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Purpose: To investigate the effect of curing rate on softening in ethanol, degree of conversion, and wear of resin composites., Method: With a given energy density and for each of two different light-curing units (QTH or LED), the curing rate was reduced by modulating the curing mode. Thus, the irradiation of resin composite specimens (Filtek Z250, Tetric Ceram, Esthet-X) was performed in a continuous curing mode and in a pulse-delay curing mode. Wallace hardness was used to determine the softening of resin composite after storage in ethanol. Degree of conversion was determined by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Wear was assessed by a three-body test. Data were submitted to Levene's test, one and three-way ANOVA, and Tukey HSD test (alpha = 0.05)., Results: Immersion in ethanol, curing mode, and material all had significant effects on Wallace hardness. After ethanol storage, resin composites exposed to the pulse-delay curing mode were softer than resin composites exposed to continuous cure (P< 0.0001). Tetric Ceram was the softest material followed by Esthet-X and Filtek Z250 (P< 0.001). Only the restorative material had a significant effect on degree of conversion (P< 0.001): Esthet-X had the lowest degree of conversion followed by Filtek Z250 and Tetric Ceram. Curing mode (P= 0.007) and material (P< 0.001) had significant effect on wear. Higher wear resulted from the pulse-delay curing mode when compared to continuous curing, and Filtek Z250 showed the lowest wear followed by Esthet-X and Tetric Ceram.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of light-curing protocol on degree of conversion (DC), volume contraction (C), elastic modulus (E), and glass transition temperature (T(g)) as measured on a model polymer. It was a further aim to correlate the measured values with each other., Methods: Different light-curing protocols were used in order to investigate the influence of energy density (ED), power density (PD), and mode of cure on the properties. The modes of cure were continuous, pulse-delay, and stepped irradiation. DC was measured by Raman micro-spectroscopy. C was determined by pycnometry and a density column. E was measured by a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), and T(g) was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Data were submitted to two- and three-way ANOVA, and linear regression analyses., Results: ED, PD, and mode of cure influenced DC, C, E, and T(g) of the polymer. A significant positive correlation was found between ED and DC (r=0.58), ED and E (r=0.51), and ED and T(g) (r=0.44). Taken together, ED and PD were significantly related to DC and E. The regression coefficient was positive for ED and negative for PD. Significant positive correlations were detected between DC and C (r=0.54), DC and E (r=0.61), and DC and T(g) (r=0.53). Comparisons between continuous and pulse-delay modes of cure showed significant influence of mode of cure: pulse-delay curing resulted in decreased DC, decreased C, and decreased T(g). Influence of mode of cure, when comparing continuous and step modes of cure, was more ambiguous., Significance: A complex relationship exists between curing protocol, microstructure of the resin and the investigated properties. The overall performance of a composite is thus indirectly affected by the curing protocol adopted, and the desired reduction of C may be in fact a consequence of the decrease in DC.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of light-curing protocol on softening and elution of monomers in ethanol as measured on a model polymer. It was a further aim to correlate the measured values with previously reported data on degree of conversion and glass transition temperature for the same polymer and curing protocols., Methods: Different light-curing protocols were used in order to investigate the influence of energy density, power density, and mode of cure on the properties of a model polymer. The modes of cure were continuous, pulse-delay, and stepped irradiation of the specimens. Wallace hardness was used to determine the softening of the polymer after storage in ethanol for 24h. Elution of monomers from the polymer was assessed after 7 days in ethanol by means of high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were submitted to two- and three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Newman-Keuls' multiple comparison test, and linear regression analysis., Results: Energy density, power density, and mode of cure of the polymer influenced the softening and elution of monomers in ethanol. As energy density increased, softening and elution in ethanol decreased. At same energy density, the influence of power density varied with the mode of cure. When compared to the continuous mode of cure, and at same energy density, pulse-delay irradiation resulted in polymers that in general were more susceptible to softening, but eluted monomers to a lower extent. Less elution was also found with step-cured polymers. Significant, negative correlations were detected between softening and elution in ethanol, respectively, and degree of conversion and between softening and elution in ethanol, respectively, and glass transition temperature., Significance: A complex relationship exists between curing protocol and the properties selected for investigation. The effect of different combinations of exposure periods and power densities are important to understanding how the curing protocol affects the properties of polymer-based materials.

Objectives: It was the aim of the study to analyze by the FE method stresses generated in tooth and restoration by occlusal loading of Class I and Class II restorations of resin composite. On the basis of available information on the influence of the modulus of elasticity, the research hypothesis was that the marginal stresses would decrease with increasing modulus of elasticity of the restoration., Methods: A cylindrical tooth was modelled in enamel and dentin and fitted with a Class I or a Class II restoration of resin composite. In one scenario the restoration was bonded to the tooth, in another the restoration was left nonbonded. The resin composite was modelled with a modulus of elasticity of 5, 10, 15 or 20 GPa and loaded occlusally with 100 N. By means of the soft-ware program ABAQUS the von Mises stresses in enamel and dentin were calculated., Results: In the bonded scenario, the maximum stresses in the enamel were located at the occlusal margins (range 7-11 MPa), and in the dentin centrally at the pulpal floor (range 3.4-5.5MPa). The stresses decreased with increasing modulus of elasticity of the resin composite. In the nonbonded scenario, the stresses were higher in the dentin and lower in the enamel than in the bonded cases, and the influence of the modulus of elasticity was less pronounced. The marginal stresses in the restoration were below 6 MPa in the bonded scenario and below 3 MPa in the nonbonded scenario., Significance: Occlusal restorations of resin composite should have a high modulus of elasticity in order to reduce the risk of marginal deterioration.

