Supreme Plus Research Articles

Effects of Light Attenuation through Dental Tissues on Cure Depth of Composite Resins.

ObjectivePolymerization of light-cured resin-based materials is well documented; however, the intensity of the activating light can be reduced by passage through air, dental structure, or restoration compromising the physical properties of the restoration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the depth of cure of different light cured composite resins polymerized directly or transdental, through enamel and enamel/dentin tissues.Material and methodsFive composite resins were selected for this experiment: SureFil SDR, Dentsply (SDR), Filtek Supreme Plus, 3M ESPE (FSP), Aelite LS, Bisco (ALS), Filtek LS, 3M ESPE (FLS), and TPH, Dentsply (TPH). Thirty specimens of each material were prepared with 2- or 4-mm thickness. The specimens were light-cured (Elipar 2500, 3M ESPE) for 40 sec using three different protocols: direct or transdental, through a disc of enamel with 1 mm of thickness, and a disc of enamel and dentin with 2 mm of thickness. Eight Vickers microhardness (VH) measurements were taken from each specimen, four on top and four on bottom surface (Micromet, Buehler, 100 g per 15 sec). Data was analyzed with ANOVA three-way, Tukey HSD post-hoc (α = .05).ResultsBottom surfaces of specimens exhibited statistically significant lower Vickers microhardness than the top surfaces for all composite resin evaluated, regardless of the curing conditions, except for the SDR when direct light-cured. Transdental light curing through enamel/dentin layer, significantly decreased VH (P<0.05) on the bottom surface of all composite groups.ConclusionThe results of this study showed that light-curing attenuation of dental structures negatively affect the micro-hardness of composite resins.

Effect of routine scaling and prophylactic polishing on the surface roughness of nano-filled restorative materials: In vitro study

AimThis study aimed at investigating in vitro the effect of routine scaling (hand/ultrasonic) and polishing on the surface roughness of three nano-filled restorative materials. Materials and methodsNano-filled universal resin composite (Filtek Z350), nano-filled flowable resin campsite (Filtek Supreme Plus Flow) and resin modified glass ionomer (Ketac N100) were tested. Ninety discs (10 mm × 2 mm) were prepared and divided into 3 groups (n = 30/material). Each group was divided into 5 subgroups (n = 6). Subgroup 1: control (surface against matrix), subgroup 2: ultrasonically scaled (US), subgroup 3: hand scaled, subgroups 4 and 5 were US, hand scaled then received prophylactic polishing respectively. The mean surface roughness (Ra μm) of all specimens was measured by a profilometer. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and post-hoc tests (P ≤ 0.05). Representative specimens were examined by the SEM. ResultsUnder all testing conditions, Ketac N showed the highest mean Ra value expect for hand scaled/non-polished specimens, where they were not significantly different than the Filtek Z350 as confirmed by SEM. However, under all testing conditions, Filtek Flow revealed the lowest mean Ra values except for polished specimens after either hand or US scaling; there was insignificant difference between Filtek Z350 and Filtek Flow. ConclusionsScaling method tends to have material dependent effect on the Ra. All polished material's Ra exceeded the critical threshold roughness values. Clinical significanceRoutine periodontal scaling and prophylactic polishing of nano-filled resin restorations should be carried out with caution. Nano-filled flowable resin composite can be recommended in Class V restorations.

Comparison of different polishing methods on the surface roughness of microhybrid, microfill, and nanofill composite resins.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different polishing methods on the surface roughness of resin-based composites subjected to a thermocycling procedure. A total of 192 specimens were divided into 24 groups, according to composite materials (Filtek Z250, Point 4, Renamel Nanofill, Filtek Supreme Plus, Renamel Microfill, and Premise) and finishing and polishing systems (Sof-Lex Pop On, Super Snap, Flexidisc, and Flexidisc+Enamelize). The specimens were subjected to thermocycling (5000 cycles). Filtek Supreme Plus showed the lowest surface roughness values before thermocycling. After thermocycling, Filtek Supreme Plus continued to have the lowest surface roughness, with a statistically-significant difference for the other materials. After thermocycling, there was no statistically-significant difference among all the polishing techniques studied. The thermocycling was concluded as being able to change composite resins' surface roughness, whereas different finishing and polishing methods did not result in surface roughness changes after thermocycling.

