Effect of pre-heating resin composite and light-curing units on monomer conversion

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-heating resin composite photo-cured with light-curing units (LCU) by FT-IR. Twenty specimens were made in a metallic mold (4 mm diameter × 2 mm thick) from composite resin—Tetric Ceram® (Ivoclar/Vivadent) at room temperature (25°C) and pre-heated to 37, 54, and 60°C. The specimens were cured with halogen curing light (QTH) and light emitted by diodes (LED) during 40 s. Then, the specimens were pulverized, pressed with KBr and analyzed with FT-IR. The data were submitted to statistical analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test. Study data showed no statistically significant difference to the degree of conversion for the different light curing units (QTH and LED) (p > 0.05). With the increase of temperature there was significant increase in the degree of conversion (p < 0.05). In this study were not found evidence that the light curing unit and temperature influenced the degree of conversion.     

Influence of pre-heat treatment and different light-curing units on Vickers hardness of a microhybrid composite resin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hardness of a dental composite resin submitted to temperature changes before photo-activation with two light-curing unite (LCUs). Five samples (4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) for each group were made with pre-cure temperatures of 37, 54, and 60°C. The samples were photo-activated with a conventional quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) and blue LED LCUs during 40 s. The hardness Vickers test (VHN) was performed on the top and bottom surfaces of the samples. According to the interaction between light-curing unit and different pre-heating temperatures of composite resin, only the light-curing unit provided influences on the mean values of initial Vickers hardness. The light-curing unit based on blue LED showed hardness mean values more homogeneous between the top and bottom surfaces. The hardness mean values were not statistically significant difference for the pre-cure temperature used. According to these results, the pre-heating of the composite resin provide no influence on Vickers hardness mean values, however the blue LED showed a cure more homogeneous than QTH LCU.     

Curing depth of composite resin light cured by LED and halogen light-curing units

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the polymerization effectiveness of a composite resin (Z-250) utilizing microhardness testing. In total, 80 samples with thicknesses of 2 and 4 mm were made, which were photoactivated by a conventional halogen light-curing unit, and light-curing units based on LED. The samples were stored in water distilled for 24 h at 37°C. The Vickers microhardness was performed by the MMT-3 microhardness tester. The microhardness means obtained were as follows: G1, 72.88; G2, 69.35; G3, 67.66; G4, 69.71; G5, 70.95; G6, 75.19; G7, 72.96; and G8, 71.62. The data were submitted to an analysis of variance (ANOVA’s test), adopting a significance level of 5%. The results showed that, in general, there were no statistical differences between the halogen and LED light-curing units used with the same parameters.     

Effect of light-curing units on push-out fiber post bond strength in root canal dentin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different light-curing units on the bond strength (push-out) of glass fiber posts in the different thirds of the root (cervical, middle and apical) with different adhesive luting resin systems (dual-cure total-etch; dual-cured and self-etch bonding system; and dual-cure self-adhesive cements), Disks of the samples (n = 144) were used, with approximately 1 mm of thickness of 48 bovine roots restored with glass fiber posts, that were luted with resin cements photo-activated by halogen LCU (QTH, Optilux 501) and blue LED (Ultraled), with power densities of 600 and 550 mW/cm², respectively. A universal testing machine (MTS 810 Material Test System) was used with a 1 mm diameter steel rod at cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min until post extrusion, with load cell of 50 kg, for evaluation of the push-out strength in the different thirds of each sample. The push-out strength values in kgf were converted to MPa and analyzed through Analysis of Variance and Tukey’s test, at significance level of 5%. The results showed that there were no statistical differences between the QTH and LED LCUs. The self-adhesive resin cement had lower values of retention. The total-etch and self-adhesive system resin cements seem to be a possible alternative for glass fiber posts cementation into the radicular canal and the LED LCU can be applied as an alternative to halogen light on photo-activation of dual-cured resin cements.     

