Halogen Light-curing Unit Research Articles

Effect of curing distance for cure depth in composite resin.

The effect of altering the distance between light tip and outer layer of composite (DLR) on the depth of composite cure with a range of low to high light intensity curing lamps and with different types of light unit is of interest. Three LED units (T= Freelight,U = Ultrablue IS, V = Coltolux LED, one PAC unit (S=PAC) and three halogen light-curing units (P = XL2500, Q = HelioluxVL, R = Visiolux) were analyzed. A human molar tooth that was separated mesio-distally to buccal and lingual halves was used to create a natural tooth sample. Data shows that the depth of cure for the composite material decreased as the distance between the repair and the light source increased. There was no appreciable difference in performance between the LEDs and the other kinds of curing lamps as the distance between them grew.

Pelepasan monomer resin komposit nanofil dan mikrohibrid dengan penyinaran berbeda

Background: Many factors affect the elution of composite resin monomers, such as filler size and light-curing unit used. Objectives: to compare the effect of the filler size and light-curing unit on the elution of monomers. Methods: Subjects were 20 composite resins, consists of 10 microhybrid composite resins and 10 nanofilled composite resins, diameter 4.5 mm and height 2 mm. Composite specimens were cured using halogen light-curing unit 680 mW/cm² or LED 1000 mW/cm², for 20 seconds according to group random allocation. Specimens were put into 1 mL artificial saliva, soaked for 24 hours and then were analyzed with LC-MS/MS, for TEGDMA elution. Results: Two-ways ANOVA test showed there were differences in the influence of filler size and light-curing units type on monomer elution (p < 0.05). The mean of monomer TEGDMA eluted from micro-hal 2.4960 µg/mL ± 0.49318 µg/mL, micro-LED 0.03114 µg/mL ± 2.0820 µg/mL, nano-hal 1.8120 µg/mL ± 0.24273 µg/mL, and nano-LED 1.5000 µg/mL ± 0.0255 µg/mL. Tukey test showed microhybrid composite resin eluted more TEGDMA than nanofilled composite resin (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the elution of TEGDMA monomers with the use of light-curing unit halogen or LED (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Different filler size influenced the elution of composite resin monomer. The polymerization of the nanofilled composite resin is better than microhybrid composite resin, proved by less nanofilled composite resin monomer eluted. The use of halogen light-curing unit or LED light-curing unit, showed no difference in the effect on the elution of monomer.

Effect of Light-Sources and Thicknesses of Composite Onlays on Micro-Hardness of Luting Composites.

The aim of this study was to compare three different light-curing-units (LCUs) and determine their effectiveness in the adhesive cementation of indirect composite restorations when a light-curing resin cement is used. Two resin composites were selected: Enamel Plus HRI (Micerium) and AURA (SDI). Three thicknesses (3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm) were produced and applied as overlays and underlays for each resin composite. A standardized composite layer was placed between underlay and overlay surfaces. Light curing of the resin-based luting composites was attained through the overlay filters using LCUs for different exposure times. All specimens were allocated to experimental groups according to the overlay thickness, curing unit and curing time. Vickers Hardness (VH) notches were carried out on each specimen. Data were statistically evaluated. The curing unit, curing time and overlay thickness were significant factors capable of influencing VH values. The results showed significantly decreased VH values with increasing specimen thickness (p < 0.05). Significant differences in VH values were found amongst the LCUs for the various exposure times (p < 0.05). According to the results, a time of cure shorter than 80 s (with a conventional quartz–tungsten–halogen LCU) or shorter than 40 s (with a high-power light-emitting diode (LED) LCU) is not recommended. The only subgroup achieving clinically acceptable VH values after a short 20 s curing time included the 3 mm-thick overlays made out of the AURA composite, when the high-power LED LCU unit was used (VH 51.0). Composite thickness has an intense effect on polymerization. In clinical practice, light-cured resin cements may result in insufficient polymerization for high thickness and inadequate times. High-intensity curing lights can attain the sufficient polymerization of resin cements through overlays in a significantly shorter time than conventional halogen light.

