microhardness for the PHS protocols, which were higher than TB. Phytosphingosine leads to an increase in performance regarding color stability, surface roughness, and microhardness when applied. In general, the application of PHS after brushing showed a positive impact on its performance. Phytosphingosine proved to be interesting for compound prevention formulations in the dentistry field.

A Study on Hydrogen Peroxide Mediated Calcium Elution and Surface Change of Bovine Enamel

A Study on Hydrogen Peroxide Mediated Calcium Elution and Surface Change of Bovine Enamel

Diamond particles in toothpastes: in-vitro effect on the abrasive enamel wear

BackgroundDiamond particles have recently been used as abrasives in toothpastes, which raises questions about its abrasive behaviour towards enamel. This study was carried out to investigate the abrasive enamel wear caused by three diamond-loaded toothpastes (Candida White Diamond: CWD, Swiss Smile Diamond Glow: SSDG, Emoform F Diamond: EFD) and to compare it with a traditional toothpaste with silica abrasive (Colgate Total Original CTO).MethodsEighty bovine enamel samples were divided into four groups (n = 20) and brushed for 21,600 cycles (60 cycles/min) for 6 h at 2.5-N brushing force. The abrasive enamel wear was recorded with a contact profilometer. The median and interquartile range (IQR) of the abrasive enamel wear was calculated in each group. Pairwise comparisons were conducted using Wilcoxon signed rank exact test and the p value was adjusted according to Holm. Significance level was set at 0.05.ResultsDiamond-loaded toothpastes caused statistically significantly higher abrasive wear than the traditional toothpaste (p < 0.0001). SSDG caused statistically significantly higher enamel wear (19.0 µm (11.2)) than CWD (8.4 µm (4.6)) and EFD (7.3 µm (3.9)) (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsDiamond-loaded toothpastes cause higher enamel wear than toothpastes with traditional abrasives and also exhibit different abrasivity behaviour compared to each other.

Acid neutralizing and remineralizing orthodontic adhesive containing hydrated calcium silicate

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate an orthodontic adhesive containing hydrated calcium silicate (hCS) in terms of its bond strength with the enamel surface and its acid-neutralization and apatite-forming abilities. MethodsThe experimental orthodontic adhesives were composed of 30 wt.% resin matrix and 70 wt.% filler, which itself was a mixture of silanized glass filler and hCS in weight ratios of 100% glass filler (hCS 0), 17.5% hCS (hCS 17.5), 35% hCS (hCS 35.0), and 52.5% hCS (hCS 52.5). The degree of conversion (DC) and shear bond strength (SBS) of bovine enamel surfaces were tested. pH measurements were performed immediately upon submersion of the specimens in a lactic acid solution. The surface precipitates that formed on specimens immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Raman spectroscopy after 15, 30, and 90 days. ResultsThe experimental groups exhibited no significant differences in DC and had clinically acceptable SBS values. The hCS-containing groups showed increasing pH values as more hCS was added. hCS 52.5 produced Ca- and P-containing surface precipitates after PBS immersion, and hydroxyapatite deposition was detected after 15, 30, and 90 days. ConclusionsThese results suggest that orthodontic adhesives containing hCS are effective for acid neutralization. Furthermore, hCS has an apatite-forming ability for enamel remineralization. Clinical significanceThe novel orthodontic adhesive containing hCS exhibits a potential clinical benefit against demineralization and enhanced remineralization of the enamel surface around or beneath the orthodontic brackets.

Anti-biofilm activity of chlorhexidine-releasing elastomerics against dental microcosm biofilms

ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-biofilm activity of chlorhexidine-releasing elastomerics (CRE) developed to prevent biofilm-related diseases in orthodontic patients, using dental microcosm biofilms. MethodsElastomerics coated with one of two solutions (CRE 1 and 2) were attached to bovine enamel specimens. Uncoated elastomerics were used for negative (distilled water [DW]) and positive (0.1% chlorhexidine [CHX]) control groups. After saliva inoculation on the surface of the specimen for biofilm formation, DW and CRE groups were treated with DW, and the positive control group was treated with CHX twice a day for 5 min. After 7 days of biofilm formation, colony-forming units (CFUs, total and aciduric bacteria), red/green (R/G) ratio, biofilm thickness, live/dead cell ratio, and bacterial morphology in the biofilms were evaluated. Enamel demineralization was evaluated by fluorescence loss (ΔF). ResultsThe CFUs of total and aciduric bacteria and R/G ratios in the CRE groups were significantly lower than those in the DW group with a reduction by 13%, 13%, and 19%, respectively (p < 0.05). The CFUs of total bacteria was significantly lower in the CRE groups than in the 0.1% CHX group (p < 0.05). Among the CRE groups, only CRE 1 exhibited a significantly reduced biofilm thickness of 54% compared to the DW group (p < 0.05) and apparent changes in bacterial morphology. ΔF in the CRE groups was significantly higher by 36% compared to that in the DW group (p < 0.05). ConclusionsCREs exhibited anti-biofilm and demineralization-inhibiting effect. Particularly, CRE 1 using dichloromethane as the solvent was most effective against biofilms. Clinical significanceChlorhexidine-releasing elastomerics exhibited increased anti-biofilm and demineralization-inhibiting effect compared to 0.1% chlorhexidine mouthwash. Therefore, it is possible to prevent biofilm-related diseases simply and effectively by applying chlorhexidine-releasing elastomerics to orthodontic patients.

