Rinsing postprocessing procedure of a 3D-printed orthodontic appliance material: Impact of alternative post-rinsing solutions on the roughness,flexural strength and cytotoxicity

ObjectiveThe present study evaluated the effect of different rinsing postprocessing solutions on surface characteristics, flexural strength, and cytotoxicity of an additive manufactured polymer for orthodontic appliances. These solutions have been deemed an alternative to the standard isopropanol which is a flammable liquid, known to have toxic effects.MethodsTested specimens were manufactured using direct light processing of an orthodontic appliance polymer (FREEPRINT® splint 2.0, Detax) and post-processed with different post-rinsing solutions, including isopropanol (IPA), ethanol (EtOH), EASY 3D Cleaner (EYC), Yellow Magic7 (YM7), and RESINAWAY (RAY), respectively. All groups were post-cured following the manufacturer’s instructions. Surface topography and roughness (Ra and Rv) were evaluated. In addition, flexural strength was measured by a three-point bending test. An extract test was performed to evaluate cytotoxicity. The data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's multiple comparisons test (p < 0.05).ResultsVarious post-rinsing solutions did not significantly affect the roughness values (Ra and Rv). Specimens post-processed with EtOH (98.1 ± 12.4 MPa) and EYC (101.1 ± 6.3 MPa) exhibited significantly lower flexural strength compared to the groups of IPA (110.7 ± 5.3 MPa), RAY (112.1 ± 5.6 MPa) and YM7 (117.3 ± 5.9 MPa), respectively. Finally, there were no cytotoxic effects of parts cleaned with different post-rinsing solutions.SignificanceConsidering the use of 3D-printed orthodontic appliance materials, different rinsing postprocessing procedures did not affect surface characteristics. However, the flexural strength was significantly influenced, which could be attributed to the chemical ingredients of the post-rinsing solutions. Various post-rinsing treatments had no alternation concerning cytocompatibility.     

Effect of post-rinsing time on the mechanical strength and cytotoxicity of a 3D printed orthodontic splint material

ObjectiveSince the post-rinsing time is inconsistently recommended, this study aims to investigate the effect of post-rinsing time on the flexural strength and cytotoxicity of an stereolithographically (SLA) printed orthodontic splint material.MethodsSLA-printed specimens were ultrasonically rinsed with isopropanol (IPA) for 5 min, 12 min, 20 min, 30 min, 1 h, and 12 h, respectively. Surface characterization was conducted by scanning electron microscopy and roughness measurements. Flexural strength was evaluated using a three-point bending test. Cytotoxicity was determined by direct contact test and extract test. For both tests, cell viability (live/dead staining) and cell metabolic activity (CCK-8 assay) were evaluated. Additionally, water sorption and water solubility were tested to analyze the mass loss from immersion.ResultsNo apparent surface alterations could be detected on the samples post-rinsed for less than 1 h. In contrast, when the post-rinsing time was prolonged to 12 h, surface fissures could be observed. Flexural strength linearly decreased with increasing post-rinsing time. All post-processed specimens did not show an obvious cytotoxic effect.SignificanceThe removal of cytotoxic methacrylate monomers by post-rinsing with IPA could be achieved in 5 min. Extending post-rinsing time could not improve the cytocompatibility of the SLA-printed orthodontic splint material, and may result in a decrease in flexural strength.     

不同热凝义齿基托树脂对基托表面亲水性及力学性能的影响

目的 研究不同热凝义齿基托树脂对基托表面亲水性及力学性能的影响,以提高义齿基托的表面特性及弯曲特性的新思路和新方法。方法 选择平均分子量及平均粒径不同的4种粉剂：D-100M(甲基丙烯酸甲酯聚合物粉）,聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯聚合(D-250M）,聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯/丙烯酸乙酯共聚物(D-300）,聚甲基丙烯酸乙酯聚合物(D-250E）,作为研究对象,将各组粉剂和4种单体(MMA,i-BMA,EHMA,HEMA）分别配对聚合成15种不同材料的试件,进行周期性浸泡,随后置于恒温干燥箱0、14、30、90、180、360天后,测定表面接触角及弯曲性能。结果 浸泡前各组试件之间的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05）。浸泡后各材料之间的接触角变化显著不同;弯曲强度及弯曲弹性模量的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05）。随着时间推移,甲基丙烯酸甲酯组(MMA）的弯曲强度显著高于其他组(P<0.05）;单体MMA和EHMA+HEMA组浸泡至360天时弯曲强度无显著变化;其余组的样本浸泡至30天后弯曲强度明显上升。结论 适当组成成分的搭配对热凝义齿基托的表面亲水性、弯曲强度及弯曲弹性模量有很大影响,恰当的组合能改进热凝义齿基托的表面特性及力学性能。     

