Rodrigo Nunes Rached

Reducing the negative effects of chemical polishing in acrylic resins by use of an additional cycle of polymerization

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM The chemical polishing of dentures and orthodontic appliances is an efficient and time-saving technique. However, the process may adversely affect the physical properties of resin. PURPOSE This study evaluated the effect of an additional polymerization cycle in a microwave or water bath on the physical properties of an autopolymerized acrylic resin submitted to chemical polishing. MATERIAL AND METHODS Control groups comprised acrylic resin specimens submitted to mechanical (group 1) and chemical (group 2) polishing. Experimental groups comprised chemically polished specimens submitted to an additional cycle of polymerization in a microwave at 450 W for 3 minutes (group 3) or in a hot water bath at 65 degrees C for 1 hour (group 4). For the residual monomer test, 10 standardized half-disc specimens (30 x 3 mm) were fabricated for each of the test groups, and daily ultraviolet spectrophotometric (206 nm) analyses were assessed for 13 days (microg/cm(2)). For transverse strength and internal Knoop hardness (KH) tests, 10 (65 x 10 x 2.5 mm) and 5 (32 x 10 x 2.5 mm) specimens were fabricated for each test group, respectively. Internal Knoop hardness (kg/mm(2)) was assessed at depths of 100, 700, and 1500 microm. Transverse strength (MPa) was measured with a 3-point bending test in a universal testing machine with a 10-kg load cell at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. The data were analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance, and the means were compared with Students t test and Tukey-Kramer intervals (P<.05). RESULTS At the end of the first day of the test, all groups showed significantly different residual monomer levels (P<.05). The groups in order of decreasing residual monomer were: group 2 (1315.7 +/- 225.5 microg/cm(2)), group 3 (848.2 +/- 150.4 microg/cm(2)), group 4 (295.1 +/- 81.6 microg/cm(2)), and group 1 (136.6 +/- 45.5 microg/cm(2)). After 13 days of water storage, the lowest residual monomer levels were recorded for group 1 (4.6 +/- 1.6 microg/cm(2)). There were no significant differences among group 2 (11.3 +/- 3.1 microg/cm(2)), group 3 (9.6 +/- 1.5 microg/cm(2)), and group 4 (12.3 +/- 1.7 microg/cm(2)). Group 1 demonstrated the highest transverse strength (78.1 +/- 6.1 MPa); the other groups were not significantly different from each other. All groups exhibited lower KH values at the 100-microm depth than at 700- and 1500-microm depths. At the latter depths, group 4 specimens demonstrated the highest hardness values (18.0 +/- 0.5 and 18.8 +/- 0.7 kg/mm(2), respectively). CONCLUSION Within the limitations of this study, additional polymerization with hot water reduced residual monomer content of chemically polished acrylic resins on the first day. Although additional polymerization increased the internal hardness of the material, however, it did not recover the transverse strength that was decreased by the chemical polishing.

Sliding resistance with esthetic ligatures: an in-vitro study.

INTRODUCTION This study was developed to evaluate in vitro the properties related to sliding resistance of esthetic ligatures. METHODS Frictional force of 6 ligatures--2 conventional, 2 specially coated elastomeric, Teflon-coated (Dupont, Wilmington, Del) stainless steel, and stainless steel (control) ligatures--were studied by sliding 0.019 x 0.025-in stainless steel wire through the 0.22-in slot of stainless steel bracket. Elastomeric ligatures were tested for frictional and tensile forces under 3 experimental conditions: recent stretching, after 21 days of simulated stretching in artificial saliva, and a demineralizing/remineralizing regimen. Statistical analysis was conducted with ANOVA and Games-Howell tests. RESULTS There was high correlation between frictional and tensile forces of elastomeric ligatures, with reduction of both after 21 days. The demineralizing/remineralizing regimen reduced the frictional forces of ligatures to the same level as the ligatures in artificial saliva. Teflon-coated and stainless steel ligatures showed the lowest initial frictional forces, but there was no difference in friction of stainless steel and post-stretched elastomeric ligatures. CONCLUSIONS Frictional forces generated by esthetic elastomeric ligatures under simulated oral environments are not stable and are more related to tensile force than to surface characteristics of the ligatures.

