Effects Of Polymerization Shrinkage Research Articles

Adhesive damage of class V restorations under shrinkage stress and occlusal forces using cohesive zone modeling.

This study aims to investigate adhesive damage caused by the synergistic effects of polymerization shrinkage and occlusal forces via finite element analysis (FEA), based on damage mechanics with the cohesive zone model (CZM). The objective is to obtain the adhesive damage distribution and investigate how the material properties of resin composite impact adhesive damage. A 3D reconstruction model of an mandibular first molar was constructed through CBCT imaging, and a Class V cavity was prepared using computer-aided engineering (CAE) software. Common clinical resin composite and an universal adhesive were selected for restorative filling. A 3D FEA was performed, incorporating the pre-stress induced by polymerization shrinkage of the resin composite, followed by occlusal forces. The cohesive zone model (CZM) was employed to represent the adhesive damage. To emphasize the impact of synergistic loading on adhesive damage, three types of loads were separately applied to the model: polymerization shrinkage, occlusal forces, and combined loading. Subsequently, three clinical resin composites with varying polymerization shrinkage and elastic modulus were used as restorative materials. Sensitivity analysis was conducted on dozens of hypothetical materials to provide definitive results. Polymerization shrinkage was undergone by the cured resin composite, resulting in extensive adhesive damage. Occlusal forces induced microdamage in regions already damaged by shrinkage stress, especially in the gingival wall. Predictably, the regions with severe adhesive damage were prone to marginal microleakage. The properties of the resin composite can affect adhesive damage. The adhesive damage with bulk-fill resin composite was milder than that with flowable and conventional resin composite. The extent of adhesive damage correlated markedly positively with the polymerization shrinkage of the resin composite and mildly positively with its elastic modulus. Adhesive damage has been directly implicated in marginal microleakage. The cohesive zone model (CZM) can effectively elucidate the distribution of adhesive damage and provide a clear representation of the impact of varying material properties of resin composite on adhesive damage.

Efficacy of the finite element analysis in assessing the effects of light curing on the mechanical properties of direct restorative composites: A systematic review.

Previous studies have identified the effects of light curing techniques on both shrinkage strain and contraction stress buildup in composite restorations. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has several advantages over other experimental methods for evaluating the mechanical properties of direct dental resins. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the impact of light curing protocols on the shrinkage behaviors and other mechanical properties of direct restorative composites utilizing FEA. The search methodology adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and utilized prominent scientific databases. This systematic review was structured around a question formulated PICO framework. To estimate the methodological rigor of the included studies, a quality assessment tool was utilized. After the final phase of eligibility evaluation, the systematic review incorporated nine studies. Studies employing FEA primarily aimed to investigate the effects of various light curing protocols on shrinkage behaviors, contraction stress, and microleakage in composite restorations. Most FEA models in these studies incorporated key time-dependent parameters related to composite polymerization, such as shrinkage, Young's modulus, Poisson ratio, and resulting creep. FEA can provide valuable insights into the effects of light curing on the mechanical properties of direct restorative composites, its accuracy, and reliability depend on various factors, including the accuracy of input parameters, modeling assumptions, and validation against experimental data. The findings underscore the importance of considering various factors such as curing protocol, testing method, composite characteristics, and environmental conditions in understanding, and mitigating the adverse effects of polymerization shrinkage in composite restorations. Key words:Finite Element Analyses, Composite Resins, Light Curing of Dental Resins, Polymerization, Materials Testing, Mechanical Tests.

Comparative Evaluation of Marginal Fit of Three Provisional Restorative Materials in Different Mediums: An In-Vitro Study

