Effect of home-use bleaching gels on fluoride releasing restorative materials

To evaluate the effects of two home-use bleaching gels (Nite-White and Contrast PM) on the surface roughness of one high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (Fuji IX GP), four polyacid-modified resin-based composites (Dyract AP, F2000, Elan and Compoglass F), two resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (Vitremer and Fuji II LC), a microfilled fluoride-releasing resin-based composite (Tetric) and a microfilled non-fluoridated resin-based composite (Valux) were used as controls. The null hypotheses tested were: (1) the use of bleaching gels would not result in surface roughness values different from those obtained at baseline; (2) differences in the amount of carbamide peroxide present in the gels would not influence surface roughness. Thirty specimen disks (the first 10 used for controls and the balance divided randomly into two groups) were made for each material according to the manufacturers' instructions. Finishing and polishing of the test and control specimens was performed after 24 hours using a sequential series of three (medium, fine and superfine) Sof-Lex disks, keeping the restoration surface wet. For every sequence, 10 strokes were made in one direction using a low-speed handpiece. Ultrasonic cleaning of the polished specimens was performed for two minutes in distilled water to remove any surface debris. Prior to bleaching treatment, the specimens were stored in 37 degrees C deionized water for 24 hours. The specimens were exposed to the bleaching gels for a period that simulated the equivalent of 15 days (eight hours/day) under bleaching treatment. The average surface roughness (Ra) of the control and treated specimens was measured. Three separate Ra measurements along the direction of rotation of the finishing and perpendicular to the finishing direction and edge of the mold were made for each specimen surface. After treatment with bleaching gels, there was an increase in surface roughness for F2000, Dyract AP, Elan, Valux and Tetric, while Fuji IX, Fuji II LC, Vitremer and Compoglass F displayed decreased surface roughness values, suggesting that the effects of the gels appear to be material-dependent. Although Contrast PM contains 5% more carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient, the second null hypothesis was rejected for Fuji IX, Vitremer, Dyract AP, Compoglass F, Elan and Valux.     

Effects of APF gel on the physical structure of compomers and glass ionomer cements

This study assessed the effect of an acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel on the surfaces of eight modern esthetic restorative materials. Five specimens each of three high powder: liquid ratio conventional glass ionomer cements (ChemFlex, Fuji IX GP, Ionofil Molar), four polyacid-modified resin composites (compomers) (Compoglass F, Dyract AP, Freedom, F2000) and an alkaline glass filled resin composite (Ariston pHc) were prepared and immersed at 37 degrees C in 2 mL of artificial saliva for six weeks. The aged specimens were then coated with 1.23% APF gel for four minutes, rinsed and again immersed in artificial saliva for another six weeks. The immersed, fresh specimens for each material were then examined with SEM and surface profilometry. After APF gel application, mean surface roughness (Ra) measurements and SEMs showed that roughness increased significantly, generally from the resin composite and compomers to the conventional glass ionomer cements (p < 0.05).     

Surface roughness and weight loss of esthetic restorative materials related to fluoride release and uptake.

The objective of this study was to assess the surface roughness of eight esthetic restorative materials and the relationship with weight changes during fluoride release and uptake. Five specimens each of ChemFil Superior, Fuji IX Dyract, Fuji II LC, Vitremer, Photac-Fil, Ketac-Silver, and Z100 (control) were prepared and immersed in 2 ml of artificial saliva at 37 degrees C. The changes in specimen weight and fluoride release were monitored for 12 weeks. This protocol was repeated after recharging the specimens with 1.23% APF gel for 12 more weeks. The immersed and fresh specimens for each material were then examined with SEM and surface profilometry. There was a significant weight loss for all glass ionomer cements following APF gel application (P < 0.01), which correlated with fluoride release (r = 0.89-0.98). Mean roughness (Ra) measurements and SEM showed that roughness increased from the resin composite to the conventional glass ionomer cements. The marked erosive effect of APF gel on glass ionomer restorations could increase surface colonization by plaque micro-organisms, and reduce the longevity of the restorations.     

