Self-curing Mode Research Articles

Setting characteristics and mechanical properties of self-adhesive resin luting agents

ObjectiveTo evaluate the degree of conversion (DC%), salt yield and mechanical properties of self-adhesive luting agents (SAA) set under dual-cure (E) and self-cure (NE) modes. MethodsThree SAA (GC LinkAce/GCLA, MaxCem Elite/MXEL, Rely-X Unicem 2/RXUN) and an adhesive resin luting agent (Rely-X Ultimate/RXUL-control) were used. The properties tested under E and NE modes were a) DC% and phosphate salt yield after 10min, 1h (h) and 3 weeks (w) storage, by infrared spectroscopy; and b) the mechanical properties of 3w-stored specimens by instrumented indentation testing (Martens hardness/HM, Elastic modulus/EIT, Elastic index/ηIT) and microscopic Vickers hardness/VH. Statistical analysis was performed by 3-way ANOVA (DC%), 2-way ANOVA (salt yield) and 1-way ANOVA (mechanical properties) at an a=0.05. ResultsSignificantly higher DC% was found in E, except from the 3w groups of GCLA and MXEL. Within E, no significant differences were found, but within NE, there were differences in the 3 w groups of GCLA (vs 10 min) and MXEL (vs 1h). All materials demonstrated increased salt yield in NE, with the highest values found in RXUL and RXUN. GCLA, RXUL showed the lowest HM in E and MXEL the highest in NE. The rankings of the significant differences in EIT were MXEL>GCLA,RXUN,RXUL (E) and RXUL,MXEL>GCLA,RXUN (NE), whereas for ηIT RXUL,RXUN>GCLA,MXEL (E) and GCLA>RXUL>MXEL,RXUN (NE). The results of VH measurements showed an overestimation ranging from 13% up to 38% in comparison with HM. SignificanceThere are significant differences in the properties tested, which may anticipate variations in the chemical, mechanical and biological performance of the products.

The effect of curing conditions on the dentin bond strength of two dual-cure resin cements

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the curing condition (i.e., the curing mode and restoration thickness) on the tensile bond strength of a dual-cure resin cement applied to dentin. MethodsIndirect composite resin disks (1, 2, and 3mm in thickness) were prepared. The irradiance of a halogen light curing unit through each disk was measured by a curing radiometer. A measurement was also taken for the condition with no disk. Following this, two dual-cure resin cements, Panavia F2.0 and Panavia V5, were polymerized in either dual-cure mode or self-cure mode to bond the composite resin disk to the flat dentin surface. The specimens were sectioned and subjected to a microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test after 24h of water storage. The data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed with multiple comparisons by post-hoc Tukey’s test (α=0.05). ResultsThe irradiance values [mW/cm2] measured through indirect composite resin disks were 600 (0mm), 200 (1mm), 90 (2mm), and not detected (3mm). Two-way ANOVA indicated that both the curing condition and the type of resin cement affected the μTBS (p<0.001). The μTBS results for Panavia V5 bonded to dentin were significantly higher than those of Panavia F2.0 bonded to dentin (p<0.05). ConclusionsThe curing condition affected the tensile bond strength of the dual-cure resin cements to dentin. A newly developed resin cement, Panavia V5, showed higher dentin bonding than Panavia F2.0 in both dual- and self-cure modes.

Effect of self and dual-curing on degree of conversion and crosslink density of dual-cure core build-up materials

PurposeDual-cure core build-up resins have been developed to take advantages of both self and light-cured resin. The aim of present study was to determine the polymerization characteristics of self and dual-cured modes of dual-cure core build-up composites evaluating degree of conversion (DC) and crosslink density by measurement of glass-transition temperature (Tg) and hardness decrease in ethanol. MethodsClearfil Dc Core Automix (CLF) and Grandio Core Dc (GR) core build-up resins were selected. Twelve specimens for both composites were polymerized using quartz-halogen-tungsten light curing unit (QTH) and 12 specimens polymerized chemically. DC was determined by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. TG/DTA analysis was performed to determine Tg. Microhardness value of specimens was determined by Vickers-tester before and after specimens stored in absolute ethanol for 24h. ResultsOne-way ANOVA showed no different DC values between dual and self-cured mode of GR and dual-cured CLF composites had higher DC than self-cured mode. Tg and percentage of softening in ethanol values of GR and CLF revealed significant difference between self and dual-cured mode. ConclusionsIn comparison of GR and CLF, DC showed no statistical difference in both curing modes. However, dual and self-cured GR has statistically higher Tg values and lower percentage of softening in ethanol than CLF. Polymerization characteristics of dual-cure core build-up composites have superiority in dual-cured mode than self-cured.