This study determined whether the strength with which resin composite bonds to dentin is influenced by variations in the curing rate of resin composites. Resin composites were bonded to the dentin of extracted human molars. Adhesive (AdheSE, Ivoclar Vivadent) was applied and cured (10 seconds @ 1000 mW/cm2) for all groups. A split Teflon mold was clamped to the treated dentin surface and filled with resin composite. The rate of cure was varied, using one of four LED-curing units of different power densities. The rate of cure was also varied using the continuous or pulse-delay mode. In continuous curing mode, in order to give an energy density totaling 16 J/cm2, the power densities (1000, 720, 550, 200 mW/cm2) emitted by the various curing units were compensated for by the light curing period (16, 22, 29 or 80 seconds). In the pulse-delay curing mode, two seconds of light curing at one of the four power densities was followed by a one-minute interval, after which light cure was completed (14, 29, 27 or 78 seconds), likewise, giving a total energy density of 16 J/cm2. The specimens produced for each of the eight curing protocols and two resin composites (Tetric EvoCeram, Ivoclar Vivadent; Filtek Supreme XT, 3M ESPE) were stored in water at 37 degrees C for seven days. The specimens were then either immediately subjected to shear bond strength testing or subjected to artificial aging (6,000 cycles between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C baths) prior to testing. Failure modes were also assessed. The shear bond strengths were submitted to factorial analysis of variance, and the failure modes were submitted to a Chi-square test (alpha = 0.05). All but power density (curing mode, resin composite material and mode of aging) significantly affected shear bond strength. The curing mode and resin composite material also influenced the failure mode. At the selected constant energy density, pulse-delay curing reduced bonding of the resin composite to dentin.

Objectives: The strength of the bond to dentin treated with two adhesive systems was investigated. The bond was tested with six resin composites. It was hypothesized that the surface energy parameters of composite and adhesive-treated dentin would influence the bond strength., Methods: The investigated adhesive systems were Prompt L-Pop and OptiBond FL, which were used as recommended. The bond strengths were tested in shear. The dispersive, the acid, and the base component of the surface energy were determined from measurements of the contact angle of four test liquids placed on the composites and on the adhesive-treated dentin. Relationships were investigated by regression analysis., Results: The strength of the bond to dentin varied with the resin composite and with the adhesive system. The bond strength with both adhesive systems increased with the base component of the surface energy of the resin composites. Dentin treated with OptiBond FL had higher surface energy and gave higher bond strengths than was the case with Prompt L-Pop., Significance: It is advisable to use a resin composite that is compatible with the adhesive system.

This study measured the polymerization contraction of a resin composite cured at three levels of energy density, each attained at six different levels of power density. The polymerization contraction of the composite was recorded by the method of the deflecting disc (n = 5) for 1 h following the start of irradiation. Power densities of 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1,000 mW cm(-2), as measured on a dental radiometer, were obtained by variation of distance and supply voltage of a commercial light-curing unit. The spectral distribution at each power density was recorded using a spectrophotometer. The absorption spectrum of camphorquinone was also recorded, and the efficiency of the radiation at each power density was calculated as the integral over wavelength of the product of absorption and emission. From the slope of the contraction curves, an approximation to the initial rate of polymerization, Rp, was calculated and was taken as an alternative measure of power density. Statistical analyses showed that polymerization contraction increased significantly with increasing levels of energy density received by the resin composite, and, for each level of energy density, that the contraction decreased significantly with increasing power density.

According to the "total energy concept", properties of light-cured resin composites are determined only by energy density because of reciprocity between power density and exposure duration. The kinetics of polymerization is complex, and it was hypothesized that degree of cure, flexural strength, and flexural modulus were influenced not only by energy density, but also by power density per se. A conventional resin composite was cured at 3 energy densities (4, 8, and 16 J/cm(2)) by 6 combinations of power density (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1000 mW/cm(2)) and exposure durations. Degree of cure, flexural strength, and flexural modulus increased with increasing energy density. For each energy density, degree of cure decreased with increasing power density. Flexural strength and modulus showed a maximum at intermediate power density. Within clinically relevant power densities, not only energy density but also power density per se had significant influence on resin composite properties.

In an attempt to reduce marginal contraction gaps, a step-curing mode of light polymerization of resin composite has been proposed. It was hypothesized that such an exposure mode, having an initial reduced curing rate, would result in composite having a lower modulus of elasticity than composite exposed in one step. The composite was initially exposed to power density levels of 50, 100, 150, or 200 mW/cm2 for durations of 10, 20, or 40 s. The final exposure and the exposure of the control group were performed at 750 mW/cm2 for 20 s. It was found that certain modes of two-step exposure resulted in a lower flexural modulus than did a one-step exposure of constant, high power density. Regression analysis showed, with statistical significance, that flexural modulus was relatively high following a short initial exposure at low power density or using a long initial exposure at high power density. Conversely, flexural modulus was relatively low following a long initial exposure at low power density or using a short initial exposure at high power density. The results were explained by probable differences in degree of conversion and cross-link density of the polymer network.

