Three-dimensional Quantification of Enamel Preservation in Tooth Preparation for Porcelain Laminate Veneers: A Fully Digital Workflow In Vitro Study

SUMMARY Objective: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the preservation of enamel after tooth preparation for porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) at different preparation depths based on a fully digital workflow. Methods and Materials: Sixty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth, including 20 maxillary central incisors (MCIs), 20 maxillary lateral incisors (MLIs), and 20 maxillary canines (MCs) underwent microcomputed tomography (CT) scanning, and were reconstructed as three-dimensional (3D) enamel and dentin models. Subsequently, the three-dimensional (3D) enamel models were imported into Materialise, where each enamel model underwent seven types of virtual preparation for PLVs at preparation depths at 0.1-mm increments from 0.1-0.3-0.5 mm (D1) to 0.7-0.9-1.1 mm (D7). The enamel surface was depicted by merging the virtual preparation and, respective, dentin models. The enamel area and prepared surface were measured to calculate the percentage of enamel (R%). The data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α=0.05). Results: The group-wise mean (standard deviation) R values for the MCIs were as follows: D1-D3: 100.00 (0) each, and D4-D7: 74.70 (2.45), 51.40 (5.12), 24.40 (3.06), and 0.00 (0), respectively. The group-wise mean R values for the MLIs were 100.00 (0), 73.70 (3.40), 53.50 (3.44), 25.20 (3.79), and 0.90 (0.99) for the D1-D5 groups, respectively; and 0.00 (0) each for the D6-D7 groups. The group-wise mean (standard deviations) R values for the MCs were as follows: D1-D3: 100.00 (0) each, and D4-D7: 99.00 (1.34), 77.10 (3.28), 74.20 (3.61), and 52.20 (4.09), respectively. The one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between the seven groups in the MCIs, MLIs, and MCs (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our results recommended preparation depths of up to 0.3-0.5-0.7 mm (MCIs), 0.1-0.3-0.5 mm (MLIs), and 0.4-0.6-0.8 mm (MCs) to facilitate complete intraenamel preparation. Moreover, 50% enamel was preserved at preparation depths of 0.5-0.7-0.9 mm (MCIs), 0.3-0.5-0.7 mm (MLIs), and 0.7-0.9-1.1 mm (MCs).

Mechanical Properties of Bisacryl-, Composite-, and Ceramic-resin Restorative Materials

SUMMARY Objective: Resin-based materials used in restorative dentistry are introduced at a fast pace with limited knowledge about their properties. Comparing properties of these materials from different restorative categories is lacking but can help the clinician in material selection. This study aimed to compare mechanical properties and wear resistance of bis-acryl-, composite-, and ceramic-resin restorative materials. Methods and Materials: Bisacryl-resin (Bis-R, LuxaCrown, DMG), composite-resin (Com-R, Filtek Supreme Ultra, 3M Oral Care), and ceramic-resin (Cer-R, Enamic, VITA Zahnfabrik) specimens were prepared for mechanical tests: fracture toughness (FT) with and without initial thermomechanical loading using a mastication simulator, flexural strength (FS), and flexural modulus (FM), compressive strength (CS), and volumetric wear loss measurement. The datasets for FT and wear resistance were each analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by pairwise comparisons or Tukey testing as appropriate. The datasets for FS, FM, and CS were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test. Results: Analysis of FS, FM, and CS showed significant differences between materials, with all pairwise comparisons between materials showing significance. Analysis of FT resulted in a significant interaction between the material and treatment, with analysis of wear loss showing a significant interaction between the material and the number of cycles. Conclusions: Cer-R demonstrated superior FT, CS, and wear resistance compared to Bis-R and Comp-R materials. Fracture toughness of Bis-R increased after thermomechanical loading.

Color Change of Resin-based Composites After In Vitro Bleaching Protocols: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

SUMMARY Objectives: To systematically review the literature on color stability of resin-based composites (RBC) after in vitro bleaching protocols and to assess the influence of bleaching protocols by meta-regression analysis on RBC color stability, and the association with clinical and experimental characteristics. Methods: The electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and included English language studies that evaluated and reported color differences (CIELAB values) of RBC after in vitro bleaching procedures using hydrogen peroxide and/or carbamide peroxide. Results: Database search for color change of RBC after bleaching retrieved 1335 eligible papers after removing duplicates. After initial screening, 66 articles were assessed for full-text reading with final inclusion of 23 published papers. A meta-regression analysis showed that storage time (p≤0.01), color measuring device (p≤0.01), and background color (p≤0.01) had influenced on color changes of RBC. The bleaching protocol (bleaching agent and time of application) did not influence on color changes of RBC (p>0.01). Conclusions: There is evidence that RBC change color after bleaching, but the change is not clinically significant.

