Comparison between a plasma arc light source and conventional halogen curing units regarding flexural strength, modulus, and hardness of photoactivated resin composites

The plasma arc curing light Apollo 95 E (DMDS) is compared to conventional curing lights of different radiation intensities (Vivalux, Vivadent, 250 mW/cm²; Spectrum, DeTrey, 550 mW/cm²; Translux CL, Kulzer, 950 mW/cm²). For this purpose, photoactivated resin composites were irradiated using the respective curing lights and tested for flexural strength, modulus of elasticity (ISO 4049), and hardness (Vickers, Knoop) 24 h after curing. For the hybrid composites containing only camphoroquinone (CQ) as a photoinitiator (Herculite XRV, Kerr; Z100, 3 M), flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and surface hardness after plasma curing with two cycles of 3 s or with the step-curing mode were not significantly lower than after 40 s of irradiation using the high energy (Translux CL) or medium energy conventional light (Spectrum). However, irradiation by only one cycle of 3 s failed to produce adequate mechanical properties. Similar results were observed for the surface hardness of the CQ containing microfilled composite (Silux Plus, 3 M), whereas flexural strength and modulus of elasticity after plasma curing only reached the level of the weak conventional light (Vivalux). For the hybrid composites containing both CQ and photoinitiators absorbing at shorter wavelengths (370–450 nm) (Solitaire, Kulzer; Definite, Degussa), plasma curing produced inferior properties mechanical than conventional curing; only the flexural strength of Solitaire and the Vickers hardness of Definite reached levels not significantly lower than those observed for the weak conventional light (Vivalux). The suitability of plasma arc curing for different resin composites depends on which photoinitiators they contain. Received: 5 July 1999 / Accepted: 16 March 2000     

Reduction of polymerization contraction stress for dental composites by two-step light-activation.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to assess the reduction of polymerization contraction stress of composites during a two-step light-activation process and to relate this reduction to the process of polymerization shrinkage and specimen thickness.METHODS: Three test procedures were performed to compare two-step light-activation with delay with one-step continuous irradiation of composites: polymerization contraction stress using a closed-loop servohydraulic testing instrument, polymerization shrinkage by a mercury dilatometer, and degree of conversion by FTIR. For the one-step continuous curing method, the samples were light-activated for 60s at 330 mW/cm(2). For the two-step curing method, a 5s light exposure at 60 mW/cm(2) was followed by 2 min without light exposure, and then a second light exposure for 60s at 330 mW/cm(2). The same light parameters were used for measurements of stress, shrinkage, and degree of conversion. Three composites, Heliomolar, Herculite and Z100 were evaluated. The contraction stress experiments were repeated with varying thickness for Herculite using the one-step and two different two-step techniques.RESULTS: Polymerization contraction stress 10 min after light-activation was significantly reduced (P<0.05) by the two-step method: 29.7% for Heliomolar, 26.5% for Herculite, and 19.0% for Z100. Total volumetric shrinkage and degree of conversion were not significantly different for composites cured by the two different techniques. Increasing the thickness of the composite sample reduced the measured contraction stress, especially for one of the two-step curing methods.SIGNIFICANCE: A combination of low initial energy density followed by a lag period before a final high-intensity light irradiation provides a reduction of polymerization contraction stresses in dental composites. The stress reductions cannot be attributed to reductions in degree of conversion or unrestrained volumetric shrinkage.     

