Dental Restorative Composites Research Articles

High strength polymer/silicon nitride composites for dental restorations

ObjectivesTo fabricate polymer-infiltrated silicon nitride composite (PISNC) and evaluate the potential of PISNC in dental application. MethodsPorous silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics were fabricated through gelcasting and pressureless sintering. Polymer infiltrating was carried out then and composites were obtained after curing of polymer. Flexural strength and microstructures of porous ceramic scaffolds and polymer-infiltrated composites were obtained by three-point bending and SEM, respectively. Phase distributions of polymer-infiltrated ceramics were observed by EDS. Human gingival fibroblast cells (HGFs) were used to evaluate the cytocompatibility and IL-6 release. The cell morphology were observed by SEM. The amount of released IL-6 was investigated using ELISA test system. ResultsPorosity and mechanical strength of porous ceramics ranged from 45.1 to 49.3% and 171.8–262.3MPa, respectively. The bicontinuous structure of polymer-infiltrated composites possessed them with excellent mechanical properties. Porosity and mechanical strength of polymer-infiltrated Si3N4 composites ranged from 1.94 to 2.28% and 273–385.3MPa, respectively. Additionally, the PISNC enhanced the initial adhesion and spreading activity of HGFs compared with PMMA. The PISNC showed similar IL-6 release performance with PMMA samples. SignificancesThe PISNC is a promising candidate for dental restorations and high-load medical applications.

Nanogel-Based Filler-Matrix Interphase for Polymerization Stress Reduction

A novel filler-resin matrix interphase structure was developed and evaluated for dental composite restoratives. Nanogel additives were chemically attached to the filler surface to use this created interphase as a potential source of compliance to minimize stress development during polymerization. In addition, we evaluated the effects of free nanogel dispersion into the resin matrix, combined or not with nanogel-modified fillers. Nanogels with varied characteristics were synthesized (i.e., size, 5 and 11 nm; glass transition temperature, 28 °C to 65 °C). Glass fillers were treated with trimethoxyvinylsilane and further reacted with thiol-functionalized nanogels via a free radical thiol-ene reaction. γ-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane-surface treated fillers were used as a control. Composites were formulated with BisGMA/TEGDMA resin blend with 60 wt% fillers with nanogel-modified fillers and/or free nanogel additives at 15 wt% in the resin phase. Polymerization kinetics, polymerization stress, volumetric shrinkage, and rheological and mechanical properties were evaluated to provide comprehensive characterization. Nanogel-modified fillers significantly reduced the polymerization stress from 2.2 MPa to 1.7 to 1.4 MPa, resulting in 20% stress reduction. A significantly greater nanogel content was required to generate the same magnitude stress reduction when the nanogels were dispersed only in the resin phase. When the nanogel-modified filler surface treatment and resin-dispersed nanogel strategies were combined, there was a stress reduction of 50% (values of 1.2 to 1.1 MPa). Polymerization rate and volumetric shrinkage were significantly reduced for systems with nanogel additives into the resin. Notably, the flexural modulus of the materials was not compromised, although a slight reduction in flexural strength associated with the nanogel-modified interphase was observed. Overall, modest amounts of free nanogel additives in the resin phase can be effectively combined with a limited nanogel content filler-resin interphase to lower volumetric shrinkage and dramatically reduce overall polymerization stress of composites.

Y-TZP/porcelain graded dental restorations design for improved damping behavior – A study on damping capacity and dynamic Young's modulus

The development of dental restorative materials that mimic tooth-like properties provided by graded structures, aesthetics and properties such as strength, damping capacity and the ability for a continuous remodeling according to the biomechanical solicitation is a great challenge. In this work, damping capacity and dynamic Young's modulus of Y-TZP/porcelain composites for all-ceramic dental restorations were studied. These mechanical properties were assessed by dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) at frequencies of 1, 5 and 10 Hz, over a temperature ranging from 0 to 60 °C, simulating extreme conditions when a cold or hot drink is experienced. The results showed that porcelain and porcelain-matrix composites exhibited higher damping capacity while Y-TZP and Y-TZP-matrix composites presented higher dynamic Young's modulus. Furthermore, while damping capacity is strongly influenced by the temperature, no significant difference in dynamic Young's modulus was found. For both damping and modulus properties, no significant influence of frequency was found for the tested materials. Based on the obtained results and also on the known advantages of the graded Y-TZP/porcelain structures over traditional bi-layer solutions (e.g., improved bending strength, enhanced mechanical and thermal stress distribution), a novel design of all-ceramic restoration with damping capacity has been proposed at the end of this study. A positive impact on the long-term performance of these all-ceramic restorations may be expected.

