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The aim of this clinical, prospective, randomized, and parallel study was to evaluate different in-office treatments for dentin hypersensitivity (DH). One hundred ninety-two teeth with non-cavitated root exposures were treated using different desensitizers: fluoride varnish (Duraphat - FLU); bioactive ceramic solution (Biosilicate - BIOS); universal self-etching adhesive (Single Bond Universal - SBU); bioactive photoactivated varnish (PRG filler - SPRG). The degree of DH was analyzed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and computerized visual scale (CoVAS), before treatments and after 7, 15, and 30 days from the first session. Comparisons among desensitizers were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. Friedman test was used to compare between times (p ≤ 0.05). Comparing desensitizers FLU presented a higher value of DH than BIOS using VAS at 7 days, however, no differences were found using CoVAS analysis. Comparing times, BIOS and SBU showed a reduction in DH after 7 days and SBU showed a reduction at 30 days compared to 7 days using VAS. FLU and SPRG groups reduced DH from 15 days to 30 days using VAS. There was a reduction in DH for FLU, BIOS, and SBU after 7 days and for BIOS this reduction also occurred at 30 days when compared to 15 days using CoVAS. SPRG group showed a reduction from 15 to 30 days. All desensitizers tested were able to reduce the initial sensitivity. The bioactive ceramic solution reduced the DH gradually after 30 days using computerized analysis.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate dentin wear and biological performance of desensitizing materials., Methods: Seventy bovine root dentin blocks were sectioned. Half of the surface of each specimen was untreated (control) and the other half was immersed in EDTA and treated with the following desensitizing materials: placebo varnish (PLA), fluoride varnish (FLU), sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish + sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP), universal adhesive (SBU), S-PRG varnish (SPRG), biosilicate (BIOS), and amelotin solution (AMTN). After application, the specimens were submitted to an erosive-abrasive challenge and the wear analyzed by optical profilometer. Serial dilutions of extracts obtained from the culture medium containing discs impregnated with those desensitizers were applied on fibroblasts and odontoblasts-like cells cultures. Cytotoxicity and production of total protein (TP) by colorimetric assays were determined after 24 h. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn's, One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p ≤ 0.05)., Results: No dentin wear was observed only for SBU. The lowest dentin wear was observed for AMTN and TMP. Cell viability was significantly reduced after treatment with undiluted extracts of PLA, FLU, TMP and SBU in fibroblasts and TMP and SBU in odontoblast-like cells. SPRG, BIOS and AMTN were cytocompatible at all dilutions tested. Considering TP results, no statistical difference was observed among the groups and high levels for TP were observed after TMP and FLU treatments., Conclusions: Universal adhesive system may protect dentin with opened tubules from wear after challenge. Extracts of adhesive and fluoride varnishes presented cytotoxic mainly on fibroblasts. The enamel protein may be a future alternative to treat dentin with opened tubules because it may cause low wear under erosive-abrasive challenge with low cytotoxic effects., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The effectiveness of at-home dental bleaching treatments depends on the time that bleaching products are in contact with the teeth surface and, consequently, on the adequate use of associated custom acetate trays., Objective: This randomized single-blinded trial aimed to analyze if the daily usage time of these products influences the patient's compliance behavior when submitted to monitored at-home dental bleaching. Secondary outcomes were color change and tooth sensitivity., Methodology: Sixty-six volunteers were randomly distributed into three groups (n=22): patients were instructed to use the trays for 2 (G2), 4 (G4), and 8 (G8) hours daily. The daily dental bleaching compliance behavior was measured using a microsensor inserted into the trays. Subjective and objective color evaluation assessments were adopted at baseline (T0), one (T1), two (T2), and three weeks (T3) after the beginning of the bleaching treatment, as well as two weeks after the treatment (T4). Tooth sensitivity was analyzed using the VAS scale, ranging from T1 to T4., Results: G2 showed a greater degree of cooperation than G8 and cooperation was inversely proportional to the recommended usage time. Significantly higher color change was observed in the upper arch for G8 when compared to G2 in subjective analysis, from T1 to T4. There were no statistical differences between the groups in objective analysis., Conclusion: Shorter recommended usage time of the bleaching product may improve the patient's compliance with at-home dental bleaching treatments. However, increased daily usage time may promote better subjective color change. Bleaching sensitivity was more significant in the first week for a longer time of use.

