Influence of flowable liner and margin location on microleakage of conventional and packable class II resin composites

This in vitro study evaluated gingival wall microleakage in packable and microhybrid conventional composite restorations with and without a flowable composite liner. Each group was evaluated with gingival margins situated in both enamel and cementum/dentin. Two hundred and forty Class II cavities were prepared in extracted third molars, half with gingival margins in enamel and half with margins in dentin/cementum. In groups of 30, restoration was undertaken with packable alone (3M Filtek P60), conventional alone (3M Z250), packable plus flowable liner (3M Filtek Flow) and conventional plus flowable liner. All used 37% phosphoric acid etch and Scotchbond 1 (3M) as the bonding system. After restoration, the teeth were thermocycled (between 5 degrees C, 37 degrees C and 60 degrees C) 1,500 times, soaked in 0.1% methylene blue, sectioned and microleakage from the gingival margin scored. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. There was no significant difference between systems in terms of leakage scores when gingival margins were situated in enamel (p=0.70). All restorations with margins in cementum/dentin leaked significantly more than those with margins in enamel (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between leakage scores of 3M Z250 and Filtek P60 with cementum/dentin gingival margins (p=0.68). Use of a flowable composite liner (3M Filtek Flow) against cementum/dentin was associated with increased microleakage (p<0.001). In this study, leakage scores suggest that gingival margins should be placed in enamel. The conventional and packable resin composites tested were not associated with differences in microleakage. Leakage data do not support the use of flowable resin composite linings in Class II resin composite restorations.     

Effect of bleaching treatments on microleakage of Class I restorations

OBJECTIVE: To test the effect of bleaching agents on microleakage of composite restorations. METHODS: Sixty extracted human molar class I cavities were restored using Scotchbond 1 and Filtek Z250 composite according to the manufacturer's instructions. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n = 15 each). Group 1 was the control group, which was not bleached. Group 2 had a once-daily bleaching treatment with 20% carbamide peroxide gel for eight hours. Group 3 had a bleaching of 6% H2O2 for 30 minutes twice a day. Group 4 had a bleaching treatment once per day with 19% percarbonate gel for eight hours. The bleaching was carried out at 37 degrees C for 14 days. Nail varnish was applied on the apical portion of the teeth only, and the specimens were immersed in a 0.1% rhodamin-B-isothiocyanate for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. After thorough rinsing with tap water, the specimens were embedded in self-curing methacrylate resin. The blocks were sectioned with a water-cooled microtome saw into three to five slices. The cuts were positioned centrally through the restorations and approximately parallel to the long axis of the tooth in the mesiodistal direction. Microleakage was evaluated at the occlusal margins of the class I restorations using a stereo microscope. RESULTS: Microleakage occurred in all groups. The percentage of sections showing leakage was 20% (Group 1), 11% (Group 2), 15% (Group 3), and 18% (Group 4). The statistical evaluation (Kruskal-Wallis test) showed no significant difference between groups (p = 0.537). CONCLUSION: Bleaching with the materials tested has no influence on microleakage of Filtek composite bonded with Scotchbond I.     

In vitro microleakage of composite restorations after nonvital bleaching.

OBJECTIVE: After bleaching treatment, esthetic restorations often need to be replaced due to color changes. Some papers have shown alterations in the bond of adhesive restorations to bleached teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate tooth and resin composite adhesion when submitted to nonvital dental bleaching. METHOD AND MATERIALS: One hundred and twenty bovine teeth were assigned to 3 groups (n = 40); paste of sodium perborate and water; 37% carbamide peroxide gel; and no bleaching (control). After 3 weeks of continuous bleaching treatment, standardized Class V cavities were prepared at the cementoenamel junction and restored with Single Bond adhesive system and Z100 resin composite. The samples were thermocycled 1,500 times (5 +/- 1/55 +/- 1 degrees C) with a 1-minute dwell time. Then, they were immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution (pH 7) for 4 hours, sectioned, and analyzed by stereomicroscopy. Microleakage analyses were done, using scores from 0 to 4, considering leakage on the incisal wall (enamel) and the cervical wall (dentin). Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: The results showed that sodium perborate and carbamide peroxide gel significantly increase the microleakage in Class V resin composite restorations to dentin but not to enamel margins. CONCLUSION: The risk of microleakage in dentin margins is increased soon after bleaching treatment.     

