Effect of luting cement and thermomechanical loading on retention of glass fibre posts in root canals

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of luting cement and thermomechanical loading on the retention of glass fibre posts in root canals.

Methods

One hundred and forty-four single-rooted human premolars were endodontically treated and restored with RelyX Fibre Posts. The teeth were divided into four groups according to the cements used (Fuji I, Fuji CEM, RelyX Unicem and RelyX ARC). Each group was further divided into two subgroups according to the method of ageing (immediately tested and after thermomechanical loading). Bond strength was evaluated using a pull-out test. Microleakage was examined quantitatively with dye penetration. The dentine–cement-post bonding interface was assessed using scanning electron microscopy. Data were analysed with two-way ANOVA (pull-out test) and Kruskal–Wallis analysis (microleakage).

Results

The pull-out bond strength and microleakage were significantly affected by the type of cement and ageing. Although RelyX ARC showed the highest bond strength before thermomechanical loading (p < 0.05), the sealing ability of this cement was worse than those exhibited in Fuji CEM and RelyX Unicem (p < 0.05). After thermomechanical loading, pull-out strengths of Fuji I and Fuji CEM were significantly increased, whereas that of RelyX ARC group significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The sealing ability of Fuji CEM was significantly better than the two resin cement groups (p < 0.05) after ageing.

Conclusion

Fuji CEM demonstrates increased pull-out strength after thermomechanical loading and favourable sealing ability compared with the other cements.

Clinical significance

Resin-modified glass ionomer cements have the potential benefit of achieving long-term retention when used for luting glass fibre post to root canal dentine. So it may be recommended for the cementation of glass fibre post in clinics.     

Effect of gloss and heat on the mechanical behaviour of a glass carbomer cement

Objectives

The effect of gloss and heat on the mechanical behaviour of a recently launched glass carbomer cement (GCP, GCP dental) was evaluated and compared with resin-modified glass ionomer cements (Fuji II LC, GC and Photac Fil Quick Aplicap, 3M ESPE).

Methods

120 bar-shaped specimens (n = 20) were produced, maintained in distilled water at 37 °C and tested after one week. The GCP specimens were cured with and without heat application and with and without gloss. The flexural strength and modulus of elasticity in flexural test as well as the micro-mechanical properties (Vickers Hardness, indentation modulus, creep) of the top and bottom surface were evaluated. The amount and size of the fillers, voids and cracks were compared using a light and a scanning electron microscope.

Results

In the flexural test, the resin-modified glass ionomer cements performed significantly better than GCP. Fuji II LC and Photac Fil (Weibull parameter: 17.7 and 14.3) proved superior reliability in the flexural test compared to GCP (1.4–2.6). The highest Vickers Hardness and lowest creep were achieved by GCP, whereas Fuji II LC reached the highest indentation modulus. The results of this study proved that relationships exist between the compositions, microstructures and mechanical properties of the cements.

Conclusions

Heat treatment and gloss application did not influence the mechanical properties of GCP. The mechanical properties were basically influenced by the type of cement and its microstructure.

Clinical significance

Considering the measured mechanical properties, there is no need of using gloss or heat when restoring teeth with GCP.     

Comparison of the effect of storage media on shear punch strength of resin luting cements

Objectives

To measure the shear punch strength of eight resin-containing luting cements before and after immersion in acidic solution and ethanol at different temperatures (37° C and 60 °C). Method: Specimens were prepared from six resin luting cements; Set (SDI), Panavia F (Kuraray), RelyX Veneer (3M/ESPE), VarioloinkII (Ivoclar), Maxcem (Kerr), Nexus2 (Kerr) and two Resin-modified glass-ionomer luting cements (RM-GICs); GC Fuji Plus (GC Corporation), RelyX Luting 2 (3 M/ESPE). For each material a total of 114 disc-shaped specimens were prepared. Six specimens were immersed in distilled water for 24 h at 37 °C, polished and subjected to baseline measurement for shear punch strength. The remaining 108 specimens were randomly divided into 18 groups of six, and immersed in three solutions; distilled water, 0.01 mol/L lactic acid, and 50% ethanol at 37 °C or 60 °C, for 1 week, 1 month or 3 months. Specimens were washed, dried and tested for final shear punch strength.

