Light-cured Resin Cement Research Articles

The effect of amine-free initiator system and the polymerization type on color stability of resin cements.

We investigated the short-term (4 weeks) color stability of light-cure and dual-cure resin cements. Sixty disk-shaped test specimens of adhesive resin cement (10 × 1 mm) were prepared. One feldspathic porcelain test specimen (12 × 14 × 0.8 mm) was prepared from a prefabricated ceramic block. The feldspathic sample was placed on the resin cement disk and all the measurements were performed without cementation. Specific color coordinate differences (ΔL, Δa, and Δb), and the total color differences (ΔE) were calculated after immersion in distilled water for different periods. Data were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α = 0.05). The test results revealed that different chemical structures and curing modes affected the ΔE values (P < 0.05). The highest ΔE values were obtained for RelyX Unicem dual-cure cement (2.14 ± 0.40), and the lowest for NX3 light-cure cement (0.78 ± 0.34). Third generation adhesive resin cement free of tertiary amines and benzoyl peroxide showed relatively slight color change in both test groups (light-cure and dual-cure resin cement). (J Oral Sci 58, 157-161, 2016).

Effects of Light-Curing on the Immediate and Delayed Micro-Shear Bond Strength between Yttria-Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal Ceramics and Universal Adhesive

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of light-curing on the immediate and delayed micro-shear bond strength (<TEX>${\mu}SBS$</TEX>) between yttria-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics and RelyX Ultimate when using Single Bond Universal (SBU). Materials and Methods: Y-TZP ceramic specimens were ground with #600-grit SiC paper. SBU was applied and RelyX Ultimate was mixed and placed on the Y-TZP surface. The specimens were divided into three groups depending on whether light curing was done after adhesive (SBU) and resin cement application: uncured after adhesive and uncured after resin cement application (UU); uncured after adhesive, but light cured after resin cement (UC); and light cured after adhesive and light cured resin cement (CC). The three groups were further divided depending on the timing of <TEX>${\mu}SBS$</TEX> testing: immediate at 24 hours (UUI, UCI, CCI) and delayed at 4 weeks (UUD, UCD, CCD). <TEX>${\mu}SBS$</TEX> was statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test (P<0.05). The surface of the fractured Y-TZP specimens was analyzed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Result: At 24 hours, <TEX>${\mu}SBS$</TEX> of UUI group (<TEX>$8.60{\pm}2.06MPa$</TEX>) was significantly lower than UCI group (<TEX>$25.71{\pm}4.48MPa$</TEX>) and CCI group (<TEX>$29.54{\pm}3.62MPa$</TEX>) (P<0.05). There was not any significant difference between UCI and CCI group (P>0.05). At 4 weeks, <TEX>${\mu}SBS$</TEX> of UUD group (<TEX>$24.43{\pm}2.88MPa$</TEX>) had significantly increased over time compared to UUI group (P<0.05). The SEM results showed mixed failure in UCI and CCI group, while UUI group showed adhesive failure. Conclusion: Light-curing of universal adhesive before or after application of RelyX Ultimate resin cement significantly improved the immediate <TEX>${\mu}SBS$</TEX> of resin cement to air-abrasion treated Y-TZP surface. After 4 weeks, the delayed <TEX>${\mu}SBS$</TEX> of the non-light curing group significantly improved to the level of light-cured groups.

Influence of shade, curing mode, and aging on the color stability of resin cements

The color stability of resin cements is essential for aesthetic restorations. Aim: To evaluate the influence of shade and aging time on the color stability of two light-cured and two dual-cured resin cements. Methods: The CIE-Lab color parameters (n=6) were measured immediately after sample preparation and at 7, 30 and 90 days of aging in distilled water. The color difference (ΔE) was calculated and then analyzed by three-way ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey's HSD test (α=0.05). Results: ΔE was higher for transparent resin colors, followed by dark and light colors. The mean values of ΔE were lower for both light-cured resin cements compared to the dual-cured cements. As the aging time increased, ΔE values increased. Conclusions: The light-cured resin cements showed greater color stability. The lighter shades of luting were more likely to display a greater color change.