Objectives: To investigate whether polymerization shrinkage, flow, modulus, and bond strength influence marginal gap formation of resin composite restorations in vitro., Methods: Eleven proprietary resin composites were studied. Shrinkage was measured by the 'bonded-disk method' (n=3). Flow was measured as the diameter of a constant volume of resin composite to which a load of 20 N had been applied for 60 s (n=3). Modulus was measured in 3-point bending (n=6). Bond strength mediated to human dentin by an adhesive system was measured in shear (n=6). Gap formation was measured in a light microscope along the margins of all-dentin, butt-joint cavities restored with the adhesive system and each resin composite and expressed as the widest gap in percent of the cavity diameter (n=6)., Results: Significant differences were found between the resin composites regarding all determined properties. A significant linear correlation was found between flow and gap formation (r=-0.68, P<0.025). Three-dimensional regression analysis showed a significant correlation between polymerization shrinkage (X(1)), flow (X(2)), and gap formation (r=0.79, P(1)<0.05, P(2)<0.005). The highest coefficient of correlation was found when the first part of the polymerization shrinkage (from 0 to 10 s) was disregarded (r=0.90, P(1)<0.005, P(2)<0.0005)., Conclusions: With the adhesive system used, polymerization shrinkage and flow were found to be significant determinants of gap formation around resin composite restorations in vitro.

In pilot studies of the relationship between subsurface depth and hardness of a light-cured resin composite, it was found that the resin composite was softer at a depth of 0.5 mm than at, for example, a depth of 1.0 mm. It is possible that the increase in hardness at intermediate subsurface depths compared with the hardness at small depths is due to the heat of polymerization, causing a greater increase in temperature at intermediate depths than at small depths. As the temperature rise increases with volume of the test specimen, it was hypothesized that the increase in hardness would increase with the diameter of the irradiated specimen. The hardness of a resin composite was measured as a function of subsurface depth for cylindrical specimens of 3, 4, and 6 mm diameter. It was found that the resin composite was softer at 0.5 mm than at 1.0-1.5 mm depth independent of specimen diameter. Possible explanations are oxygen inhibition of polymerization and high rate of cure of material at small subsurface depth. It was also found that, corresponding with increasing specimen diameters, the specimens became significantly softer at depths of 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, and 4.0 mm, respectively. The heat production and reflection of light from the walls of the molds may explain the latter, but not the former finding.

Objectives: The study investigates the influence of two-step curing of a BisGMA/TEGDMA based polymer on degree of conversion (DC) and on hardness before and after 1 day ethanol storage., Methods: The specimens were pre-cured at 25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 mW/cm(2) for 10, 20, or 40 s. The final cure as well as the cure of the control group was carried out at 750 mW/cm(2) for 20 s. DC was determined on thin films by FTIR. Hardness was determined on disks by the method of Wallace., Results: At intermediary energy densities of the pre-cure, the DC was reduced as compared to that of the control group. The hardness before ethanol storage was not influenced by the curing mode. Except for the lowest and the two highest energy densities of the pre-cure, the two-step curing mode resulted in polymers that after ethanol storage were softer than the control polymer., Significance: Two-step curing of resin composites may result in polymers with increased susceptibility to the action of softening substances in food and beverage.

The aim of the investigation was to study the polymer structure of a light-cured resin composite in relation to the distance from the irradiated surface. Ten cylinders (4 x 8 mm) of composite were light-cured in a mold at 580 mW cm-2 for 40 s. The cylinders were expressed from the mold and, after 1 wk of dry storage at 37 degrees C, embedded in dental stone. Grinding parallel to the long axis of the cylinders on carborundum paper exposed the resin composite. The Wallace hardness in relation to distance from the irradiated surface was measured before and after 1 d of ethanol storage. Before ethanol storage and at distances from the surface of 0.5-3.5 mm, no difference in hardness was recorded. The ethanol storage gave rise to a softening of the resin composite. The softening recorded at 3.0-3.5 mm was significantly more pronounced than the softening taking place at 0.5-2.5 mm. This result was explained by a slower polymerization occurring at the greater distances from the irradiated surface, resulting in a polymer with reduced crosslink density.

Objective: Two recently marketed light-emitting diode polymerization units were compared with a conventional halogen curing unit. Selected properties of resin composites polymerized with the three curing units were determined., Method and Materials: Three different brands of resin composite were used in the investigation. The properties that were determined were flexural strength and modulus, determined in three-point bending tests; depth of polymerization, assessed by removal of uncured material after irradiation; polymerization contraction, evaluated with the bonded-disk method; and degree of conversion, measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy., Results: The properties of resin composites polymerized with light-emitting diode curing units were equal or inferior to properties obtained after halogen light curing., Conclusion: Although several properties with some combinations of resin composite and light-emitting diode curing unit were inferior to properties obtained with the halogen curing unit, both the flexural strength and the depth of polymerization fulfilled the requirements set by the International Standards Organization.

This in vitro study evaluated the microleakage at enamel (occlusal) and dentin (gingival) margins of MOD resin composite restorations made with different incremental insertion techniques. MOD cavities were prepared on 60 extracted human molars with the proximal margins placed 1 mm below the cemento-enamel junction. All teeth were acid-etched and treated with One-Step adhesive, then restored with a hybrid resin composite (Renew) with and without a flowable composite (AEliteflo) or a self-curing composite (Bisfil 2B) as the first increment in the proximal boxes. The time of placement of the second increment in relation to curing of the first increment was also varied. After polishing, the teeth were soaked in 0.5% basic fuchsin for 24 hours, sectioned and evaluated for dye penetration. None of the restorative techniques prevented microleakage at the enamel and dentin margins. However, microleakage at dentin margins were significantly reduced by the use of a flowable composite as the first increment in the proximal boxes. Time of placement in relation to curing had no influence on microleakage. Microleakage was lower at enamel margins than at dentin margins; however, besides microleakage at the enamel-restoration interface, 37 of the 60 restored teeth (62%) displayed at least one white line in enamel adjacent to the composite restoration.

