The Dilemma of the Open Gingival Embrasure Between Maxillary Central Incisors

Aim: The aim of this report is to present the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment planning strategy in the presence of an open gingival embrasure between the maxillary central incisors. Background: The open gingival embrasure or “black triangle” is a visible triangular space in the cervical region of the maxillary incisors. It appears when the gingival papilla does not completely fill in the interdental space. The space may occur due to: (1) disease or surgery with periodontal attachment loss resulting in gingival recession; (2) severely malaligned maxillary incisors; (3) divergent roots; or (4) triangular-shaped crowns associated with or without periodontal problems and alveolar bone resorptions. Report: The post-treatment prevalence in adult orthodontic patients is estimated to be around 40% compromising the esthetic result. Conclusion: Several methods of managing patients with open gingival embrasure exist, but the interdisciplinary aspects of treatment must be emphasized to achieve the best possible result. The orthodontist can play a significant role in helping to manage these cases

Study of the chemical interaction between a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement and dentin

Objective: To investigate the chemical interactions between a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) (KetacTM Molar Easymix, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Bavaria, Germany) and human dentin. It was also analyzed the dynamics of GIC setting mechanism based on the time intervals required for the GIC and the GIC mixed with dentin to achieve stability. Material and Methods: Each constituent of GIC – powder (P) and liquid (L) – and powdered dentin (D), as well as the associations P+L, D+L, and P+L+D in the concentrations of 29%, 50%, 65%, 78%, 82%, and 92% of GIC were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Results: New optical absorption bands and/or Raman bands, which were not present in P, L, or D, were observed in the associations. The concentrations of 29% and 50% of GIC showed higher interaction, revealing that the amount of dentin influences the formation of new optical absorption or scattering bands. FTIR bands showed that the setting time to achieve bond stability was longer for the high-viscosity GIC (38±7 min) than for the sample with 29% of GIC (28±4 min). Conclusions: The analysis revealed the formation of new compounds or molecular rearrangements resulting from the chemical interactions between GIC and dentin. Moreover, this study provides an effective method to evaluate the dynamics of the setting mechanism of GICs

CLAREAMENTO DENTAL: UMA ALTERNATIVA ESTÉTICA E CONSERVADORA

Diante de uma cultura que valoriza a estética e de técnicas odontológicas cada vez mais avançadas, há uma maior exigência quanto ao sorriso perfeito. Deste modo, a forma, o alinhamento e principalmente a cor dos dentes são muito valorizados. As causas das alterações de cor nos dentes são variáveis. A indicação e eficiência do procedimento clareador dependerão da causa do escurecimento, que pode ser causado por fatores extrínsecos ou intrínsecos. Dentre as técnicas de clareamento existem 2 modalidades: clareamento interno, para dentes com tratamento endodôntico e externo, que pode ser utilizada tanto para dentes polpados como despolpados. O clareamento externo inclui as técnicas: caseira ou em consultório; sendo que em ambas os principais agentes clareadores são o peróxido de carbamida a 10% e o peróxido de hidrogênio a 35%, respectivamente. O clareamento não é um tratamento milagroso, pois depende da colaboração, hábitos e coloração dos dentes do paciente. É importante ressaltar a possibilidade de alguns efeitos colaterais como hipersensibilidade dentinária, irritação nos tecidos moles, gosto desagradável na cavidade bucal, os quais desaparecem com a interrupção do tratamento. Considerando que o sucesso do tratamento clareador depende de um correto diagnóstico da alteração de cor, bem como da técnica empregada, o objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar e discutir a etiologia das descolorações bem como a efetividade das técnicas atualmente empregadas para o clareamento de dentes vitalizados, salientando os principais riscos e cuidados a serem tomados durante o procedimento clínico

Low-level laser therapy effects on pain perception related to the use of orthodontic elastomeric separators

INTRODUCTION: Some patients refer to pre-banding orthodontic separation as a painful orthodontic procedure. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been reported to have local analgesic effect. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this single-blind study was to investigate the perception of pain caused by orthodontic elastomeric separators with and without a single LLLT application (6J). METHODS: The sample comprised 79 individuals aged between 13 and 34 years old at orthodontic treatment onset. Elastomeric separators were placed in first maxillary molars at mesial and distal surfaces and kept in place for three days. The volunteers scored pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS) after 6 and 12 hours, and after the first, second and third days. One third of patients received laser applications, whereas another third received placebo applications and the remaining ones were controls. Applications were performed in a split-mouth design. Thus, three groups (laser, placebo and control) were assessed. RESULTS: No differences were found among groups considering pain perception in all periods observed. CONCLUSION: The use of a single-dose of LLLT did not cause significant reduction in orthodontic pain perception. Overall pain perception due to orthodontic separator placement varied widely and was usually mild