Influence of glass fiber post translucency on microhardness and dentin bond strength of resin cement at different root levels

The aims of this study were (a) to evaluate the influence of glass fiber post translucency on the hardness of a light-cure resin cement within the root canal; (b) to assess dentin bond strength at different root levels. Fifty human canine roots were randomly divided into five groups. Translucent posts (Exacto, Angelus; White Post DC, FGM; FRC Postec Plus, Ivoclar Vivadent) were used in three groups, opaque posts (Exacto Opaco, Angelus) were used in one group and no posts were used in the last group. The posts were cemented using a light-cure resin cement (Variolink N Base, Ivoclar Vivadent). The roots were cross-sectioned into slices (two from the cervical, two from the middle, and two from the apical thirds) which were then submitted to microhardness and push-out tests. Two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test were performed. Cement microhardness was significantly higher in the translucent post groups when compared to opaque posts and no post. At the apical third, the White Post DC and FRC Postec groups showed higher microhardness values than those in the Exacto Translucido group. The type of glass fiber post did not significantly influence bond strength values. White Post DC and FRC Postec Plus provided higher resin cement microhardness values, especially at the most apical thirds. Bond strength was not dependent on the type of post used. Failure mode analysis suggested superior cement curing when the translucent posts were used.

Silanated Surface Treatment: Effects on the Bond Strength to Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramic

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of silanization protocols on the bond strength of two resin cements to a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. Thirty-two ceramic discs were assigned to 2 groups (n=16): G1 - dual-cured resin cement and G2 - light-cured resin cement. Four subgroups were evaluated according to the used silanization protocol. The glass-ceramic was etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 20 s and silane was applied for 1 min, as follows: CTL - according to the manufacturer's instructions; HA - dried with hot air; NWA - washed and dried with water and air at room temperature; HWA - washed and dried with hot water and hot air. Thereafter, adhesive was applied and light-cured for 20 s. Silicon molds were used to prepare resin cement cylinders (1x1 mm) on the ceramic surface. The specimens were stored in deionized water at 37 °C for 48 h and subjected to a micro-shear test. The data were submitted to statistical analysis (?#61537;=0.05). Group G1 showed higher bond strengths than G2, except for the CTL and NWA subgroups. Differences as function of the silanization protocol were only observed in G1: HWA (25.13±6.83)≥HA (22.95±7.78)≥CTL(17.44±7.24) ≥NWA(14.63±8.76). For G2 there was no difference among the subgroups. In conclusion, the silanization protocol affected the resin cement/ceramic bond strengths, depending on the material. Washing/drying with hot water and/or hot air increased only the bond strength of the dual-cured resin cement.

Strengthening of Porcelain Provided by Resin Cements and Flowable Composites.

This study evaluated the effect of mechanical properties of resin-based luting agents on the strength of resin-coated porcelain. The luting agents tested were two flowable resin composites (Filtek Z350 Flow and Tetric-N Flow), a light-cured resin cement (Variolink Veneer [VV]), and a dual-cured resin cement (Variolink II) in either light-cured (base paste) or dual-cured (base + catalyst pastes [VD]) mode. Flexural strength (σf) and modulus of elasticity (Ef) of the luting agents were measured in three-point bending mode (n=5). Porcelain discs (Vita VM7) were tested either untreated (control) or acid etched, silanized, and coated with the luting agents. Biaxial flexural strength (σbf) of the porcelain discs was tested using a ball-on-ring setup (n=30). The σbf of the resin-coated specimens was calculated at z-axial positions for multilayer specimens in the ball-on-ring test: position z = 0 (ceramic surface at the bonded interface) and position z = -t2 (luting agent surface above ring). The σf and Ef data were subjected to analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls test (α=0.05). A Weibull analysis was performed for σbf data. Weibull modulus (m) and characteristic strength (σ0) were calculated. Linear regression analyses investigated the relationship between mechanical properties of the luting agents and the strengthening of porcelain. VD had higher and VV had lower mechanical strength than the other materials. At z = 0, all resin-coated groups had higher σbf than the control group. No significant differences between the luting agents were observed for σbf and σ0. At z = -t2, VD had the highest σbf and σ0, whereas VV had the poorest results. No significant differences in m were observed across groups. A linear increase in flexural strength of the porcelain was associated with increased σf and Ef of the luting agents at position z = -t2. In conclusion, resin coating and use of luting agents with better physical properties generally improved the mechanical performance of porcelain.