Influence of the light-curing unit, storage time and shade of a dental composite resin on the fluorescence

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of three light-curing units, storage times and colors of the dental composite resin on the fluorescence. The specimens (diameter 10.0 ± 0.1 mm, thickness 1.0 ± 0.1 mm) were made using a stainless steel mold. The mold was filled with the microhybrid composite resin and a polyethylene film covered each side of the mold. After this, a glass slide was placed on the top of the mold. To standardize the top surface of the specimens a circular weight (1 kg) with an orifice to pass the light tip of the LCU was placed on the top surface and photo-activated during 40 s. Five specimens were made for each group. The groups were divided into 9 groups following the LCUs (one QTH and two LEDs), storage times (immediately after curing, 24 hours, 7 and 30 days) and colors (shades: A₂E, A₂D, and TC) of the composite resin. After photo-activation, the specimens were storage in artificial saliva during the storage times proposed to each group at 37°C and 100% humidity. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s posthoc tests showed no significant difference between storage times (immediately, 24 hours and 30 days) (P > 0.05). The means of fluorescence had difference significant to color and light-curing unit used to all period of storage (P < 0.05). The colors had difference significant between them (shades: A₂D < A₂E < TC) (P < 0.05). The Ultraled (LED) and Ultralux (QTH) when used the TC shade showed higher than Radii (LED), however to A₂E shade and A₂D shade any difference were found (P > 0.05).     

Effect of power densities and irradiation times on the degree of conversion and temperature increase of a microhybrid dental composite resin

The different parameters used for the photoactivation process provide changes in the degree of conversion (DC%) and temperature rise (TR) of the composite resins. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the DC (%) and TR of the microhybrid composite resin photoactivated by a new generation LED. For the KBr pellet technique, the composite resin was placed into a metallic mould (1-mm thickness and 4-mm diameter) and photoactivated as follows: continuous LED LCU with different power density values (50–1000 mW/cm²). The measurements for the DC (%) were made in a FTIR Spectrometer Bomen (model MB-102, Quebec-Canada). The spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra for both uncured and cured samples were analyzed using an accessory for the diffuse reflectance. The measurements were recorded in the absorbance operating under the following conditions: 32 scans, 4-cm^?1 resolution, and a 300 to 4000-cm^?1 wavelength. The percentage of unreacted carbon-carbon double bonds (% C=C) was determined from the ratio of the absorbance intensities of aliphatic C=C (peak at 1638 cm^?1) against an internal standard before and after the curing of the specimen: aromatic C-C (peak at 1608 cm^?1). For the TR, the samples were made in a metallic mould (2-mm thickness and 4-mm diameter) and photoactivated during 5, 10, and 20 s. The thermocouple was attached to the multimeter to allow the temperature readings. The DC (%) and TR were calculated by the standard technique and submitted to ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). The degree of conversion values varied from 35.0 (±1.3) to 45.0 (±2.4) for 5 s, 45.0 (±1.3) to 55.0 (±2.4) for 10 s, and 47.0 (±1.3) to 52.0 (±2.4) for 20 s. For the TR, the values ranged from 0.3 (±0.01) to 5.4 (±0.11)°C for 5 s, from 0.5 (±0.02) to 9.3 (±0.28)°C for 10 s, and from 1.0 (±0.06) to 15.0 (±0.95)°C for 20 s. The power densities and irradiation times showed a significant effect on the degree of conversion and temperature rise.     