Postoperative dental bleaching: effect of microleakage on Class V tooth colored restorative materials

The effect of 3 percent, 11 percent, and 16 percent carbamide peroxide bleaching solutions and 35 percent hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel on microleakage of Class V composite resins, resin modified glass ionomer cements, and compomer restorative materials together with corresponding (if indicated) fourth/fifth generation bonding agents was evaluated using previously extracted human teeth. Five groups of Class V cavity preparations were placed in enamel of the facial surfaces of 200 teeth. Groups A through D included 40 restorations each (4 different restorative materials and their accompanying bonding agent multiplied by 10 teeth) treated with 3 percent, 11 percent, and 16 percent carbamide peroxide bleach and 35 percent hydrogen peroxide bleach. Group E included 40 restorations without treatment of bleach and stood as the control. The restorative materials included were: Fuji II LC resin modified glass ionomer cement, Helioprogress composite resin/-Heliobond adhesive system, Aelitefil composite resin/Allbond 2 adhesive and Dyract compomer material/Prime & Bond adhesive system. Bleaching agents included were Rembrandt 3 percent peroxide gel, Perfecta 16 percent carbamide peroxide gel, White & Brite 11 percent carbamide peroxide solution and Superoxyl 35 percent hydrogen peroxide gel. All teeth were thermally stressed for 100 cycles and microleakage were assessed by dye penetration. The results were tabulated using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) testing procedures. The Aelitefil composite resin material behaved the least favorably (relative to microleakage) compared to the other materials when exposed to various concentrations of dental bleaching agents.     

Flowable composites as "filled adhesives:" a microleakage study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the microleakage at dentin margins of a flowable resin composite associated with an adhesive, either light cured separately or co-cured, in Class V cavities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four recently extracted human molars were prepared with standardized box-shaped Class V cavities of 3.0 mm (mesial-distal), 2.0 mm (occlusal-gingival), and 2.0 mm depth with margins located on enamel and dentin/cementum on the buccal or lingual surfaces. The cavities were randomly assigned into three groups (n=8): Group I - Single Bond + Filtek Z250 (control); Group II - Single Bond + Filtek Flow (light cured separately) + Filtek Z250; and Group III - Single Bond + Filtek Flow co-cured (light cured simultaneously) + Filtek Z250. After being immersed in tap water for 24 h, the specimens were thermocycled (1000x, 5 degrees -55 degrees C, 30 sec dwell time) and immersed in a 0.5% basic fuchsine solution for 24 h. The restorations were sectioned longitudinally and gingival margins were evaluated for microleakage using a 0-4 scale. Data were subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis test at p<0.05. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference at p = 0.0044 between Groups 1 and 3 and Groups 2 and 3 was observed. Although Group 2 performed slightly better than Group 1, no significant difference was observed. CONCLUSION: The use of a flowable resin composite cured simultaneously with an adhesive yielded the worst results in this study. As no statistical differences were seen between Groups 1 and 2, the use of a flowable composite as a means of minimizing microleakage at dentin margins may be questioned.     

Effect of multi-step dentin bonding systems and resin-modified glass ionomer cement liner on marginal quality of dentin-bonded resin composite Class II restorations