Effect of Curing Mode on Shear Bond Strength of Self-Adhesive Cement to Composite Blocks.

To overcome the disadvantages of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) processed indirect restorations using glass-ceramics and other ceramics, resin nano ceramic, which has high strength and wear resistance with improved polish retention and optical properties, was introduced. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength and fracture pattern of indirect CAD/CAM composite blocks cemented with two self-etch adhesive cements with different curing modes. Sand-blasted CAD/CAM composite blocks were cemented using conventional resin cement, Rely X Ultimate Clicker (RXC, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) with Single Bond Universal (SB, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) for the control group or two self-adhesive resin cements: Rely X U200 (RXU, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) and G-CEM Cerasmart (GC, GC corporation, Tokyo, Japan). RXU and GC groups included different curing modes (light-curing (L) and auto-curing (A)). Shear bond strength (SBS) analyses were performed on all the specimens. The RXC group revealed the highest SBS and the GC A group revealed the lowest SBS. According to Tukey’s post hoc test, the RXC group showed a significant difference compared to the GC A group (p < 0.05). For the curing mode, RXU A and RXU L did not show any significant difference between groups and GC A and GC L did not show any significant difference either. Most of the groups except RXC and RXU L revealed adhesive failure patterns predominantly. The RXC group showed a predominant cohesive failure pattern in their CAD/CAM composite, LavaTM Ultimate (LU, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA). Within the limitations of this study, no significant difference was found regarding curing modes but more mixed fracture patterns were showed when using the light-curing mode than when using the self-curing mode.

Effect of dentin dehydration and composite resin polymerization mode on bond strength of two self-etch adhesives

Background:Dual-cured composite resins are similar to self-cured composite resins in some of their clinical applications due to inadequate irradiation, lack of irradiation, or delayed irradiation. Therefore, incompatibility with self-etch adhesives (SEAs) should be taken into account with their use. On the other, the extent of dentin dehydration has a great role in the quality of adhesion of these resin materials to dentin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dentin dehydration and composite resin polymerization mode on bond strength of two SEAs.Materials and Methods:A total of 120 dentinal specimens were prepared from extracted intact third molars. Half of the samples were dehydrated in ethanol with increasing concentrations. Then Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB) and Prompt L-Pop (PLP) adhesives were applied in the two groups. Cylindrical composite resin specimens were cured using three polymerization modes: (1) Immediate light-curing, (2) delayed light-curing after 20 min, and (3) self-curing. Bond strength was measured using universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Duncan post hoc tests. Statistical significance was defined at P < 0.05.Results:There were no significant differences for CSEB subgroups with hydrated and dehydrated dentin samples between the three different curing modes (P > 0.05). PLP showed significant differences between subgroups with the lowest bond strength in hydrated dentin with delayed light-curing and self-cured mode of polymerization.Conclusion:Within the limitations of this study, a delay in composite resin light-curing or using chemically cured composite resin had a deleterious effect on dentin bond strength of single-step SEAs used in the study.

Indirect Restoration Thickness and Time after Light-Activation Effects on Degree of Conversion of Resin Cement.

This study evaluated the effects of indirect restorative materials, curing conditions and time on the degree of conversion (DC) of a dual-cured resin cement using infrared spectroscopy. The resin cement (RelyX Unicem 2, 3M ESPE) was applied to the diamond surface of a horizontal attenuated-total-reflectance unit and activated using one of following conditions: self-cure, direct light exposure, light exposure through indirect restorative materials (resin nano-ceramic: Lava Ultimate, 3M ESPE or feldspathic ceramic: Vita Blocks Mark II, Vita Zahnfabrik). Four thicknesses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 mm) of each indirect material were analyzed, and the light-activation was performed using a blue LED light. Data (n=5) were analyzed by three-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc and Dunnett's tests (α=5%). No significant differences in DC were observed between indirect materials of similar thickness. All groups exhibited higher DC after 10 min than after 5 min. At both times points, the self-cure group exhibited significantly lower DC than all the light exposure groups. Only when the overlying indirect restoration had a thickness of 2 mm did DC decrease significantly. The presence of a thick, indirect restoration can decrease the DC of resin cement. DC after 10 min was higher than after 5 min. The self-cure mode yielded lower DC than the light-activating one.