Effect of pre- and postpolymerization on flexural strength and elastic modulus of impregnated, fiber-reinforced denture base acrylic resins

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Impregnated fibers require light polymerization; however, little information exists about how different protocols might affect the mechanical properties of reinforced denture base materials. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of pre- or postpolymerization of preimpregnated fibers on the flexural strength and elastic modulus of a reinforced autopolymerized and a heat-polymerized acrylic resin. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy-two specimens were divided into 12 treatment groups (n=6), according to type of acrylic resin (autopolymerized or heat polymerized), type of reinforcement, and its pre- or postpolymerization. Impregnated glass fibers (Fibrex-Lab), unimpregnated glass fibers (Fibrante), and ribs made from a restorative composite resin (Z250) were used as reinforcements. The reinforcements were light polymerized either before or after incorporation and processing of the acrylic resins. Specimens were tested in 3-point load and the data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (alpha=.05). Specimens were further examined using light microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS Elastic modulus was significantly higher for heat-polymerized acrylic resins than for autopolymerized acrylic resins (P<.001). Prepolymerized fibers increased both flexural strength and elastic modulus of autopolymerized acrylic resins significantly more than postpolymerized fibers (P<.001); however, postpolymerized fibers yielded a higher elastic modulus than prepolymerized fibers for the heat-polymerized material (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Prepolymerized fibers improved the overall mechanical properties of reinforced autopolymerized acrylic resins more than postpolymerized fibers. However, postpolymerization of fibers yielded higher elastic modulus for reinforced heat-polymerized acrylics.

Phenotypic evaluation of the effect of anaerobiosis on some virulence attributes of Candida albicans

The current assumption that Candida albicans is a facultatively anaerobic organism has been widely accepted since its recovery from anoxic sites became common. However, the link between anaerobiosis and virulence remains uncertain. This study investigated the differential cell-surface hydrophobicity (CSH) using a hydrocarbon/water partition technique and analysed the differential secretion rates of secretory aspartyl proteases (Saps), esterase, chondroitinase and haemolysins of C. albicans strains recovered from periodontal pockets and non-periodontium-related intra-oral sites. For the enzymic tests, all strains from both sets were grown under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and the harvested cells were inoculated onto suitable normal or pre-reduced culture media in the presence or absence of molecular oxygen, respectively. The results showed that no variations were perceptible for CSH and chondroitinase (P>0.05). The secretion rates of esterase and haemolysins strongly decreased in an anoxic environment (P<0.0001). However, a consistent increment (P<0.0001) in Sap secretion was detected when cultures were grown under anaerobic conditions. Based on these results, it is suggested that the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere surrounding cells exerts a variable influence on the virulence attributes of C. albicans.

Effect of ceramic veneer opacity and exposure time on the polymerization efficiency of resin cements.

The objective of this study was to determine the degree of conversion (DC), hardness (H), and modulus of elasticity (E) of a dual-cured resin cement, a light-cured resin cement, and a flowable resin cured through opaque or translucent ceramic with different exposure times. RelyX ARC (dual), RelyX Veneer (light-cured), and Filtek Z350 Flow resin specimens 0.5 mm thick were cured for 40, 80, and 120 seconds through 1-mm thick translucent or opaque feldspathic ceramic disks (n=10). The specimens were stored at 37°C for 24 hours. Half of each specimen was used to test the DC and the other half to test H and E. The DC was determined in a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer in absorbance mode at peaks of 1638 cm(-1) and 1610 cm(-1). H and E were determined using nanoindentation with one loading cycle and a maximum load of 400 mN. The data were analyzed with three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the Games-Howell test, and the Pearson correlation test (α=0.05). Statistically significant differences were found for all three factors (material, opacity, and exposure time), as well as interaction between them. The opaque ceramic resulted in lower DC, H, and E than the translucent ceramic for an exposure time of 40 seconds. An exposure time of 120 seconds resulted in a similar DC for all materials, irrespective of the opacity of the ceramic. Materials cured for 120 seconds had higher H and E than those cured for 40 seconds. The exposure time and opacity of the ceramic exerted an influence on the DC, H, and E of the materials evaluated.