Surface roughness assessment of resin-based materials during brushing preceded by pH-cycling simulations.

This study evaluated the surface roughness pattern of resin-based restorative materials during brushing preceded by a regimen that simulated a dynamic pH-cycling. Restoratives included two resin composites (Renamel Microfill and Charisma), two polyacid-modified composite resins (Compoglass-F and Dyract AP) and one resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Fuji II LC Improved). Twenty standardized cylindrical specimens of each material were prepared according to a randomized complete block design. After finishing and polishing, the average surface roughness (Ra) and profile-length ratio (LR) of the specimens were determined. The experimental units were subjected to a pH-cycling regimen, and then to 10,000 brushing strokes. New readings of both the Ra and LR parameters were obtained. The same protocol of pH-cycling, brushing simulation and surface roughness measurements were repeated 10 times. Data was analyzed using ANOVA according to split-plot design and Tukey's test. Results showed the pH-cycling followed by 10,000 brushing strokes provided a remarkable increase in Ra for all restorative materials except for Renamel. Throughout the brushing simulation, Renamel, Charisma, Compoglass-F and Dyract AP showed steady textures, whereas Fuji II LC Improved exhibited a progressive increase in surface roughness. Among the materials tested, Renamel presented the smoothest surface, followed by Charisma and Compoglass-F, which did not differ from each other except at the baseline. Dyract AP was different from both these materials except at the baseline. Fuji II LC Improved had the roughest surface texture.     

In vitro fluoride release from aesthetic restorative materials following recharging with APF gel

In this in vitro study, the fluoride ion release from three more-viscous conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs)--ChemFlex, Fuji IX GP, Ionofil Molar--four polyacid-modified resin composites (compomers)--Dyract AP, Compoglass F, Freedom, F2000--and a hybrid resin composite--Ariston pHc--were compared. The amounts of fluoride release from 3 x 2.7 mm specimens were measured over six weeks using a fluoride ion-selective electrode. After six weeks, the specimens were recharged with 2 ml of 1.23 per cent acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel for four minutes. The recharged specimens were then assessed for the amounts of fluoride release over another six weeks. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way and repeated measures ANOVA. The GICs and Compoglass F showed significantly higher initial fluoride release rates during the first two days (p < 0.05). After the first two days, fluoride release rates from all materials dropped quickly and became essentially stabilized within three-five weeks, in an exponential mode. The recharging of the specimens with APF gel caused a brief, but significant, increase in fluoride release for all materials (p < 0.05), before decreasing to previous comparable rates. Compoglass F released relatively more fluoride, and Ariston pHc relatively less, after APF gel application than before. The lowest total amounts over the study were released by Dyract AP and Freedom. The newer compomers, as well as the newer more-viscous GICs, appear to act as fluoride reservoirs to varying extents.     

Evaluation of weight loss and surface roughness of compomers after simulated toothbrushing abrasion test

This study aimed at analyzing the compomers wear by an "in vitro" toothbrushing abrasion test. The null hypotheses tested were that there would be no differences in weight loss and no significant changes in surface roughness of the compomers after this test. The utilized commercial brands were Dyract (Dentsply), Dyract AP (Dentsply), Compoglass F (Vivadent), Freedom (SDI), F2000 (3M ESPE), which were compared to the two resin composites Z100 (3M ESPE) and Silux Plus (3M ESPE). Ten cylindrical specimens for each commercial brand were prepared with 5mm diameter and 3mm thickness. An appropriate machine with soft bristle tips containing dentifrice solution and deionized water was used. A total of 100,000 brushing cycles were performed. The amount of weight loss was measured by the percentage alteration between the initial (before toothbrushing) and final weight (after toothbrushing), measured by a Sartorius analytical balance. The surface roughness change was determined by the percentage difference between initial and final means after 5 tracings by a T 1000 Hommel Tester roughness meter on the specimen's surfaces before and after toothbrushing abrasion test. The statistical analysis (Students paired t-test, ANOVA and Tukey, á=0.05) showed that all materials presented statistically significant weight loss and roughness increase after abrasion test. All compomers presented higher weight loss than resin composites. Freedom and Dyract AP presented the lowest weight loss among compomers. F2000 presented the worst abrasion resistance, without statistical differences with Dyract. For roughness changes, Dyract, Dyract AP, Z100, Compoglass F and Silux Plus showed the lowest surface roughness alteration, in increasing order, without statistical differences between them. Freedom was the statistically roughest material of the study.     