The use of resin composites in the restoration of Class II cavities with gingival margins located in dentin is still controversial. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of four state-of-the-art multi-step dentin-bonding systems (A. R. T. Bond, Syntac, OptiBond DC, Scotchbond Multipurpose) on marginal adaptation and microleakage of dentin-bonded composite Class II restorations. A total of 72 Class II cavities with gingival margins in dentin were prepared in extracted molars and filled with fine-hybrid composites using a three-sited light curing technique. In one half of the cavities the pulpal wall was lined with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement liner (RM-GIC), in the other half a total bonding technique was applied. A. R. T. Bond and Syntac were tested with selective enamel etching (SE) and total etching (TE). Marginal adaptation was evaluated in a scanning electron microscope before and after thermocycling (TC). Microleakage was determined by dye penetration. After TC the proportions of continuous margin in dentin ranged from 37% (Syntac/SE) to 91.2% (A. R. T. Bond/TE). Scotchbond Multipurpose exhibited the lowest degree of microleakage (0.22 mm). Marginal enamel fracture was the most prevalent marginal defect at the enamel margins (8.3–22.2%). The use of the RM-GIC had no beneficial effect on any of the marginal parameters, either in dentin or in enamel. It is concluded that low degrees of marginal gap formation and microleakage can be achieved in totally bonded composite Class II restorations when using state-of-the-art multi-step bonding systems in combination with a meticulous incremental filling technique. Received: 6 April 1998 / Accepted: 25 August 1998     

Effect of stepped exposure on quantitative in vitro marginal microleakage

Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of a soft-start curing mode on microleakage.
Materials and Methods: Standardized Class V cavities were prepared within all the margins in the buccal enamel or dentin surface of sound, freshly extracted inferior bovine incisors. Forty preparations were filled with a restorative system (Single Bond and Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA). Ten restorations of each group were made on both types of substrates and polymerized with a conventional curing technique (600 mW/cm²/40 s) or with a soft-start technique (150 mW/cm²/10 s + 600 mW/cm²/30 s). All specimens were thermocycled 3,000 times and then immersed in methylene blue 2% for 12 hours. The specimen microleakage was quantitatively determined in a spectrophotometer.
Results: The soft-start technique resulted in statistically significant less microleakage for each substrate ( p < .05). The conventional groups exhibited 6.1 (dentin) to 15.4% (enamel) more leakage compared with the soft-start groups. When compared with the enamel margins, the dentin margins demonstrated greater microleakage: from 15.5% greater with the conventional light-curing mode to 25.6% greater with the soft-start light-curing mode.
Conclusions: The polymerization technique using a very low initial intensity (150 mW/cm²/10 s) decreased the microleakage of composite resin restorations.     

Evaluation of the cervical integrity during occlusal loading of Class II restorations

There are many concerns regarding the clinical behavior of packable composite restorations in Class II cavities, particularly when those restorations are subjected to axial mechanical loads. This study evaluated microleakage in vitro in proximal vertical "slot"-type cavities with walls located in enamel and dentin, filled with packable composite, associated or not associated with a flowable composite, a reinforced light-curing glass-ionomer or a compomer, after being submitted to occlusal load cycling. These preparations were subjected to either occlusal load cycling or no occlusal load cycling. Eighty human molars with enamel and dentin margins were treated with standardized cavity preparations (proximal vertical "slot" preparations). After completing the filling process using a packable composite (Filtek P60) with or without a cervical increment of flowable composite (Filtek flow), light-curing glass-ionomer (Vitremer) or compomer (Dyract AP), the molars were separated into two groups: control (without occlusal loading) and test, in which 4,000 one-second cycles of 150 N occlusal loading were applied. All 80 teeth were submitted to a microleakage test, then evaluated utilizing silver nitrate dye penetration. Significant statistical differences (Wilcoxon test, p<0.05) in the amount of leakage in enamel and dentin were found in both the control and test groups. After a paired comparison of the control and test groups, a significant statistical difference was found at the enamel level (Mann-Whitney test, p<0.05). In dentin, the only statistically significant difference found was the relation to the flow material. The Kruskal-Wallis test did not detect any statistically significant difference in the amount of leakage among the four materials studied, with a 5% level of significance for both enamel and dentin. Based on this data, it was concluded that restorations with margins located in dentin had greater microleakage than those restorations with margins located in enamel. When the samples were submitted to occlusal loading, they were negatively influenced, which increased microleakage values in enamel and dentin. There was no statistically significant difference among the four tested materials, when comparing their performance.     