Comparison of composite curing parameters: effects of light source and curing mode on conversion, temperature rise and polymerization shrinkage

This study analyzed the degree of conversion, temperature increase and polymerization shrinkage of two hybrid composite materials polymerized with a halogen lamp using three illumination modes and a photopolymerization device based on blue light emitting diodes. The degree of conversion of Tetric Ceram (TC) (Ivoclar Vivadent) and Filtek Z 250 (F) (3M/ESPE) was measured by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy at the surface and 2-mm depth; temperature rise was measured by digital multimeter, and linear polymerization shrinkage was measured during cure by digital laser interferometry. Composite samples were illuminated by quartz-tungsten-halogen curing unit (QTH) (Astralis 7, Ivoclar Vivadent) under the following modes: "high power" (HH) 40 seconds at 750 mW/cm2, "low power" (HL) 40 seconds at 400 mW/cm2 and "pulse/soft-start" (HP) increasing from 150 to 400 mW/cm2 during 15 seconds followed by 25 seconds pulsating between 400 and 750 mW/cm2 in 2-second intervals and by light emitting diodes (LED) (Lux-o-Max, Akeda Dental) with emitted intensity 10 seconds at 50 mW/cm2 and 30 seconds at 150 mW/cm2. A significantly higher temperature increase was obtained for both materials using the HH curing mode of halogen light compared to the HP and HL modes and the LED curing unit after 40 seconds. Significantly lower temperature values after 10-second illumination were obtained when LED was used compared to all halogen modes. For all curing modes, there was no significant difference in temperature rise between 20 and 40 seconds of illumination. Results for the degree of conversion measurements show that there is a significant difference in the case of illumination of resin composite samples with LED at the surface and 2 mm depth. For polymerization shrinkage, lower values after 40 seconds were obtained using LED compared to QTH.     

The influence of plasma arc vs. halogen standard or soft-start irradiation on polymerization shrinkage kinetics of polymer matrix composites

OBJECTIVES: To determine polymerization shrinkage kinetics and hardness of photo-activated polymer matrix composites (PMC) after plasma arc vs. halogen standard or soft-start irradiation. METHODS: Polymerization shrinkage was measured using the 'deflecting disk technique', and Knoop hardness was measured at the bottom of 1.5 mm thick specimens stored for 24 h at 37 degrees C. The materials comprised one micro-filled (Silux Plus) and four fine hybrid PMC (Definite, Herculite XRV, Solitaire 2 and Z250). The irradiation protocols included halogen standard irradiation at three intensities (TriLight, ESPE), ramp curing (dito), step curing (HiLight, ESPE), pulse polymerization (VIP Light, BISCO) and plasma curing (Apollo 95E, DMDS; PAC Light, ADT). RESULTS: Standard halogen irradiation at reduced intensity delayed the start and slowed down the progression of shrinkage strain, but (except for Z250) as well produced lower hardness. Soft-start halogen curing produced similar kinetics but maintained hardness. Plasma arc irradiation resulted in an immediate start and a rapid progression of polymerization contraction, but produced low hardness values in Definite (cured by the ADT unit) and in Solitaire 2 (both units). Z250 featured the highest, Silux Plus the lowest maximum rate of contraction. Despite soft-start irradiation, contraction of Z250 progressed faster than that of Silux Plus with halogen standard irradiation at high intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Soft-start halogen irradiation protocols provide better chances for compensation of shrinkage stress by flow within PMC without compromising hardness and may contribute to a better marginal integrity of the restorations. Irradiation protocols should be individually adjusted to compensate for the different curing characteristics of PMC.     

Bond strength of resin-based restorations polymerized with different light-curing sources

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of different light-curing units on microtensile bond strength of resin composite restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized Class I preparations (6.0 x 4.5 mm, 2.5 mm deep) were made in extracted human third molars after abrading the cusps. Resin was inserted in bulk using a 3M ESPE restorative system [Adper Single Bond (DBA)/ Filtek Z250 (RC)]. Both materials were polymerized using different light-curing units: QTH at 540 mW/cm(2) (XL 3000, 3M ESPE); LED at 750 mW/cm(2) (Elipar FreeLight2, 3M ESPE); PAC at 2130 mW/cm(2) (Arc Light II, Air Techniques). Nine different light combinations were developed to polymerize both DBA and RC: QTH/QTH; QTH/LED; QTH/PAC; LED/LED; LED/QTH; LED/PAC; PAC/PAC; PAC/QTH; PAC/LED. Restored teeth were stored in distilled water for 24 h at 37 degrees C and then sectioned, yielding stick-shaped specimens with a bonded area of approximately 0.9 mm(2). Specimens were assessed in a testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test at a pre-set alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: The combinations PAC/QTH and QTH/QTH presented the highest bond strength values, and LED/QTH the lowest (p < 0.05). Significantly lower values were observed in combinations when the LED light was used to polymerize DBA compared to QTH and PAC lights, irrespective of the light source used to polymerize RC (p < 0.05). Same light combinations presented similar bond strength values. CONCLUSIONS: Different light sources influence restoration bond strength. Bond strength is more dependent on the light source used for DBA than for curing RC.     