Thio-urethane oligomers improve the properties of light-cured resin cements

Thio-urethanes were synthesized by combining 1,6-hexanediol-diissocyante (aliphatic) with pentaerythritol tetra-3-mercaptopropionate (PETMP) or 1,3-bis(1-isocyanato-1-methylethyl)benzene (aromatic) with trimethylol-tris-3-mercaptopropionate (TMP), at 1:2 isocyanate:thiol, leaving pendant thiols. Oligomers were added at 10–30phr to BisGMA-UDMA-TEGDMA (5:3:2, BUT). 25wt% silanated inorganic fillers were added. Commercial cement (Relyx Veneer, 3M-ESPE) was also evaluated with 10–20phr of aromatic oligomer. Near-IR was used to follow methacrylate conversion (DC) and rate of polymerization (Rpmax). Mechanical properties were evaluated in three-point bending (ISO 4049) for flexural strength/modulus (FS/FM, and toughness), and notched specimens (ASTM Standard E399-90) for fracture toughness (KIC). Polymerization stress (PS) was measured on the Bioman. Volumetric shrinkage (VS, %) was measured with the bonded disk technique. Results were analyzed with ANOVA/Tukey's test (α=5%).In general terms, for BUT cements, conversion and mechanical properties in flexure increased for selected groups with the addition of thio-urethane oligomers. The aromatic versions resulted in greater FS/FM than aliphatic. Fracture toughness increased by two-fold in the experimental groups (from 1.17±0.36MPam1/2 to around 3.23±0.22MPam1/2). Rpmax decreased with the addition of thio-urethanes, though the vitrification point was not statistically different from the control. VS and PS decreased with both oligomers. For the commercial cement, 20phr of oligomer increased DC, vitrification, reduced Rpmax and also significantly increased KIC, and reduced PS and FM.Thio-urethane oligomers were shown to favorably modify conventional dimethacrylate networks. Significant reductions in polymerization stress were achieved at the same time conversion and fracture toughness increased.

Effects of ceramic shade and thickness on the micro-mechanical properties of a light-cured resin cement in different shades

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the micro-mechanical properties of a light-cured resin cement in four different shades when polymerized through a leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic in different shades and thicknesses. Materials and methods. A light-cured resin cement in four different shades (HV+1, HV+3, LV-1 and LV-3) was selected for this study. The specimens were cured by using a LED-unit (Bluephase®, IvoclarVivadent) for 20 s under a leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic (IPS Empress® CAD, IvoclarVivadent) in two different shades (A1 and A3) of different thicknesses (1 and 2 mm). Specimens cured directly, without an intermediate ceramic, served as control. The specimens were stored after curing for 24 h at 37°C by maintaining moisture conditions with distilled water. Micro-mechanical properties (indentation modulus, E; Hardness, HV; creep, Cr) of the resin cements were measured with an automatic microhardness indenter (Fisherscope H100C, Germany). Twenty groups were included (n = 3), while 10 measurements were performed on each specimen. Data were statistically analyzed by using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test, as well as a multivariate analysis to test the influence of the study parameters. Results. Significant differences were observed between the micromechanical properties of the tested resin cements (p < 0.05). The resin cement shade showed the highest effect on the micromechanical properties (Partial-eta squared (ηP2)-E = 0.45, ηP2-HV = 0.59, ηP2-Cr = 0.29) of the resin cement, followed by ceramic thickness (ηP2-E = 0.38, ηP2-HV = 0.3, ηP2-Cr = 0.04) and ceramic shade (ηP2-E = 0.2, ηP2-HV = 0.26). Conclusions. Resin cement shade is an important factor influencing the mechanical properties of the material. Light shades of a resin cement express higher E and HV as well as lower Cr values compared with the darker ones.

Effect of Different Thicknesses of Pressable Ceramic Veneers on Polymerization of Light-cured and Dual-cured Resin Cements.

This study evaluated the effects of ceramic veneer thicknesses on the polymerization of two different resin cements. A total of 80 ceramic veneer disks were fabricated by using a pressable ceramic material (e.max Press; Ivoclar Vivadent) from a Low Translucency (LT) ingot (A1 shade). These disks were divided into light-cured (LC; NX3 Nexus LC; Kerr) and dual-cured (DC; NX3 Nexus DC; Kerr) and each group was further divided into four subgroups, based on ceramic disk thickness (0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 mm). The values of Vickers microhardness (MH) and degree of conversion (DOC) were obtained for each specimen after a 24-hour storage period. Association between ceramic thickness, resin cement type, and light intensity readings (mW/cm(2)) with respect to microhardness and degree of conversion was statistically evaluated by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). For the DOC values, there was no significant difference observed among the LC resin cement subgroups, except in the 1.2 mm subgroup; only the DOC value (14.0 ± 7.4%) of 1.2 mm DC resin cement had significantly difference from that value (28.9 ± 7.5%) of 1.2 mm LC resin cement (p < 0.05). For the MH values between LC and DC resin cement groups, there was statistically significant difference (p < 0.05); overall, the MH values of LC resin cement groups demonstrated higher values than DC resin cement groups. On the other hands, among the DC resin cement subgroups, the MH values of 1.2 mm DC subgroup was significantly lower than the 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm subgroups (p < 0.05). However, among the LC subgroups, there was no statistically significant difference among them (p > 0.05). The degree of conversion and hardness of the resin cement was unaffected with veneering thicknesses between 0.3 and 0.9 mm. However, the DC resin cement group resulted in a significantly lower DOC and MH values for the 1.2 mm subgroup. While clinically adequate polymerization of LC resin cement can be achieved with a maximum 1.2 mm of porcelain veneer restoration, the increase of curing time or light intensity is clinically needed for DC resin cements at the thickness of more than 0.9 mm.

