Filtek Bulk Fill Research Articles

Клиническая оценка пломбировочного материала Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior

At present we notice how much all processes in the world accelerated. This concerns both our life and healthcare, in particular, dentistry. Patients become more demanding and informed, they value their time, in turn, young doctors need much more time for restoration by layer-by-layer application of the material, than experienced doctors. In this context, a material is required that will permit to reduce the time of restauration. The article presents the results of assessment of the effectiveness of Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior restorative material of 3M ESPE manufacture in the practice of an aspiring dentist. The findings were assessed according to the criteria for assessments of restorative materials (Ryge’s criteria), by aesthetic appearance quality (AAQ) and also by the quality of direct dental restoration on the stage of rehabilitation.

THE EFFECT OF PH-CYCLING AND TOOTHBRUSHING SIMULATIONS ON SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF BULK-FILL COMPOSITES

ABSTRACT
 Objective: This study aimed to compare surface roughness values (Ra) of different posterior composites after pH-cycling and toothbrushing simulation.
 Methods: Fifty disc-shaped specimens (8x2 mm) were prepared by using three bulk-fill composites [Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior (FBF), SonicFill (SF), X-tra fil (XF)], a flowable [G-aenial Universal Flo (GF)], and a microhybrid composite [Filtek Z250 (Z250)]. After initial roughness (Ra0) measurements were performed with a contact profilometer, the samples were subjected to a pH-cycling model for 10 days and Ra1 values were recorded. Then, the samples were subjected to toothbrushing simulation for 4 min and final values (Ra2) were recorded. From each group, a representative sample was analyzed with an optical profilometer. The values were analyzed by two-way ANOVA with repeated measures on one factor (period) followed by Tukey’s test (p

Influence of Different Surface Pretreatments of Zirconium Dioxide Reinforced Lithium Disilicate Ceramics on the Shear Bond Strength of Self-Adhesive Resin Cement.

AimTo analyze the influence of different surface pretreatments of zirconium dioxide reinforced lithium disilicate ceramics on the shear bond strength of self-adhesive resin cement.Materials and methodsEighty-four zirconium reinforced lithium disilicate disc Vita suprinity (Vita Zahnfabrick, Bad Säckingen, Germany) 14x12x2 mm specimens were fabricated according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The specimens were embedded in acrylic resin blocks and randomly divided in seven groups (n=12/each) accorrding to the treatment: Group 1- 10% hydrofluoric acid; Group 2- silane; Group 3- hydrofluoric and silane; Group 4- sandblasting with silane; Group 5- Er: YAG laser+ silane; Group 6- Nd: YAG laser + silane; and the control group, in which the specimens were not treated. Round shape composite discs (Filtek Bulk fill, 3M ESPE, St.Paul, Minnesota, USA) with 3.5 mm diameter, were made for shear bond strength testing, and then cemented to the ceramic sample surface using composite cement (RelyX U200 Automix, 3M ESPE, Neuss, Germany). After cementing the composite disc on the sample, the samples were subjected to shear bond strength test of 10 N with a “stress rate” of 1 MPa / s. To determine the nature of the fracture (adhesive, cohesive or adhesive-cohesive), the broken samples were examined under a stereomicroscope. The ANOVA test and the Tukey test were used to compare the values ​​of the bond strength characteristics between different types of materials. All tests were performed with a significance level of α = 0.05.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the shear bond strength of self-adhesive cement to dental lithium-disilicate ceramics reinforced with zirconium dioxide after different preparation protocols (p<0, 05). The treatment of lithium disilicate ceramics reinforced with zirconium dioxide by silanization, sandblasting + silanization, Nd: YAG + silanization resulted in significantly higher bond strength compared to the control group. There was statistically higher bond strength of self-adhesive cement after pretreatment of lithium disilicate ceramics Nd: YAG + silanization compared to Er: YAG + silanization (p <0.05). Adhesive fracture dominated in the control group, sandblasting + silanization group, and in the laser groups, while mixed fracture dominated in other groups.ConclusionUnder the limitations of this study, the Nd:YAG irradiation with silanization could be used as pretreatment for providing greater shear bond strength of self-adhesive resin cement to zirconium reinforced lithium disilicate.