Effect of hydrophilicity on the compatibility between a dual-curing resin cement and one-bottle simplified adhesives.

To evaluate the effect of the hydrophilicity of adhesives on the compatibility between one-bottle simplified adhesives and a dual-curing resin cement. Three experimental and two commercial adhesives (All-Bond Universal, OptiBond Allin- One) with the same or similar pH and various degrees of hydrophilicity were tested in this study. Extracted human dentin was treated with each adhesive and bonded with a dual-curing resin cement (Duolink), which was either light cured or chemically (self) cured (n = 10). Shear bond strength was tested using the Ultradent jig method, and failure modes were determined using a stereomicroscope. Water contact angle (as a measure of hydrophilicity/-phobicity) was measured on a fully cured adhesive (n = 10). The data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test. The quantitative relationship between the hydrophilicity and bond strength differences was analyzed (confidence level 95%). Among the experimental adhesives, differences in bond strengths between light-curing and self-curing modes were larger for the more hydrophilic adhesives. For the commercial adhesives, Optibond All-in-One had a lower contact angle than All-bond Universal (p < 0.05). Bond strength (MPa) values for Optibond All-in-One and All-bond Universal were 29.6 and 31.5, respectively (light cured), and 1.9 and 30.0, respectively (self-cured). Adhesive failure was a predominant mode for all adhesives except for All-Bond Universal. Regression analysis indicated a linear correlation between adhesives' hydrophilicity and bond strength differences (p < 0.05). The more hydrophilic adhesives were less compatible (larger bond strength differences between different curing modes) with this dual-curing resin cement. All-bond Universal is more hydrophobic than Optibond All-in-One and it is compatible with this self-/dual-curing resin cement.

Effect of Simulated Tooth Temperature on the Degree of Conversion of Self-adhesive Resin Cements Exposed to Different Curing Conditions

This study evaluated the degree of conversion (DC) of two commercial, self-adhesive resin cements (SARCs) using Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) polymerized at simulated prepared tooth surface temperatures and under different curing conditions. RelyX U100 (U100, 3M ESPE) and Maxcem Elite (MX, Kerr Corporation) were mixed at 25°C and applied to the surface of a horizontal attenuated total reflectance (ATR) unit, which was near room temperature (RT, control) (25°C) or heated to simulate prepared tooth surface temperatures (28°C and 32°C) and then attached to an infrared spectrometer. The products were polymerized using one of three conditions: direct light exposure through a glass slide (DLE), exposure through a 1.5-mm thick ceramic disc overlay (CO) (A2 shade, IPS e.max, Ivoclar Vivadent), or self-curing (SC). FTIR spectra were recorded for 12 minutes (1 spectrum/s, 16 scans/spectrum, resolution 4 cm(-1)) immediately after application to the ATR. The DC was calculated using standard techniques of observing changes in aliphatic-to-aromatic peak ratios before and 12 minutes after curing, as well as during each 1-second interval. DC data (n=7) were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test (p=0.05). Both simulated tooth temperatures significantly increased DC in all groups of MX and in the CO and SC groups of U100 compared with the RT control. For MX, the self-cure groups exposed to tooth temperatures showed DC values similar to those of the CO groups. For U100, the CO groups showed higher DC values than SC groups regardless of temperature. Time-based conversion profiles ranged according to product, temperature, and curing mode. Causing SARCs to polymerize at simulated tooth temperatures increases DC of SARCs compared with room-temperature curing values, mainly in the SC mode.