Effect of finishing time and techniques on marginal sealing ability of two composite restorative materials

STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS: Finishing of composites may adversely influence the sealing ability of direct adhesive restorations. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine whether finishing time and techniques under wet or dry conditions affect the microleakage of 2 types of class V composite restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty class V preparations were made in the buccal surfaces of noncarious molars with the occlusal margins ending in enamel and the gingival margins in dentin. Dental adhesive (Single Bond) was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. Half of the preparations were restored with a microfilled composite (Silux Plus) and the other half with a hybrid composite (Filtek Z250). Within each major composite group (n = 40), 4 subgroups (n = 10) were established based on finishing technique (diamond finishing burs or aluminum oxide discs) and finishing time (immediate or delayed by 24 hours). The specimens were stored for 24 hours in 37 degrees C water, thermocycled for 250 cycles between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C, immersed in 2% methylene blue solution for another 24 hours, and sectioned longitudinally. For both enamel and dentin margins, dye solution penetration at the tooth/composite interface was scored from 0 to 4 under stereoscopy at original magnification x 20. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test (P<.05). RESULTS: Significantly lower leakage scores were recorded for teeth restored with microfilled composite and finished under wet conditions after 24 hours (P<.01). No significant differences were found among the hybrid composite groups. CONCLUSION: For microfilled composite restorations on dentin margins, delayed wet finishing with diamond burs resulted in significantly lower microleakage scores than all other finishing protocols. Hybrid composite restorations had equivalent levels of microleakage regardless of the finishing method.     

Effect of bleaching agents on the hardness and morphology of enamel

Purpose: The goal of the present laboratory study was to analyze the effect of two home bleaching agents (Opalescence 10%, Ultradent, and Hi‐Lite II, Shofu) as well as the separate solutions of 10% carbamide peroxide primary components (3% hydrogen peroxide and 7% urea) on enamel microhardness and surface morphology. Materials and Methods: Thirty human molars stored in water for no longer than 3 months were selected. Their facial and lingual surfaces were embedded in acrylic resin, and the specimens were polished with up to 600‐grit sandpaper. The 30 molar sections were divided into five groups as per treatment modality (n = 6); group 1, 10% carbamide peroxide bleach with carbopol (Opalescence, Ultradent); group 2, oxygen‐free gel bleach (Hydroxylite, Hi‐Lite II, Shofu); group 3, 3% hydrogen peroxide with carbopol (Dermus Pharmacy, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil); group 4, 7% urea treatment (Dermus Pharmacy); and control, group 5, artificial saliva (Dermus Pharmacy). Prior to treatment, six indentations (Vickers) were made on each of the six surfaces in each group under a load of 100 g for 30 seconds. Bleaching procedure was conducted for 3 hours per day for 2 weeks, the control group excepted. Following each bleaching session, the specimens were washed with deionized water and kept in artificial saliva at 37°C, this solution being changed daily. Pre‐ and post‐treatment microhardness data were analyzed using a two‐way analysis of variance. In a similar way, 30 other specimens underwent the same procedures. After the bleaching period, the samples were observed under the scanning electron microscope. Results: Specimens submitted to bleaching treatment with 3% hydrogen peroxide gel as described in this study showed a significant reduction of surface microhardness (p < .0001). The other treatment modalities had no effect on surface microhardness. No morphologic alterations were observed on enamel submitted to bleaching gel of 10% carbamide peroxide (Opalescence), oxygen‐free gel (Hi‐Lite II, Shofu), or 7% urea solution compared with the control (artificial saliva). However, the specimens bleached for 3 hours per day for 2 weeks with 3% hydrogen peroxide gel presented areas of mild erosion. The effect, nevertheless, was not uniform, occurring with varying intensity on all samples of enamel bleached with 3% hydrogen peroxide. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Bleaching treatment conducted with two home bleaching agents (Opalescence 10%, Ultradent, and Hi‐Lite 11, Shofu) had no adverse effects on enamel microhardness or on surface morphology. Bleaching with 3% hydrogen peroxide can have a negative effect on enamel hardness and surface morphology when performed as described in this study     