Effect of high intensity vs. soft-start halogen irradiation on light-cured resin-based composites. Part II: Hardness and solubility

PURPOSE: To determine hardness and solubility of light-cured resin-based composites after high intensity vs. soft-start quartz tungsten halogen irradiation. METHODS: Knoop hardness of resin-based composite specimens was measured at 1.5 mm depth after dry storage for 24 hours at 37 degrees C so as to indirectly evaluate degree of cure. Solubility was determined gravimetrically by extraction of post-cured (24 hours, 37 degrees C) specimens in 50 wt% methanol for 72 hours. Four hybrid (Filtek Z250, Herculite, Solitaire 2, Tetric Ceram), an inhomogeneously filled hybrid (InTen-S) and a microfilled (Filtek A110, formerly Silux Plus) composite were cured using the quartz tungsten halogen units Astralis 10 and Optilux 501 in the high intensity (Astralis 10 High Power: 10 seconds @ 1300 mW/cm2; Optilux Boost: 10 seconds @ 1140 mW/cm2) or soft-start modes (Astralis 10 Pulse: increase to 700 mW/cm2 within 10 seconds, three periods of 2 seconds @ 1300 mW/cm2 alternating with two periods of 2 seconds @ 700 mW/cm2; Optilux Ramp: exponential increase within 10 seconds, followed by 10 seconds @ 1140mW/cm2). RESULTS: For the fast curing composites Z250, Tetric Ceram and InTen-S, equivalent hardness was observed after 10 seconds of high intensity and 20 seconds of soft-start irradiation. For the slower curing composites Herculite, Solitaire 2 and A110, the soft-start protocols produced higher hardness values. Regarding solubility however, the superiority of soft-start irradiation was also seen for Tetric Ceram and InTen-S. The lowest solubility was observed for InTen-S, followed by Z250, whereas Herculite and Solitaire 2 scored highest for this parameter.     

Evaluation of light intensity output of QTH and LED curing devices in various governmental health institutions

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the light intensity output of quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) and light emitting diode (LED) curing devices located at governmental health institutions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Eight governmental institutions were involved in the study. The total number of evaluated curing devices was 210 (120 were QTH and 90 were LED). The reading of the light intensity output for each curing unit was achieved using a digital spectrometer; (Model USB4000 Spectrometer, Ocean Optics Inc, Dunedin, FL, USA). The reading procedure was performed by a single investigator; any recording of light intensity below 300 mW/cm2 was considered unsatisfactory.The result found that the recorded mean values of light intensity output for QTH and LED devices were 260 mW/cm2 and 598 mW/cm2, respectively. The percentage of QTH devices and LED devices considered unsatisfactory was 67.5% and 15.6%, respectively. Overall, the regular assessment of light curing devices using light meters is recommended to assure adequate output for clinical use.     