Effect of pre-heated dual-cured resin cements on the bond strength of indirect restorations to dentin

This study evaluated the effects of resin luting agents (LA) polymerized using increased temperature on the in vitro microtensile bond strength (mTBS) of indirect restorations to dentin. The occlusal dentin surfaces of 40 human third molars were exposed and flattened. The teeth were assigned to 8 groups (n = 5) according to the LA temperature (25°C o r 50°C), curing mode (dual- or self-curing mode), and product (Excite DSC/Variolink II [VII] and XP Bond/Calibra [Cal]). The bonding agents were applied to the dentin surfaces according to manufacturers' instructions. For preheated groups, the LAs were heated to 50°C, subsequently mixed on a heated stirrer surface, and applied to the previously heated pre-polymerized resin discs (2 mm thickness, TPH-Spectrum). The discs were bonded to the dentin surfaces, and the LAs were either exposed to a curing light according to manufacturers' instructions or allowed to self-cure. Specimens were stored in relative humidity at 37°C for 7 days. Specimens were mesio-distally and bucco-lingually sectioned to obtain multiple bonded beams with a 1-mm² cross-sectional area for mTBS testing. Data (MPa) were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (a = 5%) for each product. Specimen failure patterns were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. VII groups showed higher mTBS at 50°C than at 25°C regardless of curing mode (p = 0.05). Cal groups showed similar mTBS at 25°C and 50°C in all activation modes. The use of some dual-polymerizing LAs at 50°C may improve the mTBS of indirect restorations to dentin.

PH neutralization and influence on mechanical strength in self-adhesive resin luting agents

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate if pH-neutralization behavior of self-adhesive resin cements has an influence on their mechanical properties. MethodspH-neutralization, water sorption, solubility and flexural strength of G-Cem Automix (GCA), G CEM Capsules (GCC), Maxcem Elite (MCE), RelyX Unicem Clicker (RXC), RelyX Unicem Maxicap (RXM), RelyX Unicem 2 (RX2), and Speed-Cem (SPC) were tested in self-curing mode. Specimen's pH-values were recorded up to 24h with a pH-electrode. Water sorption (WS) and solubility (SO) were measured. Flexural strength (FS) was evaluated before and after thermocycling (TC) and fracture surfaces analyzed under SEM. ResultsRX2 (pH24 5.89), RXC (pH24 5.49) and SPC (pH24 5.42) showed highest 24h pH-values, followed by GCA (pH24 5.34). Capsulated products and MCE (pH24 3.90) reached lower pH-values. GCC (75.78μg/mm3) showed the highest WS followed by MX (69.64μg/mm3), RXM (64.76μg/mm3), GCA (25.86μg/mm3) and SPC (30.42μg/mm3). Capsulated products RXM (56.58μg/mm3) and GCC (30.94μg/mm3) presented the highest SO, GCA (4.06μg/mm3) and SPC (4.26μg/mm3) revealed the lowest. GCA (114.03MPa) had the highest initial FS followed by SPC (79.81MPa), RXM (41.61MPa) the lowest. FS of all materials decreased significantly after TC except for RXC (44.65MPa) and RX2 (65.92MPa). FS of GCC (16.47MPa) and MCE (28.21MPa) decayed the most. A highly linear correlation was observed between percentage decrease of FS after TC and 24h pH-values (R2=0.861). SignificanceWithin the limits of this study pH-neutralization behavior has an influence on mechanical stability. When using self-adhesive resin luting agents, automix-syringe products with improved pH-neutralization behavior should be favored.

The effect of viscosity and activation mode on biaxial flexure strength and modulus of dual resin cements

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of curing mode and viscosity on the biaxial flexural strength (FS) and modulus (FM) of dual resin cements. METHODS: Eight experimental groups were created (n=12) according to the dual-cured resin cements (Nexus 2/Kerr Corp. and Variolink II/IvoclarVivadent), curing modes (dual or self-cure), and viscosities (low and high). Forty-eight cement discs of each product (0.5 mm thick by 6.0 mm diameter) were fabricated. Half specimens were light - activated for 40 seconds and half were allowed to self-cure. After 10 days, the biaxial flexure test was performed using a universal testing machine (1.27 mm/min, Instron 5844). Data were statistically analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). RESULTS: Light-activation increased FS and FM of resin cements at both viscosities in comparison with self-curing mode. The high viscosity version of light-activated resin cements exhibited higher FS than low viscosity versions. The viscosity of resin and the type of cement did not influence the FM. Light-activation of dual-polymerizing resin cements provided higher FS and FM for both resin cements and viscosities. CONCLUSION: The use of different resin cements with different viscosities may change the biomechanical behavior of these luting materials.