Mechanical properties of compomer restorative materials.

The purpose of this study was to measure the compressive strength, flexural strength, microhardness, and surface roughness of three compomers (Compoglass, Dyract, and Hytac) and compare the values to the ones obtained for a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (Vitremer) and a resin composite (Z100). All materials were handled according to the manufacturers' instructions. There was a significant difference (P < 0.01) among Vitremer, Hytac and Z100 composite with regard to yield strength. Vitremer values were lower than for Hytac, which were lower than for Z100. The yield strength values for Compoglass and Dyract were significantly lower than for Hytac and Z100 composite and significantly higher than for Vitremer (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the strain at yield among Vitremer, Hytac, and Z100, but their values were significantly higher than for Compoglass and Dyract (P < 0.01). The flexural strength data displayed a significant difference between Vitremer and Hytac (P < 0.05). Z100 was significantly stronger than the other products tested. The values of strain at break for Vitremer, Hytac, and Z100 were significantly lower than for Compoglass and Dyract (P < 0.01). The compressive strength results showed significantly higher values for Dyract, Compoglass, and Hytac than for Vitremer (P < 0.01). Z100 displayed higher values than the other products tested (P < 0.01). Hytac strength was significantly higher than for Dyract (P < 0.01). The microhardness of Compoglass and Dyract was not significantly different (P < 0.05). Hytac displayed microhardness values higher than for Vitremer, Compoglass, and Dyract (P < 0.01). However, all products tested showed values significantly lower than for Z100 (P < 0.01). The surface roughness values for Compoglass, Dyract, Hytac, and Z100 were not significantly different. Vitremer displayed a significantly higher value than Dyract, Hytac, and Z100 (P < 0.05).     

Fluoride release, weight loss and erosive wear of modern aesthetic restoratives.

OBJECTIVE: In this investigation, the in vitro sustained fluoride release, weight loss and erosive wear of three conventional glass ionomer cements (Fuji IX, ChemFil Superior, Ketac-Silver), three resin-modified glass ionomer cements (Fuji II LC, Vitremer, Photac-Fil), a polyacid-modified resin composite (Dyract), and a resin composite control material (Z100) were compared. METHODS: The amounts of fluoride released and weight changes were measured for 12 weeks using a fluoride electrode with TISAB III buffer. After 12 weeks, the specimens were recharged with fluoride using 2 mL of 1.23% APF gel. The recharged specimens were assessed for the amounts of fluoride released and weight changes over another 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the specimens were examined with SEM and surface profilometry. RESULTS: All materials, with the exception of Z100, showed the highest initial fluoride release rates during the first 2 days, dropping quickly over 2 weeks and becoming largely stabilised after 5 weeks, in an exponential mode. The recharging of the specimens with APF gel caused a large increase in the amounts of fluoride released during the first 2 days only. Analyses for all cements showed strong correlations between mean weight loss and cumulative fluoride release over a 5-week period following the application of the APF gel. SEM and surface profilometry found that roughness increased from the polyacid-modified resin composite to the conventional glass ionomer cements. CONCLUSIONS: APF gel caused erosive wear of the glass ionomer cements especially, and the wear correlated well with the weight losses. To minimise surface erosion, APF gel should not be used on these cements, especially as the recharging effects are transitory.     

