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Aim: To investigate the effect of different toothpaste formulations used prior to dental bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) on the mineral content and surface morphology of enamel. Methods: Seventy bovine enamel blocks (4×4×2 mm) were submitted to in vitro treatment protocols using a toothbrushing machine prior to dental bleaching or a placebo procedure (n=10) as proposed in the following groups: unbleached control (PLA), bleached control (HP), and brushing with differing toothpastes prior to HP bleaching, including: potassium nitrate toothpaste containing sodium fluoride (PN), sodium monofluorophosphate/MFP toothpaste (FT), arginine-carbonate (8% arginine) (PA) or arginine-carbonate (1.5% arginine) toothpaste (SAN), and toothpaste containing bioactive glass (NM). Phosphorus concentration in gel ([P]) was evaluated (µg of P/mg of gel), and the elemental levels (wt%) of Ca, P, and Na as well as the proportion between Ca and P and spectra graphics were determined using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The surface morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the Tukey test (a=0.05). Results: HP demonstrated the greatest [P] values in gel, being statistically different from PLA. The [P] of NM was statistically similar to PLA. HP showed a significant decrease in the Ca% and Ca/P values when compared to PLA in EDS analysis. PA showed Ca/P values statistically different from HP. In accordance with SEM analysis, the PA, SAN, and NM groups presented a smooth and uniform enamel surface, while HP and FT demonstrated some alterations in morphology. Conclusion: The toothpastes containing bioactive glass or arginine carbonate used prior to dental bleaching were effective in protecting enamel against mineral loss promoted by the whitening procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case describes a female patient with agenesis of the maxillary right lateral incisor, with her permanent canine in its position and the deciduous canine retained. Additionally, she presented with a maxillary left peg lateral incisor. To solve her functional and esthetic complaints, a multidisciplinary approach involving perio-restorative procedures was proposed. Periodontal surgeries were performed to align the gingival contour, and the restorative approach utilized ceramic veneers. At the 18-month clinical and radiographic followup, the treatment outcome was stable, with maintenance of the clinical results achieved and without any sign of deciduous tooth resorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pit and fissure sealant is a clinical technique adopted to prevent caries lesion development. Ionomeric and/or resin-based materials are commonly used for this purpose. This article presents a case series of sealed teeth with 22-year follow-up evaluated by clinical, photographic, and microscopic analysis. In 1992, sixteen patients (9-14 years of age) had at least three teeth sealed with one of the following materials: resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC, Vitrebond or Fuji II LC) or polyacid-modified resin composite (PMRC, VariGlass VLC), totaling 86 sealed permanent teeth. After 22 years, 10 patients were recalled, representing 41 teeth. The retention of sealants was assessed by three methods: clinical analysis by visual inspection; photography; and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and classified as retained (pits and fissures filled by sealant material); partially retained (pits and fissures partially filled by sealant material); or totally lost (no material was found in pits and fissures). The SEM images provided a higher number of retained sealants when compared with the clinical and photographic evaluations. Also, no totally lost scores were found with SEM analysis, regardless of the sealing material. No caries lesions were found. A fully or partially retained sealant in pits and fissures was capable of preventing caries lesions after 22 years within the patient pool analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After bracket debonding, residual bonded material may be observed on the enamel surface. When not properly removed, this residual material can interfere with the surface smoothness of the enamel, potentially resulting in staining at the resin/enamel interface and contributing to biofilm accumulation. Clinical case reports demonstrate clinical procedures to remove residual bonded material after bracket debonding. A water-cooled fine tapered 3195 FF diamond bur was used to remove the residual bonded material. Subsequently, the enamel surface was treated with Opalustre microbrasive compound. After one week, overnight dental bleaching was initiated using 10% carbamide peroxide in custom-formed trays for four weeks. The enamel microabrasion technique was found to be effective for polishing the enamel surface and for reestablishing the dental esthetics associated with dental bleaching. Longitudinal clinical controls of other clinical cases are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A seven-year-old boy with enamel-dentin fractures on both maxillary central incisors presented to the Piracicaba Dental School-UNICAMP seven days after the trauma. At the clinical evaluation, there were no clinical signs of pulp exposure, neither tooth was mobile, and both affected teeth presented a positive response to sensitivity tests and a negative response for percussion and palpation. The radiographic examination showed an undeveloped root and opened apex for both teeth. Indirect pulp capping was performed on the left maxillary central incisor, followed by a direct restoration. After one month, the patient complained of pain in the left central incisor, which responded negatively to sensitivity testing. Pulp revascularization was performed only on this tooth and was followed for 18 months. During this period, the left maxillary central incisor did not recover sensitivity, although radiographic examination showed apical closure, a slight increase in root length, and the formation of a mineralized barrier between the root canal and sealing material. The technique achieved its goal of restoring biological aspects, function, and esthetics of traumatized teeth when using this multidisciplinary approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report describes the restoration of the anterior dentition with porcelain laminate veneers. The advances in bonding of porcelain to tooth structure make this treatment a feasible alternative to restore teeth with alteration in shape and position in cases in which the esthetic demand is high. The rationale for various choices in this treatment protocol is detailed with reference to the pertinent literature. Thus, the clinical success of the technique depends on the correct identification of a case for which this treatment is appropriate and the successful execution of the clinical steps involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various commercial silane brands with varied chemical compositions with or without the application of an adhesive layer on the microshear bond strength and durability of a resin luting agent to lithium disilicate glass ceramic., Methods and Materials: Lithium disilicate glass ceramic discs (EMX, IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar Vivadent) measuring 10 mm in diameter and 3 mm in thickness were fabricated (n=240). Surfaces were etched using 5% hydrofluoric acid and randomly assigned to 10 groups based on the commercial brand of silane used (n=24): [RP] RelyX Ceramic Primer (3M ESPE); [PS] Prosil (FGM); [SA] Silano (Angelus); [SM] Silano (Maquira); [SU] Silane (Ultradent); [GL] GLUMA Ceramic Primer (Kulzer); [CB] Ceramic Bond (VOCO); [MB] Monobond N (Ivoclar Vivadent); [CP] Clearfil Ceramic Primer (Kuraray); and [DE] 2-step silane (Dentsply Sirona). Half of the EMXs (n=12) received a thin adhesive layer (+) after the silane and prior to resin luting agent, while the other half (n=12) did not receive an adhesive layer (-). For the microshear bond strength test (μSBS), four light-cured resin luting agent cylinders (1 mm in diameter) were created on each EMX surface. Half of these specimens were tested after 24 hours, while the other half were stored in deionized water for 6 months. The μSBS test was conducted using a universal testing machine (DL 500, EMIC) at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until failure. The obtained data underwent statistical analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test (α=0.05)., Results: There was significant influence of the silane commercial brand on bond strength. Notably, "universal primers" yielded lower bond strength results compared to "pure" silane solutions. Water storage had a detrimental effect on microshear bond strength for certain silane commercial brands. Additionally, the application of an adhesive layer negatively impacted bond strength results for all silanes., Conclusions: This study confirms the importance of both silane commercial brand and chemical composition in relation to bond strength of resin luting agents to lithium disilicate glass ceramic. Furthermore, the application of an adhesive layer may have an adverse effect on bond stability over time., (©Operative Dentistry, 2024.)

