Tamar Brosh

EFFECT OF COMBINATIONS OF SURFACE TREATMENTS AND BONDING AGENTS ON THE BOND STRENGTH OF REPAIRED COMPOSITES

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Enhancement of bond strength between new and old composite usually requires increasing the surface roughness to promote mechanical interlocking and coating of old composite with unfilled resin bonding agents to advance surface wetting and chemical bonding. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of combinations of surface treatments and bonding agents on the shear bond strength between new and old composite. MATERIAL AND METHODS Six surface treatments, two bonding agents, and an untreated control comprised 18 different subgroups. RESULTS The use of unfilled resin, alone or combined with silane, was the most effective procedure to enhance the shear bond strength of the repaired composite specimens, irrespective of the surface pretreatment processes. Silanation and unfilled resin slightly but not significantly improved the repair strength compared with unfilled resin alone. CONCLUSIONS Different combinations of surface treatments and bonding agents affect shear bond strength differently. The highest shear bond strength values were achieved by grinding the surface with green Carborundum stone or sandblasting, whereas the lowest values were obtained with hydrofluoric acid as the surface treatment agent.

Accuracy of three polyvinyl siloxane putty-wash impression techniques***

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM There is much discussion in the dental literature concerning the effect of the impression technique on the accuracy of cast restorations. PURPOSE This study assessed the accuracy of 3 putty-wash impression techniques using the same impression material (polyvinyl siloxane) in a laboratory model. MATERIAL AND METHODS The 3 putty-wash impression techniques used were (1) 1-step (putty and wash impression materials used simultaneously); (2) 2-step with 2-mm relief (putty first as a preliminary impression to create 2-mm wash space with prefabricated copings. In the second step, the wash stage was carried out); and (3) 2-step technique with a polyethylene spacer (plastic spacer used with the putty impression first and then the wash stage). For each technique, 15 impressions were made of a stainless steel master model that contained 3 complete crown abutment preparations, which were used as the positive control. Accuracy was assessed by measuring 6 dimensions (intraabutment and interabutment) on stone dies poured from impressions of the master model. RESULTS One-way analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences among the 3 putty-wash impression techniques, for all intraabutment and interabutment measurements (P <.001). Overall discrepancies of the 2-step technique with 2-mm relief putty-wash impression technique were significantly smaller than that in the 1-step and polyethylene putty-wash impression techniques. CONCLUSION The polyvinyl siloxane 2-step, 2-mm, relief putty-wash impression technique was the most accurate for fabricating stone dies.

The influence of abutment angulation on strains and stresses along the implant/bone interface: Comparison between two experimental techniques

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Preangled abutments produce different stress distribution compared to straight abutments. PURPOSE The objectives of this study were to (1) test the hypothesis that preangled abutments produce different stress distribution than straight abutments by using strain gauges attached to implants embedded in a medium simulating bone to determine strain distribution along the implant/bone interface; (2) test this hypothesis by photoelastic method; and (3) compare the two experimental techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five Integral Omniloc cylindrical implants 13 x 4 mm were polished to remove the hydroxyapatite coating, then six linear miniature strain gauges were attached, three on each side of the implants surface. Two similar implants were embedded in a photoelastic material. Three abutments, straight, 15 degrees, and 25 degrees, were connected to each implant; strain versus applied compressive forces were recorded. Strain response to force parameter was defined as the slope of the strain-force curve. Isochromatic fringe patterns were also recorded. RESULTS The strain gauge measurements showed higher, threefold and 4.4-fold, compressive strain concentration in the coronal zone of the implant when 15-degree and 25-degree angulated abutments were used, respectively, compared with the straight abutment; whereas the photoelastic method showed an increase of only 11% in fringe order. Tensile strains were also measured from the coronal contralateral position on the implant, where photoelastic models did not show a change in stress type. CONCLUSIONS Data obtained from strain gauges bonded to implants embedded in a medium can represent a precise simulation of the clinical condition when analyzing stress distribution along the implant/ bone interface. Photoelasticity provides different information and therefore should be regarded as a complementary method.

Analysis of strength properties of light-cured resin composites

OBJECTIVES To determine and correlate the compressive and tensile strengths of resin composites, to scale their failure probability and to analyze their failure mode under combined state of stresses. METHODS Ten brands of composites were tested for compressive and diametral tensile strengths. A recently introduced device for testing of pure shear stresses was modified to adapt to smaller specimens. Uniformity of pure shear stress distribution in the significant section was verified by a photoelastic model. Loading specimens in pure shear up to failure determined their mode of fracture under combined state of stresses. RESULTS Diametral tensile strength yielded values that were 20% of their respective compressive strength. Multiple comparison test indicated that strength properties of the tensile strength test were much more sensitive in predicting differences between resin composites when compared to a compressive strength test. Pertac (Espe) had the highest compressive strength, Graft LC (GC) and Z-100 (3M) had the highest diametral tensile strength. No correlation was found between tensile and compressive strengths. The Weibull modulus disclosed differences in the liability of the materials to fracture. When combined state of stresses were applied through the pure shear test, failure of each specimen occurred at the principal tensile planes. SIGNIFICANCE Compressive strength cannot predict the ability of the resin composite to withstand tensile stresses. The importance of compressive strength is limited as failure of a brittle material occurs in tension.