Influence of ZOE temporary restorations on microleakage in composite restorations

This study investigated the influence of zinc-oxide eugenol (ZOE) temporary restorations on microleakage in composite restorations. Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of 32 freshly extracted, non-carious human premolars. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups of eight teeth. Specimens in Group 1 (control) received no temporary restoration. Group 2 and 3 specimens were covered with IRM (Type III ZOE cement) mixed at powder:liquid (P:L) ratio of 10g:1g and 10g:2g, respectively. Specimens in Group 4 were covered with poly-carboxylate cement (eugenol-free) mixed at a P:L ratio of 2.85g:1g. The temporary restorations were removed mechanically with an ultrasonic scaler after one week storage in distilled water at 37 degrees C. The preparations were washed and restored with Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus and Z100 according to manufacturers' instructions. The restorations were finished, thermally stressed for 400 cycles and subjected to dye penetration testing. Results were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests at a significance level of 0.05. At both enamel and dentin margins, the microleakage associated with Group 3 was significantly greater than for Groups 1, 2 and 4. For Groups 1 and 4, leakage at the dentin margins was significantly greater than in enamel margins. For the groups pretreated with IRM, no significant difference in dye penetration scores was observed between enamel and dentin. Pre-treatment with IRM mixed at a P:L ratio of 10g:2g significantly increased microleakage and is not recommended clinically.     

漂白处理对树脂充填体边缘微渗漏的影响

目的:评价35%过氧化氢凝胶对树脂充填体边缘微渗漏的影响。方法:选择离体上颌第三磨牙40颗,在颊面制备Ⅴ类洞复合树脂分层充填,光照固化抛光后按处理时间随机分为4组(n=10):A(对照组)、B(10 min)、C(20 min)、D(30min)。将凝胶涂布于充填体表面进行漂白处理后冷热循环500次,再用2%亚甲蓝溶液染色24 h,沿颊舌纵向剖开,体式显微镜观察并记录染料渗入深度。用Kruskal-Wallis法进行数据分析;Mann-Whitney法组间两两比较,检验水准均为α=0.05。结果:不同漂白处理时间对树脂充填体边缘微渗漏的影响有统计学意义(P<0.05);组间比较显示A与C、A与D、B与D、C与D间差异有统计学意义。结论:35%过氧化氢凝胶漂白处理使复合树脂充填体的边缘微渗漏程度增加。     

Microleakage of light-cured resin and resin-modified glass-ionomer dentin bonding agents applied with co-cure vs pre-cure technique

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of dentin bonding agents in reducing microleakage after three months in Class V restorations restored with Z100 resin composite. Materials tested were three types of resin-based dentin bonding agents: a multi-step (Scotchbond Multi-Purpose); a one-step (Scotchbond One-Step); a self-etching, self-priming (Clearfil Liner Bond) and a resin-modified glass ionomer (GC Fuji Bond LC). Class V cavity preparations with occlusal margins in enamel and gingival margins in cementum were prepared both on labial and lingual surfaces of extracted premolar teeth. Restorations (two per tooth) were distributed randomly into nine test groups (n = 10) consisting of the various DBAs applied with co-cure and pre-cure techniques, and no dentin bonding as a negative control group. Samples were stored in saline for three months, thermocycled, stained with silver nitrate, then sectioned through the middle of the preparation to facilitate the removal of the composite resin restoration. For groups treated with the pre-cure technique, the differences between the enamel leakage values of SBMP-control, CFLB-control and SB1S-control subgroups were significant (p < 0.05). For enamel leakage values of groups treated with the co-cure technique, the differences between the SBMP-control, SB1S-control, CFLB-control and Fuji LC-control subgroups were significant (p < 0.05). For cementum leakage values of groups treated with pre-cure technique, the difference between the CFLB-control and the Fuji, SBMP and SB1S groups was significant (p < 0.05). No significant differences could be detected between the cementum leakage values of groups treated with the co-cure technique (p > 0.05). The differences between the values obtained with application of CFLB with the pre-cure and co-cure techniques at the cementum margins were found to be statistically significant (p = 0.02). No statistically significant differences could be detected between the pre-cure and co-cure values of the other test materials. Generally for every group, cementum microleakage values were greater than enamel microleakage values (p < 0.05). The use of Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, Scotchbond One-Step and Fuji Bond LC with the co-cure technique to decrease the application time did not cause any significant increase in microleakage. Only pre-curing using Clearfil Liner Bond provided better microleakage properties than the other pre-cured adhesives.     