Nanomechanical Characterization of Flowable Dental Restorative Nanocomposite Resins Using AFM

ABSTRACTIn this study, exploring the possible connections between the structure and the functionality of a dental restoration material on the sub-micrometric scale is aimed, especially by focusing on the elastic mechanical properties of materials. Five flowable dental resin composites were investigated by atomic force microscopy nanoindentation. G-ænial™ Universal Flo, Filtek™ Ultimate XT, Vertise™ Flow, Revolution Formula 2™, and Filtek™ Supreme Plus comprising nanofillers have been selected for this study. Young’s modulus was between 12.61 ± 0.35 GPa (for G-ænial™ Universal Flo) and 11.86 ± 0.35 GPa (for Filtek™ Supreme Plus), which were quite similar for all commercial flowable resins.

Color and Gloss of Nano-Filled Resin-Modified Glass Ionomers and Resin Composites.

The study aims to compare in vitro stain resistance, color stability, gloss, and gloss retention of a nano-filled resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGIs) to a traditional RMGI and resin-based composites (RBCs). Specimens (N = 20) were fabricated from a nano-filled RBC (Filtek Supreme Plus, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), a nanohybrid RBC (Clearfil Majesty Esthetic, Kuraray; Tokyo, Japan), a nano-filled RMGI (Ketac Nano, 3M ESPE), and traditional RMGI (Fuji II LC, GC America, Chicago, IL, USA). L*a*b* values were recorded with a spectrophotometer, and gloss was measured with a glossmeter. For each material, 10 specimens were stored in distilled water in darkness for 1 week and 10 specimens were placed in a staining solution for 1 week. After storage, specimens were cleaned and L*a*b* and gloss measurements were remeasured. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey analyses. Regarding color change, materials ranked: Ketac = Fuji > Filtek > Clearfil in water, and Ketac > Fuji > Filtek > Clearfil in staining solution. Prior to storage, the initial gloss of the materials ranked: Filtek ≥ Clearfil ≥ Ketac > Fuji. After storage, the materials ranked: Filtek = Clearfil > Ketac > Fuji in water, and Filtek > Clearfil > Ketac > Fuji in staining solution. Gloss retention was similar for all materials in water and gloss retention ranked: Filtek = Clearfil > Ketac = Fuji in staining solution. The nano-RMGI showed less stain resistance but higher gloss than the traditional RMGI. Both RMGIs had more color change, less stain resistance, lower gloss and less gloss retention than the RBCs. The clinician should be aware that the use of a nano-RMGI may improve the gloss of an RMGI restoration; however, color change will likely occur, particularly if the patient consumes a staining diet.

Color Stability Behavior of Methacrylate-based Resin Composites Polymerized with Light-emitting Diodes and Quartz-Tungsten-Halogen.

Despite significant developments in improving the optical properties of resin composite materials, their color stability remains a challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the shade stability of light-polymerized, methacrylate-based resin composites with different filler particle composition (microfill, minifill, nanohybrids, and microhybrids) polymerized with quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) and light-emitting diodes (LED). Composite discs were fabricated from Tetric EvoCeram, Premise, Artiste, and Beautifil II (nanohybrids); Filtek Supreme Plus and Vit-l-escence (microhybrids); Heliomolar (microfill); and Estelite Sigma Quick (minifill) using a Teflon mold. The specimens were irradiated either with QTH (Elipar 2500; 600 mW/cm(2)) for 40 seconds or with LED (Bluephase G2; 1200 mW/cm(2)) for 20 seconds. Color parameters were measured with a colorimeter before and after polymerization and at 24 hours, one week, one month, and three months. Color change was calculated among the different storage periods. There was a significant effect of the composite, time, and their interaction (p<0.001) but no effect of the polymerization unit on the color stability. Color changes immediately after polymerization and at 24 hours (4.22 and 3.88 for LED; and 4.08 and 3.82 for QTH) were not significantly different from each other but were both significantly higher than changes after one week (0.96 and 0.78), one month (1.12 and 1.02), and three months (1.27 and 1.11) for LED and QTH, respectively (p<0.001). Color changes were observed for all the materials that were dependent on the type of composite but not on the polymerization unit. These color shifts took place primarily immediately after polymerization and after 24 hours and were additive in nature.