Vertical Forces in Labial and Lingual Orthodontics Applied on Maxillary Incisors—A Theoretical Approach

Theoretical and experimental biomechanical analyses explain most labial orthodontics (LaO); however, lingual orthodontic (LiO) biomechanical principles are rarely introduced. The objective of this study was to apply basic biomechanical considerations in understanding the influence of maxillary incisor inclination and to compare the effect of labial vs lingual intrusive/extrusive forces on tooth movement. Basic anatomic and geometric hypotheses were assumed, ie, tooth length (crown and root), location of the center of resistance, and crown thickness. Incisor inclination as related to a perpendicular line to the occlusal plane (OP) varied between -35 degrees (retroclination) and 45 degrees (proclination). A 0 degrees inclination was defined as a tooth position with its long axis perpendicular to the OP. The buccolingual moment for characterizing root movement was calculated for an applied force perpendicular to the OP. The results showed that when using LaO, an extrusion force resulted in labial root movement from a retroclination of 20 degrees up to a proclination of 45 degrees. In LiO, labial root movement occurred only when the tooth was proclined more than 20 degrees. In all other tooth inclinations, lingual root movement occurred. The opposite tooth movement occurred when an intrusive force was applied. Application of a vertical force has different clinical effects on tooth movement with labial and lingual appliances. Application of a lingual force is more complicated, and its effect on tooth movement depends on bracket position and initial tooth inclination.

CUSP REINFORCEMENT BY BONDING OF AMALGAM RESTORATIONS

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effectivenes of several adhesives in bonding amalgam in order to recover tooth stiffness. A non-destructive experimental methodology was adopted, using strain gauges bonded to the midbuccal surfaces of 40 teeth, with sequential evaluation of loaded intact, prepared and restored stages of the same tooth. Continuous strain measurement as a function of the applied load was acquired by A/D equipment and a data acquisition programme. The strain-force behaviour of the sound teeth under non-axial force up to 97.5 N served as the baseline. The five experimental groups (8 x 5) consisted of control (no adhesive) and four different adhesives. One-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was calculated for the deformation ratio, relative stiffness and recovery values. Reductions in tooth structure by cutting a mesio-occlusal-distal preparation, width one-third intercuspal distance, resulted in 39-52% loss of buccal cusp stiffness. Non-bonded amalgam produced negligible increase (5%) in the stiffness recovery values of the buccal cusps. The adhesives splinted the cusps together, thereby decreasing cuspal flexure and increasing relative stiffness values. Recovery values obtained ranged from 39% to 61%. Assuming that cusp fracture occurs as a result of brittle tooth structure fatigue, amalgam adhesives may contribute to the strengthening of weakened cusps.

Rapid palatal expansion: Part 1. Mineralizationpattern of the midpalatal suture in cats

The mineralization pattern of the midpalatal suture after rapid palatal expansion was investigated in 10 treated and 2 control cats, in light of the tendency of RPE to relapse. The rapid palatal expansion treatment consisted of active (25 days), retention (60 days), and relapse (60 days) phases. Standardized occlusal radiographs were taken periodically and analyzed for suture width, suture optical density in anterior vs. posterior regions, and suture area measurements of radiopaque vs. radiolucent zones. Nine cats exhibited suture splitting. During the active phase, the radiolucent zone (nonmineralized tissue) increased 12-fold and the increase in optical density was 50% greater in the anterior over the posterior suture region, demonstrating increased formation of loose connective tissue at the anterior region. During the retention period, the sutures radiopaque zone (mineralized tissue) increased by 62%, the radiolucent zone declined (64%) and the suture width decreased (65%) indicating reorganization of mineralized tissue. The decrease in optical density (increased mineralization) was 2.5 times greater in the posterior over the anterior suture region, indicating that the remineralization (closure) pattern of the expanded suture is analogous to a zipper closed in a posteroanterior direction. During the relapse phase, the reduction in total suture area (41%) and in the radiopaque zone (32%) indicates medial convergence of the maxillary horizontal processes. From our findings we extrapolated that the retention of the suture anterior region should be longer than the posterior region to catch up the lag in rebuilding and maturation of the newly deposited hard tissue.

Immediate tight sealing of skin incisions using an innovative temperature-controlled laser soldering device: in vivo study in porcine skin.

