Equia Forte Research Articles

Evaluation of fracture resistance of composite resin and glass ionomer in beveled versus non beveled class II restorations in primary molars: In vitro comparative study

Introduction: The high viscosity Bulk-Fill composite (Tetric N ceram) and high viscosity glass ionomer cement (Equia Forte GIC) are the most used materials in class II cavities of primary molars. They have the advantages of being placed in a single layer of 4mm and therefore allow better ergonomics and speed of use. Until now, we find failures of restorations at the level of class II cavities of temporary teeth and many authors have tested the role of the bevel in improving the mechanical strength of restorations. Objectives: The objectives of this study are: to test the role of the bevel in improving the fracture resistance of Bulk Fill composite restorations versus GIC of class II restorations in primary molars, and to test which material has better resistance to fracture. Methods: One hundred temporary extracted molars are collected and randomly divided into four groups: Group I (non-beveled) and II (beveled) filled with Equia forte. Group III (non-beveled) and IV (beveled) filled with Bulk Fill Ivoclar Tetric N Ceram. The specimens were subjected to thermocycling from 5 to 55° for 10000 cycles. After artificial aging, an axial loading at a speed of 1 mm/min was applied until the specimens fractured. Results: The statistical analysis reveals the following: an average of 442.2 N for group I and 498.80 N for group II. Thus, no statistical difference was observed between the groups restored with Equia Forte (p-value>0.05). Whereas, the resistance to fracture for groups III (901.80N) and IV (2438.33N) with a p-value<0.001 so there is significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: The bevel improves the fracture resistance of the BulkFilll Ivoclar restorations. Whereas, it does not influence the fracture resistance of the Equia Forte group. Bulk Fill Ivoclar Tetric N ceram has better resistance to fracture than Equia Forte GIC restorations.

Effects of Finishing on Surface Roughness of Four Different Glass-Ionomer Cements and One Alkasite: In Vitro Investigation over Time Using Aging Simulation

In 2017, Europe implemented a ban on amalgam restorations for children aged <15 years and for pregnant/breastfeeding women, highlighting the need for alternative filling materials exhibiting less surface roughness and enhanced longevity. This in vitro study aimed to examine the surface roughness variations of five amalgam-replacement materials across three time points and using six finishing methods: (1) no finishing (control), (2) Arkansas burs, (3) diamond burs, (4) tungsten carbide burs, (5) SofLex discs in descending grit size, and (6) coarse SofLex discs combined with silicone polishing. We prepared 960 samples. Each material group, i.e., Cention Forte (CNF), DeltaFil (DLF), Ketac Universal (KTU), IonoStar Molar (ISM), and Equia Forte HT (EQF), comprised 60 samples (n = 10 per finishing method) created using standardized 3D-printed metal molds. Surface roughness (Sa) was measured immediately after finishing, after 30 days of storage in distilled water, and after thermocycling (5000 cycles) using a non-contact profilometer. The results indicate that conventional and hybrid glass-ionomer cements have smoother surfaces than high-viscosity GICs. The DLF and CNF groups exhibited stable outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate finishing methods based on the restorative material to minimize surface roughness.

The effect of thermal aging on microhardness and SEM/EDS for characterisation bioactive filling materials