The Effect Of Home Bleaching Agents On The Surface Roughness And Fracture Toughness Of Composite Resin Materials

Aim and Objective: This study determined the effect of home bleaching agents on the surface roughness and fracture toughness of composite resin materials. Methodology: 70 specimen of nanohybrid resin composite (Filtex supreme plus (Z 350) and Esthet x) were exposed to two home bleaching gels (10% and 20% carbamide peroxide CP) were prepared. Thirty five specimen of each group were fabricated randomly divided into 6 subgroup as follows: Group 1 Filtex supreme plus (Z 350) (N=35):Subgroup 1 (n=5)-control group (distilled water), subgroup 2 (n=15)-treated with 10% CP, subgroup 3 (n=15)-treated with 20% CP. Group 2 Esthet x (n=35): subgroup 1 (n=5)-control group ( distilled water), subgroup 2 (n=15)-treated with 10% CP, subgroup 3 (n=15)-treated with 20% CP for 8 hrs/day. All treatment was conducted at room temperature and fresh gel applied and rinsed off daily for 2 weeks. For bleached group, the specimens were stored in distilled water during hiatus period. All specimen were subjected to roughness testing (Ra) at 0 day, 1 day and 14th day using the profilometer and then subjected to three point bending test for fracture toughness. Then all the data were send for statistical analysis. Results: 1) Both nanohybrid composite showed minimal surface roughness values as they are below the critical threshold of 0.2 mm which is not clinically significant. 2) The surface roughness value of Filtex Z350 is lower than Esthet X but not statically significant (p<0.05). 3) Bleaching had a significant effect in increasing the fracture toughness value on Filtek Z350 but not on the Esthet X composite. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the present study it was concluded that the practice of home bleaching after placement of the composite restoration does not compromise on surface roughness and the fracture toughness property of the resin composites and does not need its replacement.

Clinical Evaluation of Self-etch and Total-etch Adhesive Systems in Noncarious Cervical Lesions: A Two-year Report

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical performance of two self-etch dental adhesives with Single Bond Plus, a traditional one-bottle total-etch dental adhesive, for the restoration of noncarious cervical lesions. A total of 156 restorations were placed in noncarious cervical lesions with a minimum depth of 1.5 mm. Patients had no chronic periodontal disease and had normal salivary function. Each patient received restorations on three teeth, each bonded with either Adper Single Bond Plus, Adper Easy Bond, or Adper Scotchbond SE dental adhesive. All lesions were restored with Filtek Supreme Plus composite resin. All teeth were isolated with a rubber dam, received a short enamel bevel, and were cleaned with flour of pumice. The adhesives and resin composite were applied following the manufacturers' instructions. Restorations were clinically evaluated at baseline, six months, one year, and two years using modified US Public Health Service criteria. Two-year retention was recorded as 97.3%, 90.5%, and 95.2%, for Single Bond Plus, Scotchbond SE, and Easy Bond, respectively. Statistical analysis did not show a significant difference (p>0.05) in clinical performance between any of the three adhesives after a period of two years.