The effect of different curing units on the degree of polymerization of different composite resins

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of polymerization of composite resins cured with different light-curing units (LCUs). Materials and Methods: Three bulk-fill composite (Beautifil Bulk-Fill Giomer, Filtek Bulk-Fill, and X-Tra Fill) and a methacrylate-based composite (Filtek Z250) were used in this study. Thirty disc-shaped specimens, 4 mm thick, were prepared from each composite resin. Specimens were divided into three groups and polymerized with light-emitting diode (LED), Plasma arch curing unit (PAC), and quartz-tungsten halogen LCU. The bottom and top surface microhardness of the specimens stored in distilled water for 24 h at 37°C after polymerization was measured with a universal test device. The hardness ratio (HR) of specimens was calculated by the bottom surface microhardness/top surface microhardness formula. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's least significant difference post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Results: Statistically significant differences were detected between the mean HR values of the specimens polymerized with different LCUs (P Conclusion: The degree of polymerization of the composite resin restoration may be affected by the structural properties of the resin and the type of LCU. The clinician may use alternative techniques, especially in deep cavities.

Color changes induced by different staining solutions and different light curing units in dental resin composites

PurposeTo evaluate color changes induced by three different staining solutions and three different light curing devices in two different resin composites.Materials and methodsTwo different resin composites (ESTELITE Σ QUICK and ESTHET.X HD) were tested in this study. Hundred discs (5 mm diameter × 2 mm thick) of each tested material were made. Ten specimens were used as control, while other 90 specimens subdivided into three subgroups (n = 30); (a) cured with halogen-light curing-unit, (b) cured with plasma-arc unit, and (c) cured with argon laser of 488 nm. Each subgroup was further subdivided into three classes (n = 10): (a) immersed in tea for 10 min three times daily for 3 months, (b) immersed in coffee for 10 min three times daily for 3 months, and (c) immersed in Arabic coffee for 10 min three times daily for 3 months. Between staining challenges, specimens were immersed in artificial saliva. Specimens were tested for quantitative color changes using Quanta Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope. Data was statistically analyzed using three-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test (P ≤ 0.05).ResultsThe mean color change of coffee (126.53 pixel) showed the highest value. This was followed by tea (117.96 pixel) and Arabic coffee (113.5 pixel) with no statistically significant difference between the two solutions. Meanwhile, laser showed the highest mean value (122.55 pixel) whereas; there was no statistically significant difference between QHL (117.9 pixel) and plasma arc curing (117.54 pixel). No significant difference was found between the two tested materials ESTELITE Σ QUICK and ESTHET.X HD.ConclusionThe two tested composites performed similarly under the test conditions. Curing with argon laser along with the coffee as staining solution affected the color stability of the tested materials.

Use of Artificial Neural Network in Determination of Shade, Light Curing Unit, and Composite Parameters' Effect on Bottom/Top Vickers Hardness Ratio of Composites.

Objective To assess the influence of light emitting diode (LED) and quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light curing unit (LCU) on the bottom/top (B/T) Vickers Hardness Number (VHN) ratio of different composites with different shades and determination of the most significant effect on B/T VHN ratio of composites by shade, light curing unit, and composite parameters using artificial neural network. Method Three composite resin materials [Clearfil Majesty Esthetic (CME), Tetric N Ceram (TNC), and Tetric Evo Ceram (TEC)] in different shades (HO, A2, B2, Bleach L, Bleach M) were used. The composites were polymerized with three different LED LCUs (Elipar S10, Bluephase 20i, Valo) and halogen LCU (Hilux). Vickers hardness measurements were made at a load of 100 g for 10 sec on the top and bottom surfaces and B/T VHN ratio calculated. The data were statistically analyzed with three-way ANOVA and Tukey test at a significance level of 0.05. The obtained measurements and data were then fed to a neural network to establish the correlation between the inputs and outputs. Results There were no significant differences between the B/T VHN ratio of LCUs for the HO and B shades of CME (p>0.05), but there were significant differences between the B/T VHN ratio of LCUs for shade A2 (p<0.05). No significant difference was determined between the B/T VHN ratio of LCUs for all shades of TNC (p>0.05). For TEC, there was no significant difference between the B/T VHN ratio of halogen and LED LCUs (p>0.05), but a significant difference was determined among the LED LCUs (p<0.05). The artificial neural network results showed that a combination of the curing light and composite parameter had the most significant effect on the B/T VHN ratio of composites. Shade has the lowest effect on the B/T VHN ratio of composites. Conclusion The B/T VHN ratio values of different resin-based composite materials may vary depending on the light curing device. In addition, the artificial neural network results showed that the LCU and composite parameter had the most significant effect on the B/T VHN ratio of the composites. Shade has the lowest effect on the B/T VHN ratio of composites.