The effect of flowable resin composite on microleakage in class V cavities

This in vitro study investigated the microleakage of flowable resin composite as a restorative material and as a liner (either light cured separately or co-cured with hybrid resin composite) in Class V cavities. A light-cured hybrid resin composite was used as a control. Twenty extracted human premolars were prepared with standardized Class V cavity outlines on the buccal and lingual surfaces. The occlusal margin of the cavities was on enamel and the gingival margin was on dentin. One bottle adhesive system (Single Bond) was used after etching enamel and dentin with 34.5% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds. The cavities were randomly divided into four groups of 10 each and restored according to the manufacturers' instructions: Group I-Hybrid resin composite (Z100); Group II-Flowable resin composite (Filtek Flow); Group III-Flowable resin composite (Filtek Flow)+Hybrid resin composite (Z100); light cured separately; Group IV-Flowable resin composite (Filtek Flow)+Hybrid resin composite (Z100); co-cured. The samples were thermocycled 200 times with a 30-second dwell time. They were then immersed in a 0.5% basic fuchsin solution for 24 hours, sectioned and analyzed by stereomicroscopy. The degree of dye penetration was recorded and analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. The results of this study indicate that there was no leakage at the occlusal margin for either restoration. Statistically significant differences were found among the groups at the gingival margin. No statistically significant difference was observed between the occlusal and gingival margins except in Group IV. The combination of flowable resin composite and hybrid composite light cured separately yielded the best result in this study. The most leakage was observed when this combination was co-cured. The resistance to microleakage of flowable resin composite as a restorative material is similar to that of hybrid resin composite.     

Effect of insertion technique and adhesive system on microleakage of Class V resin composite restorations

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different insertion techniques and adhesive systems on microleakage of Class V composite resin restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight human molars were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 12). Standardized mixed Class V cavities (enamel and dentin margins) were prepared at the CEJ. A total-etch (Adper Scotchbond MultiPurpose) and a self-etching (iBond) adhesive system were evaluated using either an incremental or single-step (bulk) insertion technique. The preparations were restored with Esthet*X micromatrix hybrid composite. The teeth were thermocycled 1000 cycles, immersed in 1% methylene blue dye for 24 h, and invested in acrylic resin. The specimen blocks were then sectioned longitudinally, with dye penetration (microleakage) examined with a 20X binocular microscope. Enamel and dentin margins were scored separately for microleakage using an ordinal ranking system. Results were analyzed using non-parametric tests at a p < 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: Significance was exhibited between the groups (adhesive material/insertion technique) at the coronal and apical margins. At the coronal margin, the total-etch adhesive/incremental insertion group exhibited significantly less leakage than the other groups, while at the apical margin, the total-etch adhesive/incremental insertion group showed significantly less leakage than the self-etching adhesive/bulk insertion group. Significantly less leakage was found at the coronal margins compared to the apical margins of the material/technique groups. CONCLUSION: The use of a total-etch adhesive system and incremental insertion of composite significantly reduced microleakage at the coronal and apical margins of Class V composite restorations.     

Comparison of microleakage for three one-bottle and three multiple-step dentin bonding agents.