The Use of Bulk Fill Resin-Based Composite in the Sealing of Cavity with Margins in Radicular Cementum.

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate if the newly introduced bulk fill resin-based composite provides a better marginal sealing in cavity preparations with margins in dental cementum. The population investigation comparison outcome (PICO) framework was: in cavity preparation with margins in dental cementum of human extracted teeth, do bulk fill resin base composites provide a better marginal sealing than non-bulk fill resin-based composites? We performed our research on April 21, 2020. Two authors independently evaluated the abstract and titles for eligibility criteria. Two authors independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias in single studies. After the initial screening of 400 abstract and titles, the full text of the articles, that could meet the eligibility criteria, were obtained via the university library. A total of 36 full-text articles were evaluated; 11 articles were finally eligible for the review. Eight studies showed statistically differences, but not significant, in the marginal sealing between bulk fill and nonbulk fill resin-based composite ( p > 0.05). One study showed statistically significant differences: SonicFill and Grandio showed better marginal sealing than GrandioSo and SDR(r) (Sirona Dentsply, New York, United States) and the latter two showed better marginal sealing than Filtek Supreme ( p < 0.05). One study showed statistically significant less marginal gap of SDR than Filtek Bulk Fill ( p = 0.0015) and Filtek Supreme ( p < 0.0001). One study showed SDR to have a significantly higher microleakage than the other materials tested ( p < 0.05). Based on our current literature review, there are not enough data to establish if bulk fill resin base composite provides a better or a worse marginal sealing at cementum margins.

Low- and high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites: a comparison of microhardness, microtensile bond strength, and fracture strength in restored molars.

The aim of this study was to compare low- and high-viscosity bulk-fill composites for Knoop microhardness (KHN), microtensile bond strength (MTBS) to dentin in occlusal cavities, and fracture strength (FS) in molars with mesialocclusal- distal restoration. Disk-shaped samples with different thicknesses (2 or 4 mm) of low-viscosity (SDR Flow, Dentsply) and high-viscosity bulk-fill composites (Filtek BulkFill, 3M ESPE; and Tetric-N Ceram Bulk Fill, Ivoclar Vivadent) were prepared for top and bottom KHN analysis (n=10). MTBS to dentin and fracture pattern was evaluated in human molars with occlusal cavities restored with (n=10): conventional nanocomposite (Z350XT, 3M ESPE), low-viscosity (Filtek Bulk-fill Flow, 3M ESPE) or high-viscosity bulk-fill composites (Filtek BulkFill). The FS and fracture pattern of human molar with mesial-occlusal-distal restorations submitted or not to thermomechanical cycling were investigated (n=10) using: intact tooth (control), and restoration based on conventional microhybrid composite (Z250, 3M ESPE), low-viscosity (SDR Flow) or high-viscosity bulk-fill composites (Filtek BulkFill). The data were submitted to split-plot ANOVA (KHN), one-way ANOVA (MTBS), two-way ANOVA (FS) followed by Tukey's test (α=0.05). For KHN, there was no significant difference for the resin composites between the top and bottom. For MTBS, no significant differences among the materials were detected; however, the low-viscosity composite presented lower frequency of adhesive failures. For FS, there was no significant difference between composites and intact tooth regardless of thermomechanical cycling. Low- and high-viscosity bulk-fill composites have comparable microhardness and microtensile bond strength when used in occlusal restorations. Likewise, the bulk-fill composites present similar fracture strength in molars with mesio-occlusal-distal restorations.

Three-year Randomized Prospective Clinical Trial of Class II Restorations Using Flowable Bulk-fill Resin Composites.