Effect of the increase of energy density on Knoop hardness of dental composites light-cured by conventional QTH, LED and xenon plasma arc

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the increase of energy density on Knoop hardness of Z250 and Esthet-X composite resins. Cylindrical cavities (3 mm in diameter X 3 mm in depth) were prepared on the buccal surface of 144 bovine incisors. The composite resins were bulk-inserted and polymerized using different light-curing units and times: conventional QTH (quartz-tungsten-halogen; 700 mW/cm(2); 20 s, 30 s and 40 s); LED (light-emitting diode; 440 mW/cm(2); 20 s, 30 s and 40 s); PAC (xenon plasma arc; 1700 mW/cm(2); 3 s, 4.5 s and 6 s). The specimens were stored at 37 degrees C for 24 h prior to sectioning for Knoop hardness assessment. Three measurements were obtained for each depth: top surface, 1 mm and 2 mm. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Regardless of the light source or energy density, Knoop hardness of Z250 was statistically significant higher than that of Esthet-X (p<0.05). Specimens cured with PAC had lower hardness than those cured with QTH and LED (p<0.05). Higher Knoop hardness was obtained when the energy density was increased for LED and PAC (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found for QTH. Knoop hardness values decreased with the increase of depth. The increase of energy density produced composites with higher Knoop hardness means using LED and PAC.     

EFFECT OF LIGHT-CURING UNITS AND ACTIVATION MODE ON POLYMERIZATION SHRINKAGE AND SHRINKAGE STRESS OF COMPOSITE RESINS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress of composites polymerized with a LED and a quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light sources. The LED was used in a conventional mode (CM) and the QTH was used in both conventional and pulse-delay modes (PD). The composite resins used were Z100, A110, SureFil and Bisfil 2B (chemical-cured). Composite deformation upon polymerization was measured by the strain gauge method. The shrinkage stress was measured by photoelastic analysis. The polymerization shrinkage data were analyzed statistically using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p≤0.05), and the stress data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey''s test (p≤0.05). Shrinkage and stress means of Bisfil 2B were statistically significant lower than those of Z100, A110 and SureFil. In general, the PD mode reduced the contraction and the stress values when compared to CM. LED generated the same stress as QTH in conventional mode. Regardless of the activation mode, SureFil produced lower contraction and stress values than the other light-cured resins. Conversely, Z100 and A110 produced the greatest contraction and stress values. As expected, the chemically cured resin generated lower shrinkage and stress than the light-cured resins. In conclusion, The PD mode effectively decreased contraction stress for Z100 and A110. Development of stress in light-cured resins depended on the shrinkage value.     

Influence of curing rate on softening in ethanol, degree of conversion, and wear of resin composite

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of curing rate on softening in ethanol, degree of conversion, and wear of resin composites. METHOD: With a given energy density and for each of two different light-curing units (QTH or LED), the curing rate was reduced by modulating the curing mode. Thus, the irradiation of resin composite specimens (Filtek Z250, Tetric Ceram, Esthet-X) was performed in a continuous curing mode and in a pulse-delay curing mode. Wallace hardness was used to determine the softening of resin composite after storage in ethanol. Degree of conversion was determined by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Wear was assessed by a three-body test. Data were submitted to Levene's test, one and three-way ANOVA, and Tukey HSD test (alpha = 0.05). Results: Immersion in ethanol, curing mode, and material all had significant effects on Wallace hardness. After ethanol storage, resin composites exposed to the pulse-delay curing mode were softer than resin composites exposed to continuous cure (P< 0.0001). Tetric Ceram was the softest material followed by Esthet-X and Filtek Z250 (P< 0.001). Only the restorative material had a significant effect on degree of conversion (P< 0.001): Esthet-X had the lowest degree of conversion followed by Filtek Z250 and Tetric Ceram. Curing mode (P= 0.007) and material (P< 0.001) had significant effect on wear. Higher wear resulted from the pulse-delay curing mode when compared to continuous curing, and Filtek Z250 showed the lowest wear followed by Esthet-X and Tetric Ceram.     