Results

Values were material and solution dependent. Values of Nexus 2 and Rely X Veneer are the highest, and Rely X Luting 2 the lowest. Ethanol and lactic acid specimens showed significantly lower values compared with the distilled water specimens. Conclusion: The shear punch strengths of the resin-containing luting cements were affected by time and storage solution. While some of the resin luting cements had significantly higher values compared to that of the RM-GICs, there were no significant differences between the RM-GICs and resin cements such as Panavia F and Set.     

Microleakage and marginal gap of adhesive cements for noble alloy full cast crowns

Very limited comparative information about the microleakage in noble alloy full cast crowns luted with different types of adhesive resin cements is available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microleakage and marginal gap of two self-adhesive resin cements with that of other types of adhesive luting cements for noble alloy full cast crowns. Fifty noncarious human premolars and molars were prepared in a standardized manner for full cast crown restorations. Crowns were made from a noble alloy using a standardized technique and randomly cemented with five cementing agents as follows: 1) GC Fuji Plus resin-modified glass ionomer cement, 2) Panavia F 2.0 resin cement, 3) Multilink Sprint self-adhesive resin cement, 4), Rely X Unicem self-adhesive resin cement with pretreatment, and 5) Rely X Unicem with no pretreatment. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for two weeks and then subjected to thermocycling. They were then placed in a silver nitrate solution, vertically cut in a mesiodistal direction and evaluated for microleakage and marginal gap using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn multiple range test at a p<0.05 level of significance. The Rely X Unicem (with or with no pretreatment) exhibited the smallest degree of microleakage at both tooth-cement and cement-crown interfaces. The greatest amount of microleakage was found for Panavia F 2.0 resin cement followed by GC Fuji Plus at both interfaces. No statistically significant difference in the marginal gap values was found between the cementing agents evaluated (p>0.05). The self-adhesive resin cements provided a much better marginal seal for the noble alloy full cast crowns compared with the resin-modified glass ionomer or dual-cured resin-based cements.     

Differential bonds degradation of two resin-modified glass-ionomer cements in primary and permanent teeth

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of chemical degradation on bond strength of resin-modified glass-ionomer cements bonded to primary and permanent dentin.

Methods

Class I cavities of permanent and primary extracted human molars were restored with two resin-modified glass-ionomer cements: Fuji II LC and Vitremer, and stored in water for 24 h. Half samples were immersed in 10% NaOCl aqueous solution for 5 h. Teeth were sectioned into beams and tested for microtensile bond strengths. Results were analyzed with multiple ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05). Analysis of debonded surfaces was performed by SEM.

Results

24 h bond strengths for Vitremer and Fuji II LC were similar. For Fuji II, bond strength values were higher for primary than for permanent dentin. Vitremer bond strength was similar for both. Chemical degradation did not affect Fuji II LC bond strength to dentin. However, decreases in bond strength were found for Vitremer groups after NaOCl immersion. Signs of glass ionomer–dentin interaction were evident by SEM analysis for Fuji II LC specimens.

Conclusions

Vitremer and Fuji II presented similar bond strength at 24. Vitremer dentin bonds were prone to chemical degradation. Fuji II LC–dentin bonds showed typical features of glass-ionomer dentin interaction at the bonded interfaces, and were resistant to in vitro degradation.     

The effect of different surface treatments on the bond strength of PEEK composite materials

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the bond strength between polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite materials and each of two different luting cements.

Methods

One hundred specimens were randomly divided into five groups (n = 20/group) as follows: (A) no treatment, (B) 98% sulfuric acid, (C) 9.5% hydrofluoric acid, (D) argon plasma treatment, and (E) sandblast with 50 μm Al₂O₃ particles. Each group was divided into two subgroups of different cements: RelyX™ Unicem and SE Bond/Clearfil AP-X™. The cements were bonded onto the specimens. All specimens were stored in distilled water at 37° for 24 h. Bond strength was measured in a shear test, and failure modes were assessed by stereomicroscopy. The surfaces were observed by SEM after the different pretreatments.

