Immersion In Saliva Research Articles

An evaluation of the effect of different solutions on the microhardness of aesthetic restoration

Dietary awareness is an important issue in modern society. The consumption ofcarbonated drinks is popular with the youth of today and the habit is carried over intoadulthood. One of the most important properties that determine the durability ofdental materials in the oral cavity is their resistance to dissolution or disintegrationand the longevity of dental restorations depends on the durability of the material andits properties, such as wear resistance, durability of the interface between tooth andrestoration and the level of tooth destruction.The aim of this study was to measure surface hardness of composite after storagein dry condition and after immersion in saliva and solutions that represent the populardiet.Fifty disk shaped specimens (5×2mm) were prepared from Z100 universalcomposite using polytetraflouroethylen mold. The specimens were divided into 5groups (n=10) and stored for 7 days at 37 Cْ in different types of storage conditions(dry condition, artificial saliva, coca cola, heptane and citric acid). After storage,Brinell Hardness Numbers were calculated. The data were analyzed with one – wayanalysis of variance (ANOVA) and LSD test.There was a highly significant difference when comparing the storage agents.Coca cola and citric acid solutions produced the highest reduction in microhardness ofcomposite. It was followed by heptanes, artificial saliva. The storage of specimens indry container produced the highest Brinell Hardness Numbers.Microhardness of composites stored in dry condition was the highest value,followed by artificial saliva, heptane solution, cola soft drink and citric acid . Acidsolutions have the potential to erode composite resin material and this reduction washighly significant, which means that people who consume acidic foods and drinksexcessively should be aware of their esthetic restorations.

Zinc and silica are active components to efficiently treat in vitro simulated eroded dentin.

Biomaterials for treating dentin hypersensitivity and dentin wear were evaluated to efficiently occlude the dentinal tubules and to increase dentin resistance to abrasion. Twenty-four dentin surfaces were treated with EDTA to expose dentinal tubules and were (1) non-brushed, (2) brushed with distilled water, or with pastes containing (3) monetite, (4) brushite, (5) Zn-monetite, (6) Zn-brushite, (7) Silica-brushite, and (8) NovaMin®. Topographical, nanomechanical, and chemical analysis were assessed on dentin surfaces (n = 3) after artificial saliva immersion for 24h, and after citric acid challenge. Twenty-one further dentin specimens were created to evaluate dentin permeability after brushing, saliva storage, and acid application (n = 3). ANOVA, Student-Newman-Keuls (p < 0.05), and Student t test (p < 0.001) were used. Particles containing major proportion of silica attained intratubular occlusion by carbonate crystals (Raman carbonate peak heights 15.17 and 19.24au; complex modulus 110 and 140GPa, at intratubular dentin). When brushing with pastes containing higher proportion of silica or zinc, phosphate calcium compounds were encountered into tubules and over dentin surfaces (Raman intratubular phosphate peak heights 49 to 70au, and at the intertubular dentin 78 to 92). The formed carbonated apatite and calcium phosphate layer were resistant to citric acid application. Zinc compounds drastically increased tubule occlusion, decreased dentin permeability (up to 30%), and augmented mechanical properties at the intertubular dentin (90-130GPa); it was maintained after acid challenging. Zinc-containing pastes occluded dentinal tubules and improved dentin mechanical properties. Using zinc as an active component to treat eroded dentin is encouraged.

In vitro study of white spot lesion: Maxilla and mandibular teeth.

AimThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of resin infiltration on colour changes and surface roughness of artificial white spot lesions (WSLs) on maxillary and mandibular premolar.Materials and methodsSixty (60) extracted sound Maxilla (Mx) and Mandibular (Mn) premolars were randomly divided into 2 groups (test and control). Artificial WSLs were produced on buccal surface of teeth and were immersed in artificial saliva for 8 weeks. Colour components (L∗, a∗, b∗) and surface roughness (Sa∗) were assessed on 40 teeth using colour difference meter RD-100 and Alicona® Infinite Focus profilometer respectively. The measurements were done at baseline (T1), directly after artificial WSLs (T2), after 24 hours immersed in saliva and application of resin (T3) and immersion in artificial saliva for 1 (T4), 2 (T5), 4 (T6), 6 (T7) and 8 (T8) weeks. SEM images analysis were carried out on 20 teeth in four time points.ResultsThe values of L∗ (lightness), b∗ (yellow/blue) and Sa∗ (surface roughness) are gradually reduced to the baseline value. Whereas, the value of a∗ gradually increased with distinct treatment time to achieve the baseline value. The higher value of L∗ and Sa∗, the whiter the lesion suggesting higher degree of enamel demineralization and surface roughness. Lower L∗ values suggest a masking colour effect.ConclusionThe material produced favorable esthetics on colour and the surface roughness of teeth at distinct treatment times. It is recommended to be used to improve WSL post orthodontic treatment.

Efficacy of Plasma Treatment for Decontaminating Zirconia.

To evaluate the influence of contamination and plasma treatment on the bond strength of resin to zirconia ceramic. After immersion in saliva or the use of a silicone disclosing agent, polished and airborne-particle abraded zirconia specimens were cleaned either ultrasonically in 99% isopropanol or with nonthermal plasma. Uncontaminated zirconia specimens were used as control. For chemical analysis, specimens of all groups were examined with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Plexiglas tubes filled with composite resin were bonded to ceramic specimens with a phosphate-monomer-containing luting resin. The influence of contamination and cleaning methods on ceramic bond durability was examined by tensile testing after 3 and 150 days of water storage, with an additional 37,500 thermocycles during the 150-day storage. XPS showed an increase in the amount of oxygen and a decrease in the amount of carbon on the zirconia surface after plasma treatment. After contamination with silicone, XPS revealed a high amount of Si residue on the surface that none of the investigated cleaning processes could completely remove. The tensile bond strength to uncontaminated zirconia ceramic was durable, but was significantly reduced by contamination. Plasma treatment was effective in removing salivary contamination but not silicone disclosing agent residue from the bonding surface of zirconia.

Rugosidad superficial de dos resinas acrílicas de termocurado para prótesis totales sometidas a saliva artificial

Introducción: las resinas acrílicas de termocurado son utilizadas como material de base para dentaduras por su estética, baja sorción acuosa y solubilidad en agua, relativa baja de toxicidad, reparabilidad y técnica de procesamiento simple. Objetivo: evaluar la rugosidad super cial de dos resinas acrílicas de base de dentadura expues- tas a saliva arti cial. Metodología: se realizó un estudio in vitro, con 30 especímenes de resinas acrílicas, dividido en dos grupos Ivoclar (Iv) y Veracryl (Vr) (n = 15), fabri- cados con una matriz de acero, se realizaron dos mediciones de rugosidad inicial y nal con el Rugosímetro Mitutoyo, para obtener la Ra (media aritmética), Rq (media cuadrática), Rz (media). Entre las mediciones, inicial y final, los especímenes fueron sumergidos en saliva artificial a 37 oC, por un período de 60 días. Los datos fueron tabulados y analizados estadísticamente. Resultados: fue realizada comparación intergrupal en los valores de línea base y nal, sin evidenciar diferencia estadística para las variables de Ra en micrómetros (1.9 ± 0.83; 2.0 ± 0.72); Rq (2.35 ± 1.01; 2.7 ± 1.0) y Rz (9.7 ± 5.3; 12.7 ± 4.7), para los grupos Iv y Vr, respectivamente, las unidades de medición para todas son micras (μm). Para valores de línea base: Ra (0,58 ± 0,29; 0,68 ± 0,32), Rq (0,64 ± 0,25; 0,83 ± 0,39) y Rz (2,46 ± 0,88; 3,03 ± 1,33), para valores nales en los grupos Iv y Vr, respectivamente, (p&gt;0.05). Al comparar los cambios intragrupo en la rugosidad superficial antes y después de la inmersión en saliva, fue encontrada una diferencia signi cativamente estadística para los valores Ra, Rq, Rz (p&lt;0,05). Conclusiones: existe disminución de rugosidad super cial para ambos grupos al ser sumergidos en saliva artificial.