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate the surface microhardness, surface chemical composition of bioactive restorative materials pre- and post- thermal aging.MethodA total of 200 disc-shaped samples were prepared by using the materials: Cention N, ACTIVA BioActive Restorative, Equia Forte HT Fil, Glass Fill glass carbomer cement (GCP), and Fuji II LC. Vickers microhardness test were used to measure surface hardness. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) was used to determine the characterization of the microstructures and elemental analysis of the materials. These measurements were repeated after thermal aging. One-Way ANOVA test, Bonferroni test and the Games-Howell test was used for data analysis. The significance level was accepted as 0.05.ResultsCention N had the highest vickers microhardness value before thermal cycle. The highest fluoride ion ratio among the materials before thermal aging was detected in the Equia Forte HT Fil and Fuji II LC groups. While a decrease in fluorideF ion was detected in all groups except the Cention N group after thermal aging. It is observed that ACTIVA BioActive Restorative has a more microporous and rougher surface in the scanning electron microscopy image after the thermal cycle than in the image before the thermal cycle.ConclusionsThe chemical properties of the materials and the properties of the filler particles may be related to the differences in the mechanical properties, surface characterizations and ion releases of the materials Thermal aging affected the microhardness, surface characteristics and elemental mass ratios of the studied materials. Alkasite bioactive materials are more similar to composite restorative materials and show better mechanical properties than other materials, but do not have the same effect on fluoride release.Clinical relevanceMost of the bioactive materials showed a decrease in the fluoride ion ratio after thermal aging, while no difference was found in the ion exchange of alkasite materials. Material selection should be made more carefully in caries-active individuals whose fluoride release is clinically important.

Comparison of Water Sorption and Water Solubility Properties of Current Restorative Materials with Different Contents.

This study aimed to investigate and compare water sorption and solubility properties of current restorative materials with different contents. Alkasite, self-adhesive restorative material (Cention N, Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein), bulk-fill glass hybrid restorative material (EQUIA Forte HT, GC Corp., Tokyo, Japan), nanohybrid universal composite material (OptiShade, Kerr Dental, United States), and bulk-fill composite material (Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States) were used. Samples (n = 6) were prepared (2 × 10 mm) according to the ISO 4049 standards. Water sorption and solubility values were calculated according to the ISO 4049 standards. One-way ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc, Tamhane's T2 post-hoc, Pearson's correlation, and independent samples t-tests were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Group EQUIA Forte HT significantly showed the highest water sorption values (57.278 ± 3.174), while Group Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative exhibited the lowest (4.429 ± 0.174; p < 0.05). The water sorption values for Group Cention N were 5.000 ± 0.542. Group EQUIA Forte HT significantly had the lowest water solubility values (-99.799 ± 1.909), while Group Cention N (-2.966 ± 0.402) significantly exhibited the highest (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between water sorption and solubility values for each material (p > 0.05). The bulk-fill nano-filled composite resin material was successful in terms of water sorption while the bulk-fill glass hybrid restorative system in terms of water solubility. Alkasite can be recommended to be used as a base material due to its high solubility feature. Monomer, filler type, and amount had an impact on the water sorption and solubility properties of the tested materials.

Comparison of Bulk Polymeric Resin Composite and Hybrid Glass Ionomer Cement in Adhesive Class I Dental Restorations: A 3D Finite Element Analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the mechanical behavior of resin composites and hybrid glass ionomer cement in class I adhesive dental restorations under loading and shrinkage conditions. Three CAD models of a mandibular first molar with class I cavities were created and restored with different techniques: a bi-layer of Equia Forte HT with Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative composite (model A), a single layer of adhesive and Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative (model B), and a single layer of Equia forte HT (model C). Each model was exported to computer-aided engineering software, and 3D finite element models were created. Models A and B exhibited a similar pattern of stress distribution along the enamel-restoration interface, with stress peaks of 12.5 MPa and 14 MPa observed in the enamel tissue. The sound tooth, B, and C models showed a similar trend along the interface between dentine and restoration. A stress peak of about 0.5 MPa was detected in the enamel of both the sound tooth and B models. Model C showed a reduced stress peak of about 1.2 MPa. A significant stress reduction in 4 mm deep class I cavities in lower molars was observed in models where non-shrinking dental filling materials, like the hybrid glass ionomer cement used in model C, were applied. Stress reduction was also achieved in model A, which employed a bi-layer technique with a shrinking polymeric filling material (bulk resin composite). Model C's performance closely resembled that of a sound tooth.

Comparison of Class II Bulk-Fill, Self-Adhesive Composites, Alkasite, and High-Viscosity Glass Ionomer Restorations in Terms of Marginal and Internal Adaptation.

