Ivone Lima Santana

Effect of experimental heat treatment on mechanical properties of resin composites

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of an experimental heat treatment (170 masculineC/10 min) using a casting furnace on the mechanical properties (hardness and flexural strength) of 2 commercial direct resin composites (TPH Spectrum and Filtek P60) compared to a commercial indirect resin system (BelleGlass). Heat treatment temperature was determined after thermal characterization by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Data was analyzed by ANOVA and Tukeys test at 5% significance level. There was statistical significance for the main factor heat treatment (p=0.03) and composite (p=0.02), for flexural strength. For Knoop hardness, only the main factor composite was statistically significant (p=0.00). P60 presented higher hardness than TPH. No statistically significant correlation between mechanical properties tested was detected. Based on these results, it was possible to conclude that heat treatment influenced flexural strength of direct composites, while it was not observed for hardness. The association of direct composites with a simple post-cure heat treatment may be an alternative for current indirect composite systems, although more studies are needed to verify other properties of the composites for this application.

Dietary Carbohydrates Modulate Candida albicans Biofilm Development on the Denture Surface

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether dietary carbohydrates can modulate the development of Candida albicans biofilms on the denture material surface. Poly (methyl methacrylate) acrylic resin discs were fabricated and had their surface roughness measured. Biofilms of C. albicans ATCC 90028 were developed on saliva-coated specimens in culture medium without (control) or with carbohydrate supplementation by starch, starch+sucrose, glucose, or sucrose for 72 h. The cell count, metabolic activity, biovolume, average thickness, and roughness coefficient were evaluated at the adhesion phase (1.5 h) and after 24, 48, and 72 h. The secretion of proteinases and phospholipases, cell surface energy, and production of extra/intracellular polysaccharides were analyzed after 72 h of biofilm development. Data were analyzed by one- and two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test at 5% significance level. In the early stages of colonization (adhesion and 24 h), the glucose group showed the highest cell counts and metabolic activity among the groups (p<0.05). After maturation (48 and 72 h), biofilms exposed to glucose, sucrose, or starch+sucrose showed higher cell counts and metabolic activity than the control and starch groups (p<0.001). Compared to the control group, biofilms developed on starch or starch+sucrose had more proteinase activity (p<0.001), whereas biofilms developed on glucose or sucrose had more phospholipase activity (p<0.05). Exposure to starch+sucrose increased the production of extracellular and intracellular polysaccharides (p<0.05). Biofilms developed on starch or without carbohydrate supplementation presented cells with more hydrophobic behavior compared to the other groups. Confocal images showed hyphae forms on biofilms exposed to starch or starch+sucrose. Within the conditions studied, it can be concluded that dietary carbohydrates can modulate biofilm development on the denture surface by affecting virulence factors and structural features.

Heat treatment of a direct composite resin: influence on flexural strength

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the flexural strength of a direct composite, for indirect application, that received heat treatment, with or without investment. One indirect composite was used for comparison. For determination of the heat treatment temperature, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were performed, considering the initial weight loss temperature and glass transition temperature (Tg). Then, after photoactivation (600 mW/cm(2) - 40 s), the specimens (10 x 2 x 2 mm) were heat-treated following these conditions: 170 masculineC for 5, 10 or 15 min, embedded or not embedded in investment. Flexural strength was assessed as a means to evaluate the influence of different heat treatment periods and investment embedding on mechanical properties. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukeys test (alpha = 0.05). TGA showed an initial weight loss temperature of 180 masculineC and DSC showed a Tg value of 157 degrees C. Heat treatment was conducted in an oven (Flli Manfredi, Italy), after 37 degrees C storage for 48 h. Flexural strength was evaluated after 120 h at 37 degrees C storage. The results showed that different periods and investment embedding presented similar statistical values. Nevertheless, the direct composite resin with treatments presented higher values (178.7 MPa) compared to the indirect composite resin (146.0 MPa) and the same direct composite submitted to photoactivation only (151.7 MPa). Within the limitations of this study, it could be concluded that the heat treatment increased the flexural strength of the direct composite studied, leading to higher mechanical strength compared to the indirect composite.

Thermal behavior of direct resin composites: glass transition temperature and initial degradation analyses

Purpose: The association of direct resin composites with simple thermal treatments may improve the mechanical properties of these materials. However, the ideal temperature for heat application depends on the thermal behavior of each material, such as glass transition (Tg) and initial degradation temperatures. To propose a heat treatment methodology, this study evaluated the thermal behavior of five commercial direct resin composites using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Methods: Photo-irradiation was achieved in cylindrical specimens (3 x 2 mm) using a photo-activator source (600 mW/cm² for 40 s). Thermal analyses were performed by DSC and TGA using a temperature range from 25 °C to 900 °C. Results: Tg values obtained by DSC were 130.6 °C for FillMagic, 129 oC for Glacier, 143.5 oC for Te-Econom, 147.5 °C for Prisma APH and 143.7 oC for Natural Look. A moderate weight loss began at around 270 oC for all materials, which represented the initial degradation temperature. Conclusion: Regarding the heat treatment itself, it was concluded that the effective temperature for heat treatment is material dependent.