Contemporary Ceramics and Cements

Contemporary Ceramics and Cements

Effect of exposure time on the polymerization of resin cement through ceramic.

This study measured the effects of using three different exposure times to cure one resin cement through two types of ceramic. One light-curing resin cement (Variolink II, Ivoclar Vivadent) was exposed for 20 s, 40 s, or 60 s with a BluePhase G2 light (Ivoclar Vivadent) on the high power setting through 1.0 mm of either ZirPress (ZR) or Empress Esthetic (EST) ceramic (Ivoclar Vivadent). The degree of conversion (DC) of the resin was measured 100 s after light exposure. The Knoop microhardness (KHN) was measured 5 min after light exposure and again after 24 h. The DC and KHN results were analyzed with ANOVA followed by Scheffe's post-hoc multiple comparison tests at α = 0.05. Increasing exposure time had a significant effect on the KHN and DC values for the resins exposed through both ceramics. As exposure times increased, the influence of the ceramic was reduced; however, the microhardness values were greater for the cement exposed through EST ceramic. When the exposure time was increased from 20 s to 40 s, microhardness values for the resin increased by 39.6% through the EST ceramic. When exposed for 60 s, there were no differences between the 100-s DC values or 5-min KHN values using either ceramic (p > 0.05). There was an excellent correlation between the DC at 100 s and the microhardness values measured at 5 min. Resin polymerization was greater through EST than ZR ceramic. At least 40 s to 60 s from the Blue- Phase G2 on high power mode is required to cure this resin cement through 1.0 mm of ceramic.

Degree of conversion of a resin cement light-cured through ceramic veneers of different thicknesses and types.

During the cementation of ceramic veneers the polymerization of resin cements may be jeopardized if the ceramics attenuate the irradiance of the light-curing device. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different types and thicknesses of ceramic veneers on the degree of conversion of a light-cured resin-based cement (RelyX Veneer). The cement was light-cured after interposing ceramic veneers [IPS InLine, IPS Empress Esthetic, IPS e.max LT (low translucency) and IPS e.max HT (high translucency) - Ivoclar Vivadent] of four thicknesses (0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm). As control, the cement was light-cured without interposition of ceramics. The degree of conversion was evaluated by FTIR spectroscopy (n=5). Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Significant differences were observed among groups (p<0.001). The degree of conversion was similar to the control for all light-cured groups with interposition of ceramics of 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm (p>0.05). Among 1.5-mm-thick veneers, IPS e.max LT was the only one that showed different results from the control (p<0.05). At the thickness of 2.0 mm, only the IPS e.max LT and HT veneers were able to produce cements with degrees of conversion similar to the control (p>0.05). The degree of conversion of the evaluated light-cured resin cement depends on the thickness and type of ceramics employed when veneers thicker than 1.5 mm are cemented.

Comparison of enamel discoloration associated with bonding with three different orthodontic adhesives and cleaning-up with four different procedures

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare whether there was any difference in the enamel discoloration after staining when three orthodontic adhesives and four enamel clean-up methods were tested. Materials and methodsThree types of orthodontic adhesives were used: chemically cured resin, light-cured resin and resin-modified glass-ionomer cement. A total of 120 human extracted premolars were included. 10 teeth of each orthodontic adhesive were randomly cleaned-up with one of four different procedures and stained in coffee for seven days: (1) carbide bur (TC); (2) carbide bur; Sof-Lex polishers (TC+SL); (3) carbide bur and one gloss polishers (TC+OG); and (4) carbide bur and PoGo polishers (TC+PG). Color measurements were made with Crystaleye dental spectrophotometer at baseline and after storage in a coffee solution one week. Two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests were used for statistical analyses (P<0.05). ResultsThe color change values of the adhesive materials in the TC groups were the greatest. The lowest ΔE* values were obtained from the TC+SL groups. However, there were no significant difference between the TC+SL and TC+PG groups (P>0.05). The resin-modified glass-ionomer cement groups showed the lowest color differences and chemically cured resin groups showed the highest ΔE* values among all the orthodontic adhesives (P<0.05). ConclusionThe color change of enamel surface was affected by the type of adhesive materials and cleanup procedures.