Comparison of Light-Emitting Diode-Curing Unit and Halogen-Based Light-Curing Unit for the Polymerization of Orthodontic Resins: An In vitro Study.

Aims and Objectives:Conventionally, composites are cured using halogen-based light-curing units (LCUs). However, recently, light-emitting diode (LED) LCUs have been introduced commercially, claiming many advantages, yet producing comparable bond strength even when cured with single LED LCUs. This present study was undertaken to compare the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets bonded to teeth with conventional halogen LCU (3M ESPE Elipar 2500) and LED LCU (3M ESPE Elipar FreeLight 2) and to determine the site of bond failure.Materials and Methods:Fifty extracted human bicuspid teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 25 each. All the teeth were etched and primed. Then, orthodontic brackets were bonded onto the teeth with the light-cured adhesive (Transbond XT, 3M Unitek), and the adhesive was cured with halogen LCU and LED LCU for Group I and Group II, respectively. The brackets were then subjected to shear stress using a Hounsfield universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The force was recorded in Kgf and converted to MPa. The residual adhesive was scored based on the modified adhesive remnant index (ARI) using an optical stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed using the Student's t-test and the Mann–Whitney test at a significance level of 0.05.Results:The results have shown that there is no significant difference between the shear bond strengths and the ARI scores of both the groups.Conclusion:From this study, it can be concluded that (1) LED LCUs containing even only a single LED can cure the composite as well as a halogen-based LCU; (2) there is no statistically significant difference in the shear bond strengths of the two groups; and (3) the ARI scores show no significant difference.

Bonding to Different PEEK Compositions: The Impact of Dental Light Curing Units.

This study investigated the impact of different light curing units (LCUs) for the polymerization of adhesive system visio.link (VL) on the tensile bond strength (TBS) of different PEEK compositions. For TBS measurements, 216 PEEK specimens with varying amounts of TiO2 (PEEK/0%, PEEK/20%, PEEK/>30%) were embedded, polished, air abraded (Al2O3, 50 µm, 0.4 MPa), conditioned using VL, and polymerized using either a halogen LCU (HAL-LCU) or a LED LCU (LED-LCU) for chairside or labside application, respectively. After thermocycling (5000×, 5/55 °C), TBS was measured, and fracture types were determined. Data was analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA followed by Tukey–HSD, Kruskal–Wallis H and Mann–Whitney U tests as well as a Chi2-test and a Ciba–Geigy table (p < 0.05). Globally, the light curing units, followed by PEEK composition, was shown to have the highest impact on TBS. The HAL-LCUs, compared to the LED-LCUs, resulted in a higher TBS for all PEEK compositions—without significant differences between chairside and labside units. Regarding the different PEEK compositions, PEEK/20%, compared to PEEK/0%, resulted in a higher TBS when both, HAL-LCUs or LED-LCUs were used for labside application. In comparison with PEEK/>30%, PEEK/20% resulted in a higher TBS after using HAL-LCU for labside application. No significant differences were found between PEEK/0% and PEEK/>30%. HAL-LCU with PEEK/20% for labside application showed a higher TBS than HAL-LCU with PEEK/20% for chairside application, whereas LED-LCU with PEEK/>30% for chairside application showed a higher TBS than LED-LCU with PEEK/>30% for labside application.

Factors affecting marginal integrity of class II bulk-fill composite resin restorations.