A slow contraction may result in reduced gap formation when a restorative resin polymerizes in a dental cavity. It was the aim in the present work to investigate the rate of contraction in relation to composition of experimental light-curing resin composites. The monomer of the resin composites consisted of mixtures of BisGMA, TEGDMA, and in one series HEMA. The resins contained varying amounts of initiators, co-initiators, and inhibitor, and were made composite by adding a silanized glass filler to a content of 74% by weight of the composite paste. The polymerization contraction up to 120 sec was determined by means of the bonded-disk method. Within the ranges studied, the concentration of initiator and co-initiator in the monomer mixture had only an insignificant influence on rate of polymerization. In comparison to camphorquinone, the initiators 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione and benzil reduced the rate of polymerization without affecting the final contraction. In comparison to N,N-dimethyl-p-aminobenzoic acid ethyl ester, N,N-cyanoethyl methylaniline was as effective, while N,N-diethanol-p-toluidine was less effective as co-initiator. A relatively high content of the inhibitor methoxyhydroquinone reduced the initial rate but not the final polymerization contraction. The rate of polymerization increased with the level of HEMA and TEGDMA in the monomer mixture. It was concluded that intrinsic slow cure may be obtained with certain compositions of resin composites without impairing the final extent of polymerization.

The aqueous phase of glass ionomer cements enables fluoride ions to diffuse and to be released from the material. The matrix of resin composites is much less hydrophilic, and fluoride incorporated in the material is only released in small amounts. It was the purpose of the present work to study the influence of resin matrix formulation on the fluoride release from experimental, fluoride-containing resin composites. The resin composites were based on methacrylate monomers and the adduct of maleic anhydride and HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate). The resin composites contained 1 w% or 5 w% of AlF3*3H2O. A glass ionomer cement and a compomer were used as controls. Five disks of each material were stored in distilled water at room temperature. By means of a fluoride sensitive electrode, the fluoride release from disk-shaped specimens was determined periodically over 3 years. The glass ionomer cement released the most fluoride (1.54 +/- 4 microg/cm2 after 1 year and 248 +/- 7 microg/cm2 after 3 years). The compomer released relatively little fluoride during the 1st year (30 +/- 1 microg/cm2) but after this time the rate of fluoride release became equal to that of the glass ionomer cement, resulting in a release of 122 +/- 8 microg/cm2 after 3 years. Regarding the resin composites, the fluoride release increased with the hydrophilicity and the acid character of the polymer matrix. The release, however, was significantly lower than that from the glass ionomer cement and the compomer and ranged from 1.2 +/- 0.07 to 42 +/- 3.9 microg/cm2 at 1 year and from 2.3 +/- 0.16 to 79 +/- 6 microg/cm2 at 3 years.

Purpose: To determine the effect of pulse-delay curing of resin composite on marginal gap formation in dentin cavity preparations., Materials and Methods: Cylindrical cavities were prepared in extracted human molar dentin and were distributed into 8 groups (A-H). The cavity preparations were treated with a dentin-bonding agent (Prime & Bond NT) and filled with a light-cured resin composite (Z100). The restorations were irradiated initially for 1, 2 or 3 seconds at a power density of 425 mW/cm2. Following water storage for varying time intervals, the restorations were re-exposed for 10 seconds at 750 mW/cm2. Marginal gap formation was measured by light microscopy after 20 minutes of water-storage, and the wall-to-wall contraction was calculated as the widest gap in percent of cavity diameter., Results: Pulse-delay curing in combination with a waiting time of at least 1 minute between exposures reduced wall-to-wall contraction in dentin cavities compared to continuous-cure control.

Purpose: To determine the effect of soft-start polymerization of resin-based composites on the marginal gap formation in dentin cavities., Materials and Methods: Cylindrical cavities were prepared in dentin in extracted human molars. The cavities were distributed into 8 groups. The teeth in groups 1-4 were treated with Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and restored with Z100, and the teeth in groups 5-8 were treated with OptiBond FL and restored with Herculite XRV. The restorations were light-cured for 40 s by four different curing modes. The marginal gap formation was measured in a light microscope after a 20 min water-storage, and the wall-to-wall contraction was calculated as the widest gap in percent of the cavity diameter., Results: Soft-start light curing did not influence wall-to-wall contraction in dentin cavities. OptiBond FL and Herculite XRV showed less wall-to-wall contraction than did Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and Z100., Clinical Significance: The soft-start polymerization procedures studied did not improve the marginal adaptation of two resin composites bonded to dentin cavities compared with conventional polymerization.

Resin composites may be polymerized according to one of several light-curing modes. These modes include variations in intensity of the curing lights and time delay before final cure. The so-called pulse-delay method has earlier been found to reduce the formation of gaps due to polymerization contraction, without mechanical properties of the resin composite being compromised. It was hypothesized that the slow pre-cure of this method would give rise to a different polymer structure than results when the polymer is cured in one step at high intensity. It was found that although the quantity of remaining double bonds was unaffected, the pulse-delay technique led to polymers of increased susceptibility to softening in ethanol. The softness increased with the intensity of the pre-cure and with the waiting time before final cure. The increased softening may be interpreted as the manifestation of a polymer structure having fewer crosslinks.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to measure the adherence between a resin cement and a resin composite polymerized with and without an additional secondary cure of the resin composite., Materials and Methods: The resin cement was 3M Opal Luting Composite and the resin composite was Z-100. The resin composite was either polymerized by light only, or given an additional secondary cure at 110 degrees C for 10 min. For each curing mode, the composite was either ground on carborundum paper #1000 or sandblasted with alumina powder. The adherence was determined as bond strength and as bond energy., Results: Without sandblasting of the resin composite, the heat treatment resulted in reduced adherence both in the bond strength and the bond energy mode of measurement. With sandblasting, only the bond energy was reduced as a consequence of the heat treatment., Conclusion: On the basis of the experiments conducted, it may be concluded that secondary cure of resin composites takes place at the expense of the adherence to the resin cement.