(1) Background: Restoring decayed teeth in young patients can be challenging. This calls for a simplification of the protocols through new biomaterials. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the marginal adaptation delivered by restorative materials applied on class II cavities by using a simplified protocol, before and after fatigue test, followed by the assessment of the internal adaptation. (2) Methods: Forty-eight human teeth were divided into six groups (n = 8). Dentinal fluid simulation was performed before restoring the class II cavities: Gr 1-adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick) and nanohybrid flowable composite (Clearfil Majesty ES Super Low Flow), Gr 2-adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick) and nanohybrid composite (Clearfil Majesty ES standard), Gr 3-bulk fill self-adhesive composite (Surefil One), Gr 4-bioactive powder-liquid filling material (Cention Forte), Gr 5-universal adhesive (Adhese Universal) and nanohybrid composite resin (Tetric Powerfill); and control group (CT)-high-viscosity glass ionomer (Equia Forte). Marginal adaptation was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and compared before and after a fatigue test consisting of repeated thermal and mechanical cycles. The specimens were then cut mesio-distally, and internal adaptation was undertaken using SEM again. Repeated measures and one way ANOVA followed by a Fisher's LSD test and Fisher's LSD post hoc test were used in order to compare the statistically significant differences among groups. (3) Results: As for the marginal adaptation after loading, Cention Forte (58%) and Equia Forte HT (53%) were statistically equivalent and presented the highest results, followed by Clearfil Majesty ES Standard (32%) and Tetric Powerfill (27%), with Surefil One (8%) and Clearfil Majesty ES Flow Super Low (7%) showing the worst results. In terms of internal adaptation, Cention Forte (85%) and Clearfil Majesty ES Standard (74%) had the highest percentages of continuous margins. Tetric powerfill (56%) and Equia Forte HT (44%) showed statistically significantly lower results, followed by Clearfil Majesty ES Flow Super Low (33%) and eventually Surefil One (17%). (4) Conclusions: This in vitro study showed promising results for the marginal and internal adaptation of alkasite dual cured Cention Forte in the restoration of class II cavities. This material could be considered an interesting restorative alternative for the restoration of deciduous teeth.

Evaluation of nanohardness, elastic modulus, and surface roughness of fluoride-releasing tooth colored restorative materials.

Recently, interest in tooth-colored fluoride-releasing dental materials has increased. Although physical and mechanical properties such as surface hardness, elastic modulus and surface roughness of the restorative materials have been investigated, the effect of different immersion media on these properties is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nanohardness, elastic modulus and surface roughness of the fluoride release of tooth-colored restorative materials after immersion in acidic beverages. Prepared samples of three restorative materials (a highly viscous glass ionomer (EQUIA Forte; GC, Tokyo, Japan), a compomer (Dyract XP; Dentsply, Weybridge, UK), and a bioactive restorative material (Activa BioACTIVE; Pulpdent, MA, USA)) were randomly divided and immersed in distilled water, a cola and an orange juice for one week. The HYSITRON T1 950 TriboIndenter device (Hysitron, USA) with the Berkovich diamond indenter tip was used for all measurements. The nanohardness and elastic modulus of the samples were measured by applying a force of 6000 μN to five different points on the sample surface. Surface roughness measurements were evaluated on random samples by scanning five random 40 × 40 μm areas. The properties were measured at the initial and one week after immersion. The values of nanohardness, elastic modulus and surface roughness were tested for significant differences using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures (p < 0.05). Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) test was used for multiple comparisons. AB (Activa BioACTIVE) had the highest initial mean values for nanohardness. After post-immersion, the highest mean value for elastic modulus was the initial AB value. The lowest mean value for roughness of 100.36 nm was obtained for the initial DX (Dyract XP) measurement. Acidic beverages had a negative effect on the nanohardness, elastic modulus and surface roughness of the restorative materials.

Effect of Radiotherapy on the Adhesive Interface of Caries-affected Dentin and Bioactive Restorations: A Micro-CT Analysis.