Elution of leachable components from resin composites after plasma arc vs standard or soft-start halogen light irradiation

OBJECTIVES: To determine the release of leachable components from resin based composites (RBC) after plasma arc vs. standard or soft-start halogen curing. METHODS: The tested RBC were the fine hybrids Herculite XRV (Kerr), Solitaire 2 (Kulzer) and Z250 (3M), the micro-fill Silux Plus (3M) and the polysiloxane-containing Definite (Degussa). The irradiation protocols included halogen standard irradiation at three different intensities (TriLight, ESPE), ramp curing (dito), step curing (HiLight, ESPE), pulse polymerization (VIP Light, BISCO) and plasma curing (Apollo 95E, DMDS; PAC Light, ADT). Initial solubility was determined applying RBC into simulated cavities (molds of 6mm inner diameter and 2mm height fabricated from pressed ceramics) and eluting 24h in demineralized water at 37 degrees C. Medium-term solubility was evaluated using plain RBC specimens of equivalent dimensions stored dark (37 degrees C, 24h) and extracted in 50% CH(3)OH (37 degrees C, 72 h). After drying the specimens to constant weight, solubility and sorption were determined gravimetrically. RESULTS: Medium-term solubility/sorption were higher than initial ones. Irradiation at reduced intensity increased solubility and sorption, whereas ramp curing, step curing and pulse polymerization (for most materials) maintained low values. Plasma arc curing worked well for Z250 and Herculite XRV, compared to medium or low intensity halogen irradiation for Silux Plus and Definite and produced moderately (PAC Light) or very (Apollo 95E) high solubility for Solitaire 2. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing irradiation intensity does and soft-start protocols do not compromise solubility and sorption. The efficiency of plasma arc curing depends markedly on the types of photo-initiators used.     

Effect of light curing modes and light curing time on the microhardness of a hybrid composite resin

AIMS: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of light curing modes and curing time on the microhardness of a hybrid composite resin. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-five Z250 composite resin specimens (3M-ESPE Dental Products, St. Paul, MN, USA) were randomly divided into nine groups (n=5): three polymerization modes (conventional-550 mW/cm2; light-emitting diodes (LED)-360 mW/cm2, and high intensity-1160 mW/cm2) and three light curing times (once, twice, and three times the manufacturer's recommendations). All samples were polymerized with the light tip 8 mm from the specimen. Knoop microhardness measurements were obtained on the top and bottom surfaces of the sample. RESULTS: Conventional and LED polymerization modes resulted in higher hardness means and were statistically different from the high intensity mode in almost all experimental conditions. Tripling manufacturers' recommended light curing times resulted in higher hardness means; this was statistically different from the other times for all polymerization modes in the bottom surface of specimens. This was also true of the top surface of specimens cured using the high intensity mode but not of conventional and LED modes using any of the chosen curing times. Top surfaces showed higher hardness than bottom surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to increase the light curing time and use appropriate light curing devices to polymerize resin composite in deep cavities to maximize the hardness of hybrid composite resins.     

Influence of curing methods and materials on the marginal seal of class V composite restorations in vitro

The study tests the hypothesis that soft-start irradiation improves, whereas, high intensity irradiation compromises the margin quality and marginal seal of Class V resin based composite [RBC] restorations. Box-shaped Class V cavities were prepared in extracted, human third molars with cervical margins located apical to the CEJ. Cavities were restored using a multi-step bonding agent (Optibond FL, Kerr), a thin layer of flowable resin composite and two increments of fine hybrid resin composite (Filtek Flow/Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE; Revolution f2/Herculite XRV, Kerr). Light irradiation was performed using either the standard (40 seconds) or the soft-start mode (40 seconds with exponential increase) of a quartz tungsten halogen or an LED curing light (Elipar Trilight, Elipar Freelight, 3M ESPE); for high intensity irradiation, a Plasma Are curing unit was used with three irradiations of three seconds (Apollo 95E, DMDS). After 30 days of water storage and thermal cycling (n = 2500, 5-55 degrees C), margin quality was assessed in the SEM using the replica technique and marginal seal was evaluated using dye penetration (AgNO3 50%). Few differences were observed between the light curing protocols. However, less leakage was observed in the case of the lower shrinking RBC Filtek Z250.     