Effect of light-curing units on microleakage under dental composite resins

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of two light-curing units (QTH and LED) on microleakage of Class II composite resin restorations with dentin cavosurface margins. Twenty extracted mandibular first premolars, free of caries and fractures were prepared two vertical “slot” cavities in the occluso-mesial and -destal surfaces (2 mm buccal-lingually, 2 mm proximal-axially and cervical limit in enamel) and divided into 4 equal groups (n = 8): GI and GII: packable posterior composite light-activated with LED and QTH, respectively; GIII and GIV: micro-hybrid composite resin light-activated with LED and QTH, respectively. The composite resins were applied following the manufacturer’s instructions. After 24 h of water storage specimens were subjected to thermocycling for a total of 500 cycles at 5 and 55°C and the teeth were then sealed with impermeable material. Teeth were immersed in 0.5% Basic fuchsin during 24 h at room temperature, and zero to three levels of penetration score were attributed. The Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests showed significant statistically similar (P > 0.05) from GI to GII and GIII to GIV, which the GII (2.750) had the highest mean scores and the GIII and GIV (0.875) had lowest mean scores. The use of different light-curing units has no influence on marginal integrity of Class II composite resin restorations and the proprieties of composite resins are important to reduce the microleakage.     

用布喇格光纤光栅传感器测定口腔复合树脂材料光固化收缩与温度演化特性

复合树脂材料已成为重要的牙齿美容修复材料.本文利用两种布喇格光纤光栅传感器测定了口腔复合树脂材料在光固化过程中的收缩与温度演化特性.一种为普通的光纤布喇格光栅,另一种为经过了化学镀镍的光纤布喇格光栅,同时埋入复合树脂样品中,用光照射使其固化,测得光纤布喇格光栅在固化过程中温度和应力随时间的演化曲线.实验结果表明,在光固化过程中,因为聚合反应,树脂产生了强烈的收缩应力和温度变化.掌握复合树脂的光固化收缩特性和温度变化特性对不断改良材料性能以及优化口腔材料的治疗效果具有实际意义.     

Degree of conversion and temperature increase of a composite resin light cured with an argon laser and blue LED

Different light sources and power densities used on the photoactivation process may provide changes in the degree of conversion (DC%) and temperature (T) of the composite resins. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the DC (%) and T (°C) of the microhybrid composite resin (Filtek? Z-250, 3M/ESPE) photoactivated with one argon laser and one LED (light-emitting diode) with different power densities. For the KBr pellet technique, the composite resin was placed into a metallic mould (2-mm thickness, 4-mm diameter) and photoactivated as follows: a continuous argon laser (CW) and LED LCUs with power density values of 100, 400, 700, and 1000 mW/cm² for 20 s. The measurements for DC (%) were made in a FTIR spectrometer Bomen (model MB 102, Quebec, Canada). Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra for both uncured and cured samples were analyzed using an accessory of the reflectance diffusion. The measurements were recorded in absorbance operating under the following conditions: 32 scans, 4 cm^?1 resolution, 300 to 4000-cm^?1 wavelength. The percentage of unreacted carbon double bonds (% C=C) was determined from the ratio of absorbance intensities of aliphatic C=C (peak at 1638 cm^?1) against an internal standard before and after the curing of the specimen: aromatic C-C (peak at 1608 cm^?1). For T (°C), the samples were created in a metallic mould (2-mm thickness, 4-mm diameter) and photoactivated for 20 s. The thermocouple was attached to the multimeter allowing temperature readings. The DC (%) and T (°C) were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). The degree of conversion values varied from 35.0 to 50.0% (100 to 1000 mW/cm²) for an argon laser and from 41.0 to 49% (100 to 1000 mW/cm²) for an LED. The temperature change values varied from 1.1 to 13.1 °C (100 to 1000 mW/cm²) for an argon laser and from 1.9 to 15.0 °C (100 to 1000 mW/cm²) for an LED. The power densities showed a significant effect on the degree of conversion and changes the temperature for both lightcuring units.     

用布喇格光纤光栅传感器测定口腔复合树脂材料光固化收缩与温度演化特性

复合树脂材料已成为重要的牙齿美容修复材料.本文利用两种布喇格光纤光栅传感器测定了口腔复合树脂材料在光固化过程中的收缩与温度演化特性.一种为普通的光纤布喇格光栅,另一种为经过了化学镀镍的光纤布喇格光栅,同时埋入复合树脂样品中,用光照射使其固化,测得光纤布喇格光栅在固化过程中温度和应力随时间的演化曲线.实验结果表明,在光固化过程中,因为聚合反应,树脂产生了强烈的收缩应力和温度变化.掌握复合树脂的光固化收缩特性和温度变化特性对不断改良材料性能以及优化口腔材料的治疗效果具有实际意义.     