This study aimed to analyze the presence of defects within the adhesive interface formed with five bioactive dental materials and caries-affected dentin concerning the timing of radiotherapy (before or after the restorative procedures) by micro-CT. A total of 96 carious human molars were randomly allocated into the following groups based on the timing of the radiotherapy sequence: radiotherapy followed by restoration (RT1) or restoration followed by radiotherapy (RT2). Then, six subgroups were established within these groups based on the type of materials used (n=8). Following cavity preparation and caries removal, a universal adhesive (G-Premio Bond) was administered in self-etch mode or accompanied by applying suitable cavity conditioners according to the manufacturers' guidelines. Subsequently, restorations were performed using five bioactive restorative materials (resin-modified glass-ionomer [Fuji II LC], high-viscosity glass-ionomer hybrid [EQUIA Forte HT], giomer [Beautifil II], alkasite [Cention N], and dual-cure bulk-fill composite [Activa Bioactive Restorative]) and a conventional microhybrid resin composite (Filtek Z250). The radiotherapy regimen encompassed 60 Grays (Gy) administered at a rate of 2 Gy/day over 6 weeks, 5 days a week. Micro-CT analysis was employed to assess adhesive defects at the interface between caries-affected dentin and the restorations. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Dunn tests (α=0.05). RT2 caused significantly higher adhesive defects than RT1 for the Filtek Z250 and Activa Bioactive Restorative subgroups (p<0.05). For RT1, no significant differences were found in adhesive defects among all tested subgroups (p>0.05). By contrast, for RT2, adhesive defects were significantly higher for the Activa Bioactive Restorative and Cention N subgroups than for the EQUIA Forte HT and Beautifil II subgroups (p<0.05). When using most bioactive restorative materials, the timing of radiotherapy had no significant influence on the adhesive interface. Regarding restoration following a radiotherapy protocol, a favorable impact was identified with high-viscosity glass ionomer hybrid cement and giomer bioactive restorations compared with dual-cure bioactive bulk-fill composite and alkasite restorations.

Can energy drinks affect the surface quality of bioactive restorative materials?

BackgroundsThis study aimed to compare the effects of different energy drinks on the surface roughness, weight loss, and color change of various bioactive restorative materials.MethodsCharisma Diamond One, Activa™ BioActive Restorative, Activa™ Presto™ and Equia Forte HT Fil samples were prepared using plastic molds (8 × 2 mm) (n = 10/groups). After polishing, the samples were weighed, their colors were recorded using a spectrophotometer according to the CIEDE2000 system, and their surface roughness was measured using a profilometer. The samples were immersed in Powerade, Burn, Monster and distilled water for 7 days. After immersion, all the measurements were repeated. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann‒Whitney U test (p < 0.05).ResultsAll energy drinks roughened the surface of Equia Forte HT Fil (p < 0.05). Powerade and Monster increased the Ra of all materials after 7 days (p < 0.05). Burns affected all materials except the Activa Bioactive (p < 0.05). Significant weight loss was observed in the Equia Forte group after immersion in all the energy drinks, whereas no weight loss was observed in the other groups. According to the color measurements, ΔE00 values were greater in the Burn and Monster groups, except for the Equia Forte HT Fil group (p < 0.05).ConclusionEnergy drinks affected bioactive materials to varying degrees. The glass hybrid material was the most affected, and the bioactive restorative materials based on the resin matrix were the least.