Comparison of the effect of topical fluorides on the commercially available conventional glass ionomers, resin modified glass ionomers and polyacid modified composite resins--an in vitro study

This study was undertaken to assess the effect of a single application of three professionally applied topical fluoride agents (Sodium fluoride 2%, Stannous fluoride 8% and APF 1.23%) on the surfaces of six modern esthetic restorative materials used in pediatric dentistry viz., two conventional glass ionomers (Fuji II and Shofu-restorative), two resin modified glass ionomers (Vitremer, with and without glaze, and Photac-fil Quick) and two Polyacid modified composite resins (Luxat and Hytac Aplitip). Mean surface roughness and surface micro hardness (SMH) measurements were the parameters employed for comparison. Results showed that APF gel applications significantly increased the surface roughness measurements and decreased SMH of all tested materials, which was pronounced in conventional glass ionomers when compared with resin modified glass ionomers and polyacid modified composite resins. NaF and SnF2 produced a statistically significant increase in the surface roughness of conventional glass ionomers without any significant change in surface roughness and SMH on rest of the materials tested, except for NaF on SMH values of Fuji II, which was statistically significant.     

Fluoride release/recharge from restorative materials--effect of fluoride gels and time

This study examined the differences in fluoride release and recharge among four restorative materials following treatment with APF or neutral fluoride gel for one or four minutes. Specimens were immersed in 2 mL of deionized water, while fluoride release was measured at 24-hour intervals for 15 days using an ion-selective electrode and analyzer. The materials were then treated with the fluoride gels. The fluoride release was measured for 15 days. ANOVA (p<0.05) showed higher fluoride release for Ketac-Fil before fluoride application and for Vitremer and Fuji II LC after application of APF gel. APF gel yielded higher fluoride release when compared to neutral gel, regardless of the material. Fluoride recharge and release was greater after the four-minute APF gel application, with no difference between the times of application for the neutral gel (p>0.05), except for Ketac-Fil. The pattern of release before and after application of the gels was similar and was higher at day 16 compared to day one for the APF gel for resin materials, with higher release at day 15 compared to the initial for Fuji II LC and Vitremer. It was concluded that RM-GICs were the most effective materials with regards to fluoride release after application of APF gel for four minutes.     

Comparison of wear-resistance of Class V restorative materials.

Compomers and resin-modified glass ionomers have been developed to improve the physical properties of traditional glass ionomer cements. This project compared the toothbrush wear-resistance of three compomers (Compoglass, Dyract, Hytac) and three resin-modified glass ionomer restorative materials (Fuji II LC, Photac-Fil, Vitremer) to that of two resin-based composites (Herculite XRV, Silux Plus). Specimens (n = 7) were prepared according to manufacturers' instructions and stored in a humidor for 48 hours prior to testing. The specimens were subjected to 120,000 strokes at 1.5 Hz, using a brush-head force of 200 g on a Manly V-8 cross-brushing machine. The slurry contained a 50:50 (w/w) mixture of toothpaste and deionized water. Abrasion-resistance was calculated by measuring specimen mass-loss prior to and subsequent to brushing. The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test. Significant differences (p < .0001) in mass-loss were found, and loss ranged from 0.013 +/- 0.003 g (Hytac) to 0.061 +/- 0.009 g (Compoglass). No correlation (p = .959) between wear-resistance and experimentally determined filler content existed. This study showed that all but one hybrid resin-ionomer type material exhibited a resistance to toothbrush wear that was as good as or better than that of the two traditional resin-based composite materials.     