Management of Localized Anterior Tooth Wear Using a Modified Sandwich Technique and the Dahl Concept: A Case Report

SUMMARY This case report illustrates a minimally invasive segmental rehabilitation of localized anterior tooth wear using a modification of the sandwich technique, a combination of indirect palatal composite veneers and direct labial composite restorations, at an increased occlusal vertical dimension (the Dahl concept).

Effects of Hydrothermal Treatment on the Phase Transformation, Surface Roughness, and Mechanical Properties of Monolithic Translucent Zirconia

SUMMARY Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydrothermal treatment on four types of monolithic, translucent, yttria-stabilized, tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZPs). Methods and Materials: Two commercially available Y-TZP brands—SuperfectZir High Translucency (Aidite Technology Co, China) and Katana HT (Kuraray Noritake Dental, Japan) were assessed. For each brand of Y-TZP, materials of four coloring types, including noncolored (NC), colored by staining (CS), precolored (PC), and multilayered (ML) specimens were investigated after hydrothermal aging in an autoclave at 134°C/0.2 MPa for 0 (control group), 5, 10, and 20 hours. The tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation, surface roughness, flexural strength, and structural reliability (Weibull analysis) were measured and statistically analyzed (α=0.05). The subsurface microstructure was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy. Results: The group ML exhibited the lowest flexural strength and Weibull characteristic strength among the four coloring types (p<0.05). Slight increases in the monoclinic phase volume, flexural strength, and Weibull characteristic strength were observed after hydrothermal aging (pall<0.05). Regardless of coloring type, no significant effects of aging on the Weibull modulus or surface roughness were found for the tested materials. Compared with the Katana HT cross-sections, the SuperfectZir High Translucency cross-sections exhibited a similar but thicker transformation zone. Conclusions: The coloring procedure and material type were found to affect the mechanical properties and aging resistance of translucent monolithic Y-TZP ceramics. Regardless of the aging time, the surface roughness of the tested Y-TZP ceramics remained unchanged.

Does the Bleaching Gel Application Site Interfere With the Whitening Result? A Randomized Clinical Trial

SUMMARY This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the bleaching gel application site on chromatic changes and postoperative sensitivity in teeth. Thirty patients were selected and allocated to three groups (n=10 per group), according to the location of the gel: GI, cervical application; GII, incisal application; and GIII, total facial. The amount and time of application of the 35% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) gel were standardized. Color changes were analyzed by ΔE and Wid (bleaching index), using the values obtained in the readings conducted on a digital spectrophotometer in the cervical (CRs) and incisal regions (IRs) of the teeth. Spontaneous sensitivity was assessed using the questionnaire, and the stimulated sensitivity caused by the thermosensory analysis (TSA). The analysis occurred in five stages: baseline, after the first, second, and third whitening sessions (S), and 14 days after the end of the whitening, using the linear regression statistical model with mixed effects and post-test by orthogonal contrasts (p<0.05). Although the IR was momentarily favored, at the end of the treatment, the restriction of the application site provided results similar to those obtained when the gel was applied over the entire facial surface. Regarding sensitivity, only the GI showed spontaneous sensitivity. In the TSA, GIII had less influence on the threshold of the thermal sensation. It was concluded that the chromatic alteration does not depend on the gel application site. Spontaneous sensitivity is greater when the gel is concentrated in the cervical region (CR), and the teeth remain sensitized by thermal stimuli even after 14 days.

Customized Fiber Post Improves the Bond Strength and Dentinal Penetrability of Resin Cementation System to Root Dentin

SUMMARY Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fiber post customization on the bond strength (24 hours and 6 months), resin cement thickness, and dentinal penetrability of Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose – RelyX ARC (AS-RA), RelyX U200 (R2), and Scotchbond Universal – RelyX Ultimate (SU-RU) cementation systems to root dentin from the cervical-, middle-, and apical-thirds of the post space. Methods: One hundred twenty bovine incisors were endodontically treated. After post space preparation, the roots were divided into six groups, according to the luting protocols (AS–RA, R2, SU– RU) and the type of fiber post [noncustomized post (NC) and customized post (C)]. Customization procedures were peformed using a resin composite (Z350 XT). 24 hours (n=60) or 6 months later (n=60), specimens from the cervical-, middle-, and apical-thirds of the post space were submitted to cementation system thickness measurement, bond strength evaluation, and dentinal penetrability analysis with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). Failure mode was classified as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Results: Cementation protocols with customized fiber posts presented the lowest cementation system thickness, regardless of the cementation system or post space-third (p<0.05), and the highest bond strength values (p<0.05), regardless of the third space (p>0.05), for both periods (24 hours or 6 months). The comparison of push-out bond strength values between 24 hours and 6 months showed a reduction in all groups for the cervical-third (p<0.05). For the middle-third, only noncustomized groups showed reduction (p<0.05). For the apical-third, no reduction was observed (p>0.05). Conclusions: Anatomical customization favored both the bond strength of cements to dentin and the dentinal penetrability, but with lower cementation system thickness, regardless of cement composition and adhesive strategy.