Dual and Self-curing Potential of Self-adhesive Resin Cements as Thin Films

In this study, the dual- and self-curing potential of self-adhesive resin cements (SARCs) as thin, clinically-relevant cement films was investigated. The SARCs tested were: BisCem (BSC; Bisco), Maxcem Elite (MXE; Kerr), RelyX Unicem clicker (UNI; 3M ESPE), seT capsule (SET; SDI), and SmartCem 2 (SC2; Dentsply Caulk). The conventional cement RelyX ARC (3M ESPE) was tested as a reference. The degree of conversion (DC) as a function of time was evaluated by real-time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) device. The cements were either photoactivated for 40 seconds (dual-cure mode) or not photoactivated (self-cure mode). The cement film thickness was 50 ± 10 μm. The DC (%) was evaluated 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after placing the cement on the ATR cell. Data for DC as a function of time were analyzed by two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). DC values at 30 minutes for the self- and dual-cure modes were submitted to one-way ANOVA. Post hoc comparisons were performed using the Student-Newman-Keuls test (p<0.05). The rate and the extent of conversion were lower for the SARCs compared with the conventional cement. Means ± standard deviations (SD) for the dual-cure mode at 30 minutes were: 75 ± 5 (ARC)a, 73 ± 8 (SET)a, 61 ± 4 (MXE)b, 51 ± 9 (BSC)c, 51 ± 4 (UNI)c, and 48 ± 3 (SC2)c, while in the self-cure mode means and SD were 62 ± 6 (ARC)a, 54 ± 3 (MXE)b, 40 ± 6 (SC2)c, 35 ± 2 (UNI)c, 35 ± 3 (SET)c, and 11 ± 3 (BSC)d. The DC for the dual-cure mode was generally higher than the self-cure, irrespective of the time. Discrepancies in DC between the dual- and self-cure modes from 11% to 79% were observed. In conclusion, SARCs may present slower rate of polymerization and lower final DC than conventional resin cements, in either the dual- or self-cure mode.

Comparing the effectiveness of self-curing and light curing in polymerization of dual-cured core buildup materials

The authors conducted an in vitro study to investigate the influence of various curing protocols on subsurface microhardness of dual-cured resin-based composites. The authors filled molds with four dual-cured resin-based composite core buildup materials: Clearfil DC Core Automix (Kuraray, Tokyo), Core•X flow (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany), LuxaCore Z-Dual (DMG, Hamburg, Germany) and MultiCore Flow (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein). They light cured the specimens for 20 or 60 seconds immediately after the filling procedure (time delay, 0 seconds) or after a 90-or 300-second delay. Self-cured specimens served as controls. The authors tested 15 specimens in each group. They measured the Knoop hardness number (KHN) at depths of 0.25, 2.00 and 5.50 millimeters two weeks after the initiation of polymerization. Light curing with Core•X flow, LuxaCore Z-Dual and MultiCore Flow did not result in significantly higher KHNs at any depth compared with those for the self-cured control specimens. For Clearfil DC Core Automix, immediate light curing for 60 seconds resulted in significantly higher KHNs than those for self-cured specimens only at a depth of 5.50 mm (P=.0171). The study results showed no significant differences in KHN at different depths for Core•X flow specimens, independent of the curing protocol. All other materials exhibited a significant decrease in KHN at increased depths in only one of the six light-cured groups. The results of this study show that photoactivation of the tested dual-cured materials provided no clinically relevant benefit compared with self-curing with regard to the degree of microhardness. The dominant self-curing mode allows placement of the tested buildup materials in areas inaccessible to a curing light.

Setting kinetics and shrinkage of self-adhesive resin cements depend on cure-mode and temperature

Objective To investigate the influence of curing mode and temperature on the shrinkage kinetics of self-adhesive resin cements in comparison to a conventional multi-step resin cement. Methods The shrinkage of self-adhesive resin cements Maxcem Elite (MX), Speedcem (SPC), Smartcem2 (SMC), iCem (IC) and RelyX Unicem (RX) and Nexus Third Generation (NX3) as a multi-step resin cement was measured continuously for 1 h using the bonded disk method. All materials were tested with dual-curing (dc) and self-curing (sc) mode. All measurements ( n = 5 per group) were conducted at room temperature (23 °C) as well as at body temperature (37 °C). Shrinkage time constants were obtained from a simple exponential growth model. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and the p-values were adjusted for multiplicity according to Hothorn et al. (2008) using the R-package “multcomp”. Results Shrinkages ranged between 1.84 (RX sc23) and 7.09 (IC sc37). The curing-mode changing from sc to dc had the dominant effect for several materials, especially RX, both on final shrinkage and time constant for setting. Temperature increase had an effect on setting and shrinkage for all materials except RX. Final shrinkage for SPC, SMC and NX3 was statistically equivalent ( p > 0.05). Significance The 3-fold variation in final shrinkage for these materials is significant for clinical material selection. Light curing can lead to a 10-fold increase in the rate of setting. A self-adhesive universal resin cement (RX) had the lowest shrinkage in the groups examined.