Mechanical behavior of restorative dental composites under various loading conditions

Mechanical engineering and its scientific principles constitute an essential core in medical science. Currently, different composite resins are widely used as restorative dental materials. However, their lack of adequate strength and toughness has led to research that is aimed at improving the mechanical properties of dental composites. In the present study, the behavior of three different dental materials is investigated under static and dynamic loading conditions. In the experimental tests, a split Hopkinson pressure bar is utilized which corresponds to the most commonly used experimental setup for examining material behavior under a high rate of loading. The examined dental composites experience impacts during their service life and also during car accidents or sport injuries. Hence, in the study, impact loading is modeled in an experiment. A series of compression tests is conducted from low to high strain rates up to 40s−1, and the dynamic elastic moduli of three different dental composites are measured. Furthermore, studies on the compressed surface of the dental composite specimens are performed to improve the analysis with respect to the hardness of the materials. The responses of the examined composites to dynamic loadings verify the impact resistance of the materials. The results indicate the load-carrying capabilities of the dental composites. These results can be used for materials development and existing computational models.

Hydrophobic and antimicrobial dentin: A peptide-based 2-tier protective system for dental resin composite restorations

Dental caries, i.e., tooth decay mediated by bacterial activity, is the most widespread chronic disease worldwide. Carious lesions are commonly treated using dental resin composite restorations. However, resin composite restorations are prone to recurrent caries, i.e., reinfection of the surrounding dental hard tissues. Recurrent caries is mainly a consequence of waterborne and/or biofilm-mediated degradation of the tooth-restoration interface through hydrolytic, acidic and/or enzymatic challenges. Here we use amphipathic antimicrobial peptides to directly coat dentin to provide resin composite restorations with a 2-tier protective system, simultaneously exploiting the physicochemical and biological properties of these peptides. Our peptide coatings modulate dentin’s hydrophobicity, impermeabilize it, and are active against multispecies biofilms derived from caries-active individuals. Therefore, the coatings hinder water penetration along the otherwise vulnerable dentin/restoration interface, even after in vitro aging, and increase its resistance against degradation by water, acids, and saliva. Moreover, they do not weaken the resin composite restorations mechanically. The peptide-coated highly-hydrophobic dentin is expected to notably improve the service life of resin composite restorations and to enable the development of entirely hydrophobic restorative systems. The peptide coatings were also antimicrobial and thus, they provide a second tier of protection preventing re-infection of tissues in contact with restorations. Statement of SignificanceWe present a technology using designer peptides to treat the most prevalent chronic disease worldwide; dental caries. Specifically, we used antimicrobial amphipathic peptides to coat dentin with the goal of increasing the service life of the restorative materials used to treat dental caries, which is nowadays 5 years on average. Water and waterborne agents (enzymes, acids) degrade restorative materials and enable re-infection at the dentin/restoration interface. Our peptide coatings will hinder degradation of the restoration as they produced highly hydrophobic and antimicrobial dentin/material interfaces. We anticipate a high technological and economic impact of our technology as it can notably reduce the lifelong dental bill of patients worldwide. Our findings can enable the development of restorations with all-hydrophobic and so, more protective components.

A Systematic Review of Exposure to Bisphenol A from Dental Treatment.