The effectiveness of cure of LED and halogen curing lights at varying cavity depths

This study compared the effectiveness of cure of two LED (light-emitting diodes) lights (Elipar FreeLight [FL], 3M-ESPE and GC e-Light [EL], GC) to conventional (Max [MX] (control), Dentsply-Caulk), high intensity (Elipar TriLight [TL], 3M-ESPE) and very high intensity (Astralis 10 [AS], Ivoclar Vivadent) halogen lights at varying cavity depths. Ten light curing regimens were investigated. They include: FL1-400 mW/cm2 [40 seconds], FL2-0-400 mW/cm2 [12 seconds] --> 400 mW/cm2 [28 seconds], EL1-750 mW/cm2 [10 pulses x 2 seconds], EL2-350 mW/cm2 [40 seconds], EL3-600 mW/cm2 [20 seconds], EL4-0-600 mW/cm2 [20 seconds] --> 600 mW/cm2 [20 seconds], TL1-800 mW/cm2 [40 seconds], TL2-100-800 mW/cm2 [15 seconds] --> 800 mW/cm2 [25 seconds], AS1-1200 mW/cm2 [10 seconds], MX-400 mW/cm2 [40 seconds]. The effectiveness of cure of the different modes was determined by measuring the top and bottom surface hardness (KHN) of 2-mm, 3-mm and 4-mm thick composite (Z100, [3M-ESPE]) specimens using a digital microhardness tester (n = 5, load = 500 g; dwell time = 15 seconds). Results were analyzed using ANOVA/Scheffe's post-hoc test and Independent Samples t-Test (p < 0.05). For all lights, effectiveness of cure was found to decrease with increased cavity depths. The mean hardness ratio for all curing lights at a depth of 2 mm was found to be greater than 0.80 (the accepted minimum standard). At 3 mm, all halogen lights produced a hardness ratio greater than 0.80 but some LED light regimens did not; and at a depth of 4 mm, the mean hardness ratio observed with all curing lights was less than 0.80. Significant differences in top and bottom KHN values were observed among different curing regimens for the same light and between LED and halogen lights. While curing with most modes of EL resulted in significantly lower top and bottom KHN values than the control (MX) at all depths, the standard mode of FL resulted in significantly higher top and bottom KHN at a depth of 3 mm and 4 mm. The depth of composite cure with LED LCUs was, therefore, product and mode dependent.     

2种光固化灯固化对3种不同复合树脂聚合收缩的影响

目的:比较2种光固化灯对3种复合树脂聚合收缩的影响。方法:相移投影栅形貌测量仪测量Z100、Z250、AP-X等3种复合树脂在卤素灯和发光二极管固化灯开始固化后50s及开始固化后400s的树脂聚合收缩量。使用SPSS12.0软件包对QTH及LED固化组聚合收缩量进行单因素方差分析。结果:在开始固化后50s和400s,QTH固化灯和LED固化灯固化Z100、Z250树脂产生的聚合收缩量有显著差异,QTH固化灯固化Z100、Z250树脂产生的聚合收缩量显著大于LED固化灯(P<0.05),QTH和LED固化灯固化AP-X树脂产生的聚合收缩量则无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:LED及QTH固化灯固化Z100、Z250树脂产生的聚合收缩影响有显著差异(P<0.05),LED及QTH固化灯固化AP-X产生的聚合收缩无显著差异(P>0.05)。     

Guidance of shrinkage vectors vs irradiation at reduced intensity for improving marginal seal of class V resin-based composite restorations in vitro