Results

Etching with 98% sulfuric acid and argon plasma treatment can significantly enforce the bond strength of RelyX™ Unicem or SE Bond/Clearfil AP-X™ to PEEK composite materials in comparison to the group of no treatment, hydrofluoric acid or sandblasting (p < 0.05). No adhesion was established on the groups of no treatment and hydrofluoric acid when RelyX™ Unicem was used. Applying the SE Bond/Clearfil AP-X™ system, no statistical differences were found whether hydrofluoric acid was applied or not (p > 0.05). The shear bond strength value of using SE Bond/Clearfil AP-X™ was higher than that of using RelyX™ Unicem with the same surface conditioning method (p < 0.05).

Significance

The use of SE Bond/Clearfil AP-X™ after the surface of PEEK composite material treated with sulfuric acid or argon plasma can be recommended as an effective bonding method.     

Dentin bonding of cements. The bonding of cements with dentin in combination with various indirect restorative materials

The number of both luting agents and restorative materials available on the market has rapidly increased. This study compared various types of luting agents when used to bond different indirect, laboratory restorative materials to dentin. Cylinders were produced of six restorative materials (gold alloy, titanium, feldspathic porcelain, leucite-glass ceramic, zirconia, and an indirect resin composite). Following relevant pretreatment, the end surface of the cylinders were luted to ground, human dentin with eight different luting agents (DeTrey Zinc [zinc phosphate cement], Fuji I [conventional glass ionomer cement], Fuji Plus [resin-modified glass ionomer cement], Variolink II [conventional etch-and-rinse resin cement], Panavia F2.0 and Multilink [self-etch resin cements], RelyX Unicem Aplicap and Maxcem [self-adhesive resin cements]). After water storage at 37 °C for one week, the shear bond strength of the specimens was measured and the fracture mode was examined stereo-microscopically. Restorative material and luting agent both had a significant effect on bond strength and there was a significant interaction between the two variables. The zinc phosphate cement and the glass ionomer cements resulted in the lowest bond strengths, whereas the highest bond strengths were found with the two self-etch and one of the self-adhesive resin cements.     

Influence of internal-gap width and cement type on the retentive force of zirconia copings in pullout testing

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of internal-gap width and cement type on the retentive force of zirconia copings.

Methods

A CAD/CAM system was used to mill 48 identical abutments on extracted human molars and fabricate 48 zirconia copings. The internal-gap width for cement was set to 40 μm or 160 μm (n = 24 each). Three cement types (Panavia F, RelyX Unicem, and RelyX Luting) were used with each internal-gap width (n = 8/cement type). The intaglio surfaces of the copings were airborne-particle abraded, and each coping was cemented onto the corresponding abutment using the indicated luting agent. After 10,000 cycles of thermocycling, the retentive force was evaluated by pullout tests. Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were used for data analysis (α = 0.05).

Results

In the 40-μm gap groups, Panavia F had the highest mean retentive force compared to RelyX Unicem and RelyX Luting (P < 0.000). In 160-μm gap groups, RelyX Unicem had the highest mean retentive force compared to Panavia F and RelyX Luting (P < 0.000).

Conclusions

With the increase in internal gap width, a resin cement with self-etching agents as a co-initiator for autopolymerization resulted in significantly decreased retentive force, whereas a resin-modified glass ionomer cement or a self-adhesive resin cement did not. Use of resin cements rather than resin-modified glass ionomer cements improved the retentive force of zirconia copings regardless of the amount of internal gap width.     

Quantification of all-ceramic crown margin surface profile from try-in to 1-week post-cementation

Objectives

To use profilometry to assess the margin surface profile of all-ceramic crowns (ACC’s) at try-in and 1-week after cementation with dual-cured resin (DC, RelyX ARC, 3 M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), self-adhesive dual-cured resin (SADC, RelyX Unicem, 3 M ESPE), light-cured resin (LC, RelyX Veneer, 3 M ESPE) or chemically cured resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI, RelyX Luting Plus, 3 M ESPE) luting cement.