Dental composite restorations and dental sealants containing bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) are commonly used materials in dentistry. Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to manufacture BisGMA and can be a by-product in BisGMA-based dental materials. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that may affect reproductive, psychological, cognitive, and endocrine-related health. We conducted a systematic review of clinical studies that measured urinary BPA (uBPA) concentrations before and after dental treatment to evaluate the extent to which individuals are exposed to BPA from dental treatment. Eligibility included studies that measured uBPA concentrations before and after dental treatment with any type of resin-based dental material. We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Virtual Health Library, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Clinical Trials with no date or language restrictions to identify published studies. We summarized eligible studies across participant characteristics, amount of treatment, and time of follow-up measures. Because methods of measuring uBPA varied, our primary outcome was the direction and percentage change between baseline and 24 h posttreatment and at later time points as available. We identified 1,190 abstracts and 7 eligible studies: 4 in children and 3 in adults. In all studies, BPA concentrations increased 24 h after treatment. The 2 studies with the largest sample sizes found statistically significant increases >40% in uBPA concentrations at 24 h posttreatment (both P values <0.01). The 1 study to examine uBPA concentrations beyond 1 mo posttreatment found that concentrations returned to baseline by 14 d after treatment and remained at baseline 6 mo after treatment. Our findings suggest that uBPA concentrations increase 24 h after dental treatment. One study showed that uBPA concentrations return to baseline by 14 d. Additional research is needed to determine the magnitude of change from pre- to post-dental treatment and the trajectory of uBPA concentrations posttreatment. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that may have negative human health effects. Our findings suggest that urinary BPA concentrations increase in the short term after dental treatment. The extent to which such an increase may affect the health of patients remains an open question, particularly since there are no established thresholds for safety or harm related to BPA exposure.

A systematic study and effect of PLA/Al2O3 nanoscaffolds as dental resins: mechanochemical properties

One of the major and important challenges in dental composite resin and restoration is the mechanical performance and property of materials. Nanotechnology can produce nanoscale materials that are used in dentistry to help stabilize and strengthen the dentistry. In this work, we study the synthesis and characterization of PLA/Al2O3 nanoscaffold in different conditions such as concentration, temperature, pH, microwave power and irradiation time. PLA/Al2O3 nanoscaffolds were prepared by a micelle-assisted hydrothermal method. Durability, stability and biodegradable nature of nanopolymers have created the much-applied potential for using this structures in many fields such as dental resin composites. Products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transition electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transformed infrared spectrum (FT-IR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The synthesis factors were designed by Taguchi technique to control the process systematically. It was found that the intermolecular crosslinks between PLA and Al2O3 nanoparticles cause significant improves in the mechanical properties of PLA/Al2O3 nanoscaffold as dental nanocomposites. The flexural strength (88.0 MPa), modulus (7.5 GPa) and compressive strength (157.2 MPa) were calculated for PLA/Al2O3 nanoscaffolds loaded in Heliomolar Flow composite resins at 80 ppm (wt) concentration.

The effect of esterase enzyme on aging dental composites

We measured the push-out and diametral tensile strength of dental restorative composites following aging under environmental conditions relevant to the oral cavity; air (A), artificial saliva (AS), acidified (50 mM CH3 COOH, pH = 4.7) artificial saliva (AS + HAc), and AS with esterase enzyme (AS + ENZ). Cylindrical test specimens (6.3 mm diameter by 5.1 mm long) were prepared by placing 0.3 g of nanofilled composite in an epoxy ring and cured. Twenty samples were aged in each environment for 163-186 days at 37°C. The push-out strengths (mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM], in MPa) for specimens were: A-2.4 ± 0.2, AS-7.3 ± 0.5, AS + HAc-7.2 ± 0.9, and AS + ENZ-6.0 ± 0.6. Following the push-out test, the diametral tensile strength and elasticity were immediately determined. The diametral tensile strengths (mean ± SEM, in MPa) for specimens were: A-54.0 ± 1.6, AS-31.4 ± 1.3, AS + HAc-34.3 ± 1.2, and AS + ENZ-22.5 ± 0.7. The push-out strength was lowest for the A environment due to shrinkage of the composite. The push-out strength increased significantly as water diffused into the specimens (AS and AS + HAc) but decreased significantly in the enzyme environment (AS + ENZ). The diametral tensile strength was highest for specimens in the A environment, which was significantly higher than both the AS and AS + HAc specimens and > 2× higher than the AS + ENZ specimens. The results indicated that a water environment (with or without acid) caused a significant decrease in the mechanical properties of this composite, but the greatest decrease was seen in water with esterase. This is the first study to demonstrate that esterase enzymes affect the bulk strength of a commonly used commercial dental composite. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2178-2184, 2019.