Temporaries are used as placeholders before the permanent crowns are installed. If the temporary crown is not fitted properly the tooth can be subject to increased decay and gums can become inflamed causing gingivitis which leads to other more serious problems. A provisional fixed restoration will provide a template for defining tooth contour, esthetics, proximal contacts, ridge contacts and occlusion. Margins made by the indirect technique are considered to be more accurate than those made by the direct technique. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the marginal accuracy of provisional crowns made from three different biomaterials using the established indirect method in different environments and to evaluate the effect of water absorption on polymerization shrinkage and the effect of polymerization shrinkage occurring in dry storage for a week. Method:Variables used in this study are: a) Revotek LC-light cured composite b) Protemp II c) poly methyl methacrylate. An aluminium master die was machined with dimensions: 5mm length, 10mm gingival diameter, 5 degree taper, and 1mm shoulder then dental stone die was prepared by making an impression of this experimental model using a poly vinyl siloxane material. Both group A and group B consisted of seven specimens each of DPI, ProtempII, Revotek LC. The specimens were evaluated using measuring microscope (Biolux), which had an eyepiece graticule of 1/10th of an mm. The seven specimens in group A (DPI, ProtempII, Revotek LC) were kept in air at room temperature for one week on the dental stone cast and the readings were tabulated and the mean values were obtained. The seven specimens in group B (DPI, ProtempII, and Revotek LC) were kept in water at room temperature for one week and the readings were tabulated in the same manner and the mean values were obtained. Results: Comparative statistics of the mean values of the specimens kept in air at room temperature showed that DPI had the least marginal discrepancies followed by ProtempII, Revotek LC. The values were highly significant (.002) Comparative statistics of the mean values of the specimens kept in water at room temperature showed that DPI had the least marginal discrepancies followed by Revotek LC, ProtempII. The values were highly significant (.009). Conclusion: After one week in air at room temperature and after one week in water at room temperature DPI recorded the minimal marginal discrepancy. When stored in air at room temperature, DPI had the best marginal adaptation. All of the materials showed evidence of continued polymerization shrinkage after storage in air for a week. Water absorption compensated for polymerization shrinkage in DPI and ProtempII whereas Revotek LC was an exception. Keywords: light cured composite, Protemp II-Bis –acryl composite, poly methyl methacrylate, marginal adaptation, provisional restoration.

Influence of restorative material and cement on the stress distribution of endocrowns: 3D finite element analysis

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the influence of different types of restorative materials and resin cements on the stress distribution in the regions of the restoration, cement layer and dental remnant in endodontically treated posterior endocrowns.MethodsA 3D finite element analysis (FEA) model of the first mandibular molar that was restored with an endocrown designed by computer-aided design (CAD) software was generated. Three kinds of restorative materials (Vita Enamic (VE), IPS e.max CAD (EMX) and Grandio blocs (GR)) and two types of cementing materials (NX3 and Maxcem Elite Chroma (MX)) were analysed with such a model. The food layer was also designed before vertical (600 N) forces were applied to simulate physiological masticatory conditions. Thermal expansion was used to simulate the polymerization shrinkage effects of cement layers. The results were obtained by colorimetric graphs of the maximum principal stress in the restoration and tooth remnant. The failure risk of the cement layer was also calculated based on the normal stress.ResultsThe elastic modulus was positively correlated with the tensile stress peak values in the restoration, mainly at the intaglio surface. However, in the cervical enamel and cement layer, restorative material with a higher elastic modulus generated lower peak stress values. The cement with a higher elastic modulus resulted in higher stress peak values inside the cement layer. The combination of EMX (restorative material) and NX3 (cement material) in the cement layer resulted in the lowest failure risk.SignificanceThe ceramic material EMX with a higher elastic modulus appeared to be more effective at protecting the cement layer and residual enamel tissue. Based on the analysis of the failure risk of the cement layer, the combination of EMX and NX3 was recommended as an optional material for endocrowns for endodontically treated posterior teeth.

Assessment of polymerization shrinkage of different bulk-fill resin composites

Objectives: This research was designed to evaluate the effect of polymerization shrinkage of different bulk-fill resin composites. Materials & Methods: Ninety extracted molars were prepared as specimens by having a box shape proximal cavity for the restoration of composite resins. The specimens were divided into three main groups (n=30), according to the resin composite materials used (sonic fill, flowable and packable bulk-fill). Profile projector was used for assessment of polymerization shrinkage Results: There is no significant difference between the variables. Sonic fill composite resin has lower polymerization shrinkage than flowable bulk-fill composite and packable bulk-fill composite. The marginal adaptation of sonically activated resin composite is more than the polymerization shrinkage of sonically activated resin composite, while the storage time of sonically activated resin composite is less in bulk-fill .Conclusions: Success of resin composites depends primarily on the degree of polymerization shrinkage as when the shrinkage decrease mostly the post-operative problems decrease.