This randomized, prospective, and split-mouth study aimed to evaluate flowable bulk-fill resin composites in class II restorations and to compare with a conventional layering technique after a 3-year follow-up. Fifty-three subjects received three class II restorations according to the restorative systems: conventional microhybrid resin composite (PA, Peak Universal + Amelogen Plus, Ultradent), flowable bulk-fill and nanoparticulate resin composites (ABF, Adper Single Bond 2 + Filtek Bulk Fill Flow + Filtek Z350XT, 3M Oral Care), and flowable bulk-fill and microhybrid resin composites (XST, XP Bond + SDR + TPH3, Dentsply). The clinical performance and interproximal contacts were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using the equality test of two proportions, Logistic regression analysis, Friedman, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests (a=0.05). Forty-seven patients were evaluated at 3 years. XST bulk-fill restorative system presented higher marginal discoloration than PA, and the opposite occurred for surface staining. All restorative systems resulted in decreased interproximal contacts, occurring early for XST. Although the restorative system using incremental technique presented better performance for marginal discoloration, one of the restorative systems that used flowable bulk-fill resin composite (XST) showed the lowest surface staining. All restorative systems had decreased proximal contact over time.

Handling and Mechanical Properties of Low-viscosity Bulk-fill Resin Composites.

This study aimed to evaluate the filler contents (FCs), flexural properties, depth of cure (DOC), wear resistance, and handling properties of different low-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites (LVBRCs) and to determine the correlations between the tested parameters. Six LVBRCs, Beautifil-Bulk (BBF), Bulk Base Hard (BBH), Bulk Base Medium (BBM), Filtek Bulk-Fill Flowable Restorative (FBF), G-ænial Bulk Injectable (GBI), and SDR flow+ Bulk-Fill Flowable (SDR) were used. The DOC and flexural property tests were conducted according to the ISO 4049 specifications. The flexural strength, elastic modulus, and resilience were determined in 12 specimens that were obtained from each of the 6 materials. Sliding-impact-wear testing was conducted by evaluating the wear facets of the specimens using a noncontact profilometer and by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The handling properties of the LVBRC was assessed via extrusion force and thread formation measurements. The DOC for the majority of the LVBRCs was approximately 4 mm. Although the FCs and mechanical properties were material dependent, some LVBRCs exhibited excellent flexural properties and wear resistance. The LVBRCs demonstrated a wide range of extrusion force and thread formation. Regarding the correlations between the tested parameters, extremely strong negative and positive correlations were observed for the DOC versus extrusion force, flexural strength versus elastic modulus, maximum depth versus volume loss, and maximum depth versus thread formation. In addition, strong correlations between FCs and DOC, resilience, wear resistance, and extrusion force were observed.

Composite bond strength improvement with thermal vibration: an experimental non-randomised study

Background. Secondary caries formation is a relevant issue due to poor long-term quality of composite fillings, with inherent subsequent chipping and cracking of the material. We developed a method to improve physical, mechanical and chemical properties of available composites based on thermal vibration imposed on unpolymerised composite in the formed tooth cavity directly prior to polymerisation.Objectives. Effect assessment of thermal vibration exposure on bond strength in composite restorative polymer matrix in various composite brands.Methods. The study used synchronous thermal analysis, including differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry, to estimate and register thermal effects of physical and chemical processes within a temperature programme, as well as determine gaseous release, air contact and decomposition-related sample mass variation, thermal stability, reaction kinetics, polymer and inorganic filler component chemical composition, humidity and softening degree. The study covered 90 specimens 30 mg each prepared of three different composites.Results. Synchronous thermal analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in polymer matrix bond strength in the composites Estelite Sigma Quick (Tokuyama Dental), Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative (3M Espe) and DentLight (VladMiVa) after thermal vibration exposure vs. classical polymerisation of same composites (p &lt; 0.0001). The bond strength increased by 17.00, 22.51 and 11.31%, respectively.Conclusion. The developed exposure method for altering the composite filling physical and chemical properties has been shown advantageous in a laboratory setting. Thermal vibration-pretreated composite fillings had a higher polymer matrix bond strength vs. same composites polymerised under standard conditions.The pretreatment improves composite filling quality via directly affecting the material physical and mechanical properties of hardness and bending strength.