Dentine Tubule Occlusion by Novel Bioactive Glass-Based Toothpastes.

There are numerous over-the-counter (OTC) and professionally applied (in-office) products and techniques currently available for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity (DH), but more recently, the use of bioactive glasses in toothpaste formulations have been advocated as a possible solution to managing DH. Aim. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to compare several bioactive glass formulations to investigate their effectiveness in an established in vitro model. Materials and Methods. A 45S5 glass was synthesized in the laboratory together with several other glass formulations: (1) a mixed glass (fluoride and chloride), (2) BioMinF, (3) a chloride glass, and (4) an amorphous chloride glass. The glass powders were formulated into five different toothpaste formulations. Dentine discs were sectioned from extracted human teeth and prepared for the investigation by removing the cutting debris (smear layer) following sectioning using a 6% citric acid solution for 2 minutes. Each disc was halved to provide test and control halves for comparison following the brushing of the five toothpaste formulations onto the test halves for each toothpaste group. Following the toothpaste application, the test discs were immersed in either artificial saliva or exposed to an acid challenge. Results. The dentine samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and observation of the SEM images indicated that there was good surface coverage following artificial saliva immersion. Furthermore, although the acid challenge removed the hydroxyapatite layer on the dentine surface for most of the samples, except for the amorphous chloride glass, there was evidence of tubular occlusion in the dentine tubules. Conclusions. The conclusions from the study would suggest that the inclusion of bioactive glass into a toothpaste formulation may be an effective approach to treat DH.

Antimicrobial activity of submicron glass fibres incorporated as a filler to a dental sealer

Two types of antimicrobial glass fibers containing ZnO and CaO, with diameters ranging from tens of nanometers to 1 µm, were successfully fabricated by a laser spinning technique. The antimicrobial performance was corroborated according to ISO 20743:2013, by using gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and gram-positive (Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, and yeast (Candida krusei) (more than 3 logs of reduction). The metabolic activity and endosomal system of eukaryotic cells were not altered by using eluents of CaO glass submicrometric fibers and ZnO fibers at 1 : 10 dilution as cellular media (viability rates over 70%). A dental material was functionalized by embedding ZnO nanofibers above the percolation threshold (20% wt), creating a three-dimensional (3D) fiber network that added an antimicrobial profile. This new ZnO glass fiber composite is proved non-cytotoxic and preserved the antimicrobial effect after immersion in human saliva. This is the first time that a fiber-reinforced liner with strong antimicrobial-activity has been created to prevent secondary caries. The potential of developing new fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) with antimicrobial properties opens up an extensive field of dental applications where most important diseases have an infectious origin.

In vitro Cr(VI) speciation in synthetic saliva after releasing from orthodontic brackets using silica-aptes separation and GF AAS determination

A method for Cr(VI) speciation in synthetic saliva after releasing from orthodontic brackets, using silica nanoparticles organofunctionalized with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) for Cr(III)/Cr(VI) separation and GF AAS determination is proposed. Under the optimized conditions, Cr(VI) speciation was performed using 150 mg of silica organofunctionalized with 2.0% (v v-1) of APTES at pH 8. It was observed different sensitivity when calibrations of GF AAS were performed using Cr(III) or Cr(VI) as standard solutions. Consequently, calibrations using stoichiometric mixtures (Cr(III) + Cr(VI)) were used for total Cr determination and calibration using Cr(VI) was used only for the determination of this specie. The reliability of the proposed silica-APTES separation procedure and GF AAS determination was checked by addition of both species in synthetic saliva. Recoveries ranging from 97 to 110% were obtained. The repeatability, based on the relative standard deviation (RSD) inter days was less than 6%. A corrosion test was carried out on 20 orthodontic brackets from two different models, after immersion in synthetic saliva (pH=6.0) at 37 °C with agitation (125 rpm) for 24 h. It was observed that about 40% of the total chromium released from the analyzed orthodontic brackets was Cr(VI).