Marginal Adaptation and Micropermeability of Class II Cavities Restored with Three Different Types of Resin Composites—A Comparative Ten-Month In Vitro Study

The development of composite materials is subject to the desire to overcome polymerization shrinkage and generated polymerization stress. An indicator characterizing the properties of restorative materials, with specific importance for preventing secondary caries, is the integrity and durability of marginal sealing. It is a reflection of the effects of polymerization shrinkage and generated stress. The present study aimed to evaluate and correlate marginal integrity and micropermeability in second-class cavities restored with three different types of composites, representing different strategies to reduce polymerization shrinkage and stress: nanocomposite, silorane, and bulk-fill composite after a ten-month ageing period. Thirty standardized class ΙΙ cavities were prepared on extracted human molars. Gingival margins were 1 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction. Cavities were randomly divided into three groups, based on the composites used: FiltekUltimate-nanocomposite; Filtek Silorane LS-silorane; SonicFill-bulk-fill composite. All specimens were subjected to thermal cycles after that, dipped in saline for 10-mounds. After ageing, samples were immersed in a 2% methylene blue. Thus prepared, they were covered directly with gold and analyzed on SEM for assessment of marginal seal. When the SEM analysis was completed, the teeth were included into epoxy blocks and cut longitudinally on three slices for each cavity. An assessment of microleakage on stereomicroscope followed. Results were statistically analyzed. For marginal seal evaluation: F.Ultimate and F.Silorane differ statistically with more excellent results than SonicFill for marginal adaptation to the gingival margin, located entirely in the dentin. For microleakage evaluation: F.Ultimate and F.Silorane differ statistically with less microleakage than SonicFill. Based on the results obtained: a strong correlation is found between excellent results for marginal adaptation to the marginal gingival ridge and micropermeability at the direction to the axial wall. We observe a more significant influence of time at the gingival margin of the cavities. There is a significant increase in the presence of marginal fissures (p = 0.001). A significant impact of time (p < 0.000) and of the material (p < 0.000) was found in the analysis of the microleakage.

Effect of Shrinking and No Shrinking Dentine and Enamel Replacing Materials in Posterior Restoration: A 3D-FEA Study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of shrinking and no shrinking dental filling materials combination in posterior restorations under the combined effects of polymerization shrinkage and occlusal load by means of 3D Finite Elements Analysis. Six computer-generated and restored class I or class II cavities models of a lower molar were designed in the CAD software and evaluated according to the cavity and restorative procedure. Different shrinking and no shrinking adhesive materials combination with diverse Young’s modulus were considered. A food bolus was modeled on the occlusal surface replicating the chewing load using static linear analyses Polymerization shrinkage was simulated for the shrinking different restorative materials. The maximum principal stress was selected as analysis criteria. All models exhibited higher stresses along the dentine restoration interfaces with different magnitude and a similar stress trend along enamel restoration interface. Stress values up to 22 MPa and 19 MPa were recorded in the enamel and restoration, respectively. The use of elastic not shrinking material layer in combination with bulk fill composite reduced the stress magnitude in dentine and enamel to replace dental tissues. Class I and class II posterior cavities adhesively restored with shrinking filling material’s combination showed the most unfavorable stress concentrations and the multilayer technique is a promising restorative alternative in posterior adhesive restorations when deep dentin and enamel volumes are missing.