Fabrication and Use of a Customized Provisional Composite Abutment in Dental Practice

Introduction Reducing the time of implant integration and the period of prosthetics is an important task of dentistry since this leads to improved quality of life and successful rehabilitation of the patient. Therefore, currently, there is an intensely increased interest in immediate or early loading of the implant, when certain parameters of primary implant stability in the bone tissue are achieved. Materials and Methods The materials used to perform the procedure for placement of a customized provisional composite abutment were a provisional prefabricated abutment with a retention grip for the composite; aluminum oxide powder with a particle size of 27 μm for better adhesion of the composite, with which the retention grip of the provisional abutment is coated; 3M Single Bond Universal light-curing adhesive applied to the provisional abutment; and Filtek Bulk Fill 3M composite including a low-viscosity radiopaque nanocomponent and ytterbium trifluoride filler with a particle size of 0.01–3.5 nm. Methods used in this study were as follows: fabrication technique using the Cervico system for a customized provisional composite abutment; sandblasting of the provisional abutment using the apparatus RONDOFLEX (KERR); light polymerization of low-viscosity composite using Demi Ultra Kerr lamp (luminous flux power not less than 1100 mW/cm2); and radiographic control of the abutment fit in the implant. Results The surgical and orthopedic treatment of 20 patients was performed using this technique. The control group consisted of 11 patients with similar pathology, in whose surgery the fabrication of a provisional prosthesis was used. As a result, it was possible to form a gingival profile, in comparison with the control group, to accelerate mucogingival and bone integration, as well as to quickly carry out orthopedic rehabilitation of the patient. The average value of the time required for the final formation of soft tissues for prosthetics in patients in the experimental group was significantly lower than those in the comparison group (p=0.007 and p=0.028, respectively). In most clinical cases, there is no need for surgery on soft tissues, which eliminates the possibility of additional traumas. Conclusions The use of a promising technology for the fabrication of a crown on the implant and a customized provisional composite abutment significantly reduced the period of orthopedic rehabilitation of the patient. Immediate implantation with a customized provisional composite abutment completely forms the gingival profile, reduces the risk of microbial contamination in the area of bone formation, minimizes soft tissue ischemia, and accelerates the processes of mucogingival and bone integration around the implant.

Repair potential of a bulk-fill resin composite: Effect of different surface-treatment protocols.

This study evaluated the effect of different surface-treatment protocols on the repair bond strength of a bulk-fill resin composite. One-hundred and forty specimens (Filtek Bulk-fill) were created (5mm diameter, 4mm depth) and allocated to one of 14 groups according to surface treatment (no treatment, tribochemical silica coating, sandblasting with aluminum oxide), adhesive application (no adhesive, total-etch, self-etch), and type of repair resin (bulk-fill, universal resin) (n=10 per group). Twenty specimens were selected for measuring the cohesive strengths of non-aged resin composites and used as reference. Other specimens were thermocycled. Shear bond-strength testing was performed. Data were analyzed using linear regression of bond strength as a function of the surface treatment, type of adhesive and whether or not adhesive was applied, and type of repair resin. The failure modes were analyzed using logistic regression of failure mode (cohesive failure vs. other types, or adhesive failure vs. other types) on the type of surface treatment, adhesive application, and repair resin used. Surface treatment, regardless of whether this was tribochemical silica coating (mean difference=5.44MPa; 95% CI=4.77-6.11) or sandblasting with aluminum oxide (mean difference=4.22MPa; 95% CI=3.55-4.88), resulted in higher shear bond strength than no treatment. Application of adhesive resulted in a substantial and statistically significant decrease of shear bond strength (by 8.77MPa, for self-etch and by 7.26MPa for total-etch) relative to no adhesive. Conversely, the type of repair resin did not influence the shear bond strength to any appreciable extent.