Impact of ZrO2 nanoparticles addition on flexural properties of denture base resin with different thickness

PURPOSEThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating zirconium oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZrO₂) in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base resin on flexural properties at different material thicknesses.MATERIALS AND METHODSHeat polymerized acrylic resin specimens (N = 120) were fabricated and divided into 4 groups according to denture base thickness (2.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm). Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups (n = 10) according to nano-ZrO₂ concentration (0%, 2.5%, and 5%). Flexural strength and elastic modulus were evaluated using a three-point bending test. One-way ANOVA, Tukey''s post hoc, and two-way ANOVA were used for data analysis (α = .05). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for fracture surface analysis and nanoparticles distributions.RESULTSGroups with 0% nano-ZrO₂ showed no significant difference in the flexural strength as thickness decreased (P = .153). The addition of nano-zirconia significantly increased the flexural strength (P < .001). The highest value was with 5% nano-ZrO₂ and 2 mm-thickness (125.4 ± 18.3 MPa), followed by 5% nano-ZrO₂ and 1.5 mm-thickness (110.3 ± 8.5 MPa). Moreover, the effect of various concentration levels on elastic modulus was statistically significant for 2 mm thickness (P = .001), but the combined effect of thickness and concentration on elastic modulus was insignificant (P = .10).CONCLUSIONReinforcement of denture base material with nano-ZrO₂ significantly increased flexural strength and modulus of elasticity. Reducing material thickness did not decrease flexural strength when nano-ZrO₂ was incorporated. In clinical practice, when low thickness of denture base material is indicated, PMMA/nano-ZrO₂ could be used with minimum acceptable thickness of 1.5 mm.     

Objects build orientation,positioning, and curing influence dimensional accuracy and flexural properties of stereolithographically printed resin

Objective

To evaluate the influence of printing parameters on flexural properties and accuracy of SLA-printed standard objects.

不同类型义齿清洁剂对热凝基托树脂物理机械性能的影响

目的：观察不同类型义齿清洁剂对热凝基托树脂物理机械性能的影响。方法：将同样规格的热凝基托树脂试件,按使用说明分别浸泡在 Polident 清洁片或 Steradent 清洁片或0．5％次氯酸钠溶液和蒸馏水中60 h,处理后的试件在万能材料试验机和表面粗糙度测试仪上分别测其弯曲强度、弹性模量（n ＝10）和表面粗糙度（n ＝10）。结果：Polident、Steradent 对热凝基托树脂的弯曲强度和弹性模量的影响与蒸馏水组相比差异无统计学意义（P ＞0．05）,0．5％次氯酸钠组的弯曲强度和弹性模量小于其他组（P ＜0．05）;热凝基托树脂粗糙度4组之间差异无统计学意义（P ＞0．05）。结论：Polident、Steradent 均不影响热凝基托树脂的物理机械性能,0．5％次氯酸钠对热凝基托树脂的粗糙度无影响,而使其弯曲强度及弹性模量有所降低。     

Effect of relining, water storage and cyclic loading on the flexural strength of a denture base acrylic resin

