The crystal growth technique--a laboratory evaluation of bond strengths. (1/1129)

An ex vivo study was carried out to determine differences in the bond strengths achieved with brackets placed using a crystal growth technique compared with a conventional acid-etch technique. A solution of 37 per cent phosphoric acid was used for acid-etching and a commercially available polyacrylic acid gel, Crystal-lok for crystal growth. A heavily-filled composite resin was used for all samples to bond brackets to healthy premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes. Polycrystalline ceramic and stainless steel brackets were used and tested to both tensile and shear failure using an Instron Universal Testing machine. The tensile and shear bond strengths were recorded in kgF. In view of difficulties experienced with previous authors using different units to describe their findings, the data were subsequently converted to a range of units in order to facilitate direct comparison. The crystal growth technique produced significantly lower bond strengths than the acid-etch technique for ceramic and stainless steel brackets, both in tensile and shear mode. The tensile bond strength for stainless steel brackets with crystal growth was 2.2 kg compared with 6.01 kg for acid-etch, whilst with ceramic brackets the tensile bond strengths were 3.9 kg for crystal growth and 5.55 kg for acid-etch. The mean shear bond strength for stainless steel brackets with crystal growth was 12.61 kg compared with 21.55 kg for acid-etch, whilst with ceramic brackets the shear bond strengths were 7.93 kg with crystal growth compared with 16.55 kg for acid-tech. These bond strengths were below those previously suggested as clinically acceptable.  (+info)

Marginal adaptation of commercial compomers in dentin cavity. (2/1129)

The dentin cavity adaptation and setting characteristics of four commercial compomers were evaluated by measuring the wall-to-wall contraction gap width in the cylindrical dentin cavity and measuring the compressive strength for a maximum of 14 days after setting. The dentin cavity wall was pretreated by the dentin adhesives according to each manufacturer's instructions or the experimental contraction gap-free dentin bonding system. Complete marginal integrity was obtained in only one compomer and two resin composites which were combined with the experimental dentin bonding system. The compressive strength of two resin composites and two compomers ten minutes after setting was comparable to that after 14 days which indicated that the compomers exhibited setting characteristics as rapidly as the resin composite. It was concluded that a high efficacy dentin bonding system is required for commercial compomers to prevent gap formation during irradiation caused by the rapid setting shrinkage.  (+info)

A laboratory investigation to compare enamel preparation by sandblasting or acid etching prior to bracket bonding. (3/1129)

A laboratory investigation to compare the mean shear debonding force and mode of bond failure of metallic brackets bonded to sandblasted and acid-etched enamel is described. The buccal surfaces of 30 extracted human premolars were sandblasted for 5 seconds with 50 mu alumina and the buccal surfaces of a further 30 human premolars were etched with 37 per cent phosphoric acid for 15 seconds. Following storage for 24 hours at 37 degrees C in distilled water, shear debonding force was measured using an Instron Universal Testing Machine with a cross-head speed of 10 mm/minute. Mean shear debonding force was significantly lower for brackets bonded to sandblasted enamel compared to acid etched enamel (P < 0.001). Weibull analysis showed that at a given stress the probability of failure was significantly greater for brackets bonded to sandblasted enamel. Brackets bonded to etched enamel showed a mixed mode of bond failure whereas following sandblasting, failure was adhesive at the enamel/composite interface (P < 0.01).  (+info)

Photopolymerization of composite resin using the argon laser. (4/1129)

Because of the dental profession's increased utilization of light-cured restorative materials, there has been a corresponding increase in research into the light sources used to initiate polymerization. The argon laser is one promising source, as the wavelength of light emitted by this laser is optimal for the initiation of polymerization of composite resins. The literature reflects a strong divergence of opinion about many aspects of the effectiveness of laser curing compared to conventional light curing. Research indicates that the argon laser offers a greater depth and degree of polymerization, less time required and an enhancement of the physical properties of composite resins polymerized. These advantages are offset by reports that the increased polymerization caused by the laser results in increased shrinkage, brittleness and marginal leakage. Dentists interested in the new technology need to monitor ongoing studies.  (+info)

Ultraconservative resin restorations. (5/1129)

Ultraconservative dentistry represents a great step forward for the dentist, the profession, and especially the patient. It involves the early detection and complete elimination of all accessible and non-accessible carious material from the tooth. Untreated caries can be extremely and rapidly destructive. The earliest interception of decay maintains total dental health and increases the likelihood of the restored teeth lasting a lifetime.  (+info)

The oral effects of smokeless tobacco. (6/1129)

Smokeless tobacco use has increased rapidly in North America. This form of tobacco use has many oral effects including leukoplakia, oral cancer, loss of periodontal support (recession), and staining of teeth and composite restorations. Systemic effects such as nicotine dependence, transient hypertension and cardiovascular disease may also result from smokeless tobacco use. This paper aims to guide dental practitioners in identifying oral lesions that occur due to the use of smokeless tobacco and also offer guidelines on how to counsel patients who express a desire to stop using smokeless tobacco products.  (+info)

Effects of composite thickness on the shear bond strength to dentin. (7/1129)

The manufacturers of some condensable posterior composites claim that their products can be placed in bulk and light-cured in 5-mm-thick increments. This study compared the shear bond strengths of three composite resins when bonded to dentin in 2- and 5-mm-thick increments. Overall the bond strengths were adversely affected by the composite thickness (p < 0.0001). The shear bond strength of each composite tested was much lower when polymerized in a 5-mm increment than in a 2-mm increment of composite (p < or = 0.0005). The two condensable composites tested had a lower bond strength than the conventional composite when polymerized in a 5-mm bulk increment (p < or = 0.01).  (+info)

In situ self hardening bioactive composite for bone and dental surgery. (8/1129)

A new biomaterial is presented which consists of a cellulose derivative--silanised hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC-SIL) and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP). Rheological properties of the polymer itself and its mixture with BCP are pH-dependent. At pH 10-12 HEC-SIL is liquid and undergoes quick gellation at pH < 9. Similarly, the paste of HEC-SIL and BCP is fluid and injectable at higher pH and solidifies in biological solutions. The rate of this solidification can be easily controlled by the degree of substitution of hydroxyethylcellulose with silicoalkoxy groups.  (+info)