Comparison of Wear-Resistance of Class V Restorative Materials

ABSTRACT: Compomers and resin-modified glass ionomers have been developed to improve the physical properties of traditional glass ionomer cements. This project compared the toothbrush wear-resistance of three compomers (Compoglass, Dyract, Hytac) and three resin-modified glass ionomer restorative materials (Fuji II LC, Photac-Fil, Vitremer) to that of two resin-based composites (Herculite XRV, Silux Plus). Specimens (n = 7) were prepared according to manufacturers' instructions and stored in a humidor for 48 hours prior to testing. The specimens were subjected to 120,000 strokes at 1.5 Hz, using a brush-head force of 200 g on a Manly V-8 cross-brushing machine. The slurry contained a 50:50 (w/w) mixture of toothpaste and deionized water. Abrasion-resistance was calculated by measuring specimen mass-loss prior to and subsequent to brushing. The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test. Significant differences ( p ±.0001) in mass-loss were found, and loss ranged from 0.013 ± 0.003 g (Hytac) to 0.061 ± 0.009 g (Compoglass). No correlation ( p = .959) between wear-resistance and experimentally determined filler content existed. This study showed that all but one hybrid resin-ionomer type material exhibited a resistance to toothbrush wear that was as good as or better than that of the two traditional resin-based composite materials.     

Influence of different adhesive restorative materials on mutans streptococci colonization

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of some restorative materials on mutans streptococci colonization. METHODS: Awild strain of mutans streptococci was isolated from human dental plaque and a monospecific biofilm adherent to the surfaces of 12 adhesive restorative materials (F2000, Dyract AP, Compoglass F, Z100 MP, Filtek Z250, Clearfil, Ketac-Bond, Ketac-Fil Plus, Ketac-Molar, Fuji Cap II, Fuji Bond LC and Fuji II LC) were tested. A colorimetric technique (MTT assay), based on the reduction of a yellow tetrazolium salt to a purple formazan, was used to evaluate the biomass adherent to the disk surfaces after a 24-hour growth. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA showed that glass-ionomer cements (Fuji Cap II, Ketac-Bond, Ketac-Fil and Ketac-Molar) had similar antibacterial effects on mutans streptococci and were significantly more effective (P < 0.001) than all other products tested in reducing the biofilm development on their surfaces. The compomers (Dyract, Compoglass F and F 2000) showed a significantly higher value of bacterial colonization than all the other materials (P < 0.001).     

Fluoride release and antibacterial properties of new-generation tooth-colored restoratives

The aim of this study was to compare the amounts and pattern of fluoride release and antibacterial properties of new-generation restoratives over a 35-day period. Materials evaluated included fluoride-releasing composites (Tetric, Experimental X), compomers (Dyract, Compoglass), and a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (Fuji II LC). A conventional glass ionomer (Fuji II Cap) was used as a control for fluoride-release testing. Five samples of each restorative material were evaluated for daily fluoride release over a 35-day period by means of ion chromatography. Ranking of materials from least to greatest total fluoride release over 35 days was as follows: Tetric < Experimental X < Dyract < Fuji II LC < Compoglass < Fuji II Cap. Fuji II Cap had significantly greater fluoride release than all other materials evaluated. Fuji II Cap, Fuji II LC, and Compoglass had similar patterns of fluoride release characterized by a high initial release that was many times that released later. The fluoride-releasing composites evaluated stopped releasing fluoride by day 14. Antibacterial testing was conducted using the agar diffusion inhibitory test. Five samples of each restorative were assessed at baseline and weekly intervals up to 35 days. The microorganisms used were Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sobrinus. IRM, a zinc oxide/eugenol cement, was used as the baseline control. None of the restorative materials evaluated affected the growth of L casei, S sobrinus, or S mutans at all time periods including baseline, where fluoride was detected in the agar beneath the specimen disks. There was no correlation noted between fluoride-release potential and antibacterial properties.     