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effect of relining, water storage and cyclic loading on the ultimate flexural strength (FS(U)) and on the flexural strength at the proportional limit (FS(Pl)) of a denture base acrylic resin (Lucitone 550-L). METHODS: Rectangular bars of L were made (64 mm x 10 mm x 2 mm) and relined (1.3mm) with four relining resins (Kooliner-K, Ufi Gel Hard-UGH, Tokuso Rebase Fast-TR and New Truliner-NT). In addition, specimens relined with L and intact L specimens were made (64 mm x 10 mm x 3.3 mm). A three-point flexural test was applied on the specimens (n=10) after (1) polymerization; (2) water storage (30 days); (3) cyclic loading (10,000 cycles at 5 Hz) and (4) water storage (30 days)+cyclic loading. Data (MPa) were analyzed with three-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests (alpha=0.05). To test for a possible correlation between FS(U) and FS(Pl), a linear regression coefficient "r" was calculated. RESULTS: After water storage, L-UGH and L-TR demonstrated an increased FS(U) (41.49-50.64 MPa and 49.95-57.36 MPa, respectively) (P<0.05). Only L-TR demonstrated an increased FS(Pl) (20.58-24.21 MPa) after water storage (P<0.05). L-L had the highest FS(U) (between 78.57 and 85.09 MPa) and FS(Pl) (between 31.30 and 34.17 MPa) (P<0.05). The cyclic loading decreased the FS(U) and FS(Pl) of all materials (P<0.05). Regression analysis showed a strong linear correlation between the two variables (r=0.941). CONCLUSIONS: Water storage improved the FS(U) of L-UGH and L-TR and the FS(Pl) of L-TR. L-L produced the highest FS(U) and FS(Pl). The FS(U) and FS(Pl) of all materials were detrimentally influenced by cyclic loading.     

Influence of surface characteristics on the adhesion of Candida albicans to various denture lining materials

Abstract

Objective. This study evaluated the influence of surface characteristics of various denture lining materials on the adherence of Candida albicans. Materials and methods. Four different types of materials (tissue conditioners, acrylic and silicone soft liners and hard reline materials) were selected. Disk-shaped material specimens were prepared and their surface roughness values (R_a ) measured using a profilometer. The contact angles of four reference liquids were measured on the material surfaces and surface energy parameters (total surface energy, acid and base components, degree of hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity) of the materials were calculated in accordance with acid-base theory. Specimens were incubated with C. albicans and adhering fungi quantified using the colony counting method. Data were statistically analyzed using a one-way ANOVA with Games–Howell post-hoc test (α = 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis was applied to detect correlations between surface characteristics and Candida adhesion. Results. Significant differences in the surface roughness of the materials were found (p < 0.001). The acrylic soft liners were more hydrophilic than the other materials. Overall, the acrylic soft liners and tissue conditioners showed significantly greater Candida adhesion than silicone soft liners and hard reline materials (p < 0.05). The Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the base component and degree of hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of the materials (p = 0.005/0.008), rather than the total surface energy and the surface roughness (p = 0.093/0.057), affected C. albicans adherence in a statistically significant way. Conclusions. The adhesion of C. albicans to denture lining materials can be accounted for in terms of interfacial acid-base interactions.     

Effect of repair methods and materials on the flexural strength of 3D-printed denture base resin

PURPOSEThe aim of this study was to evaluate the flexural strength of a 3D-printed denture base resin (Cosmos Denture), after different immediate repair techniques with surface treatments and thermocycling.MATERIALS AND METHODSRectangular 3D-printed denture base resin (Cosmos Denture) specimens (N = 130) were thermocycled (5,000 cycles, 5℃ and 55℃) before and after the different repair techniques (n = 10 per group) using an autopolymerized acrylic resin (Jet, J) or a hard relining resin (Soft Confort, SC), and different surface treatments: Jet resin monomer for 180 s (MMA), blasting with aluminum oxide (JAT) or erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (L). The control group were intact specimens. A three-point flexural strength test was performed, and data (MPa) were analyzed by ANOVA and Games-Howell post hoc test (α = 0.05). Each failure was observed and classified through stereomicroscope images and the surface treatments were viewed by scanning electron microscope (SEM).RESULTSControl group showed the highest mean of flexural strength, statistically different from the other groups (P < .001), followed by MMA+J group. The groups with L treatment were statistically similar to the MMA groups (P > .05). The JAT+J group was better than the SC and JAT+SC groups (P < .05), but similar to the other groups (P > .05). Adhesive failures were most observed in JAT groups, especially when repaired with SC. The SEM images showed surface changes for all treatments, except JAT alone.CONCLUSIONDenture bases fabricated with 3D-printed resin should be preferably repaired with MMA+J. SC and JAT+SC showed the worst results. Blasting impaired the adhesion of the SC resin.     