Objectives: To evaluate the surface topography/roughness and bond strength of a resin luting agent to a lithium disilicate glass ceramic after etching with different concentrations of hydrofluoric acid (HF) and commercial brands., Methods: For bond strength evaluation, 260 lithium disilicate glass ceramic (EMX) discs were randomly distributed into 13 groups based on concentrations of HF and commercial brands (n=20): 5% and 10%, Lysanda (LY5 and LY10); 5% and 10%, Maquira (MA5 and MA10); 5% and 10%, FGM (FG5 and FG10); 4.8%, Ivoclar Vivadent (IV5); 5% and 10%, PHS do Brasil (PH5 and PH10); 5% and 10%, BM4 (BM5 and BM10); 9%, Ultradent Inc (UL10); and Dentsply (DE10). A further random distribution (n=10) was made based on the application (+) or absence (-) of an adhesive layer. Resin luting agent cylinders (1 mm in diameter) were added on EMX surfaces, light-cured, and stored for 24 hours in deionized water at 37°C. On a universal testing machine (DL 500, EMIC), specimens were submitted to a microshear bond strength test at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until failure. A representative etched EMX disc from each group underwent surface topography analysis using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (n=1), and five (n=5) etched EMX discs from each group were tested for surface roughness. Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey test (α=0.05)., Results: A less conditioned and smoother surface was observed for 5% HF compared to 10%. Additionally, commercial brands of HF were shown to affect bond strength. When the adhesive layer was not used (-), a 10% concentration promoted higher bond strengths to EMX. However, when adhesive was applied (+), the concentrations of HF and commercial brands had no effect on bond strength results., Conclusions: A 10% concentration of HF results in higher bond strength than a 5% concentration. If an adhesive layer is applied, neither this distinction nor the influence of commercial brands is observed., (©Operative Dentistry, 2023.)

Objectives: To evaluate the bond strength of a resin luting agent to a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic after the use of different fit-checking materials and cleaning protocols., Methods and Materials: Two hundred and forty-two (242) ceramic specimens were etched with 5% hydrofluoric acid for 20 seconds and distributed into 22 groups (n=10), in total. Four (4) groups were created based on fit-checking material and that had no following cleaning protocol: no fit-checking material used (control group); articulating paper; articulating spray; and fit-checker liquid. For each fit-checking material (3), 6 cleaning protocols were tested creating an additional 18 groups (n=10): air/water spray; 70% alcohol (ethanol); acetone; 35% phosphoric acid; 5% hydrofluoric acid; and a commercially available cleaning paste (Ivoclean, Ivoclar Vivadent). Silane and bonding resin were applied to all ceramic surfaces. Resin luting agent cylinders (1 mm in diameter) were created using silicone matrices, light-cured, and specimens were stored in deionized water at 37°C for 24 hours. Microshear bond strength test (μSBS) was performed on a universal testing machine (DL 500, EMIC) at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until failure. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05)., Results: Articulating paper and fit-checker liquid, when not properly removed, negatively affected the bond strength (p<0.05). None of the tested cleaning protocols were effective for articulating paper (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in bond strength after the cleaning protocols between articulating spray and fit-checker liquid when compared to the control group (no contamination) (p>0.05)., Conclusion: The cleaning protocols tested can effectively restore the bond strength of resin luting agents to lithium disilicate ceramics that were exposed to articulating spray or fit-checker liquid. The use of articulating paper is not recommended for fit-checking indirect lithium disilicate restorations., (©Operative Dentistry, 2022.)