Evaluation of heated air jet on pulp chamber temperature at different steps of the restorative protocol

Objectives: Evaluate of the heated air jet temperature (T) in the pulp chamber on cavity 5 depths and photoactivation stages for a bulk fill resin restorative protocol is evaluated. Methods: Class I cavity preparations were conducted at different depths (n = 8) through two protocols for adhesive volatilization (23 °C and 40 °C) and cavities were restored with the Filtek Bulk Fill resin. The pulp chamber temperature variation was evaluated at four steps (times) during the restorative protocol: I (initial), V (after volatilization), A (after photoactivation of the adhesive), and C (after photoactivation of the composite resin). To verify the assumptions of the normality of the errors and homoscedasticity, the Shapiro Wilk and Levene tests were conducted. Subsequently, two-way and three-way analysis of variance was carried out, followed by Tukey's post-hoc analysis (α = 0.05). Results: The maximum T at the different restorative steps, regardless of the volatilization protocol and cavity depth, was as follows: I (36.8 °C) = V (36.9 ºC) &lt; A (37.2 °C) = R (37.8 ºC) (p &lt;0.05). During V, a small greater variation was observed in pulp chamber temperature when dentin was volatilized at 40 °C (p &lt;0.05) at very deep cavity depths (0.31 °C). The largest temperature variations (p &lt;0.05) were observed during A (0.17–0.59 °C) and R (0.50–1.06 °C), reaching peak temperatures in the cavities.

One-Year Clinical Performance of the Fast-Modelling Bulk Technique and Composite-Up Layering Technique in Class I Cavities.

The aim of this study was to assess the one year clinical performance of a new application method, the Fast-Modelling Bulk Technique (FMBT), in comparison to the Composite-Up Layering Technique (CULT) in posterior cavities. Thirty patients with two class I cavities on permanent human molars were enrolled in the present study. A total of sixty class I cavities were prepared and randomly divided according to the restoration technique used: 30 cavities restored by incremental layering technique and modelling of the last layer with Composite-Up Technique (CUT) using the composite Filtek Z250XT (3M ESPE; St. Paul, MN, USA) and the other 30 restored by Bulk Filling technique and modelling of the last layer by Fast-Modelling Technique (FMT) using the composite Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative (3M ESPE; St. Paul, MN, USA). Restorations were evaluated for up to one year by two observers according to Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) criteria, through clinical and radiological exams. Exact Fisher tests were used for statistical analysis. (p ≤ 0.05). From a biological perspective, at baseline, teeth restored with both techniques did not reveal any postoperative sensitivity. However, with time, FMBT showed less postoperative sensitivity and therefore more desirable results than CULT with a nonsignificant difference after one year (p > 0.05). Concerning secondary caries, fracture of the material, and marginal adaptation, no significant difference was noted between both techniques (p > 0.05). Regarding marginal staining, CULT resulted in more staining with a significant difference, as compared to FMBT (p < 0.05). Upon radiological examination, FMBT showed a good marginal fit during the first year, whereas CULT showed small empty voids from baseline with a nonsignificant difference (p = 1.00). After one year of clinical function, both techniques showed promising results. The present study indicates that the new FMBT could have a positive effect on the marginal staining of resin composite.

Comparative Evaluation of Internal Margin Adaptation and Integrity of Class I Preparations using Two Composites: An In Vitro Study.