Early Hardness of Self‐Adhesive Resin Cements Cured under Indirect Resin Composite Restorations

To determine the influence of curing mode on the surface hardness of seven resin cements used to lute indirect composite restorations. Seven commercial dual-curing resin cements were tested: two were total-etch (RelyX ARC [3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA] and Variolink II [Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein]); one was self-etch (Multilink Automix [Ivoclar Vivadent]), and four were self-adhesive (RelyX Unicem [3M ESPE], Maxcem Elite [Kerr Corp., Orange, CA, USA], SmartCem2 [Dentsply, Detrey, GmbH, Konstanz, Germany], and G-Cem [GC CORPORATION, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, Japan]). Three specimens (0.5 × 6.5mm) of each material were prepared for each of three experimental groups: Group 1 (cements allowed to self cure); Group 2 (cements light-cured for 40 seconds); and Group 3 (cements light-cured for 80 seconds). All specimens were cured through a 4-mm-thick composite cylinder (Filtek Z250-A3). Surface microhardness numbers were determined at 20 min after preparation. Results were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls tests (p<0.05). Superficial hardness was significantly influenced by the resin cement tested (p<0.0001), the curing mode (p<0.0001), and their interaction (p<0.0001). RelyX ARC exhibited the highest mean microhardness values regardless of the curing mode. Light-curing significantly increased the microhardness of all resin cements studied, and these values increased even further with a doubling of irradiation time. Self-adhesive cements exhibited different behavior according to the curing mode. RelyX Unicem was highly sensitive to light irradiation, showing the lowest mean values in the self-curing mode. After light irradiation for 40 or 80 seconds, Maxcem Elite exhibited the lowest mean hardness values of all the resin cements tested. The microhardness of resin cements is highly dependent on the brand. Dual-curing resin cements should always be light irradiated for longer periods than that recommended by manufacturers. Dual-curing resin cements should always be light-cured for longer irradiation times, as light irradiation for 80 seconds yields the highest microhardness values in comparison with self-curing or light irradiation for 40 seconds. However, some self-adhesive resin cements exhibit low microhardness values when used to cement 4-mm-thick indirect composite restorations regardless of the curing mode applied.

Effect of curing modes on micro-hardness of dual-cure resin cements

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate curing degree of three dual-cure resin cements with the elapsed time in self-cure and dual-cure mode by means of the repeated measure of micro-hardness. Materials and Methods: Two dual-cure self-adhesive resin cements studied were Maxcem Elite (Kerr), RelyX Unicem (3M ESPE) and one conventional dual-cure resin cement was Rely-X ARC resin cement (3M ESPE). Twenty specimens for each cements were made in Teflon mould and divided equally by self-cure and dual-cure mode and left in dark, 36℃, 100% relative humidity conditional-micro-hardness was measured at 10 min, 30 min, 1 hr, 3 hr, 6 hr, 12 hr and 24 hr after baseline. The results of micro-hardness value were statistically analyzed using independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA with multiple comparisons using Scheffe's test. Results: The micro-hardness values were increased with time in every test groups. Dual-cure mode obtained higher micro-hardness value than self-cure mode except after one hour of Maxcem. Self-cured Rely-X Unicem showed lowest value and dual-cured Rely-X Unicem showed highest value in every measuring time. Conclusions: Sufficient light curing to dual-cure resin cements should provided for achieve maximum curing. [J Kor Acad Cons Dent 2011;36(2):132-138.]