The purposes of this study were to 1) evaluate the effectiveness of different cleaning methods from a previously etched and silanized lithium disilicate glass ceramic (EMX) surface after contact with organic fluids (saliva or human blood) and 2) assess the effect of applying a new silane layer after the cleaning methods on the microshear bond strength (mSBS) of resin cement to EMX. EMX discs were etched with 5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) and properly silanized. Three control groups were created (n=10): control (without contamination), saliva positive, and human blood positive. Later, after new contaminations, the samples were distributed into four groups according to the cleaning method (n=20): air-water spray (AWS), 35% phosphoric acid, 70% alcohol, or Ivoclean cleaning paste. After the cleaning methods, subgroups were submitted to a new silane layer application, or not (n=10). All samples received a thin layer of a bonding agent and, subsequently, three light-cured resin cement cylinders were prepared on each EMX surface for the mSBS test. This test was performed on a universal testing machine at a vertical speed of 1 mm/minute until rupture. Contaminated and cleaned silanized EMX surfaces were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (n=1). The noncontaminated control group showed an average mSBS of 18.7 MPa, and the positive saliva and human blood control groups yielded a 34% and 42% reduction in bond strength, respectively, compared to the uncontaminated control (p<0.05). For saliva-contaminated surfaces, all cleaning methods were effective and not different from one another or the control group (p>0.05). However, for human blood contamination, only Ivoclean cleaning paste was effective in restoring μSBS to uncontaminated control group levels (p>0.05). SEM images showed a clean surface (ie, with no contaminant residues) after the cleaning methods, regardless of the organic contaminant type. All the assessed cleaning methods were effective in removing saliva from the silanized EMX surface; however, only Ivoclean was able to restore the adhesion quality when the silanized EMX surface was contaminated with human blood., (©Operative Dentistry, 2022.)

Adequate removal of residual bonded materials from the enamel surface after orthodontic bracket debonding is critical, since any remaining composite may compromise enamel surface morphology and esthetics. The following clinical case reports present the association of at-home dental bleaching using 10% carbamide peroxide and the removal of residual bonded material using a super fine, tapered diamond bur followed by the use of an enamel microabrasion product after orthodontic bracket debonding. The proposed treatment considerably improved the esthetics and successfully removed the grooves created during the removal of the bonding composite, resulting in a smooth enamel surface., (© Operative Dentistry, 2021.)

The two-step approach of applying hydrofluoric acid followed by silane is deemed the gold-standard surface treatment protocol before bonding to glass ceramics. Given hydrofluoric acid is a toxic conditioning agent and with the intention to simplify this step, the dental company Ivoclar Vivadent (Schaan, Lietchtenstein) released a self-etching ceramic primer, Monobond Etch & Prime in 2015, claiming that hydrofluoric acid and silane application would no longer be required prior to luting glass ceramics. Therefore, this clinical case report and retrospective analysis describes the replacement of unsatisfactory anterior veneers due to clinical failures for new feldspathic glass ceramic veneers, using the aforementioned self-etching ceramic primer. After two years, feldspathic glass ceramics presented satisfying clinical performance with absence of debonding, tooth sensitivity, recurrent carious lesions, or marginal infiltration., (©Operative Dentistry, 2021.)

Clinical Relevance: Total-etch adhesive systems and resin composite are clinically viable dental materials for esthetic restorations in teeth presenting white/yellow/brown hypomineralization stains., Summary: Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a condition that negatively affects enamel and dentin, especially the first molars and permanent incisors, causing esthetic and functional problems. The present clinical case report presents and discusses the etiology and clinical characteristics of MIH and describes a restorative protocol for MIH-affected teeth., (©Operative Dentistry, 2020.)

The present clinical case report describes the clinical steps of enamel microabrasion associated with dental bleaching to restore severely-pitted fluorosed teeth. The process of removing the fluorotic superficial stains started by using macroabrasion with a water-cooled fine tapered 3195 FF diamond bur. Rubber dam isolation of the operative field was used to remove the remaining enamel stains and superficial irregularities with the Opalustre microabrasive compound (6.6% hydrochloric acid associated with silicon carbide particles) followed by polishing using fluoridated paste and subsequent 2% neutral fluoride gel topical application. After one month, dental bleaching was performed using 10% carbamide peroxide in custom-formed acetate trays for two hours/day for 42 days. The association of enamel microabrasion with dental bleaching was effective for reestablishing the dental esthetics of a patient with severe dental fluorosis.