A standardized method to determine the effect of polymerization shrinkage on the cusp deflection and shrinkage induced built-in stress of class II tooth models

ObjectivesUsing standardized aluminum tooth models, this study: 1) measured the deflection along the cusp wall of models with a Class II cavity restored using either bulk filling or horizontal incremental filling techniques, and 2) calculated the cusp deflection and built-in stress within the restored tooth models for both filling techniques using a finite element (FE) model. MethodsStandardized tooth models with Class II cavities 4 mm deep, 4 mm high and 6 mm wide were machined out of aluminum. The models were restored using Filtek Posterior Restorative A2 shade resin-based composite (RBC). Both bulk filling and horizontal incremental filling techniques were used to restore the tooth models. After photocuring for 20 s from a single peak wavelength light-curing unit (LCU) with a radiant exitance of 1.25 W/cm2, the deflection of the cusp wall surface was measured using a profilometer. A FE model was used to predict the cuspal deflection and built-in stress of the restored tooth models. ResultsThe elastic modulus within the FE model was parameterized using cusp deflection data obtained on a bulk filled tooth model. An agreement was found between the measured and predicted cusp deflection only when considering partial stress relaxation within the first incremental layer for the two-layer incremental filling technique. The calculated built-in stress was significantly reduced within the RBC and along the cavity walls when the cavity was filled incrementally in a horizontal direction compared to when it was bulk filled, resulting in a significantly smaller cusp deflection. SignificanceThe FE model was first calibrated and then validated using measured cusp deflection data. Partial stress relaxation may play a significant role in the horizontal incremental filling technique. The model can be used to predict where the built-in stress within the tooth model occurs. This study explains why for a given RBC, a horizontal incremental filling and curing technique results in lower built-in stress within the restored tooth and lower cusp deflection compared to the bulk curing technique.

Short communication: Influence of restorative material and cement on the stress distribution of posterior resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses: 3D finite element analysis

The goal of this study was to compare the mechanical response of resin-bonded fixed dental prosthesis (RBFDP) made in zirconia, metal, lithium disilicate and composite resin cemented using resin cements with different elastic modulus. For the finite element analysis, a three-dimensional model of partial right maxilla was used to create a model with edentulous space in the second premolar and the cavity's preparation on the first pre-molar and first molar to receive a RBFDP. The model was imported to the analysis software in which they were divided into mesh composed by nodes (371,101) and tetrahedral elements (213,673). Each material was considered isotropic, elastic and homogeneous. No-separation contacts were considered between restoration/resin cement and resin cement/tooth. For all other structures the contacts were considered ideal. The model fixation occurred at the base of the bone and an axial load of 300 N was applied on the pontic occlusal surface. To simulate polymerization shrinkage effects on the cement, the thermal expansion approach was used. The displacement and maximum principal stress (in MPa) were selected as failure criteria. The prosthesis made in composite resin showed higher displacement, while in zirconia showed higher stress concentration. Tensile stress between restoration/cement, cement and cement/cavity was directly proportional to the restorative material's elastic modulus. The more rigid cement increases the tensile zones in the cement layer but decreases the stress between prosthesis and cement. The molar cavity showed higher stress concentration between restoration/cement than the preparation in the pre-molar tooth. The use of composite resin for the manufacturing of RBFDP increases the displacement of the set during the loading. However, it reduces the amount of stress concentration at the adhesive interface in comparison with the other materials.

Minimization of polymerization shrinkage effects on composite resins by the control of irradiance during the photoactivation process.

High levels of shrinkage stress caused by volumetric variations during the activation process are one of the main problems in the practical application of composite resins. Objective The aim of this study is to reduce the shrinkage stress and minimize the effects caused by composite resin volumetric variation due to the photopolymerization. In this way, this work proposes a systematic study to determine the optimal dimming function to be applied to light curing processes.Material and Methods The study was performed by applying mathematical techniques to the optimization of nonlinear objective functions. The effectiveness of the dimming function was evaluated by monitoring the polymerization shrinkage stress during the curing process of five brands/models of composites. This monitoring was performed on a universal testing machine using two steel bases coupled in the arms of the machine where the resin was inserted and polymerized. The quality of the composites cured by the proposed method was analyzed and compared with the conventional photoactivation method by experiments to determine their degree of conversion (DC). Absorbance measurements were performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). A T-test was performed on DC results to compare the photoactivation techniques. We also used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze in-vitro the adhesion interface of the resin in human teeth.Results Our results showed that the use of the optimal dimming function, named as exponential, resulted in the significant reduction of the shrinkage stress (~36.88% ±6.56 when compared with the conventional method) without affecting the DC (t=0.86, p-value=0.44). The SEM analyses show that the proposed process can minimize or even eliminate adhesion failures between the tooth and the resin in dental restorations.Conclusion The results from this study can promote the improvement of the composite resin light curing process by the minimization of polymerization shrinkage effects, given an operational standardization of the photoactivation process.