Interfacial assessment of cention forte vs. equia forte and two forms of calcium silicate cements at two time intervals

AimAssessment of interfacial gaps and mechanical impact of the materials layering between Cention Forte and Equia Forte restorations with two forms of Calcium Silicate Cements (CSCs) at the interfacial surface at two-time intervals.MethodologySix groups of 72 primary molars were categorized by restorative material type and CSCs: Cention Forte(C), Cention Forte without primer (Cx), and Equia Forte (EQ). All were applied over MTA Angelus powder (M) or Bio-C Repair putty (P). Restorative materials were applied immediately (subgroup A) or delayed (Subgroup B). SEM was used to detect interface gaps. EDX measured element migration from the interface at specific distances. Vickers Microhardness Tester assessed microhardness.ResultsRegarding SEM, there were no gaps between CSCs interfaces of both types (Powder and Putty) with all restorations at two-time intervals. Microhardness, there was a statistically nonsignificant difference between subgroups A & B in all groups except at 200 µm in the Cention groups (subgroup A) was significantly lower than (subgroup B) (P = 0.002, 0.03) respectively. At 400 µm in the MTA Angelus powder Group Cx, subgroup A was significantly higher than subgroup B (P = 0.003*). While Bio-C Repair putty in Group EQ (subgroup A) was significantly higher than (Subgroup B) (P < 0.0001*).ConclusionsThe delayed application of Cention Forte over two types of CSCs is useful in getting the maximum HV and, in turn, the long survival rate of the filling. Immediate application of Cention Forte without primer is better over both types of CSCs. The delayed application of Equia Forte over MTA angelus powder is more considerable.

The Influence of Ionizing Radiation on the Morphological Structure of the Fluoride-Releasing Restorative Materials in Cancer Patients: An In Vitro Study

Radiotherapy plays a key role in the treatment of the early and advanced stages of head and neck cancer. To date, there is still no consensus on the effects of radiotherapy on the mechanical properties of fluoride-releasing restorative materials which can be used in patients undergoing radiotherapy with increased incidence of caries. The fluoride-releasing materials Equia Forte HT and Cention N were compared to the resin-based materials Tetric EvoCeram and Tetric Power Fill. Standard irradiation was performed with a linear accelerator. Vickers microhardness, mass, surface roughness and color were measured before and after irradiation. Cention N and Tetric PowerFill showed stability in the mass, while the surface roughness did not change in any of the examined groups. Resistance to microhardness change was shown by Cention N, Tetric PowerFill and Tetric EvoCeram, and the color change was significant in all groups (p &lt; 0.05). It should be remembered that patients receiving head and neck radiation therapy may experience adverse effects from the treatment, including changes in the mechanical properties of the restorative materials. The obtained results suggest that Cention N can be used as a material in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy due to the mechanical stability and depo effect of fluoride release.

CLINICAL PERFORMANCE OF EQUIA FORTE FILL. GAENIAL POSTERIOR, CENTION N IN CLASS II CAVITY IN PRIMARY TEETH- AN IN VIVO STUDY

Context: Aims:The aim of this study is to compare clinical performance of EQUIA Forte Fill. G-Aenial Posterior, Cention N in class II cavity in primary teeth- An In vivo study Setting and design:The study was conducted at Himachal Institute of dental sciences, Department of Pediatrics and Preventive dentistry, Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh Subject and methods:In total 45 class II restorations were performed in patients aged 4-9 years using three different restorative materials: EQUIA Forte Fill [EF], GAenial Posterior [GP], Cention N [CN]. The restorations were evaluated using method USPHS criteria in terms of anatomic form, secondary caries, color match, retention, marginal adaptation, polishability, surface staining, pre and post operative sensitivity, soft tissue health, proximal contact point. The data was analized using chi-square test, McNemars test, marginal homogeneity test. Statistical analysis used: The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS for Windows, Version 19.0). Descriptive statistics were calculated as frequency and percentage. The comparison of study parameters at various time periods among the three study groups was done using chi-square test. Comparison of change in study parameters at various time periods was assessed using McNemars test and marginal homogeneity test. The level of significance for the present study was fixed at a p-value of less than 0.05. Result:The clinical performance of GAenial Posterior was superior to EQUIA Forte Fill and Cention N Conclusion:GAenial Posterior is a promising user-friendly restorative material that can be used to restore carious primary teeth. It offers a better restorative properties like aesthetics, improved radiopacities and can be manipulated with ease by the clinicians.