Background. Bulk-fill composite resins are a new type of resin-based composite resins, claimed to have the capacity to be placed in thick layers, up to 4 mm. This study was carried out to evaluate factors affecting gap formation in Cl II cavities restored using the bulk-fill technique. Methods. A total of 60 third molars were used in this study. Two Cl II cavities were prepared in each tooth, one on the mesial aspect 1 mm coronal to the CEJ and one on the distal aspect 1 mm apical to the CEJ. The teeth were divided into 4 groups: A: The cavities were restored using the bulk-fill technique with Filtek P90 composite resin and its adhesive system and light-cured with quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light-curing unit. B: The cavities were restored similar to that in group A but light-cured with an LED light-curing unit. C: The cavities were restored using the bulk-fill technique with X-tra Fil composite resin and Clearfil SE Bond adhesive system and light-cured with a QTH curing unit. D: The cavities were restored similar to that in group C but light-cured with an LED light-curing unit. The gaps were examined under a stereomicroscope at ×60. Data were analyzed with General Linear Model test. In cases of statistical significance (P<0.05), post hoc Bonferroni test was used for further analyses. Results. The light-curing unit type had no effect on gap formation. However, the results were significant in relation to the composite resin type and margin location (P<0.001). The cumulative effects of light-curing unit*gingival margin and light-curing unit*composite resin type were not significant; however, the cumulative effect of composite rein type*gingival margin was significant (P=0.04) Conclusion. X-tra Fil composite exhibited smaller gaps compared with Filtek P90 composite with both light-curing units. Both composite resins exhibited smaller gaps at enamel margins.

Marginal integrity of resin composite restorations restored with PPD initiatorcontaining resin composite cured by QTH, monowave and polywave LED units.

This study evaluated the influence of curing devices on marginal adaptation of cavities restored with self-etching adhesive containing CQ and PPD initiators and hybrid composite. Twenty-four class V (3 groups, n=8) with margins located on enamel and dentin were restored with Clearfil S3 Bond and Clearfil APX PLT, light-cured with a monowave LED, multiwave LED and halogen light-curing unit (LCU). Marginal adaptation was evaluated with SEM before/after thermo-mechanical loading (TML). On enamel, significantly lower % continuous margins (74.5±12.6) were found in group cured by multiwave LED when compared to monowave LED (87.6±9.5) and halogen LCU (94.4±9.1). The presence of enamel and composite fractures was significantly higher in the group light-cured with multiwave LED, probably due to an increased materials' friability resulted from an improved degree of cure. The clinician should aware that due to a distinct activation of both initiators, marginal quality may be influenced on the long-term.

Degree of Conversion and Mechanical Properties of Resin Cements Cured Through Different All-Ceramic Systems.

The aim of this study was to verify the degree of conversion (DC), Vickers microhardness (VH) and elastic modulus (E) of resin cements cured through different ceramic systems. One 1.5-mm-thick disc of each ceramic system (feldspathic, lithium dissilicate and zircônia veneered with feldspathic) was used. Three dual-cured (Allcem, Variolink II and RelyX U200) and one chemically-cured (Multilink) resin cements were activated through ceramic discs. For dual-cured resin cements was used a conventional halogen light-curing unit (Optilux 501 at 650 mW/cm2 for 120 s). Samples cured without the ceramic disc were used as control. The samples were stored at 37 °C for 24 h. ATR/FTIR spectrometry was used to evaluate the extent of polymerization in the samples (n=5). Micromechanical properties - VH and E - of the resin cements (n=5) were measured with a dynamic indentation test. Data were statistically analyzed with two-way ANOVA, Tukey's test and Pearson's correlation (α=0.05). DC was affected only by the type of resin cement (p=0.001). For VH, significant interaction was detected between resin cement and ceramic (p=0.045). The dual-cured resin cements showed no significant differences in mean values for E and significantly higher values than the chemically-cured resin cement. The degree of conversion and the mechanical properties of the evaluated resin cements depend on their activation mode and the type of ceramics used in 1.5 mm thickness. The dual-cured resin cements performed better than the chemically-cured resin cement in all studied properties.

Effect of different curing modes on the degree of conversion and the microhardness of different composite restorations