Molar cusp deformation evaluated by micro-CT and enamel crack formation to compare incremental and bulk-filling techniques

ObjectivesTo describe a method of measuring the molar cusp deformation using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), the propagation of enamel cracks using transillumination, and the effects of hygroscopic expansion after incremental and bulk-filling resin composite restorations. MethodsTwenty human molars received standardized Class II mesio-occlusal-distal cavity preparations. They were restored with either a bulk-fill resin composite, X-tra fil (XTRA), or a conventional resin composite, Filtek Z100 (Z100). The resin composites were tested for post-gel shrinkage using a strain gauge method. Cusp deformation (CD) was evaluated using the images obtained using a micro-CT protocol and using a strain-gauge method. Enamel cracks were detected using transillumination. ResultsThe post-gel shrinkage of Z100 was higher than XTRA (P < 0.001). The amount of cusp deformation produced using Z100 was higher compared to XTRA, irrespective of the measurement method used (P < 0.001). The thinner lingual cusp always had a higher CD than the buccal cusp, irrespective of the measurement method (P < 0.001). A positive correlation (r = 0.78) was found between cusp deformation measured by micro-CT or by the strain-gauge method. After hygroscopic expansion of the resin composite, the cusp displacement recovered around 85% (P < 0.001). After restoration, Z100 produced more cracks than XTRA (P = 0.012). ConclusionsMicro-CT was an effective method for evaluating the cusp deformation. Transillumination was effective for detecting enamel cracks. There were fewer negative effects of polymerization shrinkage in bulk-fill resin restorations using XTRA than for the conventional incremental filling technique using conventional composite resin Z100. Clinical significanceShrinkage and cusp deformation are directly related to the formation of enamel cracks. Cusp deformation and crack propagation may increase the risk of tooth fracture.

CAD-FE modeling and analysis of class II restorations incorporating resin-composite, glass ionomer and glass ceramic materials

ObjectivesTo investigate the influence of specific resin-composite, glass ceramic and glass ionomer cement (GIC) material combinations in a “multi-layer” technique to replace enamel and dentin in class II mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) dental restorations using 3D-Finite Element Analysis (FEA). MethodsFour 3D-FE models (A–D) of teeth, adhesively restored with different filling materials, were created and analyzed in comparison with a 3D model (E) of a sound lower molar. Models A, B & C had “multilayer” constructions, consisting of three layers: adhesive, dentin replacement and enamel replacement.Model A: had a low modulus (8GPa) composite replacing dentin and a higher modulus (12GPa) composite replacing enamel.Model B: had a GI cement replacing dentin and a higher modulus (12GPa) composite replacing enamel.Model C: had a low modulus (8GPa) composite replacing dentin and a very high modulus (70GPa) inlay replacing enamel.Model D: had a lithium disilicate inlay replacing both dentin and enamel with a luting cement base-layer.Polymerization shrinkage effects were simulated and a load of 600N was applied. All the materials were assumed to behave elastically throughout the entire deformation. ResultsModel A showed the highest stress distribution along all the adhesive interfaces of the shrinking resin-based materials with a critical condition and failure risk marginally and internally. Model D, by contrast, showed a more favorable performance than either of the multilayer groups (A–C). Stress and displacement plots showed an elastic response similar to that obtained for the sound tooth model. Model B and Model C performed according to their bilayer material properties. The use of a non-shrink dentin component simulating a GIC clearly affected the shrinkage stress at the basis of the Model B; while the bulk resin composite having a 12GPa Young’s modulus and linear polymerization shrinkage of 1% strongly influenced the biomechanical response in the bucco-lingual direction. SignificanceDirect resin-based composite materials applied in multilayer techniques to large class II cavities, with or without shrinking dentin layers, produced adverse FEA stress distributions and displacements. An indirect lithium disilicate inlay used to replace lost dentin and enamel in posterior restored teeth generated lower stress levels, within the limits of the elastic FEA model.