Changes in the permeability and morphology of dentine surfaces after brushing with a Thai herbal toothpaste: A preliminary study.

Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate dentine permeability after brushing with Twin Lotus®, Thai herbal toothpaste by comparing with Sensodyne Rapid Relief®, a commercial desensitizing toothpaste, and also after artificial saliva (AS) immersion or citric acid challenge.Materials and Methods:Dentine discs from human mandibular third molars were divided into three groups (n = 20) and brushed with either experimental toothpaste or water (control) for 2 min with an automated toothbrush. Then, 10 discs were immersed in AS, and the other 10 discs were immersed in 6% citric acid to simulate the conditions of the oral environment. The dentine permeability of each specimen was measured before brushing and after each treatment using a fluid filtration system. Morphological changes in the dentine were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results:Both toothpastes significantly reduced dentine permeability, and a crystalline precipitate was observed on the dentine surface under SEM observation. No significant difference was found between the two toothpaste groups with regard to dentine permeability after brushing and AS or acid immersion.Conclusions:The dentine permeability reduction caused by the two toothpastes did not differ after brushing or after AS or citric acid immersion.

Effects of erosive challenge on the morphology and surface properties of luting cements

Abstract Introduction Few studies investigated the surface properties of luting cements after erosive challenge. Objective To evaluate the surface roughness (Ra), Vickers hardness (VHN) and morphology of 4 luting cements after erosive challenge. Material and method Twenty specimens of each cement were prepared (4×2mm) and divided into experimental (erosive challenge) and control (artificial saliva) groups (n=10): Rely X U200 (U200); Rely X ARC (ARC); Ketac Cem Easy Mix (Ketac) and Zinc phosphate (ZnP). The erosive challenge was performed by four daily erosive cycles (90s) in a cola drink and 2 h in artificial saliva over 7 days. Ra and VHN readings were performed before and after erosion. The percentage of hardness loss (%VHN) was obtained after erosion. The surface morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ANOVA, Tukey and Student-T tests were used (α=0.05). Result After erosion, all luting cements had increase in Ra values and U200 and ZnP groups had the highest %VHN. After saliva immersion, only U200 and ZnP groups had significant increases in Ra values and there were no significant differences among the groups in %VHN. SEM analysis showed that Ketac and ZnP groups had rough and porous surfaces, and U200 group had higher resin matrix degradation than ARC group. Conclusion Erosive challenge with a cola drink affected the surface properties of all luting cements.

An investigation into bisphenol A leaching from materials used intraorally

BackgroundIn this study, the authors quantitatively determined the bisphenol A (BPA) leached from intraoral materials during simulated intraoral exposure. MethodsThe authors subjected samples of intraoral materials to simulated abrasion, immersion in artificial saliva, thermal shock via temperature cycling, and simulated intraoral exposure. The authors collected sample aliquots for up to 2 weeks after artificial saliva immersion, derivatized, and then analyzed the aliquots for BPA by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. ResultsQuantifiable amounts of leached BPA were observed from only 1 of 13 intraoral materials tested: a silicone baby bottle nipple (20 micrograms). BPA leaching was only observed after 3 days of artificial saliva immersion, with no additional leaching thereafter. ConclusionsUnder the test conditions, BPA was observed to leach from a silicone baby bottle nipple. Practical ImplicationsAlthough the quantities of leached BPA were below the reference dose for daily intake, investigators have shown a possible association between low levels of BPA and many medical disorders. BPA exposure, and thus the use of the leaching material identified in this study, should be reduced or eliminated.