Purpose: This study evaluates the effects of different toothpastes on the nanohardness and chemical compositions of restorative materials and dental surfaces., Methods: Bovine enamel ( n = 72) and dentin ( n = 72) blocks were obtained and restored using RMGIC ( n = 36) or CR ( n = 36) to create the following surfaces: dentin adjacent to RMGIC (DRMGIC), enamel adjacent to RMGIC (ERMGIC), dentin adjacent to CR (DCR), and enamel adjacent to CR (ECR). After restoration, one hemiface of each specimen was coated with an acid-resistant varnish to facilitate the creation of control (C) and eroded (E) sides; the latter were achieved by erosion-abrasion cycles as follows: erosion with 1% citric acid: 5 days, four times for 2 min each day; 1% citric acid/abrasion, two times for 15 s, followed by immersion in a toothpaste slurry for 2 min. Toothpastes without fluoride (WF; n = 12), with sodium fluoride (NaF; n = 12), and with stannous fluoride (SnF 2 ; n = 12) were used for RMGIC or CR. The specimens were analyzed for nanohardness (H), and chemical composition using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman microscopy. The data were statistically analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05)., Results: Lower H values were obtained with NaF for DRMGIC-C, with a statistically significant difference from the H value obtained with WF ( p < 0.05). The calcium and phosphorus concentrations in DCR-E were significantly lower with WF than with the other types of toothpaste ( p < 0.05). Fluoride-containing toothpastes are capable of preserving the main chemical components of the dentin adjacent to the restorative materials under erosive-abrasive conditions.

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is characterized by rapid, acute pain arising from exposed dental tubules., Aim: the aim of this study was to evaluate the roughness, tubule occlusion, and permeability of eroded dentin brushed with different toothpastes., Materials and Method: ninety bovine teeth were cut into blocks. Thirty hemifaces were protected with varnish and the other sixty were submitted to permeability tests. Specimens were divided into groups according to the dentifrices: without fluoride (WF), sodium fluoride (NaF), and stannous fluoride (SnF2). The blocks were subjected to a 5-day erosive-abrasive protocol. Surface roughness and dentinal tubule occlusion (n=10) were assessed for both control and test hemifaces of the same sample along with permeability analysis (n=20). Two-way RM ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test were performed (p≤0.05)., Results: NaF and SnF2 presented higher roughness than WF. The number of open tubules was higher in WF. Permeability was higher in SnF2, but there was no significant difference between WF and NaF., Conclusions: both fluoride toothpastes occluded dentinal tubules and increased roughness. NaF toothpaste promoted greater decrease in dentin permeability., Competing Interests: The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest regarding the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Odontológica.)

Background: The current pandemic associated with SARS-CoV-2 has negatively influenced several activities, including teaching in Operative Dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of knowledge in Operative Dentistry on undergraduate students' perception related to personal life and return to clinical practices classes during pandemic., Materials and Methods: The present research was a cross-sectional, observational, and qualitative survey. The 16-item based questionnaire was sent to undergraduate students in 2020, which were divided into two groups, according to the Operative Dentistry knowledge: G1-not started clinical practice; G2-already started or completed clinical practice. Questions were focused on the impact of the pandemic in relation to their personal lives and return to clinical practice classes. Chi-square association test was performed using the SigmaPlot 12.0 software ( P ≤ 0.05)., Results: The response rate was 55.5% for G1 and 44.4% for G2. Regarding the questions related to personal life, G1 demonstrated higher percentages of fear of contracting the virus during theoretical classes. Same observations were found when students answered about their fear of contracting coronavirus during the clinical practice classes. However, G2 presented the highest agreement responses for the preparedness feeling to return to theoretical classroom, clinical practice classes, and the possibility of applying online learning., Conclusions: In general, students' knowledge had little influence on perception of personal life. However, students who have more knowledge in operative dentistry presented more security about returning to clinical classes., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 Journal of Education and Health Promotion.)