Effects of cement-curing mode and light-curing unit on the bond durability of ceramic cemented to dentin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different light-curing units and resin cement curing types on the bond durability of a feldspathic ceramic bonded to dentin. The crowns of 40 human molars were sectioned, exposing the dentin. Forty ceramic blocks of VITA VM7 were produced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The ceramic surface was etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid / 60s and silanized. The dentin was treated with 37% phosphoric acid / 15s, and the adhesive was applied. The ceramic blocks were divided and cemented to dentin according to resin cement / RC curing type (dual- and photo-cured), light-curing unit (halogen light / QTH and LED), and storage conditions (dry and storage / 150 days + 12,000 cycles / thermocycling). All blocks were stored in distilled water (37°C / 24h) and sectioned (n = 10): G1 - QTH + RC Photo, G2 - QTH + RC Dual, G3 - LED + RC Photo, G4 - LED + RC Dual. Groups G5, G6, G7, and G8 were obtained exactly as G1 through G4, respectively, and then stored and thermocycled. Microtensile bond strength tests were performed (EMIC), and data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). The bond strength values (MPa) were: G1 - 12.95 (6.40)ab; G2 - 12.02 (4.59)ab; G3 - 13.09 (5.62)ab; G4 - 15.96 (6.32)a; G5 - 6.22 (5.90)c; G6 - 9.48 (5.99)bc; G7 - 12.78 (11.30)ab; and G8 - 8.34 (5.98)bc. The same superscript letters indicate no significant differences. Different light-curing units affected the bond strength between ceramic cemented to dentin when the photo-cured cement was used, and only after aging (LED > QTH). There was no difference between the effects of dual- and photo-cured resin-luting agents on the microtensile bond strength of the cement used in this study.

Effect of Ceramic Veneer Opacity and Exposure Time on the Polymerization Efficiency of Resin Cements

The objective of this study was to determine the degree of conversion (DC), hardness (H), and modulus of elasticity (E) of a dual-cured resin cement, a light-cured resin cement, and a flowable resin cured through opaque or translucent ceramic with different exposure times. RelyX ARC (dual), RelyX Veneer (light-cured), and Filtek Z350 Flow resin specimens 0.5 mm thick were cured for 40, 80, and 120 seconds through 1-mm thick translucent or opaque feldspathic ceramic disks (n=10). The specimens were stored at 37°C for 24 hours. Half of each specimen was used to test the DC and the other half to test H and E. The DC was determined in a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer in absorbance mode at peaks of 1638 cm(-1) and 1610 cm(-1). H and E were determined using nanoindentation with one loading cycle and a maximum load of 400 mN. The data were analyzed with three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the Games-Howell test, and the Pearson correlation test (α=0.05). Statistically significant differences were found for all three factors (material, opacity, and exposure time), as well as interaction between them. The opaque ceramic resulted in lower DC, H, and E than the translucent ceramic for an exposure time of 40 seconds. An exposure time of 120 seconds resulted in a similar DC for all materials, irrespective of the opacity of the ceramic. Materials cured for 120 seconds had higher H and E than those cured for 40 seconds. The exposure time and opacity of the ceramic exerted an influence on the DC, H, and E of the materials evaluated.

Surface Hardness of Resin Cement Polymerized under Different Ceramic Materials

Objectives. To evaluate the surface hardness of two light-cured resin cements polymerized under different ceramic discs. Methods. 40 experimental groups of 2 light-cured resin cement specimens (Variolink Veneer and NX3) were prepared and polymerized under 5 different ceramic discs (IPS e.max Press HT, LT, MO, HO, and Cercon) of 4 thicknesses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm), Those directly activated of both resin cements were used as control. After light activation and 37°C storage in an incubator, Knoop hardness measurements were obtained at the bottom. The data were analyzed with three-way ANOVA, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Results. The KHN of NX3 was of significantly higher than that of Variolink Veneer (P < 0.05). The KHN of resin cement polymerized under different ceramic types and thicknesses was significant difference (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Resin cements polymerized under different ceramic materials and thicknesses showed statistically significant differences in KHN.