Aim and Objectives:The aim of this study is to evaluate the internal margin adaptation and integrity of Class 1 preparations using two composites types (bulk fill/conventional) with two placement methods (4/2 mm increments).Materials and Methods:Class 1 preparations of 4 mm × 4 mm dimensions were made on 30 extracted human mandibular molars. They were randomly divided into three groups; among them, in Group 1 (n = 10), cavities were filled with SureFil SDR Bulk Fill, Group 2 (n = 10) cavities were filled with Filtek Bulk Fill of 4 mm increments in both groups, and in Group 3 (n = 10), cavities were filled with conventional composite Filtek Z350 with 2 mm increments. Samples were sectioned occlusogingivally. Then, dye was on internal margins, and images of each specimen were recorded using a digital camera to evaluate the marginal integrity and adaptation of restorative material to the tooth surface with image analysis software. Then, collected data were put under the statistical analysis with analysis of variance test and post hoc Tukey's test.Results:There was no significant difference in overall dye penetration in bulk fill and conventional (incremental fill) composite resins; however, when dye penetration was evaluated at different locations, within enamel and mid-dentin, significantly more gap-free margins were found than at the pulpal interface. Filtek Bulk Fill and conventional composite (Filtek Z350) showed comparatively more dye penetration toward the pulpal interface compared to SDR Bulk Fill.Conclusion:There were no significant differences in percentage of gap-free margins between fill types for any of the composite materials. The proportions of gap-free margin were less at the pulpal interface and mid-dentin portions and enamel when filled with 4 and 2 mm increments.

Microhardness homogeneity of RBCs light-cured with a multiple-peak LED and surface characterization after wear.

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of the beam homogeneity of a multiple-peak light-curing unit on the surface microhardness and the effect of toothbrushing wear on the microhardness, surface roughness, roughness profile, volume loss, and gloss retention of incremental and bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs). A LED light-curing unit (VALO) with four LEDs at the tip end (405, 445, 465A, and 465B nm emission peak) was used according to each manufacturer-recommended time to obtain disks (n=10) of six RBCs: Estelite Sigma Quick, Charisma Classic, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill, Filtek Z250, Filtek Supreme Ultra, and Filtek Bulk Fill. Microhardness values were obtained according to each LED positioning of the light-curing unit on the top surface of the RBCs and were analyzed before and after toothbrushing regarding microhardness, surface roughness, roughness profile, volume loss, and gloss retention. Microhardness was considered homogeneous on the top surface regardless of the type of RBC or wavelength tested (p>0.05). Overall, toothbrushing did not reduce the microhardness of the RBCs but influenced the gloss values for most RBCs (p<0.001). Charisma Classic presented the greatest surface roughness and roughness profile after toothbrushing (p<0.05). Volume loss did not differ among RBCs (p>0.05). In conclusion, different wavelengths of the LED did not affect the top surface microhardness, regardless of the RBCs tested; and bulk-fill composites presented similar surface changes (microhardness, surface roughness, roughness profile, volume loss, and gloss retention) when compared to conventional composites after toothbrushing.

Effect of Accelerated Aging on Some Mechanical Properties and Wear of Different Commercial Dental Resin Composites.

The aim of current in vitro research was to determine the effect of hydrothermal accelerated aging on the mechanical properties and wear of different commercial dental resin composites (RCs). In addition, the effect of expiration date of the composite prior its use was also evaluated. Five commercially available RCs were studied: Conventional RCs (Filtek Supreme XTE, G-aenial Posterior, Denfil, and >3y expired Supreme XTE), bulk-fill RC (Filtek Bulk Fill), and short fiber-reinforced RC (everX Posterior). Three-point flexural test was used for determination of ultimate flexural strength (n = 8). A vickers indenter was used for testing surface microhardness. A wear test was conducted with 15,000 chewing cycles using a dual-axis chewing simulator. Wear pattern was analyzed by a three-dimensional (3D) noncontact optical profilometer. Degree of C=C bond conversion of monomers was determined by FTIR-spectrometry. The specimens were either dry stored for 48 h (37 °C) or boiled (100 °C) for 16 h before testing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the microstructure of each material. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (p = 0.05). Hydrothermal aging had no significant effects on the surface wear and microhardness of tested RCs (p > 0.05). While flexural strength significantly decreased after aging (p < 0.05), except for G-aenial Posterior, which showed no differences. The lowest average wear depth was found for Filtek Bulk Fill (29 µm) (p < 0.05), while everX Posterior and Denfil showed the highest wear depth values (40, 39 µm) in both conditions. Passing the expiration date for 40 months did not affect the flexural strength and wear of tested RC. SEM demonstrated a significant number of small pits on Denfil’s surface after aging. It was concluded that the effect of accelerated aging may have caused certain weakening of the RC of some brands, whereas no effect was found with one brand of RC. Thus, the accelerated aging appeared to be more dependent on material and tested material property.