Effect of silica coating and silane surface treatment on the bond strength of soft denture liner to denture base material

Objective

This study investigated the effects of different surface treatments on the tensile bond strength of an autopolymerizing silicone denture liner to a denture base material after thermocycling.

Material and Methods

Fifty rectangular heat-polymerized acrylic resin (QC-20) specimens consisting of a set of 2 acrylic blocks were used in the tensile test. Specimens were divided into 5 test groups (n=10) according to the bonding surface treatment as follows: Group A, adhesive treatment (Ufi Gel P adhesive) (control); Group S, sandblasting using 50-µm Al₂O₃; Group SCSIL, silica coating using 30-µm Al₂O₃ modified by silica and silanized with silane agent (CoJet System); Group SCA, silica coating and adhesive application; Group SCSILA, silica coating, silane and adhesive treatment. The 2 PMMA blocks were placed into molds and the soft lining materials (Ufi Gel P) were packed into the space and polymerized. All specimens were thermocycled (5,000 cycles) before the tensile test. Bond strength data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and Duncan tests. Fracture surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (FTIR) analysis were used for the chemical analysis and a profilometer was used for the roughness of the sample surfaces.

Results

The highest bond strength test value was observed for Group A (1.35±0.13); the lowest value was for Group S (0.28±0.07) and Group SCSIL (0.34±0.03). Mixed and cohesive type failures were seen in Group A, SCA and SCSILA. Group S and SCSIL showed the least silicone integrations and the roughest surfaces.

Conclusion

Sandblasting, silica coating and silane surface treatments of the denture base resin did not increase the bond strength of the silicone based soft liner. However, in this study, the chemical analysis and surface profilometer provided interesting insights about the bonding mechanism between the denture base resin and silicone soft liner.     

Effect of silicon dioxide nanoparticles on the flexural strength of heat-polymerized acrylic denture base material: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the influence of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles on the flexural strength of heat-polymerized denture base materials.BackgroundNanoparticles have been incorporated into the denture base materials in different proportions to enhance the mechanical properties. Recently, the incorporation of SiO₂ nanoparticles at low concentrations has shown promising outcomes.Materials and MethodsFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol, this study was designed with the following focused question: “Does the addition of SiO₂ nanoparticles improve the flexural strength of heat-polymerized acrylic resins?” The inclusion criteria included in-vitro studies that assessed the flexural strength of SiO₂ nanoparticle-reinforced heat-polymerized acrylic denture base resins tested according to American Dental Association specifications. The database search involved articles published from 2005 to 2020 on PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus using the following keywords: SiO₂, nanosilica, silica oxide, nanoparticles, denture base resin, acrylic resin, polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA, flexural strength, and mechanical properties.ResultsAmong 167 studies, five papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were added for the data analysis and meta-analysis. Proportions of incorporated SiO₂ nanoparticles ranged from 0.25% to 15% and the reported flexural strength values for the reinforced acrylic resin ranged from 41.25 MPa to 124.56 MPa. The meta-analysis revealed no significant effect on the flexural strength between the unmodified and the SiO₂ nanoparticle-reinforced acrylic resin.ConclusionTherefore, No particular concentration of SiO₂ nanoparticles could be recommended for heat-polymerized denture base reinforcement.     