Wear Rates of Resin Composites

SUMMARY A laboratory study was conducted to examine the wear of resin composite materials using a generalized wear simulation model. Ten specimens each of five resin composites (Esthet•X [EX], Filtek Supreme Plus [SP], Filtek Z250 [Z2], Tetric EvoCeram [EC], and Z100 Restorative [Z1]) were subjected to wear challenges of 100,000, 400,000, 800,000, and 1,200,000 cycles. The materials were placed in cylinder-shaped stainless-steel fixtures, and wear was generated using a flat stainless-steel antagonist in a slurry of polymethylmethacrylate beads. Wear (mean facet depth [μm] and volume loss [mm(3)]) was determined using a noncontact profilometer (Proscan 2000) with Proscan and ProForm software. Statistical analysis of the laboratory data using analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test showed a significant difference (p<0.05) for mean wear facet depth and volume loss for both the number of cycles and resin composite material. Linear regression analysis was used to develop predictive wear rates and volume loss rates. Linear wear was demonstrated with correlation coefficients (R(2)) ranging from 0.914 to 0.995. Mean wear values (mean facet depth [μm]) and standard deviations (SD) for 1200K cycles were as follows: Z1 13.9 (2.0), Z2 26.7 (2.7), SP 30.1 (4.1), EC 31.8 (2.3), and EX 67.5 (8.2). Volume loss (mm(3)) and SDs for 1200K cycles were as follows: Z1 0.248 (0.036), Z2 0.477 (0.044), SP 0.541 (0.072), EC 0.584 (0.037), and EX 1.162 (0.139). The wear rate (μm) and volume loss rate (mm(3)) per 100,000 cycles for the five resin composites were as follows: wear rate Z1 0.58, EC 1.27, Z2 1.49, SP 1.62, and EX 4.35, and volume loss rate Z1 0.009, EC 0.024, Z2 0.028, SP 0.029, and EX 0.075. The generalized wear model appears to be an excellent method for measuring relative wear of resin composite materials.

Randomized Clinical Trial of Two Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Materials: 1-year Results

With institutional review board approval, 33 patients who needed restoration of noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL) were enrolled in this study. A total of 92 NCCL were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: (1) Ambar (FGM), a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive (control), combined with the nanofilled composite resin Filtek Supreme Plus (FSP; 3M ESPE); (2) Fuji II LC (GC America), a traditional resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC) restorative material; (3) Ketac Nano (3M ESPE), a nanofilled RMGIC restorative material. Restorations were evaluated at six months and one year using modified United States Public Health Service parameters. At six months after initial placement, 84 restorations (a 91.3% recall rate) were evaluated. At one year, 78 restorations (a 84.8% recall rate) were available for evaluation. The six month and one year overall retention rates were 93.1% and 92.6%, respectively, for Ambar/FSP; 100% and 100%, respectively, for Fuji II LC; and 100% and 100%, respectively, for Ketac Nano with no statistical difference between any pair of groups at each recall. Sensitivity to air decreased for all three adhesive materials from the preoperative to the postoperative stage, but the difference was not statistically significant. For Ambar/FSP, there were no statistical differences for any of the parameters from baseline to six months and from baseline to one year. For Fuji II LC, surface texture worsened significantly from baseline to six months and from baseline to one year. For Ketac Nano, enamel marginal staining increased significantly from baseline to one year and from six months to one year. Marginal adaptation was statistically worse at one year compared with baseline only for Ketac Nano. When parameters were compared for materials at each recall, Ketac Nano resulted in significantly worse color match than any of the other two materials at any evaluation period. At one year, Ketac Nano resulted in significantly worse marginal adaptation than the other two materials and worse marginal staining than Fuji II LC. Surface texture was statistically worse for Fuji II LC compared with the other two materials at all evaluation periods. The one-year retention rate was statistically similar for the three adhesive materials. Nevertheless, enamel marginal deficiencies and color mismatch were more prevalent for Ketac Nano. Surface texture of Fuji II LC restorations deteriorated quickly.