Effect of light curing sources on microhardness of different composite resins

This study evaluated the influence of light-curing units (LCUs) on Knoop microhardness (KHN) of different composite resins formulations. Four LCUs, one Quartz-Tungsten-Halogen (QTH) for 20 s, one Argon-Ion-Laser (AL) for 10 s, one Plasma-Arc-Curing (PAC) for 9 s, and one Light-Emitting-Diode (LED) for 20 s, and three composite resins, nanofill and easy cure (Filtek™ Supreme), microhybrid and medium cure (Herculite XRV), and microfill and difficult cure (Heliomolar) were used. Discs (4 × 2 mm²) of each composite resin were divided in 12 Groups and KHN was measured at the top (T) and bottom (B) surfaces. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Top presented significantly higher KHN than bottom surface for all composite resins and LCUs tested. Statistical significant differences were observed among the LCUs. At the bottom surface QTH and LED presented higher KHN than PAC and LA. However, at the top surface PAC and LA presented similar results than QTH for nanofill and microhybrid composite resins. Different LCUs play an important effect on Knoop microhardness and the composite resin formulations were significant factor on the photosensitivity.     

In vitro photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy in dentine contaminated by cariogenic bacteria

The development of a method to ensure bacterial-free substrates without extensive cavity preparation would be highly useful to dentistry, since there is no currently available effective method for killing residual bacteria in dentinal tissue. This randomized in vitro study determined parameters for using toluidine blue O (TBO) with a light-emitting diode (LED) for dentine caries disinfection and monitored intrapulpal/periodontal temperatures during irradiation. Occlusal human dentine slabs were immersed in Streptococcus mutans culture for demineralization induction. Slabs were allocated to 10 groups (n = 15), which were treated with 0.1 mg ml⁻¹ TBO with 5 min of incubation time or 0.9% NaCl solution for 5, 10 or 15 min, and submitted or not to irradiation for 5, 10 or 15 min (47, 94, and 144 J/cm²). Before and after treatments, dentine samples were analyzed with regard to S. mutans counts. In whole teeth, temperature in pulp and periodontium was measured by thermocouples during irradiation. Kruskal-Wallis/Student-Newman-Keuls, and ANOVA/Tukey test were respectively utilized to compare log reductions and temperature rises between groups. Bacterial reduction was observed when dentine was exposed to both TBO and LED at all irradiation times, as well as to LED alone for 10 and 15 min. Temperature increases lower than 2°C were observed for either pulp or periodontium. Concluding, LED combined with TBO is a safe and effective approach for dentine caries disinfection. Nevertheless, additional studies should be conducted to determine the influence of the irradiation in S. mutans viability in dentinal surface/tubules.     