喷砂结合化学处理对软衬材料粘结效果的影响

[摘要]目的：研究喷砂结合化学处理对硅橡胶软衬材料与基托树脂间粘结强度及基托树脂挠曲强度的影响。方法：制备48块30mm×10mm×7．5mm热凝聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯树脂块,每2个树脂块配成一个试件,24个试件随机分为4组,每组6个试件,即：（1）喷砂组：喷嘴与试件轻接触,采用250txm的氧化铝,在0．62MPa压力下喷砂30S;（2）喷砂＋丙酮组：粘结面喷砂处理同前,喷砂后的粘结面浸泡在丙酮溶液中30S;（3）喷砂＋甲基丙烯酸甲酯单体组（后简称单体）：粘结面喷砂处理同上,喷砂后的树脂块粘结面浸泡在甲基丙烯酸甲酯溶液中180S;（4）对照组：表面不处理。每个试件的两树脂块间衬以3mm厚的软衬材料,冷热循环5000次后,置于万能测试机上,以5mm／min的加载速度测试其拉伸粘结强度。另制备24块65mm×10mm×3．3mm长方体树脂块,分组及表面处理同前,涂布软衬材料粘结剂后测试挠曲强度。结果：喷砂组、喷砂＋丙酮组、喷砂＋甲基丙烯酸甲酯组及对照组试件的拉伸粘结强度分别为（1．31±0．45）MPa、（1．75±0．34）MPa、（1．96±0．50）MPa及（0．90±0．17）MPa。喷砂组与对照组间差别无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。喷砂＋丙酮组及喷砂＋单体组的拉伸粘结强度与对照组相比有统计学差异（P〈0．05）;喷砂＋丙酮组与喷砂＋单体组组间比较无统计学差异;四组间挠曲强度均无统计学差异（P〉0．05）。结论：喷砂结合化学处理树脂表面能增强硅橡胶软衬材料与基托树脂间的粘结强度,且对基托树脂挠曲强度没有影响。     

Influence of orthodontic brackets design and surface properties on the cariogenic Streptococcus mutans adhesion

ObjectiveTo compare the surface properties of self-ligating metallic (SLM), ceramic esthetic, and conventional metallic (CM) brackets, and evaluate the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans biofilms to their surface, attempting to interpret the correlation between bracket type and enamel demineralization from a microbiological perspective.Materials and methodsTwenty-two brackets of each group were used. The brackets’ surface roughness was defined and the bacterial adhesion was performed using the strain S. mutans ATCC25175 with 8 h or 24 h of incubation time. The total bacterial adhesion (TBA) of biofilms was assessed using optical density (OD) methodology. To quantify bacteria viability (BV), the colony forming units (CFU) were counted. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of biofilms was also performed. Results: Ceramic brackets exhibited significantly higher roughness (0.304) compared to CM (0.090) and SLM (0.067) ones (C > CM = SLM). The data obtained with the TBA and BV tests showed that S. mutans biofilm formed on bracket groups exhibited similar results for both incubation periods. From the SEM images it is possible to observe that biofilm structure formed for 24 h was denser than that for 8 h of incubation with significantly more aggregates and cells for three groups.ConclusionThis in vitro study suggests that despite the higher surface roughness of ceramic brackets, this alone does not influence the adhesion of the S. mutans biofilms.Clinical relevanceFrom a microbiological perspective, the bracket's design may be more relevant than its surface roughness with respect to the adhesion of cariogenic bacteria biofilm with potential risk to dental enamel integrity.     

Effect of silica coating and laser treatment on the flexural strength,surface characteristics,and bond strength of a dental zirconia

This study investigated the effect of irradiation with an erbium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser and coating with silica on the surface characteristics, bond strength, and flexural strength of dental zirconia. Three hundred and forty‐three standard zirconia specimens were created, and 49 were assigned to each of seven surface treatment groups: (i) no treatment; Er:YAG laser (80 mJ/2 Hz) with pulse widths of 50 μs (ii), 100 μs (iii), 300 μs (iv), or 600 μs (v); or tribochemical silica coating at the partially sintered stage (vi) or after sintering was complete (vii). All specimens were sintered after the surface treatments, except for the group in which specimens were sintered before treatment. The study outcomes were roughness, surface loss, microshear bond strength (μSBS), and biaxial flexural strength (BFS). Mean roughness and surface loss values were significantly higher in specimens from irradiated groups than in those from silica‐coated groups. Regarding μSBS, after aging, specimens from all experimental groups presented very low and similar μSBS values, irrespective of the surface treatment. Silica coating after sintering yielded the highest BFS (1149.5 ± 167.6 MPa), while coating partially sintered specimens with silica resulted a BFS (826.9 ± 60.9 MPa) similar to that of the untreated control group (794.9 ± 101.7 MPa). Laser treatments, irrespective of pulse width used, significantly decreased the BFS. In the group treated with laser at 300 μs pulse width, specimens exhibited the lowest BFS value (514.1 ± 71.5 MPa). Adhesion to zirconia was not stable after aging, regardless of the surface treatment implemented.     