Evaluation of resin composites for dental restorations

In the production of dental restorations, there are, currently, two main types of materials: ceramics and resin composites. These latter kinds are typically suggested because of their quick fabrication, easy reparation and increased crossed link density compared with conventional light-cured materials. However, it is not clear for the specialist what is the best option among the many commercially available materials for each precise clinical case. For that reason, this work aims to clarify the real mechanical performance of resin-based composites for indirect dental restorations obtained by material removal processes and their most suitable application.Two kinds of resin CAD/CAM blocks were selected: LavaTM Ultimate and CerasmartTM, which were tested under two conditions: in the as received by the manufacturer state and after storage in artificial saliva during 30 days. The mechanical properties of both materials were analysed (density, hardness, flexural strength, fracture toughness) but also the influence on the degradation of the mechanical performance due to the contact with the saliva.Results indicate a better mechanical performance of the Lava Ultimate material in the as-received condition, despite its coarser microstructure. However, Cerasmart shows a stabilised microstructure with a smaller degradation of the mechanical properties in contact with the artificial saliva; in other words, improved durability inside the mouth.

Effect of two whitening agents on the color of composite dental restorations.

BackgroundTo evaluate color changes to composite resins used to restore extracted teeth compared with composite discs after whitening with two agents: hydrogen peroxide (HP) and carbamide peroxide (CP).Material and MethodsTen human molars with class V vestibular and palatine cavity preparation obturated with Vita hybrid nanocomposite were hemisected to obtain 20 specimens assigned randomly to two groups: O1 and O2. Twenty composite discs were divided into two groups: D1 and D2. The groups O1 and D1 were treated with 16% CP, while groups =2 and D2 were treated with 37.5 % HP. Chromaticity coordinates L*, a* and b* were registered using a spectrophotometer.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found in O1 for L* and a*, in O2 for all three coordinates, and in D1 and D2 only for L*. Comparisons between groups found significant differences in ΔEe (end of treatment) between O1 and O2, between O2 and D2, and between D1 and O1.ConclusionsBoth whitening agents produced significant decreases in the three-color components of composites used for dental restorations, while color changes to composite discs were limited to changes in luminosity. HP produced a greater color change to composite dental restorations than to composite discs. Key words:In vitro study, whitening agents, hydrogen peroxide, and carbamide peroxide, dental restorations.

Mechanical and antimicrobial properties of novel bioactive dental restorative composites

Mechanical and antimicrobial properties of novel bioactive dental restorative composites

A critical evaluation of tribological interaction for restorative materials in dentistry

Dental bio-tribology is a developing and promptly expending research field that develops an understanding for designing of dental implants and better selection of artificial dental material. Importance of tribology in modern restorative dentistry is significantly reviewed including synthetic teeth and dental implants. The wear characteristic is one of the extremely important parameters in demonstrating the clinical success of dental composite restoratives. Superior wear resistance of denture teeth conserves a good relationship of functional stability and harmonious occlusion. The usage of resin based dental composites has increased considerably in recent years. These composites have numerous advantages i.e. good esthetics, significant mechanical properties, potential to cohere to the tooth structure etc. Despite of these benefits tribological aspect of the restorative resin composites are still needing to be focused i.e. low wear resistance of material, especially for posterior teeth and increased wear rate of opposite teeth. The most common wear of dental composite consists of distinct phenomenon such as chemical degradation, abrasion, adhesion, attrition and fatigue. The aim of restorative dentistry is to develop highly wear resistant materials that do not cause wear of opposite tooth structure. This evaluation especially focuses on the investigation of the factors associated with inter-oral movements and mastication process along with the study of distinct wear mechanism, harsh intraoral environments, and effect of occlusal force on the friction and wear characteristics of human teeth. Moreover, this study also fortifies to the wear aspect of resin based dental composites as well as future developments of these materials are recommended from a tribological perspective. Additionally, in dental prosthodontics, the role of chewing motor regulation and periodontal mechanoreceptor responses in occlusal functions has been discussed and also the clinical significances of oral implants interactions in patients for fixed dental prostheses and some clinical case studies of the patients with the presence and absence of periodontal diseases are discussed thoroughly.

Effects of cigarette smoke and tobacco heating aerosol on color stability of dental enamel, dentin, and composite resin restorations.