Study of the chemical interaction between a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement and dentin

Abstract Objective To investigate the chemical interactions between a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) (KetacTM Molar Easymix, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Bavaria, Germany) and human dentin. It was also analyzed the dynamics of GIC setting mechanism based on the time intervals required for the GIC and the GIC mixed with dentin to achieve stability. Material and Methods Each constituent of GIC – powder (P) and liquid (L) – and powdered dentin (D), as well as the associations P+L, D+L, and P+L+D in the concentrations of 29%, 50%, 65%, 78%, 82%, and 92% of GIC were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Results New optical absorption bands and/or Raman bands, which were not present in P, L, or D, were observed in the associations. The concentrations of 29% and 50% of GIC showed higher interaction, revealing that the amount of dentin influences the formation of new optical absorption or scattering bands. FTIR bands showed that the setting time to achieve bond stability was longer for the high-viscosity GIC (38±7 min) than for the sample with 29% of GIC (28±4 min). Conclusions The analysis revealed the formation of new compounds or molecular rearrangements resulting from the chemical interactions between GIC and dentin. Moreover, this study provides an effective method to evaluate the dynamics of the setting mechanism of GICs

Influence of exposure time to saliva and antioxidant treatment on bond strength to enamel after tooth bleaching: an in situ study

Objectives: This study evaluated the influence of different exposure times to saliva in situ in comparison with an antioxidant treatment on composite resin bond strength to human enamel restored after tooth bleaching. Material and Methods: Forty human teeth specimens measuring 5x5 mm were prepared and randomly allocated into 5 groups with 8 specimens each: Gct (control group, restored on unbleached enamel); Gbl (restored immediately after bleaching); Gsa (bleached, treated with 10% sodium ascorbate gel for 60 min and restored); G7d (bleached, exposed to saliva in situ for 7 days and restored); and G14d (bleached, exposed to saliva in situ for 14 days and restored). Restored samples were cut into 0.8 mm2 sticks that were tested in microtensile. Specimens were microscopically analyzed and failure modes were classified as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed. Pretest and cohesive failures were not considered in the statistical analysis, which was performed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α=0.05), with the dental specimen considered as the experimental unit. Results: Mean bond strength results found for Gbl in comparison with Gct indicated that bleaching significantly reduced enamel adhesiveness (P;0.05). Bond strength found for G14d was significantly higher than for Gsa (

Influence of 10% sodium ascorbate gel application time on composite bond strength to bleached enamel

Objective To analyze bond strength to bleached enamel following application of 10% sodium ascorbate gel. Material and methods Forty third molars were allocated into five groups (n = 8): GP – unbleached specimens restored with composite resin; GN – specimens restored immediately after bleaching; and G15; G30 and G60 (test groups) – bleached specimens treated with 10% sodium ascorbate gel for 15, 30 and 60 min before restoration. The teeth were sectioned and the buccal and lingual faces were restored. After storage in distilled water (37 °C/24 h), sticks of ±0.8 mm2 were tested in tensile (0.5 mm/min). Fractures were observed and classified. Data (in MPa) were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). Results No differences were found among GP (26 ± 6.0), G15 (23 ± 7.3), G30 (25 ± 6.1) and G60 (25 ± 5.1), with GN (15 ± 5.5) showing the lowest bond strength (p < 0.0001). Conclusion The application of 10% sodium ascorbate gel for 15 min after bleaching with 37.5% hydrogen peroxide restored the bonding to enamel

Study of the chemical interaction between a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement and dentin

<div><p>Abstract Objective To investigate the chemical interactions between a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) (KetacTM Molar Easymix, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Bavaria, Germany) and human dentin. It was also analyzed the dynamics of GIC setting mechanism based on the time intervals required for the GIC and the GIC mixed with dentin to achieve stability. Material and Methods Each constituent of GIC – powder (P) and liquid (L) – and powdered dentin (D), as well as the associations P+L, D+L, and P+L+D in the concentrations of 29%, 50%, 65%, 78%, 82%, and 92% of GIC were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Results New optical absorption bands and/or Raman bands, which were not present in P, L, or D, were observed in the associations. The concentrations of 29% and 50% of GIC showed higher interaction, revealing that the amount of dentin influences the formation of new optical absorption or scattering bands. FTIR bands showed that the setting time to achieve bond stability was longer for the high-viscosity GIC (38±7 min) than for the sample with 29% of GIC (28±4 min). Conclusions The analysis revealed the formation of new compounds or molecular rearrangements resulting from the chemical interactions between GIC and dentin. Moreover, this study provides an effective method to evaluate the dynamics of the setting mechanism of GICs.</p></div