Survival of the fittest: does Riva Self Cure outperform Equia Forte when used to restore mesio-occlusal cavities in atraumatic restorative technique?

Double-blind (participant and outcome assessor), randomised, non-inferiority, two-arm (1:1 allocation) clinical trial. The study included children aged 4-8 years old from public schools in Tietê, Brazil, who had mesio-occlusal carious lesions, into dentine, in primary molars. The carious teeth had to be asymptomatic of pulpal involvement. The children had to be medically fit and cooperative for dental treatment within their classroom environment. Consent was gained from a parent/guardian prior to entering the study. Children with carious lesions in multiple teeth, only one tooth was included, which was selected by a random draw. Treatment on other teeth would be carried out in the nearest health centre. The primary outcome was the 2-year survival of the restorations, analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression (α = 5%). Costs for materials and professional services were recorded in Brazilian Reais (R$), converted to US dollars (US$), and analysed using Monte Carlo simulation. Of the 152 children enrolled (76 per group), 121 (79%) were evaluated at the 2-year mark. Overall, the 2-year survival rate of the restorations was 39% (EF: 45%; RSC: 32%), with no significant difference between the two groups. The total cost of restorations with RSC was lower than with EF, resulting in a cost saving of US$6.18 per restoration. After 2 years, Riva Self Cure demonstrated comparable survival rates to Equia Forte for mesio-occlusal restorations in primary molars, while being more cost-effective from a Brazilian perspective.

Evaluation of the microleakage of new bioactive restorative materials: a comparative in-vitro study.

This in-vitro study aimes to compare the microleakage of different restorative materials namely EQUIA Forte (GC, Japan), Tetric Evoceram (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein), and Activa BioACTIVE. A standardized class V cavity has been created on the buccal surface of 40 sound premolar teeth. The cavity had the following measurements: 3 mm buccolingual height, 2 mm axial depth, and 4 mm mesiodistal width. The gingival margin was 1mm below the cementoenamel junction, whereas the coronal margin was on the enamel with cavosurface margins were butt joints all around. Four groups of teeth were restored according to the restorative materials. Under a stereomicroscope, the dye penetration test was used to measure the microleakage after thermocycling of the teeth. Data were compared using Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests. Occlusal and gingival margins did not show statistically significant differences among the four groups, but an intragroup analysis revealed a significant difference. The type of restorative material did not appear to have a substantial impact on microleakage, according to the findings of the current investigation.

Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets Bonded with Thermo-Cured Glass-Based Materials-An In Vitro Study.

The results of orthodontic therapy largely depend, among other factors, on the preparation of the tooth enamel itself and the choice of material used to bond orthodontic brackets. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) score of thermo-cured glass-ionomers on different pretreated enamel, in comparison with the commonly used composite cement. Three commercially available nano-ionomer or highly viscous glass-ionomer cements (EQUIA Forte® Fil, EQUIA Fil, Ketac Universal) and two types of compo-sites (Heliosit Orthodontic, ConTec Go!) were investigated in this study. The research involved two hundred human premolars. The teeth were cleaned and polished, then randomly divided into five groups according to the enamel preparation method and the type of material. The enamel was treated in three different ways: polyacrylic acid, phosphoric acid, 5% NaOCl + etching with phosphoric acid, and a control group without treatment. Glass-ionomer cement was thermo-cured with heat from a polymerization unit during setting. Statistical analysis was performed using a Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA for independent samples. Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship. Regardless of the material type, the results indicated that the weakest bond between the bracket and tooth enamel was found in samples without enamel pretreatment. The majority of the materials stayed on the brackets in samples without enamel preparation, according to ARI scores. The study's findings demonstrated that the strength of the adhesion between the bracket and enamel is greatly influenced by enamel etching and glass-ionomer thermo-curing. Clinical investigations would be required to validate the outcomes.