This study evaluated the influence of radiation intensity on polymerization of a resin-based composite (RBC) and compared the influence of guidance of shrinkage vectors vs irradiation at reduced light intensity on the marginal seal of Class V RBC restorations in vitro. The degree of cure was studied indirectly by measuring the Vickers hardness (1.96 N, 30 seconds) at the bottom of disc-shaped specimens 2 mm in height at different periods of time after light irradiation. After one hour, irradiation using a high-intensity curing light (Heliolux GTE, Vivadent, 600 mW/cm2) [HICL] from close distance for 20 seconds, 40 seconds or 60 seconds or a low-intensity curing light (Vivalux, 250 mW/cm2) [LICL] from close distance for 60 seconds produced higher hardness values compared to 20 seconds or 40 seconds using the LICL or using the HICL from a distance of 10 mm. After three and 24 hours, higher hardness was observed for all irradiation protocols. After 24 hours, only specimens irradiated by the HICL for 20 seconds or 40 seconds from 10 mm distance featured significantly lower hardness compared to the remaining curing modes. The influence of different irradiation strategies on marginal seal of Class V RBC restorations was evaluated in vitro using dye penetration after water storage (60 days, 37 degrees C) and thermocycling (2500 cycles 5 degrees-55 degrees C). The HICL produced more dye penetration than the LICL. Placing the light tip directly over or 10 mm above the center of the cavity ("standard irradiation, ["distance irradiation"]") resulted in similar penetration values. In contrast, positioning the light tip apical to the cervical margin and moving it slowly to the center of the cavity ("cervical start irradiation") compromised the marginal seal.     

Effect of the photo-activation method on polymerization shrinkage of restorative composites

This study measured the gap that resulted from polymerization shrinkage of seven restorative resin composites after curing by three different methods. Contraction behavior, according to the specimen region, was also characterized. The materials used for this study were Alert (Jeneric/Pentron, Wallingford, CT 06492, USA), Surefil (Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE 19963, USA), P60 (3M Dental Products, St Paul, MN 55144, USA), Z250 (3M), Z100 (3M), Definite (Degussa-Hüls, Hanau, Germany) and Flow-it (Jeneric/Pentron). The composite was placed in a circular brass mold 7 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height. Photo-activation was performed by a) continuous light (500 mW/cm2) for 40 seconds; b) stepped light with low intensity (150 mW/cm2) for 10 seconds and high intensity (500 mW/cm2) for 30 seconds and c) intermittent light (450 mW/cm2) for 60 seconds. The top and bottom surfaces were then polished and after 24 +/- 1 hours, the contraction gap was measured by SEM at variable pressure (LEO 435 VP, Cambridge, England). Results were analyzed by ANOVA and the means compared by Tukey's test (5%). The results demonstrated 1) the continuous light method presented the greatest gap values (15.88 microm), while the other methods demonstrated lower polymerization shrinkage values (stepped light, 13.26 microm; intermittent light, 12.79 microm); 2) restorative composites shrunk more at the bottom surface (15.84 microm) than at the top surface (12.11 microm) and (3) the composites Alert (12.02 microm), Surefil (11.86 microm), Z250 (10.81 microm) and P60 (10.17 microm) presented the least contraction gaps, followed by Z100 (15.84 microm) and Definite (14.06 microm) and finally Flow-it (23.09 microm) low viscosity composite, which had the greatest mean value.     

Degree of conversion of adhesive systems light-cured by LED and halogen light

This study evaluated the effect of blue light emitting diode (LED) and quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) on the degree of conversion (DC) of an etch-and-rinse Single Bond adhesive system (SB) and a mixture composed of primer solution and resin bond from Clearfil SE Bond self-etching adhesive system (CB) using Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR). Adhesives were applied to potassium bromide pellet surfaces and FTIR analyses were performed before and after photo-activation for 10 s with either LED (Freelight 1 - 400 mw/cm(2)) or QTH (XL 3000 - 630 mw/cm(2)) light-curing units (n=8). Additional FTIR spectra were obtained from photo-activated samples stored in distilled water for 1 week. The DC was calculated by comparing the spectra obtained from adhesive resins before and after photo-activation. The results were analyzed by two-way split-plot ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Both adhesive systems exhibited low DC (%) immediately after photo-activation (SB/QTH: 18.7 +/- 3.9; SB/LED: 13.5 +/- 3.3; CF/QTH: 13.6 +/- 1.9; CF/LED: 6.1 +/- 1.0). The DC of samples light-cured with LED was lower than DC of those light-cured with QTH, immediately after light curing and after 1 week (SB/QTH: 51.3 +/- 6.6; SB/LED: 50.3 +/- 4.8; CF/QTH: 56.5 +/- 2.9; CF/LED: 49.2 +/- 4.9). The LED curing unit used to photo-activate the adhesive resins promoted lower DC than the QTH curing unit both immediately after light curing and 1 week after storage in water.     