Methods

Forty, sound, extracted, human, premolar teeth underwent a standardised preparation for ACC’s. IPS Empress (Ivoclar-Vivadent, Liechtenstein) crowns of standard dimensions were fabricated and 10 luted with each cement and stored in water for 7 days. Three groups of serial profiles were taken, the first of the tooth preparation, the second of the crown margins at try-in and lastly of the crown margins after cementation and 7 days water storage.

Results

There were no significant differences in the crown margin surface profile between the four cement groups at try-in. The change in crown margin position between try-in and post-cementation was significantly greater for DC than for LC and RMGI. SADC was not significantly different to the other cements. There were no significant differences in the crown margin extensions between the four cement groups, however most of the IPS Empress ACC’s in this study were underextended but this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

IPS Empress ACC’s seated more fully with LC and RMGI than with DC cement.     

Glass ionomer cements: Effect of strontium substitution on esthetics,radiopacity and fluoride release

Objective

SrO and SrF₂ are widely used to replace CaO and CaF₂ in ionomer glasses to produce radiopaque glass ionomer cements (GIC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of this substitution on release of ions from GIC as well as its effect on esthetics (translucency) and radiopacity.

Materials and methods

Cements were produced from ionomer glasses with varying content of Sr, Ca and F. The cements were stored in dilute acetic acid (pH 4.0) for up to 7 days at 37 °C. Thereafter, the cements were removed and the solution was tested for F⁻, Sr²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Al³⁺ release. Radiopacity and translucency were measured according to BS EN ISO 9917-1:2003.

Results

Ion release was linear to t^1/2 suggesting that this is a diffusion controlled mechanism rather than dissolution. The fluoride release from the cements is enhanced where some or all calcium is replaced by strontium. Radiopacity shows a strong linear correlation with Sr content. All cements were more opaque than the C_0.70 0.55 standard but less opaque than the C_0.70 0.90 standard which is the limit for the ISO requirement for acceptance.

Significance

This study shows that the replacement of calcium by strontium in a glass ionomer glass produces the expected increase in radiopacity of the cement without adverse effects on visual properties of the cement. The fluoride release from the cements is enhanced where some or all calcium is replaced by strontium.     

Antibacterial and physical properties of EGCG-containing glass ionomer cements

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of the addition of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the antibacterial and physical properties of glass ionomer cement (GIC).

Methods

A conventional GIC, Fuji IX, was used as a control. EGCG was incorporated into GIC at 0.1% (w/w) and used as the experimental group. Chlorhexidine (CHX) was added into GIC at 1% (w/w) as a positive control. The anti-biofilm effect of the materials was assessed by a colorimetric technique (MTT assay) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The leaching antibacterial activity of the materials on Streptococcus mutans was evaluated by an agar-diffusion test. The flexural strength of the materials was evaluated using a universal testing machine and the surface microhardness was measured using a microhardness tester. The fluoride-releasing property of the materials was tested by ion chromatography.

Results

The optical density (OD) values of the GIC-EGCG group were significantly decreased at 4 h compared with the GIC group, but only a slightly decreased tendency was observed at 24 h (P > 0.05). No inhibition zones were detected in the GIC group during the study period. Significant differences were found between each group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, there was a significant increase in the flexural strength and surface microhardness for the GIC-EGCG group (P < 0.05). The fluoride ion release was not influenced by EGCG-incorporation (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggested that GIC-containing 0.1% (w/w) EGCG is a promising restorative material with improved mechanical properties and a tendency towards preferable antibacterial properties.

Clinical significance

Modification of the glass ionomer cements with EGCG to improve the antibacterial and physical properties showed some encouraging results. This suggested that the modification of GIC with EGCG might be an effective strategy to be used in the dental clinic. However, this was only an in vitro study and clinical trials would need to verify true outcomes.     

Shear bond strengths of various luting cements to zirconia ceramic: surface chemical aspects

Objectives

To measure the shear bond strengths of various luting cements to a sandblasted zirconia ceramic and to determine the surface energy parameters of the luting cements.