Evaluation of setting kinetics, mechanical strength, ion release, and cytotoxicity of high-strength glass ionomer cement contained elastomeric micelles

BackgroundLow mechanical properties are the main limitation of glass ionomer cements (GICs). The incorporation of elastomeric micelles is expected to enhance the strength of GICs without detrimentally affecting their physical properties and biocompatibility. This study compared the chemical and mechanical properties, as well as the cytotoxicity, of elastomeric micelles-containing glass ionomer cement (DeltaFil, DT) with commonly used materials, including EQUIA Forte Fil (EF), Fuji IX GP Extra (F9), and Ketac Molar (KT).MethodPowder particles of GICs were examined with SEM-EDX. Setting kinetics were assessed using ATR-FTIR. Biaxial flexural strength/modulus and Vickers surface microhardness were measured after immersion in water for 24 h and 4 weeks. The release of F, Al, Sr, and P in water over 8 weeks was analyzed using a fluoride-specific electrode and ICP-OES. The toxicity of the material extract on mouse fibroblasts was also evaluated.ResultsHigh fluoride levels in the powder were detected with EF and F9. DT demonstrated an initial delay followed by a faster acid reaction compared to other cements, suggesting an improved snap set. DT also exhibited superior flexural strength than other materials at both 24 h and 4 weeks but lower surface microhardness (p < 0.05). EF and F9 showed higher release of F, Al, and P than DT and KT. There was no statistically significant difference in fibroblast viability among the tested materials (p > 0.05).ConclusionsElastomeric micelles-containing glass ionomer cement (DT) exhibited satisfactory mechanical properties and cytocompatibility compared with other materials. DT could, therefore, potentially be considered an alternative high-strength GIC for load-bearing restorations.

The Effect of Different Coating Agents on the Microhardness, Water Sorption, and Solubility of EQUIA Forte® HT

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of four different surface-coating agents on the microhardness, water sorption, and solubility of the highly viscous glass ionomer cement EQUIA Forte® HT. Materials and methods: A total of 100 cylindrical EQUIA Forte® HT samples were examined, with 50 tested for Vickers hardness and the other 50 for water sorption and solubility. For each test, the specimens were divided into five groups (10 specimens/group) according to coating method: Group 1—no coating (control), Group 2—EQUIA Forte® Coat, Group 3—Single Bond™ Universal Adhesive, Group 4—ExciTE®F adhesive, and Group 5—petroleum jelly. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: The mean microhardness of the coated groups was significantly higher than that of the uncoated group. Moreover, a significant difference in the microhardness value was detected between the coated groups. Furthermore, EQUIA Forte® Coat had the highest mean hardness value. The mean water sorption at 7 days showed that EQUIA Forte® Coat had the lowest values. In terms of water solubility, a statistically significant difference was found between no coating and all groups except EQUIA Forte®, between Single Bond Universal Adhesive and petroleum jelly, between petroleum jelly and EQUIA Forte Coat, and between EQUIA Forte® Coat and ExciTE®F. Conclusions: The study revealed that all coating agents significantly increased the microhardness of EQUIA Forte® HT, with EQUIA Forte® Coat showing the highest hardness and the lowest water sorption values.

2-year survival and cost analysis of occlusoproximal ART restorations using encapsulated glass ionomer cement in primary molars: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe survival of ART restorations can be influenced by the choice of the restorative material. The aim of this randomized non-inferiority controlled trial was to compare the 2-year survival rate and cost analysis of two encapsulated glass ionomer cements (GIC) as occlusoproximal restorative materials in primary molars.MethodsChildren from public schools in Tietê (Brazil), aged 4–8 years with occlusoproximal dentine carious lesions in primary molars were selected and randomly assigned to receive either Equia Forte (EF) or Riva Self Cure (RSC) as restorative materials. Treatment was carried out by two trained final-year dental students in schools following ART premises. Restorations were assessed by a trained and calibrated examiner after 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary outcome was restoration survival after 2 years, analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis (α = 5%). Professional and materials costs for each group were collected in Brazilian Reais (R$) and converted into US dollars (US$) and analyzed using Monte-Carlo simulation.ResultsA total of 152 children (76 per group) were included in the study, and 121 (79%) were evaluated after 2 years. The overall 2-year restoration survival rate was 39% (EF = 45%; RSC = 32%) with no difference between the groups. The baseline and 2-year total cost of restorations using RSC was lower when compared to EF (incremental cost: US$ 6.18).ConclusionAfter two years of follow-up, Riva Self Cure shows comparable restoration survival rates to Equia Forte, being more cost-effective in the Brazilian perspective.Trial RegistrationThis randomized clinical trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.Gov - NCT02730000.