Bond strength repair of a bulk-fill composite using different adhesive systems and resin composites

In this study evaluated the effect of different adhesive systems and resin composites on the microtensile bond strength of repairs using a bulk-fill composite. Ninety specimens were prepared using a half-hourglass mold of composite Filtek Bulk Fill using a silicone matrix. Specimens were randomly distributed in 9 experimental groups (n=10) according to adhesive [Universal Single Bond (SBU), Scotchbond Multipurpose Adhesive (SBMP), and Single Bond 2 (SB2)] and resin composite (Filtek Bulk Fill, Aura Bulk Fill, and Filtek Z250). For control group, hourglass specimens were used to measure the ultimate bond strength. Specimens were submitted to thermal cycling (5,000 cycles, 5 and 55°C, 30s) to simulate the aging of restoration and then the repair procedure was performed. After the diamond-tipped surface roughening to be repaired, the adhesive protocol was performed according to group, the specimen was placed in an hourglass-shaped mold and the other half was filled with the repair composite. After 24h, bond strength of specimens was obtained by microtensile using a universal testing machine at a speed of 0.5mm/min. Data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s and Dunnett’s tests (α=0.05). SBU showed higher bond strength compared to SB2, while SBMP showed intermediate values. However, all experimental groups showed lower bond strength compared to ultimate bond strength. In conclusion, bulk-fill composite repair using universal or conventional solvent-free adhesive improved the adhesion independent of composite tested.

Evaluation of Physical-Mechanical properties of different Bulk-Fill composites / Avaliação das propriedades Físico-Mecânicas de diferentes compósitos Bulk-Fill

The aim of the study was to assess the degree of conversion (DC), microhardness, polymerization shrinkage stress (PSS) and volumetric contraction of two bulk-fill composites (SonicFill, Kerr Corporation, Orange, CA, USA - (SF) and Filtek BulkFill, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA - (FB)) and one conventional nanofiller resin composite (Z350XT – 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) inserted incrementally (Z350I) or in bulk (Z350B). Micro-Raman spectroscopy, Knoop microhardness, PSS test and micro-computed tomography technique (?CT) were used to evaluate the resin composites. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test (? = 0.05). DC was not affected by the type of the composite, excepted when conventional resin composite was inserted in a single increment (p = 0.002). FB and Z350I showed higher microhardness values than Z350B (p = 0,003), while SF showed no statistically significant difference to the other resin composites. No statistical differences were found among the composites regarding to PSS (p = 0.104) and volumetric shrinkage (p = 0.258). Therefore, it can be concluded that bulk-fill and conventional resin composites tested present similar properties. Thus, shorter time required for the use associated with simplified operative technique are considered clinical advantages of bulk-fill composites.

Effect of Light-curing Unit Design and Mouth Opening on the Polymerization of Bulk-fill Resin-based Composite Restorations in Molars.