Longitudinal In Vitro Effects of Silver Diamine Fluoride on Early Enamel Caries Lesions.

This laboratory study evaluated the longitudinal surface microhardness changes in early, incipient, noncavitated, white-spot, enamel caries lesions treated with silver diamine fluoride (SDF). Five intervention groups (SDF, AgNO3, KF, 5% sodium fluoride varnish (FV), deionized water (DI)) × two-time intervals after intervention (immediate & delayed pH-cycling) resulted in 10 groups (n=18). Silver nitrate (AgNO3) and potassium fluoride (KF) groups served as controls to assist in evaluating if remineralization effects were due to the silver or fluoride component in SDF. Early, incipient, noncavitated, white-spot, enamel caries lesions were created in bovine enamel, the extent of demineralization was determined using Vickers surface microhardness (VHNlesion). Intervention treatments were applied. Half the specimens from each group underwent immediate 5-day pH-cycling, and half were stored in an incubator with artificial saliva for 2 weeks before undergoing 5-day pH-cycling. After pH-cycling, lesion hardness was evaluated using VHNpost. Specimens were then exposed to a second demineralization challenge, and lesion softening was evaluated (VHNsecdem). Hardness variables were calculated: ΔVHN = VHNpost - VHNlesion; ΔVHNsecdem = VHNsecdem - VHNpost. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA (α=0.05). Immediately cycled, SDF had significantly (p<0.0001) greater remineralization than DI, AgNO3, and FV. All delayed cycling groups had significantly greater remineralization than FV (p<0.0001). Significantly greater remineralization was noted in delayed AgNO3 (p≤0.0001), DI (p=0.0003), and FV (p=0.0006) compared to immediately cycled. After the second demineralization challenge, FV had significantly less surface softening than AgNO3 (p=0.0002), DI (p=0.0003), KF (p=0.0225), and SDF (p=0.0388) intervention groups. No significant difference was found between the pH-cycle timings (p=0.2710). Based the present findings, FV may be better suited than SDF to treat early, incipient, noncavitated, white-spot, enamel caries lesions.

Use of Computerized Microtomography, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy to Monitor Effects of Adding Calcium to Bleaching Gels

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mineral content, expressed by calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P), in dental enamel exposed to bleaching agents using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Sixty bovine dental enamel specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n=20): HP35ca (bleached using 35% hydrogen peroxide with Ca); HP35wca (bleached using 35% hydrogen peroxide without Ca); and control (without bleaching). Five specimens from each group were used for SEM and EDS analyses, 10 specimens were used for AFM analysis, and the remaining five specimens were used for micro-CT analysis. The pH of the gels was measured using a pH meter. The EDS and micro-CT data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation test. The AFM data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (α=0.05). The weight percentages of Ca and P obtained using EDS were similar between the bleached and control groups. Small, superficial changes were observed by SEM in the HP35wca group. The HP35ca group showed similar patterns to the control group. AFM results showed no significant changes in the enamel roughness in any of the tested groups. No significant difference in the volume or depth of structural enamel loss was found between gels with and without Ca. No mineral loss was observed in the dentin substrate. The EDS and micro-CT analysis data exhibited a high correlation (p<0.001). The addition of Ca to the bleaching gel had no beneficial effect on the bleached tooth enamel in terms of composition, mineral loss, and surface roughness. Micro-CT results exhibited a high correlation with the EDS results.

Can bovine tooth replace human tooth in laboratory studies? A systematic review

This systematic review searched for the evidence to use bovine teeth as substitutes for human teeth in laboratory studies testing several properties. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Lilacs (Bireme), BBO and Scopus electronic databases were searched to select laboratorial studies comparing the human teeth with bovine teeth. English and Spanish languages, without date restriction, were included. The search was performed using the keywords: bovine tooth, human tooth, root dentin, enamel and coronary dentin. It was retrieved 1544 potentially eligible articles. 157 articles were indicated for full-text analysis and 79 studies were excluded. At the end of the selection, 78 articles were included in the review. Of the 60 articles evaluated, 15.5% indicated bovine teeth as substitutes for human teeth in laboratory studies, 15.5% indicated substitution with caution, 31% presented the possibility of substitution, 8.7% did not indicate the substitution and 29.3% did not specify the decision. The search showed that in general there is the possibility of human tooth replacement by bovine, both for enamel and dentin substrates, in microleakage studies, organic and inorganic analysis, coefficient of thermal expansion, spectrofluorometry, hardness and microhardness, morphology and radiodensity.