Antibacterial effect and shear bond strength of an orthodontic adhesive cement containing Galla chinensis extract.

Galla chinensis extract (GCE), a naturally-derived agent, has a significant inhibitory effect on cariogenic bacteria. The present study aims to evaluate the antibacterial effect and shear bond strength of an orthodontic adhesive cement containing GCE. A resin-modified glass ionomer cement incorporated GCE at five mass fractions (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8%) to prepare GCE-containing cement for analysis. For the agar diffusion test, cement specimens were placed on agar disk inoculated with Streptococcus mutans (strain ATCC 25175). Following 48 h incubation, the inhibition halo diameter was measured. To assess bacteria colonization susceptibility, S. mutans adhesion to cement specimens was detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) following 48 h incubation. To evaluate bond strength, a total of 50 metal brackets were bonded on premolar surfaces by using cement (10 teeth/group). Following immersion in an artificial saliva for 3 days, shear bond strength (SBS) was measured. The results demonstrated that GCE-containing samples exhibited a larger bacterial inhibition halo than control, and the inhibition zone increased as the GCE mass fraction increased. SEM analysis demonstrated that S. mutans presented a weaker adherent capacity to all GCE-containing cements compared with control, but the difference between each GCE-containing group was not significant. SBS values of each GCE-containing group exhibited no difference compared with the control. In conclusion, GCE-containing adhesive cement exhibits a promising inhibitory effect on S. mutans growth and adhesion. Without compromising bond strength, adding GCE in adhesive cement may be an attractive option for preventing white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment.

In vitro Effect of Erosive Challenge on Surface Microhardness of Orthodontic Composites

Objective: To evaluate in vitro the effect of erosive challenge and continuous immersion in cola drink on surface microhardness of orthodontic composites. Material and Methods: Forty samples of three composites (Transbond XT, Quick Cure and Ortho Cem) were prepared (4 x 2 mm) and distributed into 4 groups (n=10): erosive challenge, artificial saliva immersion (control 1), continuous cola immersion and artificial saliva immersion (control 2). Erosive challenge was performed 4 times per day (5 min) in cola drink for 2 h in artificial saliva for 7 days. Samples of continuous cola immersion group were soaked in cola drink for 5 weeks and the beverage was renewed every two days. Control samples were immersed in artificial saliva for 7 days (control 1) and 5 weeks (control 2). Vickers microhardness (VHN) measurements were performed before and after erosive challenge and continuous immersion. Data were evaluated by paired Student’s T-test, ANOVA one-way and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). Results: After 7 days of erosive challenge, there was no statistical difference between VHN values before and after erosive challenge and artificial saliva immersion. However, after 5 weeks of cola drink and artificial saliva immersion, significant reduction in VHN values was observed for all composites when compared to baseline values, and specimens immersed in cola drink showed lower VHN compared to those immersed in saliva, regardless of composite composition. Conclusion: After 7 days of erosive challenge, there was no alteration in superficial VHN of orthodontic composites. However, after 5 weeks of immersion in cola drink, significant reduction of VHN values was observed for all composites.

In vitro effects of erosive challenge on the surface properties of sealants

Aim: To assess in vitro the surface roughness (Ra), Vickers hardness (VHN) and surface morphology of resin and glass ionomer materials used for sealants after dynamic erosive challenge. Methods: Twenty specimens of each material were prepared and divided into experimental (erosive challenge) and control groups (n=10): Protect Riva (SDI), Opallis Flow (3M ESPE), Fluroshield (Dentsply), Filtek Z350 XT Flow (3M ESPE). The erosive challenge was performed 4 times per day (90 s) in cola drink and for 2 h in artificial saliva for 7 days. The control specimens were maintained in artificial saliva. Ra and VHN readings were performed before and after erosion. The percentage of hardness loss (%VHN) was obtained after erosion. The surface morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were analyzed by ANOVA, Tukey and paired t tests (α=0.05). Results: After erosion and saliva immersion, there was an increase in Ra values for all groups and Riva group showed the highest Ra values. After erosive challenge, Riva and Filtek groups showed significant decrease in VHN values, but Filtek group showed the greatest %VHN. For all groups there was inorganic particle protrusion and matrix degradation after erosion visualized by SEM images. Conclusions: Erosive challenge affected the surface properties of all materials used as sealants, particularly in the Riva and Filtek groups.