Evaluation of the light intensity of high intensity light units

PURPOSE: To determine the intensity of PAC (plasma arc curing) light compared with conventional QTH (Quartz tungsten halogen) light using a hardness test. METHODS: The spectral distribution of two light sources was analyzed with a spectroradiometer, after the light intensity was determined. AP-X composite was packed into a black mold (4 mm in diameter and 4 mm in depth) to prepare a cylindrical specimen. The irradiating conditions for the PAC unit in the current study were fixed at 6-second irradiation with 600 mW/cm2 (P600-6), 900 mW/cm2 (P900-6), 1200 mW/cm2 (P1200-6), 1500 mW/cm2 (P1500-6), 1800 mW/cm2 (P1800-6) and 40-second irradiation with 600 mW/cm2 (P600-40). The conventional irradiating condition for QTH was 600 mW/cm2 for 40 seconds (Q600-40). After storage in 37 degrees C water for 24 hours, the hardness of the resin composite was measured with a nanoindentation testing machine. Triplicate readings were made at a distance of every 0.5 mm down to 3.0 mm from the top irradiated surface. The comparison of means was statistically analyzed applying one-way ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD test at a significant level of P< 0.05. RESULTS: Although the peak height of the PAC lamp was different due to the light intensity, the waveforms were parallel with one another and the wavelength of peaks was located at the same number. The hardness value at a depth of 2.0 mm and at values of P1800-6 was not significantly different from the control.     

Influence of light intensity and curing cycle on microleakage of Class V composite resin restorations

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a softstart polymerization method from Quartz-Tungsten-Halogen (QTH) and Plasma Arc (PAC) curing units on microleakage of Class V composite resin restorations with dentin cavosurface margins. Seventy-five bovine incisors received standardized class V cavities in all dentin margins. Teeth were divided into 5 equal groups according to the curing cycle. The cavities were incrementally restored with a composite resin (Single Bond/Z-100, 3M). Light curing was applied as follows: Group I: PAC light continuous-cycle curing at 1600 mW/cm2 for 3s; Group II: PAC light step-cycle curing (2s at 800 mW/cm2 then 4s at 1600 mW/cm2); Group III: QTH light continuous-cycle curing at 400 mW/cm2 for 40s; Group IV: QTH light ramp-cycle curing (from 100 to 600 mW/cm2 in 15s followed by 25s at 600 mW/cm2); Group V: QTH light pulse-delay curing (200 mW/cm2 for 3s followed by 3 min delay then 600 mW/cm2 for 30s). Teeth were stored in distilled water at 37oC for 30 days and then subjected to thermocycling for 500 cycles at 5 and 55oC. Root apices were sealed and teeth coated with nail varnish before they were immersed in 0.5% fuchsine red dye solution. Teeth were then sectioned and slices were scanned with a computer scanner to determine the area of dye leakage using a computer program (Image Tools). Images of tooth slices were also visually examined under magnification and dye penetration along the tooth/restoration interface was scored. Significant differences in the degree of dye penetration and leakage were detected between groups (p<.05). Groups I and II had significantly higher values of dye penetration and leakage than groups III, IV and V. In conclusion, the use of PAC light curing in a continuous or step cycle modes resulted in increased microleakage of Class V resin composite restorations compared with medium intensity QTH light curing. Pulse, ramp and continuous-cycle curing modes with QTH light resulted in similar degrees of microleakage.