Effects of incorporating 45S5 bioactive glass into 30% hydrogen peroxide solution on whitening efficacy and enamel surface properties

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 30% hydrogen peroxide (HP) solution containing various contents of 45S5 bioactive glass (BAG) on whitening efficacy and enamel surface properties after simulating the clinical bleaching procedure. A total of 60 bovine enamel specimens discolored with black tea were divided into five groups treated with distilled water (DW), HP, 0.01 wt.% BAG + HP, 1.0 wt.% BAG + HP, and 20.0 wt.% BAG + HP (n = 12). The pH change was observed for 20 min immediately after mixing the experimental solutions, which were applied for 20 min/week, at 37 °C over 21 days. Color, gloss, roughness, microhardness, and micromorphology measurements were conducted before and after bleaching treatment. All groups containing BAG experienced an increase in pH from 3.5 to 5.5 in less than 1 min, and the final pH increased as the BAG content increased. The ΔE of all experimental groups was significantly higher than that of the DW group (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between different BAG contents (p > 0.05). Gloss significantly decreased in all experimental groups compared to the DW group, and the increased BAG content had significantly affected the decrease in gloss (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in surface roughness (p > 0.05), but hardness increased significantly with BAG content after bleaching treatment (p < 0.05). HP containing 45S5 BAG showed efficacy in tooth whitening. Also, the pH value of the HP remained acidic near 3.5 for 20 min, while the HP containing the 45S5 BAG showed an increase in pH, which inhibited the demineralization of the enamel surface, and maintained the surface morphology. These novel materials are promising candidates to minimize enamel surface damage caused by HP during bleaching procedure in dental clinic.

Novel hybrid-glass-based material for infiltration of early caries lesions

ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of two experimental, hybrid-glass-based infiltrants in arresting artificial white spot lesions (WSLs) in vitro, and to compare it with resin-based infiltrant Icon. MethodsArtificial WSLs were formed on bovine enamel specimens (n = 68). Specimens were divided into four groups according to WSLs treatment: 1) no-treatment control (NTC), 2) infiltration with Icon (Icon), 3) infiltration with experimental hybrid-glass material (EXP), and 4) infiltration with experimental hybrid-glass material containing hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles (1%) (EXP-HAp). Half of the specimens from each group were subjected to cariogenic challenge using pH-cycling, consisting of a 7-day alternate incubation (37⁰C) in demineralization (4 h/day, pH=4.6) and remineralization solutions (20 h/day, pH=7.2). Another half of the specimens was incubated in distilled water (control). Caries progression was assessed by measuring surface micro-hardness (SMH), roughness (Ra) and average surface level, and by analyzing WSLs morphology. Non-cycled and pH-cycled specimens were compared with Man-Whitney U test, while different treatment groups were compared with Kruskal-Wallis test with pairwise comparisons (p < 0.05). ResultsIn all groups (NTC, Icon and EXP-HAp) except EXP, SMH decreased significantly after pH cycling. In addition, SMH increased in EXP upon pH cycling and was significantly higher than in other pH-cycled groups (<0.001). Ra increased considerably, while surface level decreased after pH cycling in all groups except in EXP. Signs of demineralization and roughness increase in NTC, Icon and EXP-HAp were also observed with the SEM. SignificanceExperimental hybrid-glass-based material without HAp-nanoparticles could completely arrest the progression of WSLs, unlike its version with HAp-nanoparticles and resin-based infiltrant Icon.

Evaluation of wear behavior of dental restorative materials against zirconia in vitro