To test if cigarette smoke (CS) causes discoloration of enamel, dentin, and composite resin restorations and induces color mismatch between dental hard tissues and the restorations, and to compare the findings with the effects of aerosol generated by the tobacco heating system (THS) 2.2. Twenty-two human premolars were prepared with Class V cavities restored with Filtek Supreme Ultra (3M Espe) composite resin. Teeth were divided into two groups and exposed to either CS from 20 reference cigarettes (3R4F) or aerosol from 20 THS 2.2 tobacco heat sticks 4 days a week for 3 weeks. CIE L*a*b* color was assessed before and after exposure and brushing at 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Color match, marginal discoloration, marginal integrity, and surface texture of the Class V restoration were assessed according to a modified US Public Health Service (USPHS) criterion. Marked discoloration of enamel and dentin was observed following 3 weeks of CS exposure (ΔE = 8.8 ± 2.6 and 21.3 ± 4.4, respectively), and color mismatch occurred between the composite resin restorations (ΔE = 25.6 ± 3.8) and dental hard tissues. Discoloration was minimal in the enamel, dentin, and composite resin restorations in the THS 2.2 group, and no color mismatch was observed after 3 weeks of THS 2.2 aerosol exposure. CS causes significant tooth discoloration and induces color mismatch between dental hard tissues and composite resin restorations. Reducing or eliminating the deposits derived from tobacco combustion could minimize the impact of tobacco products on tooth discoloration.

Novel dental composite with capability to suppress cariogenic species and promote non-cariogenic species in oral biofilms

Recurrent caries often occurs and is a primary reason for the failure of dental composite restorations. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop a bioactive composite containing dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM), (2) investigate its antibacterial effects and suppression on biofilm growth, and (3) investigate its ability to modulate biofilm species composition for the first time. DMAHDM was incorporated into a composite at mass% of 0%, 0.75%, 1.5%, 2.25% and 3%. A commercial composite Heliomolar served as a comparative control. A biofilm model consisting of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis) and Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii) was tested by growing biofilms for 48 h and 72 h on composites. Colony-forming units (CFUs), metabolic activity and live/dead staining were evaluated. Lactic acid and polysaccharide productions were measured to assess biofilm cariogenicity. TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the proportion of each species in the biofilm. DMAHDM-containing composite had a strong anti-biofilm function, reducing biofilm CFU by 2–3 orders of magnitude, compared to control composite. Biofilm metabolic activity, lactic acid and polysaccharides were decreased substantially, compared to control (p < 0.05). At 72 h, the cariogenic S. mutans proportion in the biofilm on the composite with 3% DMAHDM was 19.9%. In contrast, an overwhelming S. mutans proportion of 92.2% and 91.2% existed in biofilms on commercial control and 0% DMAHDM, respectively. In conclusion, incorporating DMAHDM into dental composite: (1) yielded potent anti-biofilm properties; (2) modulated the biofilm species composition toward a non-cariogenic tendency. The new DMAHDM composite is promising for applications in a wide range of tooth cavity restorations to modulate oral biofilm species and combat caries.

MICROTENSILE BOND STRENGTH AND NANOLEACKAGE OF DENTIN SURFACES PRETREATED WITH DIFFERENT ETCHING MATERIALS

This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate microtensile bond strength and nanoleackage of dentin surfaces pretreated with different etching materials. Twenty four extracted human intact second molar were selected and debrided to remove remnants of periodontal ligaments. Occlusal surfaces were flattened to expose a flat area of dentin under copious water coolant. One dentin bonding system (Te-Econom Bond) and one dental resin composite restoration (Tetric N-Ceram) were used for the study. The teeth were divided into four groups (6 each) according to the type of etchant material used as follows: group A – citric acid 6%, group B – citric acid 10%, group C – citric acid 20%, and group D- phosphoric acid 37%. The etchants were applied for 15 seconds to the dentin surface. After which teeth were washed, dried, then bonding agent was applied followed by the resin composite restoration. Then a longitudinal sectioning of restored teeth was made to obtain composite-dentin beams of (0.9 x 0.9 mm) in area. Each beam was composed of composite and dentin with adhesive at the interface. The microtensile bond strength (μTBS) was measured and the nanoleakage was observed using SEM. Data was then recorded, tabulated and statistically analyzed. There was no statistical significant difference between the results of the μTBS of groups A, B and D while group C has the lowest microtensile bond strength (19.20± 4.59). For all groups, nanoleackage was more demonstrated at group C and D, while group B show mild nanoleackage and no nanoleackage was observed for group A. It was concluded that low concentrations of citric acid was effective as etchant material compared to phosphoric acid on dentin surface in terms of microtensile bond strength and nanoleakage