Objectives: Newly developed curing units (plasma arc curing units) operate at relatively high intensity and are claimed to result in optimum properties of resin composites in a short cure time. This study was conducted to determine a number of characteristics of resin composites polymerized by plasma arc curing units., Methods: The investigated polymerization characteristics were quantity of remaining double bonds, depth of polymerization, flexural strength and modulus, and wall-to-wall polymerization contraction. The investigated plasma arc curing units were Apollo 95E and 1000 PAC. The conventional curing unit XL 3000 was used as baseline., Results: Irradiation with Apollo 95E resulted in a higher quantity of remaining double bonds than did XL 3000, whereas the results obtained with 1000 PAC depended on the resin composite. The depth of cure with the plasma arc units was equal to or less than that obtained with the conventional unit, depending on the resin composite. The flexural strength did not depend on the curing unit. The flexural modulus resulting from curing with Apollo 95E was less than that resulting from curing with XL 3000 in 3 out of 4 comparisons. The wall-to-wall polymerization contraction was equal to or less with the plasma arc units than with the conventional unit., Significance: Plasma arc curing units make it possible to polymerize resin composite in much shorter times than conventional curing units. However, the polymerization characteristics associated with the units may be less than optimal.

Objectives: To determine the effect of different postcuring methods on degree of conversion, mechanical properties, and in vitro wear of two resin composites (Z100 and Charisma). The postcuring methods involved devices for inlay curing as well as devices present for other purposes in many dental laboratories or dental offices., Methods: Specimens of the resin composites were initially light cured and then postcured according to one of the following methods: Translux EC handheld curing unit (10min), Translux EC light box (10min), Triad II (10min), 40 degrees C (10min), 70 or 110 degrees C for 10min, 1, 6, or 24h. The properties were determined following storage of the specimens for 1week in water at 37 degrees C. The degree of conversion was determined using transmission IR. The mechanical properties tested were diametral tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus. In vitro wear was induced by a three-body wear simulator., Results: Most postcuring methods increased degree of conversion of both materials. Postcuring increased the mechanical properties and in vitro wear resistance of Charisma, whereas no effect of postcuring was found on these properties of Z100., Conclusion: Postcuring with the use of devices readily available in the dental laboratory and dental office increased the degree of conversion of Z100 and Charisma as well as the mechanical properties and in vitro wear resistance of Charisma. A heat treatment at 110 degrees C for 10-60min was found to be the most promising postcuring method.

Plasma arc light units for curing resin composites have been introduced with the claim of relatively short curing times. The purpose of the present study was to measure and compare elution of monomers from an experimental BisGMA-TEGDMA resin and a commercial resin composite when cured with a halogen unit and when cured with a plasma arc unit. Specimens of the materials were immersed in methanol, and the amounts of monomers released with time were analyzed by HPLC. By use of Fick's laws of diffusion, the amount of eluted monomers from the specimen at infinity was estimated. The elution from resin specimens and from resin composite specimens cured with the plasma arc light unit was 7 and 4 times higher, respectively, compared to the elution from specimens cured with the halogen unit. It was concluded that the plasma arc light curing unit did not provide optimal cure when used as recommended by the manufacturer.

It is occasionally stated in the dental literature that light-curing resin composites shrink towards the light source. As light travels at the speed of light, this dictum is not obvious. It was the purpose of the present study to investigate the direction of shrinkage of a light-curing resin composite in relation to the attachment and the thickness of the material. The resin composite was applied in cylindrical brass molds in such a manner that a flash, serving as attachment, was produced at one side of the specimens, while the material was flush with the mold at the other side. The specimens were now irradiated from either the flash or the flush side, and the convexity or the concavity of the specimens was measured. At a material thickness of 3 mm, the shrinkage was towards the light source, irrespective of the position of the flash. At 4 and 5 mm thickness of the molds, the direction of shrinkage could be directed towards or away from the light source, depending on the position of the flash. The number of light quanta emitted from the light source and passing through the material was compared with the number of molecules of camphorquinone present in a resin composite of 3, 4, or 5 mm thickness. It was concluded that under the conditions of the present study, the direction of shrinkage was the result of an interplay between the direction of the light, the attachment of the material, and the thickness of the material.

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effect of UEDMA, BisGMA and TEGDMA on selected mechanical properties of experimental resin composites., Methods: Thirty monomer mixtures of TEGDMA and BisGMA and/or UEDMA were produced. Five base monomer mixtures had the following molar relationships between TEGDMA and BisGMA: 30:70, 40:60, 50:50, 60:40 and 70:30. Monomer mixtures were then produced in which BisGMA was successively substituted by UEDMA, 10 mol% at a time. The resins were made light-curing and loaded with filler. Diametral tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity were determined on 1 week old specimens. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and by response surface methodology., Results: The diametral tensile strength of the resin composites varied between 52 and 59 MPa, the flexural strength between 137 and 167 MPa, and the modulus of elasticity between 8.0 and 11.1 GPa. The statistical analyses showed that substitution of BisGMA or TEGDMA by UEDMA resulted in an increase in tensile and flexural strength, and that substitution of BisGMA by TEGDMA increased tensile, but reduced flexural strength. Further, it was found that, for a given content of UEDMA, variations in the ratio BisGMA/TEGDMA gave rise to a maximum in modulus of elasticity. The size of this maximum in modulus decreased with increasing content of UEDMA., Significance: Varying the relative amounts of UEDMA, BisGMA and TEGDMA has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the resin composition. Thus, by selecting specific combinations of these components, it may be possible to design composites with properties that are tailor made to specific applications.