Mechanical behavior of bulk direct composite versus block composite and lithium disilicate indirect Class II restorations by CAD-FEM modeling

ObjectivesTo study the influence of resin based and lithium disilicate materials on the stress and strain distributions in adhesive class II mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) restorations using numerical finite element analysis (FEA). To investigate the materials combinations in the restored teeth during mastication and their ability to relieve stresses. MethodsOne 3D model of a sound lower molar and three 3D class II MOD cavity models with 95° cavity-margin-angle shapes were modelled. Different material combinations were simulated: model A, with a 10μm thick resin bonding layer and a resin composite bulk filling material; model B, with a 70μm resin cement with an indirect CAD-CAM resin composite inlay; model C, with a 70μm thick resin cement with an indirect lithium disilicate machinable inlay. To simulate polymerization shrinkage effects in the adhesive layers and bulk fill composite, the thermal expansion approach was used. Shell elements were employed for representing the adhesive layers. 3D solid CTETRA elements with four grid points were employed for modelling the food bolus and tooth. Slide-type contact elements were used between the tooth surface and food. A vertical occlusal load of 600 N was applied, and nodal displacements on the bottom cutting surfaces were constrained in all directions. All the materials were assumed to be isotropic and elastic and a static linear analysis was performed. ResultsDisplacements were different in models A, B and C. Polymerization shrinkage hardly affected model A and mastication only partially affected mechanical behavior. Shrinkage stress peaks were mainly located marginally along the enamel-restoration interface at occlusal and mesio-distal sites. However, at the internal dentinal walls, stress distributions were critical with the highest maximum stresses concentrated in the proximal boxes. In models B and C, shrinkage stress was only produced by the 70μm thick resin layer, but the magnitudes depended on the Young’s modulus (E) of the inlay materials. Model B mastication behavior (with E=20GPa) was similar to the sound tooth stress relief pattern. Model B internally showed differences from the sound tooth model but reduced maximum stresses than model A and partially than model C. Model C (with E=70GPa) behaved similarly to model B with well redistributed stresses at the occlusal margins and the lateral sides with higher stress concentrations in the proximal boxes. Models B and C showed a more favorable performance than model A with elastic biomechanics similar to the sound tooth model. SignificanceBulk filling resin composite with 1% linear polymerization shrinkage negatively affected the mechanical behavior of class II MOD restored teeth. Class II MOD direct resin composite showed greater potential for damage because of higher internal and marginal stress evolution during resin polymerization shrinkage. With a large class II MOD cavity an indirect composite or a lithium disilicate inlay restoration may provide a mechanical response close to that of a sound tooth.

Reducing the effect of polymerization shrinkage of temporary fixed dental prostheses by using different materials and fabrication techniques

ObjectiveThe aim of this laboratory study was to evaluate the horizontal and vertical effects of the polymerization shrinkage of three-unit temporary fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) on the position of the prepared teeth. In addition, the reduction of these effects by using different fabrication techniques was evaluated. MethodsA total of 192 temporary FDPs were fabricated using one methacrylate (MA) and two dimethacrylate (DMA) materials. Each material group (n=64) was divided into two groups according to the fabrication methods (M1: curing on the prepared teeth, M2: curing in a silicone mold). Each fabrication group was divided into four subgroups (n=8) according to the relining method used (B: no relining, S: spacer foil 300μm, DG: grinding-out with 500μm cutting depth, and FG: free grinding). The experimental apparatus consisted of two abutment teeth lowered at right angles into a silicone mold. One prepared tooth was embedded in silicone to simulate the periodontium and permit slight horizontal tooth movement. The dimensional changes were recorded with an optical microscope. The test images were superimposed and measured using image analysis software. ResultsThe statistical analysis showed that there were significantly higher horizontal changes for the MA than the DMA resins in M1, while there was none in M2. Regarding the vertical changes, there were significant differences between the baseline group and all relining and fabrication groups in all materials. SignificanceRelining of directly fabricated temporary FDPs significantly reduces the effect of polymerization shrinkage and thus secures the position of the prepared teeth.