PURPOSE: This in vitro study compared the ability of several recently introduced 1-bottle adhesives to their preceding multiple-step dentin bonding agents in reducing microleakage around Class V composite restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Facial and lingual Class V cavities were prepared in 48 molar teeth, which were randomly divided into 6 equal groups. Three groups used the fourth-generation multiple-step systems, and 3 used the fifth-generation single-bottle adhesives. All cavities were restored by composite and subjected to thermocycling and intermittent occlusal loading. After immersion in 0.5% basic fuchsin, the teeth were cut faciolingually in 5 consecutive sections and evaluated for dye penetration using a binocular stereomicroscope. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the degree of microleakage comparing the adhesive's generation and manufacturer and the location of the cavity margins. A significant interaction was found between margin location and manufacturer, which implied that the sealing capacity at the enamel and cementum margins was material-specific. CONCLUSION: Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and Single Bond adhesives provided the best seal for enamel margins, and One-Step and Optibond FL adhesives were best for cementum margins.     

Influence of resin composite shade and location of the gingival margin on the microleakage of posterior restorations

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of resin composite shade and location of the gingival margin (enamel or dentin) on the microleakage of proximal restorations on posterior teeth. Methods and MATERIALS: Sixty freshly extracted human third molars were prepared with standardized Class II box-shaped cavities with proportional size and shape, with distal gingival margins located on the enamel and mesial gingival margins on dentin. The teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups according to resin shade (n=10): G1-Incisal; G2-A1; G3-A2; G4-A3; G5-A3.5; G6-A4. The cavities were restored with a total-etch 1-bottle adhesive system and microhybrid resin composites inserted in 4 increments, light cured for 20 seconds through the occlusal surface, then an additional 60 seconds for each surface. After 1 week of immersion in distilled water, the specimens were thermocycled (500 cycles, 5 degrees -55 degrees C, 30 seconds dwell time), sealed with nail polish and immersed in 0.5% basic fuschin solution for 24 hours. The restorations were sectioned longitudinally, and microleakage was evaluated using a 0-3 score scale. RESULTS: Data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests at p<0.05. No statistically significant differences between groups were observed regarding the shade of resin composite (p=0.8570). When margins (enamel or dentin) were considered separately, statistically significant differences were observed between groups (p<0.0001), with enamel margins exhibiting lower degrees of microleakage. CONCLUSION: The variation of resin composite shades utilized in this study did not influence the microleakage of Class II restorations. However, the location of the gingival margin influenced the microleakage.     

Microleakage and marginal hybrid layer formation of compomer restorations

The tested hypotheses of this study were that dentin enamel bonding agents (DBAs) proposed for compomers create a hybrid layer (HL) that seals the margins of Class V restorations and HL is free from voids or gaps on both enamel and dentin margins. For purposes of this study, Class V restorations (n = 70) were made in vitro at the CEJ in extracted third molars. Different systems (bonding agent + compomer) were selected. After finishing with discs, each margin was polished with diamond polishing paste for one minute, treated with a 2.5% NaOCl gel for 10 seconds and washed with deionized water to remove polishing debris and non-infiltrated collagen. All restorations were immersed in dye solution for 24 hours, then inspected along the margins. SEM analysis was used to evaluate the morphology of the marginal HL and microleakage tests to evaluate their ability to seal the margins of restorations. Marginal leakage was observed along the dentin and enamel margin. A thin marginal HL (0.5-1.2 microm) was detected only along the dentin margin of several bonding systems but not along the enamel margin. Porosities and gaps were detected along margins when no HL was observed. The results demonstrated that the tested bonding agents for compomers produced a thin marginal hybrid layer, especially along the dentin margin. Microleakage had a relationship with the morphology (gap, porosities and thickness) of this hybrid smear layer. In conclusion, the DBAs tested specifically developed for compomers did not ensure an intimate interfacial adaptation, because microleakage was detected along the enamel and dentin interfaces and the marginal hybrid layer was only partially homogeneous.     