One-Year Clinical Evaluation of Composite Restorations in Posterior Teeth: Effect of Adhesive Systems

This clinical study assessed the performance of posterior composite resins applied with the Adper™ Single Bond Plus (SB) and Adper™ Scotchbond SE (SE) adhesive systems and Filtek™ Supreme Plus composite resin, using modified US Public Health Service criteria. A total of 97 restorations were placed in posterior teeth by two calibrated operators. Application of the materials followed manufacturers' instructions. The restorations were evaluated by two examiners at baseline and after one year. Statistical analyses were conducted using the proportion test at a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). All the restorations evaluated (ie, 100%) received an alpha rating for the criteria of marginal discoloration and marginal integrity at baseline. At one year, for marginal discoloration, 64.6% of SB and 61.2% of SE received an alpha rating. For marginal integrity, 72.9% of SB and 77.6% of SE received an alpha rating. The other restorations received bravo ratings for both criteria. None of the teeth that received the restorative systems presented caries lesions around the restorations. A total of eight teeth presented postoperative sensitivity one week after baseline, five with SB and three with SE; the symptom had disappeared one year later. One year later, composite resin restorations using either adhesive system showed satisfactory clinical performance.

Effects of three restorative techniques in the bond strength and nanoleakage at gingival wall of Class II restorations subjected to simulated aging

To evaluate the effects of simulated aging in bond strength and nanoleakage of class II restorations using three different restorative techniques. Class II preparations (n = 12) were restored using: FS - composite resin Filtek Supreme Plus (3M/ESPE); RMGIC + FS - resin-modified glass ionomer cement Vitrebond Plus (3M/ESPE) + FS; and FFS + FS - flowable composite resin Filtek Supreme Plus Flowable (3M ESPE) + FS. The teeth were assigned into two groups: Control and Simulated Aging - Thermal/Mechanical cycling (3,000 cycles, 20-80 °C/500,000 cycles, 50 N). From each tooth, two slabs were assessed to microtensile bond strength test (μTBS) (MPa), and two slabs were prepared for nanoleakage assessment, calculated as penetration along the restoration margin considering the penetration length (%) and as the area of silver nitrate particle deposition (μm(2)). Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.05). FS presented the highest μTBS to dentin (22.39 ± 7.55 MPa) after simulated aging, while the presence of flowable resin significantly decreased μTBS (14.53 ± 11.65 MPa) when compared to no aging condition. Both control and aging groups of RMGIC + FS presented the highest values of silver nitrate penetration (89.90 ± 16.31 % and 97.14 ± 5.76 %) and deposition area (33.05 ± 12.49 and 28.08 ± 9.76 μm(2)). Nanoleakage was not affected by simulated aging. FS presented higher bond strength and lower nanoleakage and was not affected by simulated aging. Use of flowable resin compromised the bond strength after simulated aging. The use of an intermediate layer did not improve the dentin bond strength neither reduced nanoleakage at the gingival margins of class II restorations under simulated aging conditions.

Characterization of third-body media particles and their effect on in vitro composite wear

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to compare four medium particles currently used for in vitro composite wear testing (glass and PMMA beads and millet and poppy seeds). MethodsParticles were prepared as described in previous wear studies. Hardness of medium particles was measured with a nano-indentor, particle size was measured with a particle size analyzer, and the particle form was determined with light microscopy and image analysis software. Composite wear was measured using each type of medium and water in the Alabama wear testing device. Four dental composites were compared: a hybrid (Z100), flowable microhybrid (Estelite Flow Quick), micromatrix (Esthet-X), and nano-filled (Filtek Supreme Plus). The test ran for 100,000 cycles at 1.2Hz with 70N force by a steel antagonist. Volumetric wear was measured by non-contact profilometry. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test was used to compare both materials and media. ResultsHardness values (GPa) of the particles are (glass, millet, PMMA, and poppy, respectively): 1.310(0.150), 0.279(0.170), 0.279(0.095), and 0.226(0.146). Average particle sizes (μm) are (glass, millet, PMMA, and poppy, respectively): 88.35(8.24), 8.07(4.05), 28.95(8.74), and 14.08(7.20). Glass and PMMA beads were considerably more round than the seeds. During composite wear testing, glass was the only medium that produced more wear than the use of water alone. The rank ordering of the materials varied with each medium, however, the glass and PMMA bead medium allowed better discrimination between materials. SignificancePMMA beads are a practical and relevant choice for composite wear testing because they demonstrate similar physical properties as seeds but reduce the variability of wear measurements.