Methods

Two conventional glass ionomer cements, two resin-modified glass ionomer cements, two compomer cements, and two adhesive resin cements were prepared and bonded to sandblasted zirconia (Lava). All bonded specimens were stored in water at 37 °C for 48 h and then half of them additionally thermocycled 10,000 times prior to the shear bond strength test (n = 10). Surface roughness (R_a) values and surface energy parameters of the eight luting cements and polished zirconia ceramic were evaluated using a profilometer and contact angle measurements, respectively (n = 10). The bond strength and surface roughness data were statistically analysed using non-parametric and parametric procedures, respectively (α = 0.05). Relationships between surface energy parameters and measured shear bond strengths were investigated using the Spearman rank correlation test.

Results

Panavia F 2.0 and Principle produced higher bond strengths than the other cements, with no significant changes before and after thermocycling. Fuji I, Ketac Cem Easymix, and Ionotite F yielded near-zero or zero values after thermocycling. All debonded specimens showed adhesive failure. Mean R_a values ranged from 0.104 to 0.167 μm. We found the base (hydrogen bond accepting) components of the luting cements significantly affected the bond strengths both before and after thermocycling.

Conclusion

It is recommended that the surface energy parameters of luting cements be considered in evaluating their adhesive properties with zirconia ceramic.     

Effect of chlorhexidine on initial adhesion of fiber-reinforced post to root canal

Objectives

Chlorhexidine is used as final irrigant before endodontic obturation and fiber-reinforced composite posts are recommended for restoration retention. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine on adhesion of cements used in post cementation. We hypothesized that chlorhexidine would not negatively affect the immediate bond strength.

Methods

Root canals of eighty human extracted third molars were prepared for post cementation with each post systems’ own burs. Four commercially available FRC posts (Glassix, D.T.Light-Post, Unicore, everStickPOST) with three cements (Duo-link with All-bond 2, PermaFlo DC with PermaFlo DC Primers, RelyX Unicem) were used. After etching, except with self-etching RelyX Unicem, the post spaces were irrigated either with 2% chlorhexidine (Consepsis) or physiological saline for 60 s. With RelyX Unicem, respective treatments were done before cement application. The roots (n = 5 per group) were cut into 2 mm thick dentin discs. The bond strength was measured with push-out method, and the failure mode was evaluated with a stereomicroscope.

Results

Significant differences in bond strength were observed between various post/cement combinations. Unicore/PermaFlo DC and everStickPOST/RelyX Unicem showed significantly higher bond strengths than Glassix or D.T.Light-Post with Duo-link both with saline and chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine improved the bond strength slightly with all posts/cements except with D.T.Light-Post, but the differences were not statistically significant. With chlorhexidine, significant reduction of adhesive failures towards dentin cohesive or mixed failures was observed with all posts/cements except with everStickPOST.

Conclusion

Chlorhexidine did not negatively affect the push-out bond strength in post bond cementation.     

Bonding of restorative materials to dentin with various luting agents

The aim was to compare eight types of luting agents when used to bond six indirect, laboratory restorative materials to dentin. Cylinders of the six restorative materials (Esteticor Avenir [gold alloy], Tritan [titanium], NobelRondo [feldspathic porcelain], Finesse All-Ceramic [leucite-glass ceramic], Lava [zirconia], and Sinfony [resin composite]) were ground and air-abraded. Cylinders of feldspathic porcelain and glass ceramic were additionally etched with hydrofluoric acid and were silane-treated. The cylinders were luted to ground human dentin with eight luting agents (DeTrey Zinc [zinc phosphate cement], Fuji I [conventional glass ionomer cement], Fuji Plus [resin-modified glass ionomer cement], Variolink II [conventional etch-and-rinse resin cement], Panavia F2.0 and Multilink [self-etch resin cements], and RelyX Unicem Aplicap and Maxcem [self-adhesive resin cements]). After water storage at 37°C for one week, the shear bond strength of the specimens (n=8/group) was measured, and the fracture mode was stereomicroscopically examined. Bond strength data were analyzed with two-factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Newman-Keuls' Multiple Range Test (α=0.05). Both the restorative material and the luting agent had a significant effect on bond strength, and significant interaction was noted between the two variables. Zinc phosphate cement and glass ionomer cements produced the lowest bond strengths, whereas the highest bond strengths were found with the two self-etch and one of the self-adhesive resin cements. Generally, the fracture mode varied markedly with the restorative material. The luting agents had a bigger influence on bond strength between restorative materials and dentin than was seen with the restorative material.     