Objective: To evaluate non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) restored with different adhesion strategies., Methodology: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, split-mouth study. An adhesive restorative system (Single Bond Universal/Filtek Z350XT - SBU) was evaluated both without and with selective enamel conditioning (E-SBU), resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (Vitremer; RMGIC), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid pretreatment (EDTA; E-RMGIC). In total, 200 restorations, placed in 50 patients, were evaluated at baseline and at a 3-year follow-up using the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Data were analyzed using the two-proportion equality test, multinomial logistic regression, Wilcoxon test, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves., Results: In total, 42 (84%) patients returned for the 3-year follow-up. SBU showed restoration losses statistically different from RMGIC. Retention was also statistically different in SBU between baseline and the 3-year follow-up. Marginal defects and surface texture were statistically significant for all groups in the period studied, except for the surface texture of SBU and the marginal integrity in E-RMGIC. We observed no statistically significant difference in wear, secondary caries, anatomical form, surface staining, and color over time. Recession degree was the only factor to influence retention rates. Cumulative survival (%) was 89, 98, 98, and 95.3, for SBU, SE-SBU, RMGIC, and E-RMGIC, respectively, without significant differences among them. There was a statistically significant difference between survival curves; however, multiple comparison procedures found no statistical differences., Conclusion: Selective enamel etching affected the retention of non-carious cervical restorations. Adhesion using EDTA and resin-modified glass-ionomer cements delayed marginal defects over time. The degree of gingival recession influenced retention rates. Resin composite restorations showed initial marginal defects, and ionomer restorations, reduced surface luster. EDTA pre-treatment followed by resin-modified glass-ionomer cements may be a promising adhesion strategy for NCCL restorations.

The removal of direct composite veneers, when the retreatment is necessary, represents a challenge to the clinician, since the healthy dental structure must be preserved. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the accuracy provided by different auxiliary devices during retreatment of direct composite veneers. Seventy-five bovine teeth were prepared for direct composite veneers, scanned (T1), and restored. Specimens were divided into 5 groups for retreatment: conventional high-speed handpiece without auxiliary device (WD); high-speed handpiece with a white LED (WL); high-speed handpiece with an UV light (UL); electric motor and multiplier 1/5 handpiece (EM); and conventional high-speed handpiece using magnifying loupe (ML). After retreatments, other scanning was performed (T2). Changes on dental wear or composite residues areas, as well as, the average between wear and presence of residues were measured. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-test (p≤ 0.05). There were greater areas of wear for ML, being statistically superior to WD and EM groups. The ML presented smaller residues areas, being statistically lower than the WD and EM groups. Regarding the average between wear and the presence of resin residues, additional wear occurred after re-preparation, regardless of the group. Magnifying loupe promoted greater areas of wear and smaller areas of resin residues than conventional high-speed handpiece and electric motor. Both techniques using light accessories did not differ from other ones., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different toothpastes on the surface wear of enamel, dentin, composite resin (CR), and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), and to perform a topographic analysis of the surfaces, based on representative images generated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) after erosion-abrasion cycles., Methodology: One hundred and forty bovine incisors were collected and divided into two groups: 72 enamel and 72 dentin blocks (4×4 mm). Half of the specimens were restored with CR (Filtek Z350 XT) and the other half with RMGIC (Fuji II LC). Then, samples were submitted to a demineralization cycle (5 days, 4×2 min/day, 1% citric acid, pH 3.2) and exposed to three different toothpastes (2×15 s/day): without fluoride (WF, n=12), sodium fluoride-based (NaF, n=12), and stannous fluoride-based (SnF2, n=12). Surface wear, as well as restoration interfaces wear, were investigated by profilometry of the dental substrates and restorative materials. All representative surfaces underwent AFM analysis. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's tests (α=0.05)., Results: NaF-based toothpaste caused the greater dentin surface wear (p<0.05). Toothpastes affected only enamel-restoration interfaces. AFM analysis showed precipitate formation in dentinal tubules caused by the use of fluoride toothpastes., Conclusions: NaF-based toothpastes had no protective effect on enamel adjacent to CR and RMGIC against erosion-abrasion challenges, nor on dentin adjacent to RMGIC material. SnF2-based toothpastes caused more damage to interfaces between enamel and RMGIC.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate microhardness and color change (ΔE) of composite resins, light cured with different light emission diodes (LEDs) and submitted to artificial accelerated aging (AAA)., Materials and Methods: Two composite resins with lucirin- TPO photoinitiator were selected: Tetric N-Ceram (Ivoclar Vivadent, A1) and Vit-l-escence (Ultradent, WO).A resin with the only camphorquinone photoinitiat or was chosen as a negative control: Filtek Z350XT (3M ESPE, WD). Disc-shaped specimens were prepared (5 mm diameter; 1.5 mm thick) and photopolymerized with an LED with one wavelength (Radii-Cal, SDI) or multiple wavelengths (Valo, Ultradent), for each composite resin (n = 10). Surface microhardness and color evaluations were performed immediately after specimen preparation and after AAA. Microhardness results were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests for multiple comparisons. To compare the evaluation of microhardness at different times, the Wilcoxon test was used. Mean values of ΔE, ΔL, Δa, and Δb were evaluated using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey test for multiple comparisons (a = 0.05)., Results: Regarding microhardness, a statistically significant difference between the two LEDs was observed for Vit-lescence after AAA. When comparing composite resins that were light-cured with the same device, FiltekZ350XT obtained the greatest microhardness. All groups presented a statistically significant decrease in microhardness from the initial time to the AAA. Regarding ΔE, no statistically significant difference between the two LEDs was observed. When comparing composite resins, FiltekZ350XT showed the highest ΔE values., Conclusion: In general, an LED with multiple wavelengths influenced the microhardness of only one resin containing lucirin-TPO after AAA. The ΔE was more influenced by the composite resin than the LED device., Clinical Significance: The knowledge of composite resin with deficiencies in the polymerization mechanism could contribute to preventing restorations to become more susceptible to color change and reduction of the mechanical strength.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare two in vitro erosion protocols, in which one simulates in vivo conditions experienced by patients with gastroesophageal disorders or bulimia (HCl-pepsin protocol), and the other simulates the diet of an individual who consumes a high volume of erosive beverages (citric acid protocol). In addition, the mechanical properties and surface gloss of eroded human dentin were compared with those of sound human dentin., Materials and Methods: Blocks of cervical dentin were used: sound human dentin (n=10), human dentin with erosive lesions (n=10), and bovine dentin (n=30). Twenty bovine blocks were subjected to either of two erosion protocols (n=10/protocol). In the first protocol, samples were demineralized using HCl-pepsin solution, then treated with trypsin solution. In the second protocol, samples were demineralized with 2% citric acid. Toothbrushing was performed in both protocols using a toothbrushing machine (15 s with a 150 g load). Ten bovine dentin blocks were not subjected to any erosive treatment. All samples of bovine and human dentin were analyzed to obtain Martens hardness values (MH), elastic modulus (Eit*) and surface gloss. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's test were performed to analyze the data (α=0.05)., Results: Sound human and eroded human dentin groups showed similar MH and Eit* values (p>0.05); however, sound human dentin showed a higher surface gloss value when compared to eroded human dentin (p<0.05). Sound bovine dentin and HCl-pepsin-treated bovine dentin treatments resulted in similar values for both MH and Eit* (p>0.05), but HCl-pepsin-treated bovine dentin and citric acid-treated bovine dentin resulted in lower surface gloss than sound bovine dentin (p<0.05)., Conclusions: The HCl-pepsin protocol modified bovine dentin properties that could be similar to those that occur on human dentin surfaces with erosive lesions.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bonding interface between a self-adhesive resin cement to in vitro eroded dentin. Seventy-two third molars were used and divided into two groups: sound dentin and in vitro eroded dentin. The in vitro erosion was performed following a demineralization protocol, in which the specimens were immersed in a demineralizing solution for 2 minutes per cycle and remineralizing solution for 10 minutes per cycle for 9 days. Both groups were submitted to four dentin surface treatments: control group (without any treatment), 2% chlorhexidine, 20% polyacrylic acid, and 0.1 M EDTA (n = 9). Blocks of resin-based composite were bonded with RelyX U200 self-adhesive resin cement applied on the pretreated dentin surfaces. The teeth were sectioned into beams (1mm2) and submitted to microtensile bond strength testing to evaluate the bond strength of self-adhesive resin cement to dentin after 24 hours and 8 months of immersion in artificial saliva. Three specimens of each group were longitudinally cut and evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy to analyze the dentin/cement interface. Eroded dentin showed higher bond strength values when compared to sound dentin for the 2% chlorhexidine group (p = 0.03), 24 hours after adhesion. When considering eroded dentin, the 0.1M EDTA group showed higher bond strength values with a statistically significant difference only for the control group (p = 0.002). After 8 months of storage, the present results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two substrates for all experimental groups (p>0.05). Analysis of the microscopy confocal showed different types of treatments performed on dentin generally increased tags formation when compared to the control group. The eroded dentin showed a significant increase in density and depth of resinous tags when compared to sound dentin. The storage of samples for 8 months seems to have not caused significant degradation of the adhesive interface., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

This prospective, randomized, split-mouth clinical trial evaluated the clinical performance of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC; Riva Self-Cure, SDI), supplied in capsules or in powder/liquid kits and placed in Class I cavities in permanent molars by the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) approach. A total of 80 restorations were randomly placed in 40 patients aged 11-15 years. Each patient received one restoration with each type of GIC. The restorations were evaluated after periods of 15 days (baseline), 6 months, and 1 year, according to ART criteria. Wilcoxon matched pairs, multivariate logistic regression, and Gehan-Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis. Patients were evaluated after 15 days (n=40), 6 months (n=34), and 1 year (n=29). Encapsulated GICs showed significantly superior clinical performance compared with hand-mixed GICs at baseline (p=0.017), 6 months (p=0.001), and 1 year (p=0.026). For hand-mixed GIC, a statistically significant difference was only observed over the period of baseline to 1 year (p=0.001). Encapsulated GIC presented statistically significant differences for the following periods: 6 months to 1 year (p=0.028) and baseline to 1 year (p=0.002). Encapsulated GIC presented superior cumulative survival rate than hand-mixed GIC over one year. Importantly, both GICs exhibited decreased survival over time. Encapsulated GIC promoted better ART performance, with an annual failure rate of 24%; in contrast, hand-mixed GIC demonstrated a failure rate of 42%.