Depth of cure of resin composites: Is the ISO 4049 method suitable for bulk fill materials?

To evaluate if depth of cure D(ISO) determined by the ISO 4049 method is accurately reflected with bulk fill materials when compared to depth of cure D(new) determined by Vickers microhardness profiles. D(ISO) was determined according to "ISO 4049; Depth of cure" and resin composite specimens (n=6 per group) were prepared of two control materials (Filtek Supreme Plus, Filtek Silorane) and four bulk fill materials (Surefil SDR, Venus Bulk Fill, Quixfil, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill) and light-cured for either 10s or 20s. For D(new), a mold was filled with one of the six resin composites and light-cured for either 10 s or 20 s (n=22 per group). The mold was placed under a microhardness indentation device and hardness measurements (Vickers hardness, VHN) were made at defined distances, beginning at the resin composite that had been closest to the light-curing unit (i.e. at the "top") and proceeding toward the uncured resin composite (i.e. toward the "bottom"). On the basis of the VHN measurements, Vickers hardness profiles were generated for each group. D(ISO) varied between 1.76 and 6.49 mm with the bulk fill materials showing the highest D(ISO). D(new) varied between 0.2 and 4.0 mm. D(new) was smaller than D(ISO) for all resin composites except Filtek Silorane. For bulk fill materials the ISO 4049 method overestimated depth of cure compared to depth of cure determined by Vickers hardness profiles.

Cuspal deflection and depth of cure in resin-based composite restorations filled by using bulk, incremental and transtooth-illumination techniques

Restoration techniques affect shrinkage stress and depth of cure. The authors tested cuspal deflection and depth of cure resulting from the use of different techniques (bulk, incremental, bulk/transtooth illumination) and two resin-based composites (deep curing and conventional). The authors restored extracted teeth with deep-curing X-tra fil (VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany) (by using bulk and incremental techniques) and Filtek Supreme Plus (3M ESPE, St. Paul, Minn.) (by using bulk, incremental and bulk/transtooth-illumination techniques). The sample size for each technique was five. They determined cuspal deflections as changes in buccal and lingual surfaces before and after restoration. To determine the extent of cure, they measured hardness 0.5 to 3.5 millimeters deep on the sectioned restorations. The authors found no difference in cuspal deflection between filling techniques within the same materials (P > .05). They found no difference in hardness for X-tra fil at any depth with either the bulk or the incremental technique (P > .05). Filtek Supreme Plus had higher hardness values at depths of less than 1.5 mm with the bulk/transtooth-illumination technique, whereas the bulk technique resulted in lower hardness values at depths of 2.0 mm and below (P < .05). Cuspal deflection was not affected by filling techniques. X-tra fil cured up to a depth of at least 3.5 mm; Filtek Supreme Plus had lower curing values below a depth of 2 mm. The transtooth-illumination technique improved curing depth for restorations placed in bulk. When using resin-based composite restorative materials, clinicians should be more concerned about the effect of filling techniques on curing depth than about how these techniques affect shrinkage stresses.