Curing depth of a silorane-based resin composite

The silorane-based resin appears aiming to minimize the effects of polymerization shrinkage, but other properties must be studied. Objective: To evaluate the polymerization depth of two composites with different organic matrix. Material and methods:80 cylindrical specimens were prepared using a metallic matrix, with three layers (top, middle and bottom), 1 mm high and 5 mm in diameter. The specimens were divided into eight groups (n = 10) according to the composite resins: Filtek P90 (3M/ESPE); Filtek Z250 (3M/ESPE), light-cured with a LED device with different irradiance and times (600mW/cm2 x 40s, 1000mW/cm2 x 40s, 1000mW/cm2 x 20s; 1400mW/cm2 x 20s). The irradiance was controlled by placing plastic rings coupled to the device’s tip. Immediately after polymerization, the specimens’ layers were separated and five Knoop microhardness readings (initial hardness) were performed on each one of the four layers (0, 1, 2, and 3 mm). After 7 day storage in water at 37ºC, new readings were performed (final microhardness). The data were analyzed by four-way ANOVA (resin, energy density, depth and time) and Tukey test (α = 0.05). Results: The microhardness decreased with the depth increasing both in the initial and 7 day readings. The hardness increased with the highest power densities. The resin P90 had lower hardness values. Conclusion: The silorane-based resin showed Knoop microhardness values significant smaller than those of methacrylate-based resin in almost all evaluated parameters. However, both presented similar behaviors in relation to the curing depth.

Polymerization Mechanics of Dental Composites – Advantages and Disadvantages

Dental composite materials which are used as tooth fillings have numerous advantages and disadvantages in comparison to previously used alternative materials. Effects of polymerization shrinkage (light curing) of composite polymer materials which occur after illuminating with a LED lamp can cause problems in dental practice. Considered in this paper were the mechanical consequences which can occur due to light curing, along with strain fields for composites Z250, TetricEvoCeram and Silorane, as well as strain on a separate circular section that have occurred before and after light curing, by using the DIC method.

Evaluation of the formation of marginal gaps in preheated composite resin restorations

Composite resins are polymeric restorative materials that have acceptable mechanical properties, so they are used in anterior and posterior teeth. There is, however, polymerization shrinkage inherent in the polymeric materials. This contraction is responsible for the formation of cracks at the interface of the restoration. These gaps contribute to the staining of the composite resin and the appearance of cavities. In order to minimize the effects of polymerization shrinkage, variations in restorative technique has been introduced to fulfill this goal. The preheating resin composite is one of them.This study aimed to assess the formation of marginal gaps, using scan electron microscopy, in composite resin restorations created using one room-temperature composite resin and one preheated to 60°C. 20 recently-extracted human molars with circular cavities in the surface dentine of each proximal surface were used. The cavities were restored using Filtek Z350 (3M) composite resin affixed with Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose Adhesive (3M) and divided into two groups of 10 samples: group 1 – room-temperature composite resin restorations (n=10) and group 2 – composite resin restorations preheated to 60oC (n=10). The samples were kept in a bacteriological incubator for a period of seven days. After this, the restorations were polished and epoxy resin replicas were created using a casting with addition silicone for subsequent SEM analysis. The gaps were measured with the aid of UTHSCSA Image tool software and the results were submitted to Student “t” test statistical analysis, achieving the following results: the highest marginal gap figures were obtained with Filtek Z350 resin preheated to 60oC (t= -3.961 and p=0.000). Based on the methodology employed and the results achieved, it can be concluded that there was a greater formation of marginal gaps in the dentin-composite resin interface where Filtek Z350 resin preheated to 60°C was used for restorations, thus making it preferable to use room-temperature composite resin.Keywords:Composite resin. Marginal gaps. Electronic microscopy.