Objective: To evaluate four protocols for removal of fluorescent materials after bracket debonding., Materials and Methods: Resin removal from 40 bovine enamel surfaces was performed according to groups (n = 10): conventional (C), white LED (W), LED that evidenced fluorescence (F), and fluorescent lens (FL). The following analyses were performed: sample thickness, superficial area of resin residue, and areas of resin residue or worn enamel in depth. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to analyze sample thickness (P ≤ .05). Area measurements were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests (P ≤ .05)., Results: The FL group showed the highest reduction in enamel thickness. F group final thickness was similar to that of other groups. The largest superficial areas of resin residue were found for the C and W groups, while the FL group had the greatest removal of resin residue. The C group exhibited the largest area in depth of resin residue. The FL and F groups exhibited the most loss of enamel with the least amount of resin residue; in contrast, the C and W groups presented the fewest areas of worn enamel and the most areas of resin residue., Conclusion: Auxiliary devices were useful for removal of fluorescent residue after bracket debonding.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of different degradations on the roughness, gloss, and color changes of microhybrid composites., Materials and Methods: Ten specimens were prepared for Charisma, Amelogen Plus, Point 4, and Opallis resins. Surfaces were polished and baseline measurements of roughness, gloss, and color were recorded. Specimens were then submitted to chemical and mechanical challenges, and the specimens were reevaluated. Roughness and gloss were analyzed by Kruskal -Wallis and Dunn's test (p < 0.05). Color change (ΔE) was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05). The initial and final data were compared using the Wilcoxon test (p < 0.05). Spearman test checked the correlation between the roughness and gloss (p < 0.05)., Results: Regarding surface roughness and gloss, there was no difference between composites before challenges. However, all composites showed a significant increase of roughness after challenges, with highest values for Charisma. The gloss was influenced by challenges, evidencing the best gloss for Point 4. Charisma showed the highest value of color change. There was no correlation between surface roughness and gloss for the initial analysis, and after the challenges., Conclusion: Composites were influenced by association of challenges, and Charisma showed the highest changes for roughness, gloss, and color., Clinical Significance: The type of composite resin influenced the properties of materials, which are surface roughness, gloss, and color change. The dentist should be aware of the performance of different brands, to choose the correct required composite resin for each type of patient or region to be restored.

Abastract This study aimed to evaluate the transenamel and transdentinal penetration of hydrogen peroxide (H202) applied to bovine teeth pigmented with black tea at different intensities. The following groups were formed DW: immersion in distilled water; BT100: immersion in an infusion of 1.6 g of black tea per 100 mL distilled water; BT10: immersion in an infusion of 1.6 g black tea per 10 mL distilled water. All groups were immersed for 6 days. To quantify the penetration of H202, the specimens were placed in artificial pulp chambers (APCs) and subjected to bleaching treatment with 38% H2O2 once per week for 3 weeks. After bleaching treatment, the acetate buffer solution of APCs with peroxidase enzyme was evaluated in a reflection spectrophotometer. The transenamel and transdentinal penetration of H2O2 and the L* values obtained at T1, T2 and T3 were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman statistical tests. At T1, the H2O2 diffusion in DW was higher than that in BT100 and BT10. At the other evaluation times, the penetration values in BT100 and BT10 increased and remained similar. The L* values increased significantly in all groups at T1. At T2, the L* values were higher in DW, while the values in BT100 and BT10 were similar to each other. At the end of the experiment, BT10 showed the lowest L* values. The pigmentation level did not affect the penetration of H2O2 through the enamel and dentin and the bleaching agent effectively changed the color of the teeth.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of resin composite repairs with and without aging of the surface to be repaired, using different adhesive systems and resin composites. Ninety specimens were prepared: 10 for the Control Group (GC - without repair); 40 for Group I (GI - repairs after 7 days) and 40 for Group II (GII - repairs after 180 days). Groups I and II were divided into 4 subgroups of 10 specimens each, according to the adhesive system and composite resin used: A) Adper Scotch Bond Multipurpose + Filtek Z350 XT; B) Adper Single Bond Plus + Filtek Z350 XT; C) Adper Scotch Bond Multipurpose + Esthet-X; D) Adper Single Bond Plus + Esthet-X. The specimens were tested for shear strength in a universal testing machine. The results were analyzed by two-factor one-way ANOVA and Fisher's post hoc tests (alpha=0.05). The control group had better performance than the other groups. There was no significant difference when comparing different adhesive systems and composite resins. Repairs performed at 7 days were better than those performed at 180 days. The composite repairs decreased the mechanical strength of the restoration. Aging of the resin substrate may decrease repair bond strength over time, regardless of the type of adhesive systems and resin composites used., (Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Odontológica.)