Effect of resin-based material combination on the compressive and the flexural strength

The mechanical properties, elasticity and compressive strength, of restorative materials play a crucial role during mastication for clinical performance of materials in particular stress bearing areas at posterior regions. This in vitro study was objected to evaluate the changes in the compressive and flexural strength of tooth-coloured resin-based dental restorations placed on flowable composites. Specimens in the control group were produced in cylindrical form for testing compressive strength and in quadrangular prism form for flexural strength test. Tetric Ceram, Charisma, Surefil, Admira and two compomers; Dyract AP and Compoglass F in test group specimens were fabricated by placing the control materials on different flowables. The material combinations were as follows: Tetric Ceram/Tetric Flow Charisma/Flowline, Surefil/Dyract Flow, Admira/Admira Flow, Dyract AP/Dyract Flow, Compoglass F/Compoglass Flow. Compressive strength values were measured at the Instron Testing Machine with a cross-head speed of 10 mm min(-1) while flexural strength were determined in three-point bending with a cross-head speed of 1 mm min(-1). One-way anova and Tukey's multiple comparison tests were performed for the statistical analysis. The flexural strength values of Tetric Ceram/Tetric Flow (135.9 +/- 3.2), Charisma/Flowline (120.4 +/- 5.6) and Compoglass F/Compoglass Flow (108.2 +/- 5.2) combinations were statistically greater than Tetric Ceram (110.8 +/- 10.5), Charisma (95.3 +/- 5.3) and Compoglass F (86.9 +/- 4.9). The results of the present study support the idea that the placement of flowable composite as a liner under the resin-based composite restoratives increase the flexural strength.     

Effect of storage media upon the surface micromorphology of resin-based restorative materials

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different storage media upon the surface micromorphology of resin-based restoratives. One resin-modified glass-ionomer (Fuji II LC Improved), one polyacid-modified composite resin (Dyract AP), one microfilled composite resin (Durafill VS), and one hybrid composite resin (Filtek Z250) were tested. For each material, 45 standardized cylindrical specimens were randomly made. After 24 h, samples were finished and polished, and their surface roughness measured to obtain Ra (micro m) baseline values (Bv). Fifteen specimens of each material were then stored at 37 +/- 1 degrees C, for 24 h, either in distilled deionized water or in artificial saliva, or else subjected to a pH-cycling regimen. At the end of 10 days of storage, final readings (Fv) of surface roughness were obtained. The Analysis of Covariance (alpha=0.05), considering the covariate Bv showed a significant interaction between restorative materials and storage media (P value=0.0000). Multiple comparison Tukey's test revealed that the surface roughness of resin-based restoratives subjected to a pH-cycling model was significantly higher compared with both distilled deionized water and artificial saliva. Micromorphological changes were noticed in a situation of acid challenge.     

Surface finish of a new hybrid aesthetic restorative material

This study compared the surface finish of a new hybrid aesthetic restorative material (Reactmer) over time to four different types of existing materials. The latter included a composite (Spectrum TPH), a compomer (Dyract AP) and conventional (Fuji II) and resin-modified glass ionomer cements (Fuji II LC). Six specimens of each material were fabricated and stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for one week. The materials were subsequently finished with a series of Sof-Lex contouring and polishing disks. The average surface roughness (Ra, microm) of each specimen was measured at three days and three months by a surface profilometer. Storage medium was distilled water at 37 degrees C during the hiatus periods. Data was analyzed by ANOVA/Scheffe's and independent samples t-tests at significance level 0.05. At both time periods, Fuji II and Fuji II LC were significantly rougher than Spectrum, Dyract and Reactmer. For all materials, surface roughness at three days was not significantly different from that at three months. The surface finish of the giomer (Reactmer) was significantly better than conventional/resin-modified glass ionomer cements and comparable to the composite and compomer evaluated. The quality of surface finish for all materials was not significantly affected by long-term storage in water.     

The recharge of esthetic dental restorative materials with fluoride in vitro-two years' results.