Background:A feedback temperature-controlled laser soldering system (TCLS) was used for bonding skin incisions on the backs of pigs. The study was aimed: 1) to characterize the optimal soldering parameters, and 2) to compare the immediate and long-term wound healing outcomes with other wound closure modalities. Materials and Methods:A TCLS was used to bond the approximated wound margins of skin incisions on porcine backs. The reparative outcomes were evaluated macroscopically, microscopically, and immunohistochemically. Results:The optimal soldering temperature was found to be 65°C and the operating time was significantly shorter than with suturing. The immediate tight sealing of the wound by the TCLS contributed to rapid, high quality wound healing in comparison to Dermabond or Histoacryl cyanoacrylate glues or standard suturing. Conclusions:TCLS of incisions in porcine skin has numerous advantages, including rapid procedure and high quality reparative outcomes, over the common standard wound closure procedures. Further studies with a variety of skin lesions are needed before advocating this technique for clinical use.

Bracket Placement in Lingual vs Labial Systems and Direct vs Indirect Bonding

OBJECTIVE To examine the ultimate accuracy of bracket placement in labial vs lingual systems and in direct vs indirect bonding techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty pretreatment dental casts of 20 subjects were selected. For each dental cast, four types of bracket placement were compared: labial direct (LbD), labial indirect (LbI), lingual direct (LgD), and lingual indirect (LgI). Direct bonding was performed with the casts held in a mannequin head. Labial brackets were oriented with a Boone gauge, and lingual brackets were oriented with the Lingual-Bracket-Jig System. Torque error (TqE) and rotation deviation (RotD) were measured with a torque geometric triangle and a toolmakers microscope, respectively. Both torque and rotational measurements were evaluated statistically as algebraic and absolute numeric values, using analysis of variance with repeated measures. RESULTS Absolute TqE and RotD were significantly (P < .001) higher in direct than in indirect bonding techniques higher in both the labial and lingual bracket systems by twofold and threefold, respectively (LbD = 7.26 degrees , 1.06 mm; vs LbI = 3.02 degrees , 0.75 mm; LgD = 8.42 degrees , 1.13 mm; vs LgI = 3.18 degrees , 0.55 mm). No statistically significant difference was found between labial and lingual systems for the same bonding technique. Maxillary incisors demonstrated the largest RotD angle (eg, right lateral: 12.04 degrees ). A distal off-center RotD was predominant in the mandibular dentition. CONCLUSIONS Labial and lingual systems have the same level of inaccuracy. For both systems, indirect bonding significantly reduces absolute TqE and RotD. The TqE found can cause transverse discrepancy (scissors or crossbite) combined with disclusion with antagonist teeth. The RotD found can result in irregular interproximal contact points.

Statins Enhance Rotator Cuff Healing by Stimulating the COX2/PGE2/EP4 Pathway An In Vivo and In Vitro Study

Background: Statins are lipid-lowering drugs with many beneficial pleiotropic effects. Cyclooxygenase (COX2) selective inhibitors that are commonly prescribed in orthopaedic patients may effect healing. Evidence indicates that statins stimulate COX2 activity. Hypothesis: Atorvastatin (ATV) administration will enhance tendon healing by stimulating the acute inflammatory phase via increasing the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: After experimental rotator cuff (RC) tearing and suturing, 48 Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups: (1) ATV (20 mg/kg), (2) celecoxib (CEL; COX2 inhibitor) (10 mg/kg), (3) ATV + CEL (20 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg), and (4) saline alone. Animals were sacrificed 3 weeks after RC tears and repair, and tendon integrity was tested biomechanically in tension. To further evaluate the underlying mechanism of action, human and rat primary tenocytes were obtained from the supraspinatus tendon. Cultures were treated with a therapeutic dosage of 5 commonly used statins: CEL, ATV + CEL, PGE2, and a selective antagonist of PGE2 receptor 4 (EP4). Cell proliferation (thymidine incorporation), migration (wound healing assay), and adhesion (iCELLigence) were evaluated. The expression of all PGE2 receptors (EPs) was determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Tension testing of healed tendons demonstrated significantly higher maximal loading and stiffness in the ATV group as compared with the saline (+30% and +20%, respectively; P < .001) and CEL groups (+33% and +50%, respectively; P < .005). Celecoxib alone did not affect tendon healing (P = .88). In line with these in vivo results, tenocytes treated with statins demonstrated significantly higher proliferation rates; CEL abrogated this effect, and PGE2 treatment stimulated tenocyte proliferation even in the presence of CEL. Also, ATV stimulated the migration (wound healing) and adhesion of tenocytes. Among all PGE2 receptors, tenocytes mainly express EP4, and an EP4 selective antagonist blocked the effect of ATV. Conclusion: Results indicate that ATV enhances tendon healing by stimulating tenocyte proliferation, migration, and adhesion via increased COX2 activity and autocrine/paracrine PGE2 signaling. Findings also demonstrate that this effect is mediated by EP4 signaling. Clinical Relevance: Although chronic inflammation contributes to the development of tendinopathy, study results advocate for a positive role of PGE2 in tendon healing during the acute inflammatory phase that follows tendon surgical repair. It is therefore suggested that ATV should be further investigated as a possible modality to improve tendon healing.