Superficial irregularities and certain intrinsic stains on the dental enamel surfaces can be resolved by enamel microabrasion, however, treatment for such defects need to be confined to the outermost regions of the enamel surface. Dental bleaching and resin-based composite repair are also often useful for certain situations for tooth color corrections. This article presented and discussed the indications and limitations of enamel microabrasion treatment. Three case reports treated by enamel microabrasion were also presented after 11, 20 and 23 years of follow-ups.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to evaluate the teaching of the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) approach in Brazilian dental schools., Materials and Methods: A questionnaire on this subject was sent to Pediatric Dentistry, Operative Dentistry and Public Health Dentistry professors. The questions approached the following subjects: the method used to teach ART, the time spent on its teaching, under which discipline it is taught, for how many years ART has been taught and its effect on the DMFT index., Results: A total of 70 out of 202 dental schools returned the questionnaire. The ART approach is taught in the majority of the Brazilian dental schools (96.3%), and in most of these schools it is taught both in theory and in clinical practice (62.9%). The majority (35.3%) of professors teach ART for 8 hours, and most often as part of the Pediatric Dentistry discipline (67.6%). It has been taught for the last 7 to 10 years in 34.3% of dental schools. Most professors did not observe a change in the DMFT index with this approach. There is a diversity in the teaching of ART in Brazil in terms of the number of hours spent, the teaching method (theory and practice), and the disciplines involved in its teaching., Conclusions: It is necessary to address the training of professors in the ART approach for the whole country. An educational model is proposed whereby a standard ART module features as part of other preventive and restorative caries care educational modules. This will facilitate and standardize the introduction and adoption of the ART approach in undergraduate education in Brazil.

This case report describes the Indirect Pulp Treatment (IPT) of deep caries lesion in a permanent molar. A 16-year-old male patient reported discomfort associated with thermal stimulation on the permanent mandibular left first molar. The radiographs revealed a deep distal caries lesion, very close to the pulp, absence of radiolucencies in the periapical region, and absence of periodontal space thickening. Pulp sensitivity was confirmed by thermal pulp vitality tests. Based on the main complaint and the clinical and radiographic examinations, the treatment plan was established to preserve pulp vitality. Clinical procedures consisted of removing the infected dentin and lining the caries-affected dentin with calcium hydroxide paste. The tooth was provisionally sealed for approximately 60 days. After this period, tooth vitality was confirmed, the remaining carious dentin was removed, and the tooth was restored. At 4-year follow-up, no clinical or radiographic pathological findings were found.

The aim of this study was to compare, in different periods of time, the compressive and diametral tensile strength of a traditional high viscous glass ionomer cement: Fuji IX (GC Corporation), with two new Brazilian GIC's: Vitro-Molar (DFL) and Bioglass R (Biodinamica), all indicated for the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) technique. Fifteen disk specimens (6.0mm diameter x 3.0mm height) for the diametral tensile strength (DTS) test and fifteen cylindrical specimens (6.0mm diameter x 12.0mm height) for the compressive strength (CS) test were made of each GIC. Specimens were stored in deionized water at 37º C and 100% of humidity in a stove until testing. Five specimens of each GIC were submitted to CS and DTS test in each period, namely 1 hour, 24 hours and 7 days. The specimens were tested in a testing machine (Emic) at a crosshead speed of 1.0mm/min for CS and 0.5mm/min for the DTS test until failure occurred. The data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (alpha=0.05). The mean CS values ranged from 42.03 to 155.47MPa and means DTS from 5.54 to 13.72 MPa, with test periods from 1h to 7 days. The CS and DTS tests showed no statistically significant difference between Fuji IX and Vitro Molar, except for CS test at 1-hour period. Bioglass R had lowest mean value for CS of the cements tested. In DTS test Bioglass R presented no statistically significant differences when compared with all others tested GICs at 1-hour period and Bioglass R presented no difference at 24-hour and 7-day periods when compared to Vitro-Molar. Further studies to investigate other physical properties such as fracture toughness and wear resistance, as well as chemical composition and biocompatibility, are now needed to better understand the properties of these new Brazilian GIC's.