Dynamic and static strength of an implant-supported overdenture model reinforced with metal and nonmetal strengtheners

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Fractures of overdentures occur in the denture base through the abutments. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of reinforcements and the space available for their placement on the dynamic and static loading capacity of a simulated implant-supported overdenture model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Rhomboidal (6 × 6 × 25 mm) test specimens (n=8), made with an acrylic resin and containing 2 metal O-ring capsules, were reinforced with braided stainless steel bar (BS), stainless steel mesh (SM), unidirectional E-glass fiber (GF), E-glass mesh (GM), woven polyethylene braids (PE), or polyaramid fibers (PA). Two distinct spaces for reinforcement placement were investigated: a 2.5 mm and a 1 mm space. Control groups consisted of nonreinforced specimens. Specimens were thermocycled (5°C and 55°C, 5,000 cycles) and then subjected to a 100,000 cyclic load regime. Unbroken specimens were then loaded until failure. The number of failures under fatigue (f) and static load (s) were compared with the Chi-Square test, while static load means were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis test (α=.05). RESULTS The number of failures (f:s) of GF (0:16), PE (0:16), and PA (0:16) differed significantly from the control group (8:8) and SM (4:12) (P=.037 and P=.025, respectively). For the 2.5 mm space group, these same reinforcements also exhibited higher static load means than the control (P=.016, P=.003, and P=.003, respectively); under static load, no significant differences were detected between the reinforced groups and the control for the 1.0 mm space group (P=1.0). CONCLUSIONS E-glass fibers, woven polyethylene braids, and polyaramid fibers withstood the fatigue regime and increased the flexural strength of the implant-supported overdenture model. The spaces available for reinforcement did not affect the dynamic strength or the static loading capacity of the implant-supported overdenture model.

Microhardness of dentin underneath fluoride-releasing adhesive systems subjected to cariogenic challenge and fluoride therapy

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the microhardness of dentin subjacent to the bonding interface of composite restorations using fluoride-releasing adhesive systems submitted to pH-cycling regimen associated or not to fluoride therapies. METHODS Thirty human third molars were prepared with class V cavities with dentin cervical margins. The adhesive systems One-Up Bond F Plus (OU), Prime&Bond NT (NT), Clearfil Protect Bond (CF), Optibond Solo Plus (OP) and also the controls [-] Single Bond 2 (SB) and [+] Ketac Molar (KM) were used previously to composite resin restorations. The restorations were sectioned into four slabs and submitted to different storage media for 15 days: distilled water, pH-cycling, pH-cycling associated to NaF 0.05% and associated to NaF 1.23%. The Knoop microhardness test was performed in dentin at 50, 100, 150 and 300 microm from the adhesive interface. Data was analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (p<0.05). RESULTS KM resulted in significantly higher microhardness when compared to all the adhesive systems at 50 microm, with the exception of OU, that was similar to KM when submitted to pH-cycling alone or associated to 1.23% NaF. Microhardness of dentin was significantly higher with all the tested materials, when pH-cycling was associated to NaF 0.05%, at 50 microm and 100 microm depths. OU resulted in similar dentin hardness at all depths and storage media. CONCLUSIONS The incorporation of NaF 0.05% fluoride therapy to the cariogenic challenge was capable to recover the original microhardness of dentin at 50 and 100 microm with all the tested materials.