Effects of heat treatment on the microhardness of direct composites at different depths of restoration

PURPOSE: The mechanical properties of direct composites may be improved by heat treatment. This study aimed to verify whether heat treatment influences the Knoop microhardness (KHN) of direct composites and whether there are differences among photoactivated areas before and after the application of heat. METHODS: A total of 84 rectangular cross-sectional specimens (10 × 2 × 2 mm) was prepared, 14 per composite. After photoactivation (600 mW/cm² - 40 s), seven specimens per composite were heat-treated (170 oC/10 min), whereas the others remained unheated (control). KHN values were obtained for three sites on each specimen at specified distances from the irradiated surface (0.2, 1.0, and 2.0 mm). The data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukeys test at with a significance level set to 5%. RESULTS: The improvement in the KHN values depended on the composites studied. The KHN values of TE-Economic, Natural Look, and Prisma were significantly improved by heat treatment (P 0.05) after heating. The distance from the irradiated area significantly influenced the KHN of all of the composites, regardless of heating application (P < 0.05). Sites that were closer to the irradiated surface exhibited a higher KHN (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The choice of the composite is important when intending to improve the KHN by heating. Sites that are closer to the irradiation source exhibit greater hardness, even after thermal treatment.

Parameters that influence microtensile bond testing of adhesive systems

The aim of this study was to provide a critical review of the literature regarding factors that can interfere with microtensile test results for enamel and dentin adhesive systems. Primarily, reports in English, Spanish, or Portuguese that were published between July 1994 and September 2009 and are catalogued in MEDLINE and BBO were used. Additionally, we compiled relevant articles found in the references of these articles and dissertations and theses available in electronic databases of Brazilian universities that examined factors that can influence implementation of the microtensile test at each stage. The search strategy included searching for the following key term groups: microtensile and test; microtensile and assay; microtensile and test and parameters; microtensile and test and factors; microtensile and specimen; microtraccon and especimen. We reviewed 25 selected articles and found that they showed that even after adjustment of test parameters, changes found in the dentin could be responsible for variations observed amongst results. This influence could potentially be reduced by using the cohesive strength value of dentin adjacent to the adhesive interface as a standard for comparison, but more studies are needed to confirm whether such an approach would be reliable. Data analysis methodology should be taken into account when comparing studies.

Shear bond strength of self-etch and total-etch adhesives to bovine enamel and dentin

PURPOSE: To evaluate the shear bond strength of a self-etch adhesive and an etch-and-rinse adhesive when bonded to bovine enamel and dentin. METHODS: The labial surfaces of 28 bovine mandibular incisors were wet ground to achieve a flat enamel or dentin surface. A 1-step self-etch adhesive and a 3-step etch-and-rinse adhesive were bonded to enamel or dentin according to the manufacturers instructions (Adper Easy One and Adper Scotchbond, respectively). A composite resin cylinder (Filtek Z350 XT) was built upon the adhesive layer using a silicon mold (2 mm in diameter × 3 mm high). The specimens were stored in 37°C distilled water for 24 h. The bond strength was measured by a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min. Students t-test was used to compare bond strength values between adhesives at the 95% confidence level. RESULTS: For the enamel specimens, Adper Scotchbond had significantly higher values of bond strength than Adper Easy One (P=0.007). For the dentin specimens, there were no statistically significant differences between adhesives (P=0.12). CONCLUSION: Adper Easy One showed lower shear bond strength than Adper Scotchbond on enamel. For dentin, Adper Easy One showed bond strength similar to Adper Scotchbond.

Influence of heat treatment on the sorption and solubility of direct composite resins.

CONTEXT Heat treatment allows the use of direct composite resins for fabrication of inlays/onlays restorations because it improves some mechanical and physical properties. AIM The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of heat treatment on the water sorption and solubility of direct composite resins compared with an indirect composite resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 50 cylindrical specimens were fabricated (6 mm diameter × 2 mm high) and divided into five groups (n = 10): G1 (FillMagic without heat treatment-control 1), G2 (heat-treated FillMagic), G3 (P60 without heat treatment-control 1), G4 (heat-treated P60) and G5 (indirect resin Epricord-control 2). After fabrication, the specimens were placed in a desiccator containing silica gel and maintained at 37°C for 24 h. This cycle was repeated until a constant weight was achieved (m1). Following, the specimens were stored in individual flasks containing 2 ml of distilled water in an oven at 37°C. The specimens were weighed after intervals of 1, 7 and 21 days of immersion in water (m2). After 21 days of storage in water, the specimens were once again desiccated until a constant weight was achieved (m3). The mean diameter and thickness of specimens were obtained using a digital pachymeter. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Two - way analysis of variance and Tukeys test were used to compare the sorption and solubility (α = 0.05). RESULTS The type of resin significantly influenced the sorption (P = 0.01) and solubility (P = 0.00). The heat treatment also significantly influenced the sorption (P = 0.026) and solubility (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION It was concluded that the heat treatment is an additional curing method that improves strength to the sorption and solubility of composite resins.