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the effects of different curing units and modes on the degree of conversion (DC) and microhardness (MH) of two different resin composites [ESTELITE ∑ QUICK (EQ), and Z350 XT (Z3)]. Materials and Methods: One hundred (100) discs of each tested material were made and divided into two subgroups ( n = 50) according to the discs' dimensions: 5 mm diameter × 2 mm thickness, and 2 mm diameter × 2 mm thickness. Each subgroup was further subdivided into the following five classes ( n = 10): I) cured with halogen light curing-unit; II) cured with light-emitting diode (LED) unit; III) cured with argon laser; IV) cured with halogen light-curing unit for 5 s, 10 s rest followed by 20 s curing; and V) cured with halogen light-curing unit for 10 s, then 10 s rest, followed by 10 s curing. The first subgroup was tested for MH using the Vickers Microhardness tester and the second subgroup was tested for DC using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Data were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test P Results: Specimens in class IV showed the highest mean DC and MH, followed by class III, then class II. Class I showed significantly lower mean values for both DC and MH. On the other hand, Z3 showed statistically significantly higher mean DC and MH than EQ. Conclusion: Although the two tested composites did not perform similarly under the test conditions, curing with halogen unit for 5 s, then 10 s rest, followed by 10 s curing improved the DC and the MH of both the tested materials.

Bisphenol A release from orthodontic adhesives and its correlation with the degree of conversion

Our objective was to quantitatively assess and compare the bisphenol A (BPA) released from an orthodontic adhesive using a light-emitting diode device (LED) or a halogen light-curing unit (HLC) at 3 tip-to-bracket distances (0, 5, and 10 mm) and varying curing times using high-performance liquid chromatography. BPA release with self-etching and moisture-insensitive primers with light-cured and chemically cured composites was also evaluated. BPA release was correlated to the corresponding degree of conversion. Our sample consisted of 598 stainless steel first premolar brackets. Of these, 520 were used for assessing BPA release and divided into 13 groups of 40 each. In groups I, II, and III, the composite was cured with the LED for 20 seconds at distances of 0, 5, and 10 mm, respectively. Groups IV, V, and VI were cured with the HLC for 40 seconds at the same 3 distances. Groups VII and VIII were cured for 5 and 10 seconds with the LED, and groups IX and X were cured for 10 and 20 seconds with the HLC at 0-mm distance. Groups XI, XII, and XIII consisted of brackets bonded with a self-etching primer and Transbond (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif), with a moisture-insensitive primer and Transbond, and with a chemically cured composite. The remaining 78 brackets were also divided into 13 groups and used for assessing the degree of conversion. The LED devices demonstrated significantly less BPA release and greater degrees of conversion (P <0.05). For both units, BPA release increased and the degree of conversion decreased as the tip distance increased and curing time decreased. The chemically cured group showed significantly less BPA release (P <0.05). Among the light-cured composites, those cured according to the manufacturers' recommendations (40 seconds and 0-mm distance for the HLC unit) released less BPA than did the self-etching primer and the moisture-insensitive primer. The degree of conversion was greatest for the chemically cured composite, whereas it was similar for the conventional, self-etching primer, and moisture-insensitive primer groups. However, correlations ranged from strongly negative to weakly positive between BPA release and degree of conversion. Clinicians should consider using LEDs in clinical practice and should keep the light-cure tip as close to the bracket as clinically possible. Curing time should be according to the manufacturer's recommendations. These steps will ensure less BPA release and a greater degree of conversion. Since chemically cured composites had less BPA release and a greater degree of conversion, they can be considered superior to light-cured composites in this aspect.

Effect of pre-heating on hardness of methacrylate- and silorane-based composites

AIM: To evaluate the effect of composite pre-heating on the microhardness of different monomer resin-based. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Circular specimens of methacrylate- and silorane-based composite resins pre-heated at 23, 39, and 55˚ C were carried out, and cured using a halogen light-curing unit at 650 mW/cm². After 24 h, the specimens were polished and Knoop hardness number (KHN) was measured using a microhardness tester with 50-g load for 15 s. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey’s tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Top surface presented higher KHN than bottom, methacrylate-based composite showed higher KHN compared to silorane, and pre-heating increased the KHN of the composites tested. CONCLUSION: Pre-heating can be used to improve the microhardness of methracrylate- and silorane-based composites.