Damping and mechanical behavior of metal-ceramic composites applied to novel dental restorative systems

Conversely to natural teeth, where periodontal ligament (PDL) and pulp works as a damper reducing the effect of the stress on surrounding structures, when natural teeth is lost and replaced or restored the biting forces are directly transmitted to the bone or affect the integrity of the adjacent bottom layers. In this study, damping capacity and dynamic Young's modulus of CoCrMo-porcelain composites for dental restorations were evaluated. Dynamic Young's modulus and damping capacity of materials were assessed by dynamic mechanical analyzes (DMA) at 1 and 10 Hz frequencies, over a temperature ranging (18–60 °C). Results show that by reinforcing dental porcelain with metallic particles, producing ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) with 20 vol% and 40 vol% of metallic particles, the damping capacity and dynamic Young's modulus are improved. A decrease on both properties of the metal matrix composites (MMCs) with increasing ceramic particles content (from 20 vol% to 40 vol% of ceramic phase) was observed for all the studied frequencies and temperatures. While damping capacity is strongly dependent on frequency, no significant difference in dynamic Young's modulus was found.Results show that besides the yet reported advantages of the bio-inspired functionally graded restorations over traditional bilaminate ones, traduced by improved veneer to substrate adhesion and by the enhanced thermal and mechanical stress distribution, these restorations can also display improved behavior as regard to a damping capacity, which may have a positive impact in the long-term performance of implant – supported prosthesis.

Effectiveness of Two Type Coupling Agent of Dental Composite Nanofiller Prototype with Addition of Acetone in Preparation

Nano size of ceramic filler (nanofiller) are tend to possess difficulties to be covered by resin matrix due to large surface area to volume ratio. Addition of aceton known as the diluent agent by introducing more content of filler as well as helping distribution of the filler in the resin matrix in application of dental composite restoration. In this study, a total 24 specimens of dental composite prototype; nanofiller-TMPS and nanofiller-MPTS were prepared using a customized acrylic mold and they were divided into two groups based on filler/resin ratio (n=6 each group). In the process of dental composite making, acetone were added into resin; 1 ml (filler/resin, 50/50) and 5 ml (filler/resin, 80/20) untill specific consistency obtained. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 hours at 37°C then subjected to hardness test using Vickers hardness tester machine, LECO – Japan M– 400–H1 with the load of 200 grams for 15 seconds (ADA Specification No. 27). Data were statistically analyzed using t independent test (α=0.05). The result revealed that dental composite prototype contain nanofiller-MPTS with filler/resin rasio (50/50) were statistically significant higher than dental composite prototype contain nanofiller-TMPS with same ratio (p&lt;0.05). Otherwise, dental composite prototype with filler/resin ratio (80/20) were no observed statistically significant differences for both nanofiller-TMPS and nanofiller-MPTS (p&gt;0.05). As conclusion, nanofiller modified MPTS are more effective to elevate surface hardness of dental composite prototype than nanofiller-TMPS for 50/50 filler/resin ratio

Dental restorative composites containing methacrylic spiroorthocarbonate monomers as antishrinking matrixes

ABSTRACTIn this work, the synthesis of two new antishrinking methacrylic monomers of spiroorthocarbonate type, SOC‐IP‐UDMA and SOC‐UDMA, is discussed, along with studies of their performance as polymeric matrix in dental composites. The monomers were photoactive with components of a conventional resin composite. In order to study the photocuring kinetics of these SOC monomers, a real‐time test was performed using FTIR spectroscopy. It was found that SOCs promoted higher double bond conversions (DC) than conventional methacrylic monomer bis‐GMA (48%), reaching a DC value of 68% for SOC‐UDMA and 75% for SOC‐IP‐UDMA. The shrinkage stress that accompanies curing of dental composites was measured by a universal testing machine. These new monomer SOCs are capable of reducing the shrinkage up to 51.1% and 27.7% for both methacrylic monomers when they were compared with bis‐GMA as control. Also, a dynamical mechanical analysis was conducted on the dental composites, obtaining a higher modulus and a range of T g values from 80 to 100 °C. Others parameters like flexural properties, solubility, and sorption water were determined, obtaining values better than or equal to the parameters established by the standard ISO 4049. These monomers can be considered as alternative matrixes to replace bis‐GMA in dental composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47114.