Five-year Randomized Clinical Trial on the Performance of Two Etch-and-rinse Adhesives in Noncarious Cervical Lesions

SUMMARY Objectives: To evaluate the 5-year clinical performance of two-step etch-and-rinse adhesives in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL). Methods and Materials: The sample comprised 35 adults with at least two similar-sized NCCL. Seventy restorations were placed, according to one of the following groups: Adper Single Bond 2 (SB) and Ambar (AM). The restorations were placed incrementally using a resin composite (Opallis). The restorations were evaluated at baseline and after 6 and 18 months and 5 years using some items of the FDI criteria. The differences in the ratings of the two materials after 6 months, 18 months, and 5 years were performed with Friedman repeated measures ANOVA by rank and McNemar test for significance in each pair (α=0.05). Results: Five patients did not attend the 60-month recall. No significant differences were observed between the materials for any criteria evaluated. Twenty-one restorations failed (12 for SB and 9 for AM) after 60 months. Thus, the retention rate for SB at 60 months were 55.6% for SB and 71% for AM (p=0.32). After 60 months, 12 restorations (6 for SB and 6 AM) showed some loss of marginal adaptation (p=1.0). Slight marginal discoloration was observed in 10 restorations (6 for SB and 4 AM; p=0.91). Five restorations (2 for SB and 3 for AM) showed recurrences of caries (p=1.0). Conclusions: Both two-step etch-and-rinse adhesives—Adper Single Bond 2, a polyalkenoic acid-containing adhesive, and Ambar, a 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-containing adhesive—showed acceptable clinical performance after 60 months.

Evaluation of Novel Plant-derived Monomers-based Pretreatment on Bonding to Sound and Caries-affected Dentin

SUMMARY This study evaluated the influence of new monomers derived from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) applied for dentin biomodification on resin–dentin bond strength, nanoleakage, and micropermeability to sound and artificially-created caries-affected dentin. Human dentin specimens were assigned to five groups, according to the following dentin pretreatment solutions: Absolute ethanol (control), 2 wt% grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera), 2 wt% cardol [from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL)], 2 wt% cardol-methacrylate or 2 wt% cardanol-methacrylate applied on sound and artificial caries-affected dentin. Specimens were analyzed after 24 hour or 1 year of water storage. Microtensile bond strength (μTBS) (n=6), interface micropermeability (n=3), and silver nanoleakage (n=6) were assessed using a universal testing machine, confocal laser scanning microscope, and scanning electron microscope, respectively. In sound dentin, no difference in bond strength was observed between the groups in either storage period. In artificial caries-affected dentin, pretreatment with cardol-methacrylate resulted in statistically higher bond strength than all the other treatments in both storage periods. Cardol-methacrylate treatment resulted in less nanoleakage, along with improved interfacial integrity, compared to further treatments in artificial caries-affected dentin. Regarding micropermeability analysis, all treatments depicted deficient sealing ability when applied on artificial caries-affected dentin, with the presence of gaps in the control group. In conclusion, cardol-methacrylate is a promising plant-derived monomer to reinforce the hybrid layer, since it preserved resin–dentin bond strength and improved dentin bonding, especially to caries-affected dentin, a well-known harsh substrate for adhesion longevity.

Multidisciplinary Approach to Complicated Crown-root Fracture Treatment: A Case Report

SUMMARY Treatment of complicated crown-root fractures is one of the most challenging within the various types of dental trauma and requires a multidisciplinary approach. This paper reports the complicated crown-root fracture of a maxillary right central incisor, in which there was esthetic, functional, and biologic (endodontic and biologic width invasion) involvement. A 15-year-old male patient presented to the dental clinic one month after suffering trauma with a complicated crown-root fracture on tooth 8. The patient had previously undergone endodontic treatment and was sent to have periodontal surgery to reestablish the biological width on the palatal surface. Following the surgery, a fiberglass post was cemented, and the fragment was reattached. This approach allows the exposure of the cervical margin, adequate isolation, and subsequent fragment reattachment in the same clinical appointment. Fragment reattachment is a viable approach as it is a simple and conservative procedure that restores the natural esthetic of the tooth and has superior resistance compared to a composite restoration. The patient’s cooperation in understanding the limitations of the treatment and maintaining adequate oral hygiene are very important to achieving a good prognosis of the case. After a 2-year clinical and radiographic follow-up period, the clinical protocol was found to be successful, and the tooth remained functional, esthetically favorable and asymptomatic.