Compatibility of five self-etching adhesive systems with two resin luting cements.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the compatibility between five self-etching bonding systems (SEBSs) and two resin luting cements (RLCs) assessed by use of an in vitro dentin shear bond test. The selected RLCs were: Variolink II in a dual-cure mode and Multilink in a self-cure mode. The SEBSs combined with the RLCs were: two one-step SEBSs (One Up Bond F and Xeno III) and three two-step SEBSs (Clearfil SE Bond, Unifil Bond, and Xeno III primer coupled with Clearfil SE Bond bonding resin as an experimental combination). One hundred fifty human molars were divided into ten groups of fifteen samples each. The samples were tested in shear after seven days of storage at 100% RH and 37°C. After each test, the failure mode was recorded. Significant differences in shear bond strength (SBS) were observed according to both the curing mode of the RLC and the adhesive. The one-step systems Xeno III and One Up Bond F revealed a total incompatibility when bonded with the chemical-curing RLC. Conversely, the two-step SEBSs were compatible with chemical and dual-curing RLC. Failure modes and shear values were in good agreement. A positive correlation was found between the pH of the tested adhesive solutions or resins and the SBS data

XP Bond in Self-Cure Mode Used for Luting Porcelain Restorations: 4-year Recall

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate some clinical parameters of Empress II restorations luted under clinical conditions with XP Bond in combination with SCA and Calibra cured in self-cure mode after 4 years of clinical service. Materials and methods Fifty-three restorations were placed in 38 patients from March 2006 until April 2006. No patient received more than two restorations. Luting procedures were performed following manufacturers’ instructions. The restorations were evaluated for postoperative sensitivity, marginal discoloration, marginal integrity, secondary caries, maintenance of interproximal contact and fracture at baseline, after 2 weeks, 6 months, 1, 2, 3 and 4 years of clinical service. Results At the 4-year recall 49 restorations were reevaluated. The clinical examination showed that postoperative sensitivity did not affect any restoration. Only 5 restorations of 49 showed bravo score and 2 charlie for marginal integrity/stain.1 restoration showed bravo score at vitality test and another restoration for interproximal contact. Secondary caries, retention and fracture parameters showed alpha scores. Conclusion All the evaluated restorations were in place and acceptable. The postoperative sensitivity recorded after using XP BOND with SCA and Calibra in self-cure mode was clinically acceptable after 4 years of clinical service and no serious endodontic complications were recorded.

Microtensile bond strengths of a dual-cure resin cement to dentin resin-coated with an all-in-one adhesive system using two curing modes

This study evaluated the effect of resin coating using an all-in-one adhesive system on the dentin bond strength of a dual-cure resin cement after different curing modes. Human molars were ground to obtain flat dentin surfaces and divided into three groups: untreated as a control and resin-coated with either a single- or double-application of an all-in-one adhesive (Tokuyama Bond Force). The specimens were bonded to indirect composite disks using a dual-cure resin cement (Bistite II) activated by dual-cure or self-cure modes. Each specimen was sectioned into beams for the microtensile bond strength test. The data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's correction (p=0.05). Resin coating with a double-application of the all-in-one adhesive system significantly improved the bond strength of the dual-cure resin cement to dentin. In addition, dual-curing of the resin cement enhanced the bond strengths to dentin.

Curing efficiency of four self-etching, self-adhesive resin cements

Objectives To evaluate the degree of cure (%DC) of four self-etching, self-adhesive resin cements, and one conventional resin cement, in their self- and dual-curing mode. Methods The self-etching, self-adhesive resin cements studied were RelyX™ Unicem (3M™ ESPE™ AG), Maxcem™ (Kerr Corporation), Biscem™ (Bisco, Inc.) and Multilink ® Sprint (Ivoclar Vivadent ® AG) and the classic resin cement was Multilink ® Automix (Ivoclar Vivadent ® AG). Twelve specimens of each material (1.8 mm × 4 mm × 4 mm) were prepared in room temperature (23 ± 1) °C following the manufacturers’ instructions. Six of them were treated as dual-cured, thus irradiated for 20 s with a halogen light curing unit and left undisturbed for 5 min. The other six were treated as self-cured and were not irradiated, but left in dark and dry conditions for 10 min. The assessment of the %DC was made using micro-ATR FTIR spectrometry. Results The %DC in their self-curing mode was very low (10.82–24.93%), with Multilink Sprint exhibiting the highest values among the five. In the dual-curing mode the values obtained were also low (26.40–41.52%), with the exception of Multilink Automix (61.36%). Maxcem was found to have the lowest DC. Significance The low %DC found raises questions as to whether these materials can be successfully used in clinical applications, where light attenuation takes place. Increased irradiation times could potentially lead to higher %DC, in applications where light is not completely blocked by the overlying restoration.