Dentin cavities, prepared in extracted human teeth, were treated with various proprietary dentin-bonding agents and then filled with a light-cured restorative resin for posterior use. All bonding agents were either treated in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions or combined with Gluma, which is an aqueous solution of glutaraldehyde and HEMA, a hydrophilic monomer. 10 min after polymerization, the width and the extent of the marginal contraction gap was measured approximately 0.1 mm below the free surface of the filling, using a light microscope. With nearly all dentin-bonding agents, the marginal contraction gap could be significantly reduced if Gluma was used after conditioning of the dentin. The reason for this improvement may be that glutaraldehyde cross-links the collagen fibers and thereby strengthens the organic part of the hybrid layer, however, other mechanisms might also play a rôle in the improvement found.

Study 1) The depth of proximal cavities was measured on previously taken bitewing radiographs. Study 2) By means of a scrape test, the relationship between depth of cure and irradiation distance was examined with four different curing units and two different restorative resins. Study 3) The microhardness of one of the polymerized resins was measured 0.5 mm below the free surface of the filling and then at 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, and so forth until the resin became so soft that no hardness could be recorded. The hardness at each 0.5-mm level was recorded in relation to irradiation distance. 1) The cavity depth was most often 4-5 mm in lower premolars, 5 6 mm in upper premolars and lower molars, and 5-7 mm in upper molars. In the latter teeth, 15% of the cavities were > or =8 mm deep. 2 and 3) The depth of cure decreased moderately and in a linear manner with increasing irradiation distance. An irradiation distance of 12 mm reduced the depth of well-cured resin only by about 1 mm as compared with close contact between exit window and surface of resin.

Purpose: To determine the surface hardness and in vitro wear of glass ionomer cements (GIC) and compomers in comparison with a resin composite and to test for a possible correlation between the determined hardness and wear values., Materials and Methods: Samples were made of conventional GIC (Ketac-Fil, Fuji II, Fuji IX, Ketac-Prototype = Ketac-Molar), resin-modified GIC (Photac-Fil, Fuji II LC, Vitremer), compomers (Dyract, Compoglass) and resin composite (Z100) for the hardness test (n = 10) and for the wear test (n = 3). The materials were handled according to the manufacturers' instructions. The samples were stored in deionized water for 48 hours at 37 degrees C prior to the determination of Rockwell hardness and three-body in vitro wear., Results: Hardness could not be measured on Ketac-Fil and Fuji II as the samples fractured before a reading was obtainable. Statistically significant differences were found in hardness and wear between brands and between the four types of material. Surface hardness: resin-modified GIC < conventional GIC = compomers < resin composite. In vitro wear: resin-modified GIC > compomers > conventional GIC > resin composite. A negative correlation between hardness and wear was recorded.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of propanal and diacetyl addition on the quantity of remaining double bonds of chemically cured dental resins. Propanal (propionaldehyde) or diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) was added to monomer mixtures, which were then made chemically curable. The monomer mixtures were varied with respect to content of propanal or diacetyl. Addition of propanal or diacetyl to chemically curable resins resulted in a decrease in the quantity of remaining double bonds from 19.6% to 1.9% and from 19.6% to 11.4%, respectively. A negative correlation of statistical significance was found between content of propanal and quantity of remaining double bonds, while the relationship between content of diacetyl and quantity of remaining double bonds was found not to be linear. Propanal was equally effective in reducing the quantity of remaining double bonds in chemically cured and in the light cured resins studied previously. As regards diacetyl, a more pronounced effect on quantity of remaining double bonds was noted for light cured resins as compared with chemically cured resins. The most likely common reaction mechanism of propanal and diacetyl seemed to be that of chain transfer reactions. Furthermore, analysis of the data indicated a possible additional photoinitiating function of diacetyl.

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effect of diacetyl or propanal activities: 1) on the in vitro wear of 22 experimental resin composites; and 2) on the Wallace indentation hardness of the unfilled resins. The objective was to examine the correlation between wear, hardness, and quantity of remaining double bonds (determined previously)., Methods: Diacetyl or propanal agents were added in varying concentrations to monomer mixtures. The resins were made light-curing and those used for measurement of wear were loaded with filter. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Newman-Keuls' multiple range tests., Results: In the composite systems, adding diacetyl or propanal resulted in decreased in vitro wear. The quantity of remaining double bonds in the dental polymers with these additives was also reduced. Their effect on Wallace indentation depth was less clear-cut. Low concentrations of additives decreased indentation depth of the unfilled materials, whereas high concentrations increased indentation depth. If it assumed that differences in the polymer have a major influence on the wear when the filter content and particle matrix interface are kept constant, then the hardness data on the unfilled resin can be used to correlate property changes of the polymer in the composite. A three-dimensional regression analysis found that in vitro wear decreased with decreasing Wallace indentation depth and decreasing quantity of remaining double bonds., Significance: Addition of diketone or monoaldehyde to resin monomers may provide a means of increasing wear resistance of composites and allow their use in stress-bearing areas.