Colour stability of laminate veneers: An in vitro study

ObjectivesObtaining a perfect aesthetic, especially with the translucent porcelain laminate veneers; shade of the porcelain, type of the resin cement and their long term colour stability are important factors to achieve aesthetic success. The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of different resin cement systems and UV ageing on the colour of full ceramic laminates with different shades. Methods392 discs were made with A1, A3, HO and HT shades of IPS e.max Press with 0.5mm thickness. Different shades of light cured Variolink Veneer, Ivoclar Vivadent (+3, MO, −3); Rely X Veneer, 3M ESPE (A1, A3, White Opaque, Translucent); and dual cured Maxcem Elite, Kerr (White, Yellow, White Opaque, Clear); and Variolink II, Ivoclar Vivadent (White Opaque, Translucent) resin cements were applied on the porcelain discs with a thickness of 0.1mm. Colour differences of the porcelain substructures after cementation and 300h (150kJ/m2) of UV ageing test, were examined with a colorimeter (Shade Eye Ex, Shofu, Japan). The results were analysed statistically with Wilcoxon signed-rank and Kruskal–Wallis test. The mean values of L*, a*, and b* were also compared using Paired Sample t-test. Spearman's Rank Correlation test was used to analyse the correlation between ceramics with resin-cemented ceramics after ageing. The data analyses were evaluated at a significance level of p<0.05 for all individual tests without any adjustment. ResultsUV ageing caused significant colour change on ceramics and also cemented ceramics (p<0.05). Whilst L* and a* values decreased, b* values increased after ageing. Discoloration was between 0.8–1.2 ΔE for ceramic discs and 1.4–3.1 ΔE for cemented ceramics. There is no significant difference on the colour change of dual or light cured resin cements, which were polymerized beneath the porcelain substructure with 0.5mm thickness. Although statistically significant differences were observed for all specimens, the magnitudes of the mean colour differences were at an acceptable perception level and were considered clinically acceptable (ΔE<3.5). ConclusionsResin cements and ageing process influence the colour of porcelain laminate veneers. Cementation of laminates with either dual or light-cure resin cements does not effect the long term colour stability differently.

Surface hardness of light-cured resin cement polymerized under different ceramic discs

Surface hardness of light-cured resin cement polymerized under different ceramic discs

Changes in Degree of Conversion and Microhardness of Dental Resin Cements

There are few studies available on the post-light activation or post-mix polymerization of dental resin cements as a function of time. This in vitro study evaluated the successive changes in the degree of conversion (DC) and microhardness during polymerization of six commercial resin cements (light-cured [Choice 2, RelyX Veneer], chemical-cured [Multilink, C&B Cement] and dual-cured [Calibra, RelyX ARC]) within the first 24 hours and up to seven days. Resin specimens were prepared for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and microhardness testing to determine the DC and Vickers hardness (VH), respectively. The light-cured materials or mixed pastes of the dual-cured materials were irradiated with a light-curing unit (Elipar TriLight) through a precured composite overlay for 40 seconds. The FTIR spectra and microhardness readings were taken at specified times: 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes; 24 hours and after two days and seven days. According to the FTIR study, most of the curing reaction of Choice 2 and RelyX Veneer occurred within 10 and 30 minutes, respectively. Multilink, C&B Cement and Calibra exhibited gradual increases in the DC up to 24 hours, with no further statistically significant increase (p > 0.05). RelyX ARC attained a DC value within five minutes, similar to that at seven days (p > 0.05). Choice 2 and RelyXARC showed gradual increases in the VH, up to 15 minutes, with no further significant change over the remaining observation time (p > 0.05). For RelyX Veneer, Multilink, C&B Cement and Calibra, there were no significant increases in the VH value after 24 hours (p > 0.05). The light-cured materials produced significantly higher DC values than the chemical-cured materials (p < 0.05). The DC values of the two dual-cured resin cements were significantly different from each other (p < 0.001). The results suggest that the significant polymerization reaction was finished within 24 hours post-mix or post-light activation for all resin cements tested.

Comparison of the degree of conversion of light-cured resin cement in regard to porcelain laminate thickness, light source and curing time using FT-IR

Comparison of the degree of conversion of light-cured resin cement in regard to porcelain laminate thickness, light source and curing time using FT-IR