Responsive antimicrobial dental adhesive based on drug-silica co-assembled particles

Most dental resin composite restorations are replacements for failing restorations. Degradation of the restoration-tooth margins by cariogenic bacteria results in recurrent caries, a leading cause for restoration failure. Incorporating antimicrobial agents in dental adhesives could reduce interfacial bacterial count and reduce recurrent caries rates, inhibit interfacial degradation, and prolong restoration service life, while minimizing systemic exposure. Direct addition of antimicrobial compounds into restorative materials have limited release periods and could affect the integrity of the material. Attempts to incorporate antimicrobial within mesoporous silica nanoparticles showed theoretical promise due to their physical robustness and large available internal volume, yet yielded short-term burst release and limited therapeutic payload.We have developed novel broad-spectrum antimicrobial drug-silica particles co-assembled for long-term release and high payload incorporated into dental adhesives. The release of the drug, octenidine dihydrochloride, is modulated by the oral degradative environment and mathematically modeled to predict effective service life. Steady-state release kills cariogenic bacteria, preventing biofilm formation over the adhesive surface, with no toxicity. This novel material could extend dental restoration service life and may be applied to other long-term medical device-tissue interfaces for responsive drug release upon bacterial infection. Statement of SignificanceThis study describes a novel dental adhesive that includes a broad-spectrum antimicrobial drug-silica co-assembled particles for long-term antimicrobial effect. The release of the drug, octenidine dihydrochloride, is modulated by the oral degradative environment and mathematically modeled to predict effective release throughout the service life of the restoration. Steady-state drug-release kills caries-forming bacteria, preventing biofilm formation over the adhesive surface, without toxicity. This novel material could extend dental restoration service life and may be applied to other long-term medical device-tissue interfaces for responsive drug release upon bacterial infection. Since recurrent cavities (caries) caused by bacteria are the major reason for dental filling failure, this development represents a significant contribution to the biomaterials field in methodology and material performance.

Light-cured dimethacrylate dental restorative composites under a prism of annihilating positrons.

Breakthrough resolutions in current biopolymer engineering rely on reliable diagnostics of atomic-deficient spaces over the finest sub-nanometer length scales. One such diagnostic is positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, which probes space-time continuum relationships for the interaction between electrons and their antiparticle (positrons) in structural entities like free-volume defects, vacancies, vacancy-like clusters, interfacial voids and pores, etc. This paper is intended to highlight the possibilities of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy as an informative instrumentation tool to parameterize free-volume evolution in light-cured dimethacrylate dental restorative composites exemplified by Charisma® (Heraeus Kulzer GmbH, Hanau, Germany) and Dipol® (Oksomat-AN Ltd, Kyiv, Ukraine). The subjects of the study were the commercially available dimethacrylate-type dental restorative composites Charisma® and Dipol®. The analysis used a fast-fast coincidence system of 230 ps resolution based on 2 photomultiplier tubes coupled to BaF2 scintillator detectors and ORTEC® (ORTEC, Oak Ridge, USA) electronics to register lifetime spectra in normal-measurement statistics evolving ~1 million coincidences. The annihilation process in both composites is identified as mixed positron-Ps (positronium) trapping, where ortho-Ps decaying is caused entirely by free-volume holes in the polymer matrix, and the 2nd component is defined mainly by interfacial free-volume holes between filler nanoparticles and the surrounding polymer. The most appropriate model-independent estimation of photopolymerization volumetric shrinkage in dental restorative composites can be done using averaged positron annihilation lifetime. Partiallyconstrained x4-term analysis of lifetime spectra is less efficient, giving greater scatter of variance with an additional artifact of fixed shortest lifetime allowing unresolved mixing in the 2nd component. A meaningful phenomenological description of transformations in Ps and positron-trapping sites under light curing, which occurs more efficiently in Charisma® than in Dipol® nanocomposites, can be developed at the basis of a semi-empirical model exploring a x3-x2-coupling decomposition algorithm. A deep understanding of void-evolution processes in dimethacrylate dental composites employing positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy makes it possible to diagnose, characterize and engineer novel biomaterials for advanced use in medical practice.