Reliable adherence of resin-based cements is of prime importance for the longevity of cemented restorations. The present study investigated whether a relationship exists between adherence energy to a metal substrate and the degree of cross-linking and wetting characteristics of resin-based luting agents. The adherence energies between a sand-blasted metal surface and a series of experimental resin cements were measured by means of the wedge test. The degree of cross-linking was calculated from the monomer composition of the resin cements. The measured wetting characteristics were work of adhesion and surface tension, and their dispersive and polar components. Adherence energy varied between 22 and 81 J/m2 and was influenced by the nature of the resin cements: Those with a low degree of cross-linking resulted in high adherence values. Furthermore, resin cements whose monomers were relatively polar gave rise to high adherence values. Although other metals may not behave in exactly the same way, these results may help in the formulation of new, more retentive resin cements.

Objectives: The purpose of the work reported here was to develop a surface treatment of an alumina-based ceramic (In Ceram) that would make reliable bonding to a resin-based luting agent possible., Methods: The surface treatment studied was the application of a suspension of a fine-grained, refractory powder, which after drying was sintered to the surface at 960 degrees C. The adherence potential of the surface was determined by measurement of bond energy., Results: It was found that the surface treatment, in conjunction with a heat-treated, silane coupling agent, resulted in mean bond energies of 47 (+/- 19), 56 (+/- 22), and 525 (+/- 116) J/m2 for the three resin cements studied., Significance: It was concluded that the new surface treatment makes reliable bonding possible, which may allow new indications for this material.

The purpose of this study was to investigate on human dentin the relationships between, on the one hand, the wettability of five adhesive compounds, characterized by different solubility parameters delta, and on the other, the thickness of the resin impregnated dentin layer (RIL) and the shear bond strength (SBS). Cut dentin surfaces were treated with conditioners of pH 1.25, 3.6 or 7.4. Shear bond strength was measured on 20 specimens each. RIL was determined by scanning electron microscope on specimens fractured perpendicularly to the bonding interface. When resins with delta 32, 30 or 39 (MJ1/2/m3/2) were used RILs were consistently 4 microns and 1 micron on dentin pretreated with the two acidic conditioners. No clearly measurable RIL was shown after application of the conditioner with pH 7.4, and when resins with delta-values of 20 and 25 were applied. For the same adhesive no difference in SBS was found, when applied on the differently conditioned dentin sites. Resins with delta > 30 produced significantly higher SBS than the two adhesives with smaller delta.

The temperature rise, caused by 10 different curing units, in a prepolymerized resin specimen was examined. For all units, the temperature increase in a 60-s cycle followed a logarithmic curve, with the most effective light sources giving the highest temperature rise. In the surface layer the change of temperature ranged between 3.6 and 29.2 degrees C, and 3.2 mm below the irradiated surface between 1.5 and 12.3 degrees C. The use of a 2-mm-thick isolating layer of glass ionomer resulted in a significant reduction in the temperature increase. The correlation between the depth of cure and the temperature rise was of an exponential or power nature; i.e., a small increase of the depth of cure was followed by a disproportionately high increase in temperature.

The light intensity from 80 different curing units was recorded on three dental radiometers. Even though the correlation between the recordings obtained with the three testers was rather high, some units were categorized as good units by one radiometer and poor ones by another. It was also found that, in some case, there was a pronounced difference between the output within the same type of new units. Cavities were made in extracted third molars, filled with a microfilled resin, irradiated for 40 s with 20 of the curing units, and the depth of cure was measured. The radiometers were not able to rank the 20 units in accordance with their depth of cure. We conclude that the three radiometers are not fully reliable. However, they may become very useful tools for monitoring the output from a curing unit if the radiometer and the unit are calibrated.

An effective bonding of resin composites to dentin is generally preceded by a conditioning of the surface of the dentin. Previous studies have indicated that the intermediary or adhesive resin should have specific wetting characteristics matching those of the conditioned dentin, in order that optimum bonding can be ensured. The wetting characteristics may be expressed in terms of solubility parameter (delta) and polarity (p) of the resin. The aims of the present study were to determine these variables for a number of compounds used in adhesive resins and to investigate the effects of delta and p on the shear bond strength to dentin. Solubility parameters were obtained according to the method of Small. Fractional polarities were calculated on the basis of measurements of refractive index and dielectric constant of the resins. In the measurements of bond strength, Scotchprep, EDTA + Gluma, or Al2Ox3/glycine were used as dentin conditioners in combination with intermediary resins having various delta and p. For each conditioner, the shear bond strength (BS) could be "explained" by an exponential expression of the form BS = e(a + bx), where x = (delta + cp + d)2, and where a-d are constants depending on the conditioned dentin. It may be concluded that solubility parameter and polarity of the intermediary resins are important variables in the process of bonding to dentin.

Microfilled test specimens were polymerized for 40 s with 10 different curing units. The specimens were stored for 7 days at 36 +/- 0.5 degrees C, and then the hardness of the surface was measured. The depth of cure of the 10 units was also measured, but no correlation was found between surface hardness and depth of cure. Even inferior curing units were able to polymerize the surface just as effectively as good light sources. The conclusion is that one cannot use the surface hardness of an irradiated resin to assess the quality of a curing unit.

The present study investigated a concept for additional cross-linking of dental polymers, by which resistance to wear of resin composites might be increased. Bifunctional ketones were added to monomer mixtures, which were then made light-curing and loaded with filler. The monomer mixtures were varied with respect to type and ratio of monomer and ketone. For measurement of possible effects of the cross-linking agents added, four mechanical properties of the experimental resin composites were determined. Addition of the bifunctional ketone diacetyl resulted in the following increases in mechanical properties: diametral tensile strength, 11%; flexural strength, 29%; modulus of elasticity, 19%; and modulus of resilience, 50%.