This study evaluated the effect of the design of the light-curing unit (LCU) and mouth opening on the properties of bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs). Eighty molars received a mesio-occlusal-distal preparation and were restored using two different bulk-fill RBCs, Opus Bulk Fill APS (FGM) and Filtek Bulk Fill One (3M Oral Care), using two different designs of LCU, straight (Valo Cordless [Ultradent]) and angled (Radii-Cal [SDI]). Two mouth openings of 25 and 45 mm at the incisors were used. Forty samples were sectioned mesiodistally. One half was immersed in tetrahydrofuran to examine the effect of the solvent on the RBCs (SE), and the other half to measure the degree of conversion (DC) in proximal and occlusal boxes using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The other 40 samples were subjected to thermomechanical fatigue and immersed in silver nitrate to examine the gingival margin integrity (GMI) using SEM. The irradiance (mW/cm2) and emission spectrum (mW/cm2/nm) from the LCUs were measured using a MARC Resin Calibrator (BlueLight Analytics). DC data were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and Tukey's test; SE and GMI were analyzed by an ANOVA on Ranks and Dunn test (α = 0.05). The DC values were similar in the occlusal and proximal boxes when using Valo Cordless, irrespective of RBC and the mouth opening used. Lower DC values were measured in proximal boxes when using Radii-Cal. The mouth opening had a greater effect on the irradiance delivered by Radii-Cal. Radii-Cal with 25-mm mouth opening had greater SE and GMI values, whereas the SE and GMI values obtained with Valo Cordless were unaffected by mouth opening. The choice of LCU did not influence the properties of tested bulk-fill RBCs when the 45-mm mouth opening was used. However, when using the 25-mm mouth opening, the choice of LCU did influence the properties of the RBCs.

Thirty-six-month clinical evaluation of posterior high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composite restorations in a high caries incidence population: interim results of a randomized clinical trial.

This study compared the clinical performance of two bulk-fill (BF) and one conventional resin composite in a population with a high caries incidence. A total of 138 class I and II restorations were performed and randomly divided into three groups (n = 46) with equal allocation: Filtek BF (FBF; 3M ESPE), Tetric EvoCeram BF (TBF; Ivoclar Vivadent), and control Filtek Z250 (Z250; 3M ESPE). The evaluations were performed using the USPHS and FDI criteria at baseline and after 12 and 36 months by a previously calibrated evaluator. The Friedman and Wilcoxon tests for paired data were used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05). The DMFT index at baseline was 9.44, with 87% from the decayed component. After 36 months, 108 restorations (n = 36) were evaluated. Two failures were observed for TBF at marginal adaptation and recurrence of caries, resulting in a survival rate of 94.44% and an annual failure rate (AFR) of 1.26%. No equivalence was observed between the criteria for surface roughness, marginal adaptation, and discoloration. The 36-month clinical performance of high-viscosity BF resin composites was comparable to conventional incremental-filled resin composites. The FDI criteria better presented the restorations' clinical success. However, in the case of failure, both criteria provided the same result. High-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites showed excellent performance after 36 months in a high caries incidence population. It can be considered a simplified alternative restoration method that reduces operating time and minimizes possible operator errors.

The Effect of Arabian Coffee, Black Tea and Orange-juice on Microhardness and Color Stability of Hybrid Composite Resins. An in vitro Study

The main aim of the present in-vitro study is to assess the effect of daily consumable drinks on the aesthetics of the dental composite resin materials. Sixty-four microhybrid and nanohybrid direct composite resin (3M™ Filtek™ Z350 XT Universal Restorative, Filtek™ Bulk Fill Flowable Restorative, USA) block samples were made with a dimension of 15mm X 2mm and are allocated into four groups. Each sample was immersed in test media such as Arabic coffee, black tea, orange-juice and distilled water as control group at room temperature for 15 days (n = 16). The color stability and microhardness measurements were taken at pre-immersion and after two weeks of immersion in test media. These parameters were assessed by electro spectrophotometerusing the CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage) system and Vickers microhardness indenter respectively. Each group was immersed in its test media for the complete duration of the study. On completion of 15 days, the samples were blot dried out with absorbent paper and microhardness dimensions and color stability measures were performed. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis to formulate the results. Significant discoloration was observed with the Arabic coffee, black tea and orange-juice compared with control group. The Arabic coffee caused most significant discoloration followed by black tea and orange-juice. Although the highest values of microhardness was noted in the Arabic coffee followed by black tea and orange juice, whereas the lowest values were noted in the control. The color stability and microhardness of the composite resin restorations is affected by the everyday drinks that are consumed, from some more than others. Some of the everyday drinks affect the color stability and microhardness of the composite resin restorations more than the others.