OBJECTIVES: A range of esthetic restorative dental materials are now available to dental clinicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative fluoride recharge potential of a number of these materials in vitro over two years. METHODS: Disc samples (12 mm x 2 mm) of each of the materials were placed into artificial saliva at neutral pH. The materials tested were: two glass ionomers (Chemfil; Ketac-Fil), two resin-modified glass ionomers (Photac-Fil Aplicap; Vitremer), two compomers (Dyract; Compoglass) and two composites (Heliomolar; Concise). At 13 intervals over a two years period the discs were subjected to a 2 min fluoride recharge by exposure to sodium fluoride (500 ppm F). The pre- and post-recharge fluoride release values were determined using an ion sensitive electrode. RESULTS: At all time intervals the post-recharge fluoride release of the materials was significantly different (MANOVA p<0.0001). The mean values for post-recharge fluoride release after two years were: Chemfil 10.3, Ketac 3.0, Vitremer 9.0, Photac-Fil Aplicap 12.1, Compoglass 5.0, Dyract 3.6, Concise 0.3, Heliomolar 0.2 (units = microgF/cm(2)/h). SIGNIFICANCE: Esthetic fillings vary significantly in their capacity to absorb and re-release fluoride. The glass ionomer-based materials displayed a far greater potential for fluoride recharge than the composites, in which the recharge was virtually negligible. Whilst it cannot be assumed that fluoride release is directly proportional to cariostatic potential, these results suggest that, where possible, glass ionomer-based materials should be used in patients who have a high caries rate.     

Effects of sonic and ultrasonic scaling on the surface roughness of tooth-colored restorative materials for cervical lesions

This study investigated the effects of sonic and ultrasonic scaling on the surface roughness of five commonly used tooth-colored restorative materials for Class V cavities, including a flowable resin composite (Tetric Flow), a compomer (Compoglass F), a glass ionomer (Fuji II), a resin-modified glass ionomer (Fuji II LC Imp) and a resin composite (Z100). Twenty rectangular block specimens (16 x 6 x 1.5 mm) of each material were cured against matrix strips, then stored in artificial saliva for two months before performing the periodontal instrumentation. Each specimen was divided into two experimental zones, and both scaling treatments were performed on each sample. The surface roughness (Ra) of these materials was determined before and after the different instrumentations, and differences were evaluated with the use of a profilometer. Data were statistically analyzed using repeated measures of ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons and paired t-tests at a significance level of 0.05. Significant increases in surface roughness of all test materials were recorded from both scaling treatments. With the exception of Tetric Flow, ultrasonic scaling had more adverse effects on the surface roughness of all test materials compared to sonic scaling. For the test materials Z100 and Tetric Flow, resin composites showed the least surface changes in both scaling treatments, while Fuji II glass ionomer demonstrated the greatest roughness after instrumentation. More importantly, the mean surface roughness values of several materials after instrumentation were above the critical threshold roughness of 0.2 microm.     

Effect of fluoride gels on micromorphology of resin-modified glass-ionomer cements and polyacid-modified resin composites.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface micromorphology of resin-modified glass-ionomer cements and polyacid-modified resin composites subjected to a neutral sodium fluoride (NNaF) and an acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel application. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Thirty standardized cylindric specimens were randomly obtained from each of two resin-modified glass-ionomer cements-Fuji II LC Improved and Photac-Fil Aplicap-and two polyacid-modified resin composites--Dyract and F2000-amounting to 120 samples. After 1 week, the specimens were finished and polished with aluminum oxide disks. Surface treatments with fluoride gels, or distilled water as a control, were performed four times, interspersed with eight pH cycles, simulating high cariogenic challenges. Five calibrated evaluators assessed the surface micromorphology through photomicrographs. RESULTS: The Kruskal-Wallis test showed no significant difference between the control and experimental groups for Fuji II LC Improved and Dyract. Photac-Fil Aplicap showed less micromorphologic change as a result of distilled water application, unlike the NNaF and APF treatments, which revealed no significant difference from each other. For F2000, there was no significant difference between the surfaces treated by NNaF and distilled water; the highest degradation occurred with the APF. CONCLUSION: Both the resin-modified glass-ionomer cements and the polyacid-modified resin composites showed erratic behaviors concerning their micromorphology when subjected to fluoride gel application.