Effect of different light-curing techniques on hardness of a microhybrid dental composite resin

Objective: This study assessed the Vickers hardness provided by two LCUs when using (1) direct and indirect light-curing techniques, (2) 40 and 60 seconds and (3) top and bottom surfaces. Material and Methods: One halogen Curing Light 2500 (3M Espe) and one LED (MM Optics) were used by direct and indirect (0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mm of dental structure) techniques during 40 and 60 seconds. The samples were made with FiltekTM Z250 in a metallic mould with a central orifice (4 mm in diameter, 2 mm in thickness). The samples were stored in dry mean by ± 24 hours and the hardness measurements were performed in a testing machine (Buehler MMT-3 digital microhardness tester Lake Bluff, Illinois USA). A 50 gf load was used and the indenter with a dwell time of 30 seconds. The data were submitted to multiple ANOVA and Newman-Keuls‘s test (p&lt;0.05). Results: Halogen LCU exhibited higher Vickers hardness values than LED mainly because of the power density used. Hardness values were influenced by LCUs, light-curing techniques, irradiation times and surfaces. For both LCUs, hardness values were found to decrease with indirect light-curing technique, mainly for the bottom surface. Samples irradiated for 60 s exhibited higher hardness values when the halogen LCU was used. For 60 seconds, the VHN values were statistically significant greater than 40 seconds. Significant differences in top and bottom surfaces Vickers hardness number (VHN) values were observed among different LCUs used 40 and 60 seconds. Conclusion: The LCUs, light-curing techniques, variations of irradiation times, and surfaces (top and bottom) influence the composite hardness. Keywords: Composite resin, LED, Halogen lamp, Hardness, Photo-activation.

Residual HEMA and TEGDMA Release and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement and Compomers Cured with Different Light Sources

The purpose of this study was first to evaluate the elution of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) monomers from resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and compomers cured with halogen and light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing units (LCUs). The effect of cured materials on the viability of L929 fibroblast cells was also evaluated. One RMGIC (Ketac N100) and two compomers (Dyract Extra and Twinkystar) were tested. Materials were prepared in teflon disks and light-cured with LED or halogen LCUs. The residual monomers of resin materials in solution were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography. The fibroblast cells' viability was analyzed using MTT assay. The type of LCU did not have a significant effect on the elution of HEMA and TEGDMA. A greater amount of HEMA than TEGMDA was eluted. The amount of TEGDMA eluted from Twinkystar was greater than Dyract Extra (P < 0.05) when cured with a halogen LCU. All material-LCU combinations decreased the fibroblast cells' viability more than the control group (P < 0.01), except for Dyract Extra cured with a halogen LCU (P > 0.05). Curing with the LED LCU decreased the cells' viability more than curing with the halogen LCU for compomers. For Ketac N100, the halogen LCU decreased the cells' viability more than the LED LCU.

Prototype of a new tip developed to be coupled to dental light-curing units for optimizing bonding of orthodontic brackets and accessories

Development of a new device to be coupled to light-curing units for bonding orthodontic brackets and accessories, and test its efficacy in an in vitro mechanical trial. The inner surface of the device is mirrored and is based on physical concepts of light refraction and reflection. The main advantage of such device is the reduced clinical time needed for bonding and the low possibility of contamination during the process. One hundred and twenty specimens were used for testing the shear bond strength of brackets bonded with the device. The Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was also determined. The sample was divided into 2 groups. In group 1 a halogen light-curing unit was used while in group 2 a led light-curing unit was used. Each group was then subdivided. In subgroups H1 and L1, a conventional light guide rod was used while in subgroups H2 and L2 bonding was performed with the mirrored device coupled to the tip of the guide light rod. The values obtained for the shear bond strength and the ARI in the subgroups were compared. Results showed that there was no statistically significant difference for the shear strength (p > 0.05) and the ARI (p > 0.05) between the subgroups. The tests of mechanical trials and the ARI analysis showed that the new device fulfilled the requirements for bonding orthodontic accessories, and that the time for bonding was reduced to half, being necessary only one light exposure.

Influence of photoactivation protocol and ceramic thickness on mechanical properties of cementation agents