Influence of different light sources and photo-activation methods on degree of conversion and polymerization shrinkage of a nanocomposite resin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different light sources and photo-activation methods on degree of conversion (DC%) and polymerization shrinkage (PS) of a nanocomposite resin (Filtek™ Supreme XT, 3M/ESPE). Two light-curing units (LCUs), one halogen-lamp (QTH) and one light-emitting-diode (LED), and two different photo-activation methods (continuous and gradual) were investigated in this study. The specimens were divided in four groups: group 1—power density (PD) of 570 mW/cm² for 20 s (QTH); group 2—PD 0 at 570 mW/cm² for 10 s + 10 s at 570 mW/cm² (QTH); group 3—PD 860 mW/cm² for 20 s (LED), and group 4-PD 125 mW/cm² for 10 s + 10 s at 860 mW/cm² (LED). A testing machine EMIC with rectangular steel bases (6 × 1 × 2 mm) was used to record the polymerization shrinkage forces (MPa) for a period that started with the photo-activation and ended after two minutes of measurement. For each group, ten repetitions (n = 40) were performed. For DC% measurements, five specimens (n = 20) for each group were made in a metallic mold (2 mm thickness and 4 mm diameter, ISO 4049) and them pulverized, pressed with bromide potassium (KBr) and analyzed with FT-IR spectroscopy. The data of PS were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Welch’s correction and Tamhane’s test. The PS means (MPa) were: 0.60 (G1); 0.47 (G2); 0.52 (G3) and 0.45 (G4), showing significant differences between two photo-activation methods, regardless of the light source used. The continuous method provided the highest values for PS. The data of DC% were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and shows significant differences for QTH LCUs, regardless of the photo-activation method used. The QTH provided the lowest values for DC%. The gradual method provides lower polymerization contraction, either with halogen lamp or LED. Degree of conversion (%) for continuous or gradual photo-activation method was influenced by the LCUs. Thus, the presented results suggest that gradual method photo-activation with LED LCU would suffice to ensure adequate degree of conversion and minimum polymerization shrinkage.     

Changes on degree of conversion of dual-cure luting light-cured with blue LED

The indirect adhesive procedures constitute recently a substantial portion of contemporary esthetic restorative treatments. The resin cements have been used to bond tooth substrate and restorative materials. Due to recently introduction of the self-bonding resin luting cement based on a new monomer, filler and initiation technology has become important to study the degree of conversion of these new materials. In the present work the polymerization reaction and the filler content of dual-cured dental resin cements were studied by means of infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetry (TG). Twenty specimens were made in a metallic mold (8 mm diameter × 1 mm thick) from each of 2 cements, Panavia® F2.0 (Kuraray) and RelyX? Unicem Applicap (3M/ESPE). Each specimen was cured with blue LED with power density of 500 mW/cm² for 30 s. Immediately after curing, 24 and 48 h, and 7 days DC was determined. For each time interval 5 specimens were pulverized, pressed with KBr and analyzed with FT-IR. The TG measurements were performed in Netzsch TG 209 under oxygen atmosphere and heating rate of 10°C/min from 25 to 700°C. A two-way ANOVA showed DC (%) mean values statistically significance differences between two cements (p < 0.05). The Tukey’s test showed no significant difference only for the 24 and 48 h after light irradiation for both resin cements (p > 0.05). The Relx-Y? Unicem mean values were significantly higher than Panavia® F 2.0. The degree of conversion means values increasing with the storage time and the filler content showed similar for both resin cements.     

Influence of light guide tip used in the photo-activation on degree of conversion and hardness of one nanofilled dental composite

The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion and hardness of a dental composite resin Filtek™ Z-350 (3M ESPE, Dental Products St. Paul, MN) photo-activated for 20 s of irradiation time with two different light guide tips, metal and polymer, coupled on blue LED Ultraled LCU (Dabi Atlante, SP, Brazil). With the metal light tip, power density was of 352 and with the polymer was of 456 mW/cm², respectively. Five samples (4 mm in diameter and 2mm in thickness—ISO 4049), were made for each Group evaluated. The measurements for DC (%) were made in a Nexus-470 FT-IR, Thermo Nicolet, E.U.A. Spectroscopy (FTIR). Spectra for both uncured and cured samples were analyzed using an accessory of reflectance diffuse. The measurements were recorded in absorbance operating under the following conditions: 32 scans, 4 cm⁻¹ resolution, 300–4000 cm⁻¹ wavelength. The percentage of unreacted carbon double bonds (% C=C) was determined from the ratio of absorbance intensities of aliphatic C=C (peak at 1637 cm⁻¹) against internal standard before and after curing of the sample: aromatic C-C (peak at 1610 cm⁻¹). The Vickers hardness measurements (top and bottom surfaces) were performed in a universal testing machine (Buehler MMT-3 digital microhardness tester Lake Bluff, Illinois USA). A 50 gf load was used and the indenter with a dwell time of 30 s. The data were submitted to the test t Student at significance level of 5%. The mean values of degree of conversion for the polymer and metal light guide tip no were statistically different (p = 0.8389). The hardness mean values were no statistically significant different among the light guide tips (p = 0.6244), however, there was difference between top and bottom surfaces (p < 0.001). The results show that so much the polymer light tip as the metal light tip can be used for the photo-activation, probably for the low quality of the light guide tip metal.     