The influence of long term water immersion on shear bond strength of amalgam repaired by resin composite and mediated by adhesives or resin modified glass ionomers

Objective

To assess the shear bond strength between amalgam and resin composite mediated by either multipurpose adhesive systems or RMGI when subjected to long term immersion in saline.

Methods

Part I: Cylindrical specimens (6 mm × 6 mm) composed of equal parts of sandblasted set amalgam (Oralloy) and composite (Z-100), with a thin layer of either Scotchbond Multipurpose, All Bond 2, Amalgam Bond Plus, High Q Bond Plus or Vitrebond in between were fabricated (n = 100 × 5). Each group was divided into 3 subgroups, immersed in saline at 37 °C for either 48 h, 3 or 6 months, followed by thermocycling (5000; 5/55 °C) and shear bond strength testing (SBS). Part II: Identical specimens were fabricated with intermediary of either Ketac Cem, Fuji Lining LC, Rely X Luting, Fuji Plus or Meron Plus (n = 100 × 5). Immersion periods, followed by thermocycling and SBS testing as in Part I.Two representative specimens from each subgroup were sectioned and inspected under SEM.

Results

The two classes of intermediary agents yielded SBS which differed mainly in the 6 months incubation period. While multipurpose adhesives provided SBS values of ∼9–10 MPa RMGI provided higher SBS of ∼16 MPa. All Bond 2 and Amalgam Bond Plus exhibited deterioration of SBS during the 6 month period as well as Rely X Luting. Gap sizes between 0.5 and 3 μm exist between all intermediaries and the amalgam; on the other hand all intermediaries exhibit gap-free interfaces between the adhesives/RMGI and the composite.

Conclusions

Vitrebond in particular and RMGIs in general can serve as an excellent coupler of resin composite to amalgam, providing a durable bond.     

Influence of power density on the setting behaviour of light-cured glass-ionomer cements monitored by ultrasound measurements

Objectives

To monitor the influence of the power density of the curing unit on the setting behaviour of light-cured glass-ionomer cements (LCGICs) using ultrasound measurements.

Methods

The ultrasound equipment comprised a pulser–receiver, transducers and an oscilloscope. The LCGICs used were Fuji II LC, Fuji II LC EM and Fuji Filling LC. The cements were mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions and then inserted into a transparent mould. The specimens were placed on the sample stage and cured with power densities of 0 (no irradiation), 200 or 600 mW/cm². The transit time through the cement disk was divided by the specimen thickness and then the longitudinal ultrasound velocity (V) within the material was obtained. Analysis of variance and Tukey's Honestly Significantly Different test were used to compare the V values between the set cements.

Results

When the LCGICs were light-irradiated, each curve displayed an initial plateau at ∼1500 m/s and then rapidly increased to a second plateau at ∼2600 m/s. The rate of increase of V was retarded when the cements were light-irradiated with a power density of 200 mW/cm² than with a power density of 600 mW/cm². Although sonic echoes were detected from the beginning of the measurements, the rates of increase of the sonic velocity were relatively slow when the cement was not light-irradiated.

Conclusions

The ultrasound device monitored the setting processes of LCGICs accurately based on the longitudinal V. The polymerization behaviour of LCGICs was shown to be affected by the power density of the curing unit.     

Challenges in luting fibre posts: Adhesion to the post and to the dentine

Objective

To investigate the relationship between physicochemical interactions of resin luting cements with dentine and retention of fibre posts in root canals.

Fracture strength of machined ceramic crowns as a function of tooth preparation design and the elastic modulus of the cement

Objectives

To determine, by means of static fracture testing the effect of the tooth preparation design and the elastic modulus of the cement on the structural integrity of the cemented machined ceramic crown-tooth complex.