DH and ESPI laser interferometry applied to the restoration shrinkage assessment

In dental restoration postoperative marginal leakage is commonly associated to polymerization shrinkage effects. In consequence the longevity and quality of restorative treatment depends on the shrinkage mechanisms of the composite filling during the polymerization. In this work the development of new techniques for evaluation of those effects under light-induced polymerization of dental nano composite fillings is reported. The composite resins activated by visible light, initiate the polymerization process by absorbing light in wavelengths at about 470nm. The techniques employed in the contraction assessment were digital holography (DH) and Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) based on laser interferometry. A satisfactory resolution was achieved in the non-contact displacement field measurements on small objects concerning the experimental dental samples. According to a specific clinical protocol, natural teeth were used (human mandibular premolars). A class I cavity was drilled and restored with nano composite material, according to Black principles. The polymerization was monitored by DH and ESPI in real time during the cure reaction of the restoration. The total displacement reported for the material in relation of the tooth wall was 3.7μm (natural tooth). The technique showed the entire tooth surface (wall) deforming during polymerization shrinkage.

Polymerization profile analysis of resin composite dental restorative materials in real time

ObjectivesIn this study, the hypothesis that the polymerization shrinkage profile of “low shrinkage” non-methacrylate based composite; Silorane and “low shrinkage” high molecular mass methacrylate based composite; Kalore is not different from that of three conventional methacrylate based composites (Gradia Direct X, Filtek Supreme XT and Beautifil II) was tested. MethodsFive commercially available composites were analysed: one “low shrinkage” non-methacrylate based composite (Silorane); one “low shrinkage” high molecular mass methacrylate based composite (Kalore) and three conventional methacrylate based composites (Gradia Direct X, Filtek Supreme XT and Beautifil II). Polymerization shrinkage was measured using an electromagnetic balance which recorded changes in composite buoyancy occurring due to volumetric changes during polymerization. This instrument allowed real time volumetric shrinkage measurements to be made at 40ms intervals. ResultsAll five resin composites demonstrated a similar volumetric shrinkage profile during polymerization. The rate of shrinkage of all five composites decreased from t=0 at a rate approximating x=t. After 170s the rate of shrinkage of all five composites was at or below 0.01%/s. During the initial 5s of light exposure Silorane and Kalore exhibited a significantly lower (p<0.05) rate of contraction relative to the three conventional methacrylate composites. After 640s of analysis, Silorane exhibited a significantly lower (p<0.05) percentage volumetric contraction compared to the other four analysed materials. ConclusionsThe newly developed “low shrinkage” composites (Silorane, Kalore) in the present study demonstrated significantly lower (p<0.05) shrinkage rates and shrinkage volumes compared to the three conventional methacrylate composites. Investigation to identify whether polymerization shrinkage profile analysis is a good predictor of relative polymerization contraction stress levels generated by different composites, is warranted. Clinical significanceClinicians making a resin composite selection with the view to minimizing the clinical effects of polymerization shrinkage must consider the rate of polymerization as well as the total volumetric shrinkage of a composite. Silorane (non methacrylate composite) and Kalore (high molecular mass methacrylate composite) have the ability to exhibit lower shrinkage rates and lower shrinkage volumes compared to conventional methacrylate composites.

Do Low-shrink Composites Reduce Polymerization Shrinkage Effects?

Progress in polymer science has led to continuous reduction of polymerization shrinkage, exemplified by a new generation of “low-shrink composites”. The common inference that shrinkage stress effects will be reduced in teeth restored with such restoratives with lower shrinkage was tested in extracted human premolars. Mesio-occluso-distal slot-shaped cavities were cut and restored with a conventional (SupremePlus) or low-shrink (RefleXions, Premise, Kalore, and LS) composite (N = 5). We digitized the coronal surfaces before and 10 min after restoration to determine cuspal deflection from the buccal and lingual volume change/area. We also determined the main properties involved (total shrinkage, post-gel shrinkage, degree of conversion, and elastic modulus), as well as microleakage, to verify adequate bonding. It was shown that, due to shrinkage stresses, buccal and lingual surfaces pulled inward after restoration (9-14 microns). Only Kalore and LS resulted in significantly lower tooth deformation (ANOVA/Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc, p = 0.05). The other two low-shrink composites, despite having the lowest and highest total shrinkage values, did not cause significant differences in cuspal deflection. Deflection seemed most related to the combination of post-gel shrinkage and elastic modulus. Therefore, even for significantly lower total shrinkage values, shrinkage stress is not necessarily reduced.