Measurement of shrinkage of composite resin by laser speckle contrast analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shrinkage of a microhybrid dental composite resin photo-activated by one LED with different power densities by means of speckle technique. The dental composite resin Filtek™ Z-250 (3M/ESPE) at color A₂ was used for the samples preparation. Uncured composite was packed in a metallic mold and irradiated during 20 s from 100 to 1000 mW cm⁻². For the photo-activation of the samples, it was used a LED prototype (Light Emission Diode) with wavelength centered at 470 nm and adjustable power density until 1 W cm⁻². The speckle patterns obtained from the bottom composite surfaces were monitored using a CCD camera without lens. The speckle field is recorded in a digital picture and stored by CCD camera as the carrier of information on the displacement of the tested surface. The calculated values were obtained for each pair of adjacent patterns and the changes in speckle contrast as a function of time were obtained from six repeated measurements. The speckle contrasts obtained from the bottom surface with 100 mW cm⁻¹ were smaller than those than the other power densities. The higher power densities provided the higher shrinkage.     

Carbon fiber/epoxy composite materials cured thermally and with microwave irradiation

In this paper, composite materials of short carbon fibers (CFs) and a thermosetting epoxy were prepared in three different ways: without curing, thermal curing, and thermal curing followed by microwave irradiation. Mechanical properties of the three kinds of CF reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites were studied to explore the effect of microwave irradiation. Microscopic study with the aid of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was performed on fractured composite surfaces to identify the principle features of failure. Degree of polymerization of the epoxy resin in the three CFRP composites was evaluated by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The microwave irradiated CFRP exhibited mechanically ductile behavior even though its highest degree of polymerization. Use of microwaves and resultant stronger physico-chemical linkage at the interface between CF and epoxy resin are the main feature of this study.     

Anisotropic orientation of the carbon fiber/liquid crystalline epoxy resin composites

Anisotropic orientation of carbon fiber (CF)/liquid crystalline epoxy (LCE) resin composite was readily induced during curing on a CF surface along a long molecular axis of CF. Orientation of LCE was confirmed with polarized optical microscope (POM) and wide angle X-ray diffractometer (WAXD). In addition, anisotropic ordering of LCE was correlated with curing rate, dynamic mechanical properties and thermal expansion behaviors of CF/LCE composite. Curing of LCE was accelerated in the presence of CF and the rubbery modulus of the CF/LCE composites cured at low temperature was enhanced by long-range, long axis orientational ordering of the LCE resin along a CF surface. Fully cured CF/LCE composite showed a negative coefficient of thermal expansion in the fiber direction. These results obtained in this study are interpreted in terms of structural changes occurring during curing.     

Curing of dental composites by use of InGaN light-emitting diodes

A potential application of blue-light-emitting InGaN LED's as a polymerizing source for dental composite materials is described. We compared a basic LED device with a conventional curing light in vitro to determine the polymerization parameters and to examine the effect of the curing process on the physical properties of these materials. It was determined that an array of six LED's was able to set a range of composite materials more quickly than a conventional light source, with the cured compounds showing similar hardness and material shrinkage parameters but with a lower material temperature rise during the curing process using the array. These findings indicate that a device consisting of several InGaN LED's would be an effective instrument for curing certain light-sensitive materials, particularly dental composites.