Effectiveness of different surface cleaning methods on the shear bond strength of resin cement to contaminated zirconia: an in vitro study

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different surface cleaning methods on the shear bond strength (SBS) of zirconia ceramic surfaces. Seventy polished and cleaned zirconia disk specimens of 8 mm in diameter and 3.4 mm in thickness were immersed in fresh saliva. They were then pressed into a freshly mixed silicone disclosing medium. Six different cleaning methods were applied to the tested groups; they were airborne-particle abraded (AA), covered with a cleaning paste (Ivoclean®) (IV), etched with orthophosphoric acid (PA), immersed in alcohol (AL), rinsed with tap water only (WA), or cleaned with steam (SC). No surface cleaning was done after saliva immersion and silicone disclosing medium contamination to the control group (CC). The specimens were then bonded to an adhesive resin cement using polyethylene tubes. SBS was determined using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The specimens were also examined with a scanning electron microscope and a stereomicroscope. Group AA yielded the highest SBS value (7.01 ± 1.4 MPa) among the groups, while Group WA had the lowest SBS value (3.03 ± 0.8 MPa). The SBS values of Group AA (7.01 ± 1.4 MPa) and IV (6.2 ± 1.7 MPa) were also significantly higher than those of the remaining four groups (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it was concluded that among the various cleaning methods tested, airborne-particle abrasion and Ivoclean® paste were effective in cleaning the zirconia surface.

Structural and quantitative analysis of a mature anaerobic biofilm on different implant abutment surfaces

Statement of problemThe longevity of dental implants depends on the absence of inflammation in the periimplant tissue. Similar to teeth, pathogenic bacteria can adhere on implant abutment surfaces and cause periimplant disease and consequently implant loss. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of physical and chemical properties of 2 common materials used as implant abutments, titanium (Ti) and zirconia (ZrO2), and the use of bovine enamel (BE) as a positive control on biofilm formation. Material and methodsBiofilm formation was analyzed by growing Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum as monospecies and mixed species biofilms on the surfaces. The mean roughness (Ra) and surface free energy were evaluated for each material. Mature biofilm, formed after 7 days of incubation, was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively by colony-forming unit and confocal laser scanning microscopy. ResultsThe mean roughness in all disks was ≤0.21 μm and did not affect the bacterial adhesion. Titanium showed a greater degree of hydrophilicity compared with BE after 90 minutes of immersion in saliva. The surface free energy did not show differences, with the highest values for BE. Monospecies biofilms formed by P. gingivalis on Ti, and mixed species biofilm on ZrO2 exhibited small numbers of cells on disk surfaces. By confocal imaging, the mixed species biofilm appeared as a thin layer on ZrO2 surfaces. ConclusionsMaterial surfaces could have a significant impact on biofilm formation. ZrO2 implant abutment surfaces showed a decrease in anaerobic biofilm compared with Ti and BE.