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of photoactivation protocol and ceramic thickness on the Knoop microhardness (KHN) and the diametrical tensile strength (DTS) of a dual resin cement (Rely X ARC 3M ESPE (RL)) and a low viscosity composite resin (Filtek Z350 Flow 3M ESPE (Z)). Thereunto, cementation agents were photoactivated under ceramic discs of lithium disilicate with thickness of 1 and 2mm, and a glass slide (control group). The photoactivation was performed with halogen light-curing unit in continuous mode (XL 3000 3M Espe,) (XL) 500 mW/cm2 X 38 s, and with third generation LED light-curing unit (Valo Ultradent) in Standard mode (S) 1000 mW/cm2 X 19 s and Plasma Emulation mode (PE) 3200 mW/cm2 X 6 s, all them providing approximately 19 J/cm2. For KHN measurement, samples (5mm X 1mm) were made (n=8) and submitted to the KHN test on the top surface under a load of 10g applied for 10 seconds. For the DTS (n=8), samples (5mm X 3mm) were made and submitted to a compressive load of 0.5 mm/s until fracture. The data obtained were submitted to the statistical analysis. For KHN, there was statistically significant effect for interactions cementation agent X ceramic thickness, where RL presented higher values of KHN than Z. Comparing inside of cementation agent, RL presented higher values of KHN when photoactivated under 1 mm of ceramic thickness, different from the others. For Z, there was no statistically significant difference between different thickness and the control. The interaction cementation agent X photoactivation protocol was also significant, where for all the photoactivation protocols RL presented higher values of KHN than Z. For the cementation agent there was no significant difference in the values of KHN in all the photoactivation protocols for RL. For Z, the higher values of KHN were obtained by XL protocol and the lower values by S. For DTS, there was significant effect for the interaction cementation agent X photoactivation protocol, where in the photoactivation protocol factor, RL presented higher DTS when photoactivated by XL protocol. For cementation agent factor, the higher values of DTS for RL were obtained with XL, and the lower ones with S. For Z, similar values of DTS were obtained among photoactivation protocols evaluated. It was possible conclude that ceramic thickness and the photoactivation protocols exerted influence on the mechanical properties of cementation agents evaluated.

FT-Raman Spectroscopy Study of Organic Matrix Degradation in Nanofilled Resin Composite

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of light curing unit (LCU) type, mouthwashes, and soft drink on chemical degradation of a nanofilled resin composite. Samples (80) were divided into eight groups: halogen LCU, HS--saliva (control); HPT--Pepsi Twist®; HLC--Listerine®; HCP--Colgate Plax®; LED LCU, LS--saliva (control); LPT--Pepsi Twist®; LLC--Listerine®; LCP--Colgate Plax®. The degree of conversion analysis and the measure of the peak area at 2,930 cm-1 (organic matrix) of resin composite were done by Fourier-transform Raman spectroscopy (baseline, after 7 and 14 days). The data were subjected to multifactor analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 95% confidence followed by Tukey's HSD post-hoc test. The DC ranged from 58.0% (Halogen) to 59.3% (LED) without significance. Differences in the peak area between LCUs were found after 7 days of storage in S and PT. A marked increase in the peak intensity of HLC and LLC groups was found. The soft-start light-activation may influence the chemical degradation of organic matrix in resin composite. Ethanol contained in Listerine® Cool Mint mouthwash had the most significant degradation effect. Raman spectroscopy is shown to be a useful tool to investigate resin composite degradation.

Effect of Energy Density on Low-Shrinkage Composite Resins: Diode-Pumped Solid State Laser Versus Quartz-Tungsten-Halogen Light-Curing Unit

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of energy density on the polymerization of low-shrinkage composite resins. The number of photons needs to initiate the polymerization process can be controlled by light intensity and curing time through the form of energy density. For the study, two methacrylate-based (Premise [PR] and Venus Diamond [VE]) and one silorane-based (Filtek LS [LS]) composite resins were light cured using a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) light-curing unit (LCU) and a 473 nm diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) laser. Degree of conversion (DC), microhardness, refractive index, and polymerization shrinkage were evaluated under different energy densities. Through the study, the feasibility of DPSS laser as a light source was tested as well. LS showed the highest DC and refractive index both on the top and bottom surfaces, and the least polymerization shrinkage among the tested specimens. For the same or similar energy density, QTH and DPSS showed insignificant DC difference (p>0.05). On the other hand, for microhardness, except for one case at the bottom surface, QTH and DPSS showed significant difference (p<0.001). DPSS generated slightly lower polymerization shrinkage than that by QTH. DC, microhardness, refractive index, and polymerization shrinkage were linearly correlated with energy density. In most cases, there was a strong linear correlation among DC, mirohardness, and refractive index. The DPSS laser of 473 nm could polymerize low-shrinkage composite resins to the level that was achieved by the conventional QTH unit.