The effect of two fibre impregnation methods on the cytotoxicity of a glass and carbon fibre-reinforced acrylic resin denture base material on oral epithelial cells and fibroblasts

Acrylic resin dentures may have cytotoxic effects on oral soft tissues. However, there is sparse data about the cytotoxic effect of fibre-reinforced acrylic resin denture base materials. The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of two fibre impregnation methods on the cytotoxicity of a glass and carbon fibre-reinforced heat-polymerized acrylic resin denture base material on oral epithelial cells and fibroblasts. One hundred acrylic resin discs were assigned to five experimental groups (n = 20). One of the groups did not include any fibre. Two groups consisted of silane and monomer treated glass fibres (Vetrolex) impregnated into acrylic resin (QC-20) discs. The other two groups consisted of silane and monomer treated carbon fibres (Type Tenox J, HTA). Untreated cell culture was used as positive control. The human oral epithelial cell line and buccal fibroblast cultures were exposed to test specimens. The cytotoxicity of the test materials was determined by succinic dehydrogenase activity (MTT method) after 24 and 72 h exposures. Data were analysed with a statistical software program (SPSSFW, 9.0). A one-way analysis of variance (anova) test and Bonferroni test were used for the comparisons between the groups. All statistical tests were performed at the 0.95 confidence level (P < 0.05). After 24 and 72 h incubation, cell viability percentages of all experimental groups showed significant decrease according to the positive control cell culture. Fibroblastic cell viability percentages of silane and monomer treated fibre-reinforced groups were lower than the unreinforced group. Cell viability of monomer-treated groups displayed the lowest percentages. Elapsed incubation time decreased epithelial cell viability in silane-treated groups. Fibroblastic cell viability was not influenced by elapsed time except the unreinforced group.     

Pressed ceramics onto zirconia. Part 1: Comparison of crystalline phases present, adhesion to a zirconia system and flexural strength

Objectives

To compare the crystalline phases present, quantify the adhesion to zirconia and measure the mechanical properties of four commercially available pressed ceramics suitable for zirconia substructures.Materials and methods This study compares the X-ray diffraction response and the mechanical properties of four different pressed ceramics (Noritake CZR Press, Vita PM9, Wieland PressXzr and IPS e.max ZirPress) to Vita In-Ceram YZ zirconia substrate. The adhesion was determined using the interfacial strain energy release rate fracture mechanics approach; in addition biaxial flexural strength values of each material was determined.

Results

X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that Noritake CZR Press and Vita PM9 contain leucite whereas IPS e.max ZirPress and Wieland PressXzr are non-leucite amorphous materials.The strain energy release rate results revealed that the pressed ceramics with leucite have better adhesion than non-leucite ceramics to zirconia. Differences were observed between biaxial strength results for the pressed ceramics from bilayer compared with monolayer specimens.

Conclusions

Pressed ceramics compatible with zirconia tested in this study were of two types; leucite containing and non-leucite containing essentially glass ceramics. Leucite containing pressable ceramics appears to have better adhesion to zirconia.     