Effect of the Different Dietary Supplements on the Average Surface Roughness and Color Stability of Direct Restorative Materials Used in Pediatric Dentistry.

Increased surface roughness and discoloration of the direct restorative materials used in pediatric patients affect the longevity of restorations and impair children's oral health. Many factors can alter these properties. One of these factors is the intake of dietary supplements. It is crucial to predict the properties of restorative materials when exposed to dietary supplements to maintain the dental care of children. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of various syrup-formed dietary supplements on the average surface roughness and color stability of current restorative materials used in pediatric dentistry. Seven different restorative materials (conventional glass ionomer [Fuji IX GP], resin-modified glass ionomer, [Fuji II LC], zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer [Zirconomer Improved], polyacid-modified composite resin [Dyract®XTRA], bulk-fill glass hybrid restorative [Equia Forte HT Fill], conventional resin composite [Charisma Smart], and resin composite with reactive glass fillers [Cention N]) were tested. The specimens prepared from each type of restorative material were divided into five subgroups according to dietary supplements (Sambucol Kids, Resverol, Imunol, Umca, and Microfer). These specimens were immersed daily in supplement solution over a period of 28 days. Surface roughness and color difference measurements were performed at baseline and at the 7th and 28th days. The color difference and Ra values showed that there was an interaction among the type of restorative material, type of dietary supplement, and immersion time factors (p < 0.05). Whereas lower Ra values were found in the composite resin group, the highest Ra values were found in the conventional glass ionomer group. All supplements caused increasing color difference values, and Resverol and Umca showed higher discoloration values above the clinically acceptable threshold. The intake of dietary supplement type, the immersion time of the dietary supplement, and the restorative material type affected the surface roughness and color stability of the tested direct restorative materials. All of the experimental groups showed higher Ra values than clinically acceptable surface roughness values (0.2 µm). The color difference values also increased with the immersion time.

Evaluation of Flexural Strength and Microhardness of Different Type Glass Ionomer Cements

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare flexural strength and microhardness of different types of glass ionomer cements (Fuji IX GP® Fast, Riva LC HV, EQUIA Forte Fil). Materials and Methods: A total of 30 samples (n = 10) were prepared for microhardness test, and an additional total of 30 samples (n = 10) were prepared for the flexural strength test. Customized stainless steel molds (25×2×2 mm³) were produced for the flexural strength test, and 10 mm and 2 mm plexiglass molds were produced for the microhardness test. The prepared samples were stored in distilled water in a dark bottle at 37 °C (±1 °C) for 24 hours. A three-point bending test was performed using a universal testing device, and the maximum force values required to fracture the samples were determined in Newton by the device after the fracture. For the Vickers microhardness test measurements were made from different areas of the upper surfaces of each sample and the average of five measurements was calculated in MPa. Results: When comparing the flexural strength values, EQUIA Forte Fil group observed the highest flexural strength value, while Riva LC HV group had lowest flexural strength value. When comparing the microhardness values, EQUIA Forte Fil group showed the highest microhardness value, whereas Riva LC HV group observed the lowest microhardness value. Conclusion: The use of EQUIA Forte Fil, which has the highest microhardness and flexural strength values, and similarly strengthened glass ionomer cements may enhance clinical success. Key Words: glass ionomer cements; microhardness; flexural strength