Image analysis for maintenance of coating quality in nickel electroplating baths – Real time control

The aim of this paper is to show how it is possible to extract analytical information from images acquired with a flatbed scanner and make use of this information for real time control of a nickel plating process. Digital images of plated steel sheets in a nickel bath are used to follow the process under degradation of specific additives. Dedicated software has been developed for making the obtained results accessible to process operators. This includes obtaining the RGB image, to select the red channel data exclusively, to calculate the histogram of the red channel data and to calculate the mean colour value (MCV) and the standard deviation of the red channel data. MCV is then used by the software to determine the concentration of the additives Supreme Plus Brightner (SPB) and SA-1 (for confidentiality reasons, the chemical contents cannot be further detailed) present in the bath (these two additives degrade and their concentration changes during the process). Finally, the software informs the operator when the bath is generating unsuitable quality plating and suggests the amount of SPB and SA-1 to be added in order to recover the original plating quality.

Effect of Dentin-cleaning Techniques on the Shear Bond Strength of Self-adhesive Resin Luting Cement to Dentin

This in vitro study evaluated the influence of different cleansing techniques on the bond strength of self-adhesive cement to dentin. A total of 33 noncarious human molars were sectioned mesiodistally and embedded in chemically cured resin with the buccal or lingual surfaces facing upward. Superficial dentin was exposed and resin disk provisional restorations were cemented to the dentin surfaces with noneugenol provisional cement and were stored in distilled water at 37°C. After seven days, the provisional restorations were removed and 13 specimens were randomly assigned to each of the five groups (n=13), according to the following cleansing treatments: G1-excavator (control); G2-0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate; G3-40% polyacrylic acid; G4-mixture of flour pumice and water; and G5-sandblasting with 50 μm aluminum oxide particles at a pressure of 87 psi. Resin composite disks (Filtek Supreme Plus, 3M ESPE Dental Products, St Paul, MN, USA) 4.7 (±0.1) mm in diameter and 3.0 (±0.5) mm in height were cemented with self-adhesive cement (RelyX Unicem, 3M ESPE), photocured, and stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours. Shear bond strength testing was conducted using a universal test machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until failure. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey-B rank order test. Sandblasting with aluminum oxide (11.32 ± 1.70 MPa) produced significantly higher shear bond strength values compared with any other treatment groups (p<0.05). No significant differences were found between G1-control (7.74 ± 1.72 MPa), G2-chlorhexidine (6.37 ± 1.47 MPa), and G4-pumice (7.33 ± 2.85 MPa) (p<0.05).

Surface Roughness and Staining Susceptibility of Composite Resins after Finishing and Polishing

The study aims to investigate the influence of filler size and finishing systems on the surface roughness and staining of three composite resins. Three composites, classified according to their filler size, were selected: Filtek Supreme Plus/nanofill (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), Esthet-X/minifill (Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE, USA), and Renamel Microfill/microfill (Cosmedent Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Composite specimens were made in stainless steel split molds and polished with Sof-Lex (3M ESPE), Enhance+PoGo (Dentsply Caulk), or FlexiDiscs+Enamelize (Cosmedent Inc.). Finishing systems were used according to the manufacturers' instructions and polished surfaces were evaluated with a profilometer and then immersed in 2% methylene blue for 24 hours. Specimens were then prepared for spectrophotometric analysis and results were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test. No significant differences in surface roughness among the composites were found when the surfaces were treated with Enhance+PoGo. In addition, no differences were observed when the Filtek Supreme Plus composite was submitted to surface staining evaluation. In general, the composites polished with the finishing systems from the same company demonstrated lower surface roughness and staining. The results of this study recommend that composite resins could be finished and polished with finishing systems supplied by the composite's manufacturer. The surface roughness and staining of composite resins were not influenced solely by filler size. Dentists should finish and polish composite resin with the polishing agent supplied by the same manufacturer. The smallest filler size does not necessarily result in a low surface roughness and staining susceptibility.