Effects of nystatin, fluconazole and propolis on poly(methyl methacrylate) resin surface

The prevalence of candidosis in denture wearers is as well established as its treatment with antifungal agents (AAs). However, little research has been done regarding the effects of AAs on denture base surfaces. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fluconazole (FLU), nystatin (NYS) and propolis orabase gel (PRO) on poly (methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) surfaces. Deionized water and orabase gel without any active component were used as control groups. Conventional heat-polymerized (Clássico) and microwave-polymerized (Onda Cryl) acrylic resins were used. After polymerization, the specimens were polished and had their surfaces evaluated for roughness, free energy and Knoop hardness. Subsequently, specimens were immersed in AAs and controls for 14 days at 35+/-2 degrees C and all variables were measured again. Data were analyzed statistically by 2-way ANOVA followed by Tukeys test (alpha=0.05). Roughness results showed similar behavior for both PMMA resins, with PRO reaching the highest values and differing significantly from the other AAs (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found between the two PMMA resins or between NYS and FLU as regards surface free energy. In conclusion, PRO was able to induce changes in PMMA surface properties, such as roughness, which could be related to microbial adhesion.

Effect of intrinsic pigmentation on the flexural strength of a microwave-cured acrylic resin

This study investigated the effect of intrinsic pigmentation on the transverse strength of a microwave-cured acrylic resin. Forty transverse strength specimens were fabricated according to ADA specification #12 and divided into 5 groups. No fibers were added to group I (GI, control group); acrylic stain (AS) was added to GII and GIII in concentrations of 0.5 and 1.5% w/w, respectively; acrylic fibers (AF) were added to groups GIV and GV in concentrations of 0.5 and 1.5% w/w, respectively. All specimens were irradiated in a microwave oven with a cycle of 3 min at 360 W, followed by 4 min resting, then 3 min at 810 W. Flasks were bench-cooled for 30 min at room temperature, followed by immersion in cold tap water for 30 min. After storage in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 48 h, all specimens were tested for flexural strength in a testing machine (EMIC-DL 500) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 cm/min. Mean and standard deviation (MPa) for the flexural strength test were: GI = 86.0 +/- 7.9; GII = 86.0 +/- 9.8; GIII = 86.6 +/- 7.7; GIV = 84.9 +/- 5.3; GV = 84.9 +/- 5.2. No statistical differences were detected among the groups (ANOVA, p > 0.05). The addition of the acrylic fibers or the acrylic stain did not affect the transverse strength of the microwave-cured acrylic resin.

Effect of open-sandwich vs. adhesive restorative techniques on enamel and dentine demineralization: An in situ study

OBJECTIVES To assess in situ the effect of different restorative techniques used with fluoride-releasing materials on enamel and dentine demineralization in the presence of a cariogenic challenge. METHODS Thirty human molars were prepared for 60 Class V cavities, with enamel and dentine margins. The teeth were divided into four groups (n=15): L1 - open sandwich technique with a conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC), L2 - open sandwich technique with a resin-modified GIC, A1 - total-etch bonding with a fluoride-containing adhesive, A2 - total-etch bonding with a nonfluoride-containing adhesive. All the cavities were restored with a nanofilled composite. Fifteen volunteers used appliances containing one specimen from each group. The cariogenic challenge was carried out with a 20% sucrose solution 8×/day for 7 days. The specimens were sectioned for microhardness test and EDS analysis at different depths below the enamel and dentine margins (25, 50 and 100μm) and distances from the tooth-restoration interfaces (25 and 75μm). The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Games-Howell test (α=5%). RESULTS Both GICs produced higher hardness in enamel at all depth-and-distance combinations, but only L1 produced higher hardness in dentine (p<0.05). L2 and A1 exhibited similar dentine hardness at 25μm distance for all depths (p>0.05). L1 demonstrated significantly higher amounts of calcium in dentine than the other groups, but had similar amounts in enamel to L2 and A1. CONCLUSIONS The open sandwich technique using conventional GIC proved more effective in reducing enamel and dentine demineralization at depths of up to 100μm under a cariogenic challenge. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Conventional GICs should be considered the materials of choice for lining of cavities not having all margins in enamel, particularly using the open sandwich technique.