Resin composites containing carboxylic anhydrides have recently been formulated for use as inlay materials. To optimize the post-cure, the present study measured the effect of post-cure temperature and duration on four mechanical properties of anhydride-containing resin composites. Temperatures were varied between 37 degrees C and 225 degrees C, and durations were varied between 0 and 24 h. An optimum in strength and stiffness was found when post-cure temperatures of 125-150 degrees C were used. Strength and stiffness were found to increase with increasing duration of post-cure. Due to discoloration of the resin composites when post-curing for 6 or 24 h, a post-cure period of 1 h was preferred.

To optimize the improvements by diketones of the mechanical properties of resin composites, diacetyl was added to two different monomer mixtures in different quantities. There was a positive correlation between content of diacetyl and tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity, respectively, of both the BISGMA/TEGDMA- and the UEDMA/HEMA-based materials. Addition of diacetyl did not influence the modulus of resilience significantly. Addition of diacetyl resulted in increases in mechanical properties which were of the same relative size for BISGMA/TEGMA-based materials as for UEDMA/HEMA-based materials. However, because of higher control values, except for modulus of elasticity, the properties of UEDMA/HEMA-based composites were superior to those of the BIGSMA/TEGDMA-based materials. A content of approximately 24 mole% diacetyl seemed to have optimum effect on mechanical properties, giving a mean increase of 25% in tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity.

The present study investigated whether propanol, a monofunctional aldehyde, was able to improve the mechanical properties of dental polymers. The underlying hypothesis was that a cross-linking reaction is possible between various functional groups of different polymers. Propanol was added to monomer mixtures, which were then made light-curing and loaded with filler. The monomer mixtures were varied with respect to monomer composition and content of aldehyde. Four mechanical properties of the experimental resin composites were determined. Addition of propanol gave rise to significant improvements in mechanical properties, which may be indicative of a cross-linking ability of monofunctional aldehydes. With the exception of modulus of elasticity, the mechanical properties of resin composites based on UEDMA/HEMA were superior to those of BISGMA/TEGDMA-based materials, even though the improvements in flexural strength and modulus of resilience were most pronounced for the BISGMA/TEGDMA-based resin composites.

Eight posterior restorative resins were tested with respect to flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of resilience. The mechanical properties were correlated to the two-year results of clinical wear tests. Linear relationships were found between flexural strength and clinical wear and between modulus of resilience and clinical wear. It was concluded that modulus of resilience be used in research and quality control for the prediction of clinical wear.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three variables on the shear bond strength between a composite resin and dentin treated with a simplified Gluma system. Thickness of material (2 or 3 mm), distance between light guide and the surface of composite resin (0, 1, 3, or 5 mm) and irradiation time (10, 20, 40, or 60 s) were selected as variables. Thickness of material and distance between light guide and composite resin affected bond strength, but there was little influence of irradiation time under the conditions of the study. It is suggested that bond strength depends on the amount of light transmitted through the composite.

Resin composites are still in need of improved abrasion resistance for them to be ideal restorative materials for use in large occlusal cavities. The present study proposes a concept for additional cross-linking of dental monomers, by which mechanical properties and possibly the resistance to abrasion of the resin composites are increased. Cyclic acid anhydrides were added as cross-linking agents to different monomer mixtures, which were then loaded with filler. The monomer mixtures were varied with respect to type and ratio of monomer and anhydride. For measurement of diametral tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of resilience, specimens were initially cured by light and then post-cured for one h at 150 degrees C. Resin composites based on UEDMA and HEMA were found to be superior to BISGMA- and TEGDMA-based composites. Increases in mechanical properties were highest when unsaturated anhydrides were used. An optimal effect of anhydride addition was found in resin composites also containing methacrylamide. Such materials resulted in a 20% increase in the mechanical properties investigated.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of reduced rate of polymerization on the marginal adaptation of a composite resin inserted in dentin cavities treated with a simplified Gluma system. The effect on bonding strength to dentin and compressive strength was also investigated. The light intensity of the polymerization unit was lowered by the use of a transformer, and thus the rate of polymerization of the composite resin. When the resin was irradiated for 30 s at 110 V followed by 30 s at 220 V, the marginal adaptation was significantly improved. This condition resulted in acceptable values of bonding strength to dentin and diametral compressive strength. It is suggested that the reduced rate of polymerization may allow for increased flow of the material, decreasing the contraction stress in the filling.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the thickness of dentin (1, 2, or 3 mm) placed between the light guide and the composite resin on the shear bond strength to dentin treated with a simplified Gluma system. The effects of the thickness of composite resin (2 or 3 mm), irradiation time (20, 40, or 60 sec), and shade (universal or brown) were also examined. The results showed that the thickness of dentin influenced bonding and interacted with the other three variables. It is suggested that dentin located between the light guide and composite resin may attenuate the light aimed at the bonding interface in the same manner as a layer of composite resin.

The present study measured the diametral compressive strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity of composite resins used in inlay/onlay systems. The effect of additional curing also was determined. SR-Isosit material had the highest diametral compressive strength, and SR-Isosit-Dentin material had the lowest flexural strength. The SR-Isosit composite resins had lowest elastic modulus and Estilux posterior C VS resin the highest. A negative correlation was found between diametral compressive strength and elastic modulus of the materials. It was concluded that the additional curing of Brilliant resin did not result in improved mechanical properties. For Estilux resin, additional curing increased flexural strength and modulus of elasticity.