Confocal Laser Microscopic Analysis of Biofilm on Newer Feldspar Ceramic

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Purpose: This study evaluated the surface roughness, hydrophobicity and in situ dental biofilm associated with microfilled feldspar ceramics submitted to the different finishing and polishing procedures. Methods and Materials: Samples were made according to the manufacturer's instructions and allocated to groups as follows: glaze (G1); glaze and diamond bur (G2); glaze, diamond bur and rubber tips (G3) and glaze, diamond bur, rubber tips and felt disks impregnated with a fine-aluminum oxide particle based paste (G4). Roughness was evaluated with a roughness analyzer (R-a). Hydrophobicity was determined by the contact angle of deionized water on samples. Biofilm was evaluated eight hours after formation in the oral environment using confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning-electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Significant differences were found related to roughness (G1<G4<G3<G2). G1 presented the highest hydrophobicity. G1 and G4 presented the lowest mean thickness and biovolume of biofilm when compared to G2 and G3, both of which were similar. Isolated cocci were verified in G1 and G4 using SEM, while G2 and G3 presented bacteria aggregates. Conclusion: Polishing with rubber points followed by felt disks impregnated with a fine-aluminum oxide particle resulted in biofilm formation similar to that present with a glazed ceramic surface, even though the surface is still rougher and more hydrophobic.3614351Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Clinical longevity of ceramic laminate veneers bonded to teeth with and without existing composite restorations up to 40 months

<p>This study evaluated the survival rate of ceramic laminate veneers bonded to teeth with and without existing composite restorations (ECR).</p><p>Twenty patients (mean age: 49.7 years) received 92 feldspathic ceramic laminate veneers (Shofu Vintage AL) on the maxillary teeth (intact teeth: n = 26; teeth with ECR: n = 66). Preparations with incisal overlap were made, and ECR of good quality were not removed but conditioned using silica coating (CoJet) and silanization (ESPE-Sil). Enamel and dentin were etched with 38 % H3PO4 for 15-30 s and rinsed 30 s; adhesive resin (Excite) was applied, and laminate veneers were then cemented (Variolink Veneer). Restorations were evaluated at baseline and thereafter every 6 months using modified United States Public Health Service criteria.</p><p>Mean observation period was 21.6 months. Overall, five absolute failures were encountered (fractures: n = 3; chipping: n = 1; debonding: n = 1), resulting in a survival rate of 94.6 % (Kaplan-Meier). Survival rates of the laminates bonded to teeth without (96 %) and with ECR (93.5 %) did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). Slight marginal defects (16 of 87 laminates) and slight marginal discoloration at the margins were noted (12 of 87 laminates) until the final recall. Secondary caries and endodontic complications were not detected in any of the teeth.</p><p>The clinical survival of ceramic laminate veneers up to 40 months was not significantly influenced when they were bonded onto intact teeth or onto teeth with ECR.</p><p>When no caries is present, it may not be necessary to replace existing composite restorations prior to cementation of ceramic laminate veneers.</p>