Characterization of the elastic and viscoelastic properties of dentin by a nanoindentation creep test

Dentin is the main supporting structure of teeth, but its mechanical properties may be adversely affected by pathological demineralization. The purposes of this study were to develop a quantitative approach to characterize the viscoelastic properties of dentin after de- and re-mineralization, and to examine the elastic properties using a nanoindentation creep test. Dentin specimens were prepared to receive both micro- and nano-indentation tests at wet and dry states. These tests were repeatedly performed after demineralization (1% citric acid for 3 days) and remineralization (artificial saliva immersion for 28 days). The nanoindentation test was executed in a creep mode, and the resulting displacement–time responses were disintegrated into primary (transient) and secondary (viscous) creep. The structural changes and mineral densities of dentin were also examined under SEM and microCT, respectively. The results showed that demineralization removed superficial minerals of dentin to the depth of 400μm, and affected its micro- and nano-hardness, especially in the hydrate state. Remineralization only repaired the minerals at the surface layer, and partially recovered the nanohardness. Both the primary the secondary creep increased in the demineralized dentin, while the hydration further enhanced creep deformation of untreated and remineralized dentin. Remineralization reduced the primary creep of dentin, but did not effectively increase the viscosity. In conclusion, water plasticization increases the transient and viscous creep strains of demineralized dentin and reduces load sustainability. The nanoindentation creep test is capable of analyzing the elastic and viscoelastic properties of dentin, and reveals crucial information about creep responses.

A comparative evaluation of static frictional resistance using various methods of ligation at different time intervals: an in vitro study.

Aim. To compare and evaluate the static frictional resistance offered by the four different types of ligation methods in both dry and wet conditions and at different durations when immersed in artificial saliva. Material and Methods. Alastik Easy to Tie modules, Super Slick Mini Stix elastomeric modules, Power “O” modules, and 0.009″ Stainless Steel ligatures were used to compare the static friction using maxillary canine and premolar Preadjusted Edgewise brackets with 0.022″ × 0.028″ slot and 0.019″ × 0.025″ stainless steel wires. Results. The mean frictional resistance for Alastik modules was the lowest and that of Stainless Steel ligatures was found to be highest among the four groups compared and the difference among the four groups was statistically significant (P < 0.005). The mean static frictional resistance in all groups under dry conditions was lower than that under wet conditions. No statistical significant differences were found when the groups were compared at different time periods of immersion in artificial saliva. Conclusion. This study concludes that the Alastik modules showed the lowest mean static frictional forces compared to any other ligation method, though no significant difference was found for different time periods of immersion in the artificial saliva.

Relevant insight of surface characterization techniques to study covalent grafting of a biopolymer to titanium implant and its acidic resistance

Peri-implant bacterial infections are the main cause of complications in dentistry. Our group has previously proposed the attachment of chitosan on titanium implants via a covalent bond to improve its antibacterial properties while maintaining its biocompatibility. A better knowledge of the coating preparation process allows a better understanding of the bioactive coating in biological conditions. In this work, several relevant characterization techniques were used to assess an implant device during its production phase and its resistance in natural media at different pH. The titanium surface was functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) followed by grafting of an organic coupling agent; succinic anhydride, able to form two covalent links, with the substrate through a Ti-O-Si bond and the biopolymer through a peptide bond. Each step of the coating synthesis as well as the presence confirmation of the biopolymer on titanium after saliva immersion was followed by FTIR-ATR, SEM, EDS, 3D profilometry, XPS and ToF-SIMS analyses. Results allowed to highlight the efficiency of each step of the process, and to propose a mechanism occurring during the chitosan coating degradation in saliva media at pH 5 and at pH 3.

Sol-gel Synthesis of Hybrid Coating to Improve Titanium–Porcelain Bonding

The hybrid coating was synthesized on titanium by sol-gel process. Three-point flexure test was used to investigate the adhesion between porcelain–Ti. The structure and micromorphology of titanium specimens were tested by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. With decreasing the silicon content, the gel time and stability of the sol increased accordingly, indicating the increased stability of the sol. A coherent coating with SnO nanoparticles was deposited on titanium. The porcelain–Ti bonding strength and corrosion resistance were enhanced by the hybrid coating. The porcelain–Ti bonding strength maintained constant during immersion in neutral saliva and neutral saliva containing fluorine ion, respectively. However, bonding strength decreased from 49 to 35 MPa after immersion in acidic saliva containing fluorine ion of 100 ppm.