Physical, morphological, and micro-Raman chemical studies on bleaching strip effects on enamel, coronal dentin, and root dentin

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of elevated-concentration hydrogen peroxide tooth whitening strips on the surface and subsurface integrity of enamel, coronal dentin, and root dentin. METHODOLOGY: Sound human teeth were ground and polished to prepare a uniform substrate for bleaching. A cycling regimen included exposures to saliva, bleaching treatments, and fluoridated toothpaste. Bleaching was carried out with plastic strips containing hydrogen peroxide gel at 11.7 and 14% concentrations. A non-bleached group served as a control. Bleaching times measured up to 45 hours. Physical properties of tooth surfaces were assessed by microhardness, while surface morphological properties of teeth were examined by profilometry, surface Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), and Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscopy (VP-SEM). Subsurface histomorphological effects on teeth were assessed by CLSM. Lastly, the influences of bleaching on tooth micro-chemical composition was studied by micro-Raman spectroscopy using a unique spectrometer in line, coupled to the CLSM via glass fiber. RESULTS: Surface microhardness, profilometry, CLSM, and VP-SEM measures showed enamel and root dentin surfaces were unchanged with bleaching. CLSM micromorphological assessments demonstrated normal histology for bleached teeth on surface and subsurface enamel, DEJ, and dentin. Raman spectroscopy demonstrated no effects of bleaching treatments on the microchemical mineral composition of enamel and dentin. Bleaching treatments were observed to reduce background luminescence of enamel, DEJ, and dentin. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that whitening strips delivering controlled doses of hydrogen peroxide at 11.7 and 14% concentrations do not produce changes in surface/subsurface histomorphology, surface microhardness, or micro-chemical mineral composition of teeth. The effects of bleaches on tooth luminescence recorded in micro-Raman spectroscopy may serve as an internal signature to bleaching effects and warrant further study.     

Effect of different peroxide bleaching regimens and subsequent fluoridation on the hardness of human enamel and dentin

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Bleaching of teeth by "in-office" or "home" bleaching techniques are popular methods of whitening teeth. However, bleaching may reduce the surface hardness of enamel and dentin. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) the effect of different concentrations of 2 "in-office bleaching" and 2 "home bleaching" agents applied for different time periods on the hardness of enamel and dentin and (2) the effect of subsequent immersion in a low-concentration fluoride solution on the hardness of bleached enamel and dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The enamel and dentin of 12 extracted intact human molar teeth were sectioned lengthwise, ground, polished, embedded in acrylic resin and divided into 4 groups each (n=12). An area of approximately 5 x 5 mm of enamel and dentin tested for Knoop hardness number (KHN; kg/mm 2 ) at a load of 100 g for 20 seconds (baseline). The specimens were stored in distilled water for 1 hour and the microhardness testing repeated as a control group. The groups were bleached as follows: Group OX and Group OQ were bleached "in office" with Opalescence Xtra (35% hydrogen peroxide) and Opalescence Quick (35% carbamide peroxide), respectively, for 5, 15, or 35 minutes and retested for KHN at the end of each time period. "Home bleaching" products Opalescence F (15% carbamide peroxide) and Opalescence (10% carbamide peroxide) were applied in 14-hour applications at 24-hour intervals to Groups OF and O, respectively, which were then tested for KHN. Specimens were immersed in 0.05% fluoride solution (Meridol) for 5 minutes and retested for KHN. The hardness values were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and Scheffe post hoc test (alpha=.05). Comparisons of KHN between each time and the baseline measurement for each group were of interest. RESULTS: Significant decreases in KHN of enamel and dentin were found after bleaching for all test groups, dependent on the accumulated bleaching time. Group OX showed a 25% KHN reduction for enamel and 22% for dentin after 35 minutes bleaching (P < .0001). Group OQ showed a 13% KHN reduction (P < .0001) for enamel and 10% for dentin after 35 minutes (P < .005). Group OF showed a KHN reduction of 14% for enamel (P < .05) and 9% for dentin (P < .0001) after 14 hours bleaching, and Group O showed an 18% reduction in enamel (P < .0001) and 13% in dentin (P < .0001) for the same period. Fluoridation completely restored the softened dental tissues. CONCLUSION: The "in-office" bleaching technique reduced the hardness significantly more than the "home" bleaching technique. Low-concentration fluoride mouth rinse (Meridol) restored the softened dental tissues.