ObjectivesTo evaluate two-body wear (2BW) and three-body wear (3BW) of different CAD/CAM and direct restorative materials against zirconia using a dual-axis chewing simulator and an ACTA wear machine. Methods3 CAD-CAM resin-based composite or polymer infiltrated ceramic network blocs, 1 lithium disilicate CAD-CAM ceramic (LS2), 3 direct resin composites, amalgam and bovine enamel were tested. For 2BW, 8 flat specimens per material were produced, grinded, polished, stored wet (37 °C, 28d) and tested (49 N, 37 °C, 1,200,000 cycles) against zirconia. For 3BW, specimens (n = 10) were stored accordingly, and tested against a zirconia antagonist wheel (3Y-TZP, d = 20 mm, h = 6 mm; 200,000 cycles, F = 15 N, f = 1 Hz, 15% slip) in millet seed suspension. Wear resistance was analysed in a 3D optical non-contact profilometer, measuring vertical wear depth and volume loss for 2BW and mean wear depth and roughness (Ra) for 3BW. Vickers hardness (15 s, HV2) was measured. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney-U test, p < 0.05). Results2BW and 3BW have a different impact on material surfaces. Similar wear resistance was observed for direct and indirect resin based materials with analogous filler configurations in both methods. Bovine enamel exhibited the best wear resistance in 2BW, but the least wear resistance in 3BW against zirconia. Regarding 2BW, a direct/indirect composite material pair of the same manufacturer showed the significantly highest mean volume losses (2.72/2.85 mm³), followed by LS2 (1.41 mm³). LS2 presented the best wear resistance in 3BW (mean wear depth 2.85 µm), combined with the highest mean Vickers hardness (598 MPa). No linear correlation was found between Vickers hardness and both wear testing procedures. The zirconia antagonists showed no recordable signs of wear. SignificanceDental restorative materials behave differently in 2BW and 3BW laboratory testing. Vickers hardness testing alone cannot hold for a correlation with wear behavior of materials. Micromorphological investigation of material composition can reveal insights in wear mechanisms related to variations in filler technologies.

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy measurement of fluoride reaction by bovine enamel and dentin treated with silver diammine fluoride

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the formation of fluoride compounds in bovine enamel and dentin treated with silver diammine fluoride (SDF) using 19F and 31P solid-state magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy. MethodsEnamel and dentin powder, obtained from bovine teeth, were treated with 38% SDF for four minutes and then washed thoroughly with Milli-Q water. The dehydrated SDF-treated samples were then examined. 19F solid-state MAS NMR spectra were acquired and 1H–31P cross-polarization (CP) experiments were performed on SDF-treated enamel and dentin powder. The surfaces of SDF-treated enamel and dentin blocks were observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Results19F MAS NMR detected a more pronounced signal intensity for the dentin sample than the enamel, indicating an increased reactivity of SDF for dentin, compared with enamel. 19F NMR spectra for the SDF-treated samples showed fluorhydroxyapatite (FHAp), and other fluoride compounds such as CaF2 and the fluoride-substituted carbonate. The 1H–31P CP intensities of prominent peaks were lower for the SDF-treated samples than the non-treated sample, indicating that the F- ion replaced the OH- ion in the lattice tunnel. SEM observations on the SDF-treated samples showed pronounced multiple precipitation and particles in dentin compared with enamel. SignificanceThe solid-state MAS NMR revealed the reaction of fluoride on enamel and dentin and the identification of fluoride compounds. In particular, the formation of FHAp indicates that SDF is effective in reducing the risk of tooth decay.

The effect of aging on the wear performance of monolithic zirconia

ObjectivesInvestigate the effect of aging on the wear behavior of glazed vs polished monolithic zirconia and to establish if glazing provides protection against low temperature degradation. Methods40 1-mm-diameter spheres made from four differently treated monolithic zirconia (VITA YZ® HT); polished, polished-aged, glazed and glazed-aged (n = 10), were tested in a wear testing machine (UFW200) against bovine enamel in artificial saliva as per the following settings (ISO20808:2016): ball-on-disc configuration, 5 N vertical load, 0.1 m/s sliding speed, 400 m sliding distance and 37 °C temperature. Vertical substance loss (mm) wear of zirconia and enamel specimens was measured. Data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA test (α > 0.05). ResultsGlazed-aged zirconia specimens resulted in the greatest amount of enamel wear (0.823 mm ± 0.157) followed by glazed (0.729 mm ± 0.289), polished-aged (0.377 mm ± 0.201) then polished (0.247 mm ± 0.125). In the groups with the same surface finish, aging showed no statistical difference in wear (P > 0.008). Glazing resulted in a higher enamel wear compared with polishing that was statistically significant (P < 0.008) except when the polished specimens were aged and the glazed specimens were not aged. SignificanceAging increases abrasiveness of monolithic zirconia regardless of the type of surface finish. The effect of aging is “latent” and only revealed under mechanical loading during wear simulation which increases surface roughness and wear by adversely affecting zirconia’s mechanical properties, making it less capable to maintain its initial surface smoothness. The glaze layer may protect zirconia from LTD, however, it is susceptible to aging which further increases its abrasiveness.

Effect of Pomegranate and Banana Extracts on Microshear Bond Strength of Resin Composite to Bleached Bovine Enamel: An In-Vitro Study

Effect of Pomegranate and Banana Extracts on Microshear Bond Strength of Resin Composite to Bleached Bovine Enamel: An In-Vitro Study