Comparison of different finishing/polishing systems on surface roughness and gloss of resin composites

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare four finishing/polishing systems (F/P) on surface roughness and gloss of different resin composites. Methods A total of 40 disc samples (15 mm × 3 mm) were prepared from a nanofill – Filtek Supreme Plus (FS) and a micro-hybrid resin composite – Esthet-X (EX). Following 24 h storage in 37 °C water, the top surfaces of each sample were roughened using 120-grit sandpaper. Baseline measurements of surface roughness (Ra, μm) and gloss were recorded. Each composite group was divided into four F/P disk groups: Astropol[AP], Enhance/PoGo[EP], Sof-Lex[SL], and an experimental disk system, EXL-695[EXL] ( n = 5). The same operator finished/polished all samples. One sample from each group was evaluated under SEM. Another blinded-operator conducted postoperative measurements. Results were analysed by two-way ANOVA, two interactive MANOVA and Tukey's t-test ( p < 0.05). Results In surface roughness, the baseline of two composites differed significantly from each other whereas postoperatively there was no significance. The Sof-Lex F/P system provided the smoothest surface although there were no statistical significance differences between F/P systems ( p > 0.01). In gloss, FS composite with the EXL-695 system provided a significantly higher gloss ( p < 0.01). EX treated by Soflex revealed the least gloss ( p < 0.05). SEM images revealed comparable results for F/P systems but EX surfaces included more air pockets. Conclusions Four different finishing/polishing systems provided comparable surface smoothness for both composites, whereas EXL with FS provided significantly higher gloss. SEM evaluations revealed that the EX surface contained more air pockets but F/P systems were compatible.

Investigations on a methacrylate-based flowable composite based on the SDR™ technology

Objective Monomer development for a reduced shrinkage of composite materials still challenges the modern research. The purpose of this study was to analyse the shrinkage behavior of an innovative composite material for dental restorations based on a resin system that is claimed to control polymerization kinetics having incorporated a photoactive group within the resin. Methods Shrinkage stress development within the first 300 s after photoinitiation, gel point as well as micro-mechanical properties (Vickers hardness HV, modulus of elasticity E, creep Cr and elastic–plastic indentation work W e/ W tot) were evaluated ( n = 10). The experimental flowable resin-based composite (RBC) was measured in comparison to regular methacrylate-based micro- (Esthet X Flow) and nano-hybrid flowable RBCs (Filtek Supreme Plus Flow). Additionally, the high viscosity counterparts of the two regular flowable methacryate-based composites (Esthet X Plus and Filtek Supreme Plus) as well as a low shrinkage silorane-based micro-hybrid composite (Filtek Silorane) were considered. The curing time was 20 s (LED unit Freelight2, 3M-ESPE, 1226 mW/cm 2). Results The experimental material achieved the significantly lowest contraction stress (1.1 ± .01 MPa) followed by the silorane-based composite (3.6 ± .03 MPa), whereas the highest stress values were induced in the regular methacrylate-based flowable composites EsthetX Flow (5.3 ± .3 MPa) and Filtek Supreme Flow (6.5 ± .3 MPa). In view of gel point, the best values were obtained for the experimental flowable composite (3.1 ± .1s) and Filtek Silorane (3.2 ± .3 s), which did not differ significant from each others, whereas EsthetX Plus and Filtek Supreme Plus did also not differ significantly, inducing the shortest gel point. The experimental flowable material achieved also the lowest shrinkage-rate (maximum at 0.1 MPa/s). For all analysed materials, no significant difference in the micro-mechanical properties between top and bottom were found when measured on 2 mm thick increments 24 h after polymerization. The categories of flowable materials performed in the measured micro-mechanical properties significantly inferior when compared to the hybrid-composites, showing lower HV and E and predominantly higher creep and plastic deformation. Within the flowable RBCs, the experimental material achieved the lowest Vickers hardness, the highest modulus of elasticity, the highest creep and showed the significantly lowest elastic deformation. Significance The experimental flowable composite revealed the lowest shrinkage stress and shrinkage-rate values in comparison to regular methacrylate composites but intermediate micro-mechanical properties. Being at the same time more rigid (higher modulus of elasticity) and more plastic (low W e/ W tot and high creep values) as the regular flowable materials, its effect on interfacial stress build-up cannot be easily predicted.