Surface characteristics of aesthetic restorative materials ? an SEM study

To determine the degree of surface roughness of glass-ionomer cements (GICs) and polyacid-modified resin composite (PAMRC) after polishing and immersion in various foodstuffs. Three tooth-coloured restorative materials were used: a PAMRC (F2000), a conventional glass-ionomer cement (CGIC) (Fuji IX) and a resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (RM-GIC) (Fuji II LC). Disk-shaped specimens were prepared and tested with either a plastics matrix finish or after polishing with wet silicon carbide papers up to 2000-grit. All specimens were immersed in 37°C-distilled water for 1 week, followed by three different foodstuffs (red wine, coffee or tea) for a further 2 weeks. Replicas of specimens were prepared by taking polyvinyl siloxane impressions, casting in epoxy resin, gold sputter-coating and examining using a Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope. The polished and matrix finish specimens of F2000 showed many microcracks at low magnification, and eroded surfaces with missing and protruding particles at high magnification in the polished specimens. The surface-polished specimens of Fuji II LC were considerably rougher than the matrix-finish specimens, with large voids and protruding filler particles. The effects of foodstuffs on Fuji II LC and F2000 were not noticeable. The CGIC became noticeably rougher after exposure to coffee and tea. All specimens had the smoothest surface when they were cured against a plastics matrix strip, and all materials had a rougher surface after polishing. None of the foodstuffs produced a perceptible increase in roughness on RM-GIC and PAMRC surfaces, whereas coffee and tea markedly increased the surface roughness of Fuji IX. © 2007 The Authors.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Influence of caries infiltrant contamination on shear bond strength of different adhesives to dentin

OBJECTIVES: To analyze whether the contamination with a caries infiltrant system impairs the adhesive performance of etch-and-rinse and self-etching adhesives on dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentin contamination with the caries infiltrant system (Icon, DMG) was simulated by applying either hydrochloric acid (15 % HCl, Icon Etch, 15 s), the resin infiltrant (Icon infiltrant, 4 min), or both prior to the application of the respective adhesives (each group n = 10). In the control groups, the etch-and-rinse adhesive (Optibond FL, Kerr) and the self-etching adhesive (iBOND Self Etch, Hereaus) were applied without former contamination with the infiltrant system. Additionally, the adhesive performance of the resin infiltrant alone was tested. Shear bond strength of a nano-hybrid composite was analyzed after thermocycling (5,000×, 5-55°C) of the specimens and analyzed by ANOVA/Scheffé post hoc tests (p < 0.05) and Weibull statistics. Failure mode was inspected under a stereomicroscope at × 25 magnification. RESULTS: Contamination with the resin infiltrant alone did not impair shear bond strength, while contamination with hydrochloric acid or with hydrochloric acid and the resin infiltrant reduced shear bond strength (MPa) of the adhesives (Optibond FL: 20.5 ± 3.6, iBOND Self Etch: 17.9 ± 2.6) significantly. Hydrochloric acid contamination increased the number of adhesive failures. The adhesive performance of the caries infiltrant system alone was insufficient. CONCLUSION: The contamination with the caries infiltrant system impaired the shear bond strength of conventional dental adhesives. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Contamination of the caries infiltrant system on dentin should be avoided due to the detrimental effect of hydrochloric acid etching