An in vitro study into the effect of a limited range of denture cleaners on surface roughness and removal of Candida albicans from conventional heat-cured acrylic resin denture base material

This study evaluated the abrasiveness of four denture cleaners on the surface of denture base material and assessed their ability to remove Candida albicans. Acrylic resin discs 20 mm diameter and 2 mm thick were identically produced and polished. Four cleaners were evaluated: conventional toothpaste; toothpaste with stain remover; denture cleaning paste and an immersion type cleaner, and water were used as control. These were used at dilutions of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 with water. An electric toothbrush was used, and the discs cleaned to simulate 1 years' cleaning. The surface roughness of the discs were then measured, before and after cleaning, using a stylus profilometer, then inoculated with 1.2 x 10(6)C. albicans cells. The effectiveness of the denture cleaners to remove C. albicans cells was assessed following a single cleaning event. The immersion cleaner was significantly less abrasive than paste cleaners (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between any dilutions for any cleaner used (P > 0.05). Immersion and paste cleaners removed almost all recoverable C. albicans from the discs, as cleaning with water alone was less effective (P < 0.05). An immersion type cleaner was found to be the most suitable cleaner because of its low abrasivity and effective removal of organic debris.     

Effects of thickness,processing technique,and cooling rate protocol on the flexural strength of a bilayer ceramic system

Objective

To determine whether the thickness, processing technique, and cooling protocol of veneer ceramic influence the flexural strength of a bilayer ceramic system.

Materials and methods

Sixty-four bar-shaped specimens (20 mm × 4 mm × 1 mm) of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Vita In-Ceram YZ, Vita) were fabricated (ISO 6872) and randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 8) according to the factors “processing technique” (P – PM9 and V – VM9), “thickness” (1 mm and 3 mm), and “cooling protocol” (S – slow and F – fast). The veneer ceramics were applied only over one side of the bar-shaped specimens. All specimens were mechanically cycled (2 × 10⁶ cycles, 84 N, 3.4 Hz, in water), with the veneer ceramic under tension. Then, the specimens were tested in 4-point bending (1 mm/min, load 100 kgf, in water), also with the veneer ceramic under tension, and the maximum load was recorded at first sign of fracture. The flexural strength (σ) was calculated, and the mode of failure was determined by stereomicroscopy (30×). The data (MPa) were analyzed statistically by 3-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

Results

ANOVA revealed that the factor “thickness” (p = 0.0001) was statistically significant, unlike the factors “processing technique” (p = 0.6025) and “cooling protocol” (p = 0.4199). The predominant mode of failure was cracking.

Significance

The thickness of the veneer ceramic has an influence on the mechanical strength of the bilayer ceramic system, regardless of processing technique and cooling protocol of the veneer ceramic.     

Effects of aging procedures on the topographic surface,structural stability,and mechanical strength of a ZrO2-based dental ceramic

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of different aging methods on the degradation and flexural strength of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP)MethodsSixty disc-shaped specimens (∅, 12 mm; thickness, 1.6 mm) of zirconia (Vita InCeram 2000 YZ Cubes, VITA Zahnfabrik) were prepared (ISO 6872) and randomly divided into five groups, according to the aging procedures (n = 10): (C) control; (M) mechanical cycling (15,000,000 cycles/3.8 Hz/200 N); (T) thermal cycling (6,000 cycles/5–55 °C/30 s); (TM) thermomechanical cycling (1,200,000 cycles/3.8 Hz/200 N with temperature range from 5 °C to 55 °C for 60 s each); (AUT) 12 h in autoclave at 134 °C/2 bars; and (STO) storage in distilled water (37 °C/400 days). After the aging procedures, the monoclinic phase percentages were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and topographic surface analysis was performed by 3D profilometry. The specimens were then subjected to biaxial flexure testing (1 mm/min, load 100 kgf, in water). The biaxial flexural strength data (MPa) were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). The data for monoclinic phase percentage and profilometry (Ra) were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's tests.ResultsANOVA revealed that flexural strength was affected by the aging procedures (p = 0.002). The M (781.6 MPa) and TM (771.3 MPa) groups presented lower values of flexural strength than did C (955 MPa), AUT (955.8 MPa), T (960.8 MPa) and STO (910.4 MPa). The monoclinic phase percentage was significantly higher only for STO (12.22%) and AUT (29.97%) when compared with that of the control group (Kruskal–Wallis test, p = 0.004). In addition, the surface roughnesses were similar among the groups (p = 0.165).SignificanceWater storage for 400 days and autoclave aging procedures induced higher phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic; however, they did not affect the flexural strength of Y-TZP ceramic, which decreased only after mechanical and thermomechanical cycling.