Methods

Human maxillary extracted premolar teeth were prepared for all-ceramic crowns using two preparation designs; a standard preparation in accordance with established protocols and a novel design with a flat occlusal design. All-ceramic feldspathic (Vita MK II) crowns were milled for all the preparations using a CAD/CAM system (CEREC-3). The machined all-ceramic crowns were resin bonded to the tooth structure using one of three cements with different elastic moduli: Super-Bond C&B, Rely X Unicem and Panavia F 2.0. The specimens were subjected to compressive force through a 4 mm diameter steel ball at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min using a universal test machine (Loyds Instrument Model LRX.). The load at the fracture point was recorded for each specimen in Newtons (N). These values were compared to a control group of unprepared/unrestored teeth.

Results

There was a significant difference between the control group, with higher fracture strength, and the cemented samples regardless of the occlusal design and the type of resin cement. There was no significant difference in mean fracture load between the two designs of occlusal preparation using Super-Bond C&B. For the Rely X Unicem and Panavia F 2.0 cements, the proposed preparation design with a flat occlusal morphology provides a system with increased fracture strength.

Significance

The proposed novel flat design showed less dependency on the resin cement selection in relation to the fracture strength of the restored tooth. The choice of the cement resin, with respect to its modulus of elasticity, is more important in the anatomic design than in the flat design.     

Mechanical properties of luting cements after water storage

This study determined the effect of water storage on flexural strength (FS) and compressive strength (CS) of 12 luting cements from different material classes. In addition, the influence of the curing method on the mechanical properties was investigated. The materials examined were two zinc phosphate cements (Harvard cement and Fleck's zinc cement), two glass ionomer cements (Fuji I and Ketac-Cem), three resin-modified glass ionomer cements (Fuji Plus, Fuji Cem and RelyX Luting), four resin cements (RelyX ARC, Panavia F, Variolink II and Compolute) and one self-adhesive universal resin cement (RelyX Unicem). The samples were prepared and tested according to ISO specifications. Specimens for FS and CS were loaded to fracture at a constant crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute. The mechanical properties were measured after the materials were stored in distilled water at a temperature of 37.0 +/- 1.0 degrees C for 24 hours and 150 days after mixing. In a one-way ANOVA, multiple mean value comparisons using Duncan's multiple comparison tests were performed. Resin cements had the highest flexural and compressive strengths, followed by self-adhesive universal resin cement. These materials were statistically stronger than resin-modified glass ionomer cements, glass ionomer cements and zinc phosphate cements.     

Setting of commercial glass ionomer cement Fuji IX by Al and F MAS-NMR

Objectives

To investigate the long term setting reaction in the glass ionomer restorative, Fuji IX, by monitoring the structural evolution of aluminium and fluorine species using ²⁷Al and ¹⁹F MAS-NMR spectroscopy.

Methods

Fuji IX cements aged from 5 min up to 3 months were prepared according to the manufacturer instructions from the commercial material. The ²⁷Al and ¹⁹F MAS-NMR studies were carried out on powders made after terminating the setting reaction.

Results

²⁷Al MAS-NMR results show conversion of aluminium from the glass phase, where it has coordination number four, Al(IV), into the cement matrix where it has a coordination number of six, Al(VI). At least two different Al(VI) species were detected at short ageing time cements. Assignment of these species is discussed and compared with the data from other sources. The possibility for a condensed aluminium species [Al₁₃(OH)₂₄(H₂O)₁₂]⁷⁺ to form is considered. The ratio of aluminium in the cement, Al(VI), to the remaining unreacted in glass has been evaluated by deconvolution of the spectra. Various theoretical ratios of aluminium species in the cement matrix to the unreacted ones remaining in glass have been estimated. The ¹⁹F MAS-NMR spectra are identical for the glass and cements at the early times and contain a dominant signal assigned to Al–F–Sr(n).

Conclusions

The data confirms that the conversion of aluminium is a diffusion-controlled process at early stage less than 1 h and it is largely complete between 1 and 6 h. The comparison with the experimental data shows that the majority of aluminium cations do not form tricarboxylates but are coordinated with one or two carboxylic groups and other ligands. Insufficient amount of water and excess of glass in this cement formulation affect glass degradation mechanism.