Search Results (18)

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different fluoride-containing toothpastes on fluoride uptake, surface roughness, and microhardness of six ion-releasing restorative dental materials, including glass hybrids (EQUIA Forte HT with and without coating), glass ionomer cements (Fuji IX), resin-modified GICs (Fuji II LC), alkasites (Cention Forte), and ion-releasing composites (Luminos UN and Activa). Specimens were prepared and subjected to a four-day brushing protocol using six toothpastes with varying fluoride formulations (NaF, SnF2, SMFP) and concentrations. Fluoride uptake was assessed by measuring fluoride release using an ion-selective electrode, while surface roughness and microhardness were assessed before and after brushing. Results revealed significant variations in fluoride uptake, with Fuji IX and EQUIA Forte HT showing the highest release, particularly when brushed with NaF-based toothpastes (Duraphat 5000 and 2800). Surface roughness increased post-brushing, with the greatest changes observed in Activa, while microhardness decreased across most materials, except for coated EQUIA Forte HT, which exhibited improved compactness. Resin-based composites, such as Luminos UN and Activa, demonstrated lower fluoride uptake and minimal changes in microhardness compared to GICs. The findings underscore the importance of material composition and toothpaste formulation in influencing fluoride dynamics, surface properties, and mechanical performance of restorative materials. Full article

This study presents an evaluation of the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and microleakage (ML) of a bulk-fill (BF) composite, Ormocer, and Alkasite in comparison to the conventional composite bonded to caries-affected dentin (CAD) in deciduous dentition. Eighty-four human primary molars displaying carious lesions involving the middle third of dentin were included. CAD was exposed, and the teeth were randomly assigned to four groups based on the type of restorative material used: Group 1 (conventional composite), Group 2 (BF composite), Group 3 (Alkasite), and Group 4 (Ormocer). Sample storage and artificial aging were performed. Dye penetration, a universal testing machine, and a stereomicroscope were used for microleakage, µTBS, and failure mode assessment. The interface was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). µTBS and ML results were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc tests (p < 0.05). Group 1 (conventional composite) exhibited the highest microleakage and lowest bond strength. The minimum ML and maximum μTBS values were demonstrated by Group 4 (Ormocer). Ormocer and Alkasite proved to be better alternatives to conventional composites in terms of ML and bond strength in deciduous dentition. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of fluoride-releasing restorative materials to remineralize artificially demineralized proximal enamel adjacent to class II restorations. Fifty-four demineralized enamel lesions were created on extracted premolar teeth, and the baseline lesion depth (LD) and mineral density (MD) were measured using micro-CT. The samples were randomly assigned to one of four groups, each in contact with a class II restorative material: Filtek Z350 XT™ (FZ), Cention N^® (CN), Fuji II LC^® (FJ), or Equia Forte^® (EQ). Finally, post 14 days of pH cycling, measurements were taken. SEM, EDX, and Raman Imaging Microscopy were additionally performed. The results showed significant reductions in LD for all fluoride-releasing materials (CN, FJ, EQ). EQ and CN showed a significantly higher percentage change in LD than FZ. The MD of adjacent demineralized enamel increased significantly in all groups. There was no significant difference in the percentage change in MD between groups. SEM-EDX images revealed greater mineral deposition in fluoride-releasing materials than FZ. The Ca/P ratio of demineralized enamel adjacent to CN was equal to that of EQ, while FJ demonstrated the highest ratio. In conclusion, fluoride-releasing materials exhibited a reduction in the LD of adjacent demineralized enamel and demonstrated Ca/P ratios higher than FZ. CN may be an alternative restorative material to remineralize adjacent demineralized enamel. Full article

(1) Background: Alkasite is a novel restorative material that has attracted interest in recent years because of its distinctive characteristics, including its high translucency and excellent biocompatibility. It is comparable to glass ionomer cement (GIC) and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) due to its fluoride-release ability and usage in esthetically concerned areas. This study aimed to assess the shear bond strength (SBS) of Alkasite restorative material in comparison with GIC and RMGIC (2) Methods: The study sample included 120 extracted sound primary molars and was randomly split into three groups, including group 1: RMGIC; group 2: Alkasite; and group 3: GIC. Each group was then sub-grouped into immediate and delayed loading. SBS was measured for each group using a universal testing machine. One-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s post hoc test and an independent t-test were used for statistical analyses (3) Results: The immediate SBS was higher in Alkasite, followed by RMGIC and GIC, with means of 10.84 ± 1.96, 10.64 ± 1.74, and 6.09 ± 1.75, respectively. However, there was no significant difference between Alkasite and RMGIC (p = 0.94), whereas RMGIC and Alkasite showed significantly higher values than GIC, with p < 0.0001. Regarding delayed SBS, no significant difference was noted between Alkasite and RMGIC (p = 0.14), whereas both showed significantly higher values than GIC, with mean values of 6.30 ± 1.44, 5.556 ± 1.38, and 3.29 ± 0.61, respectively (p < 0.0001). (4) Conclusions: Our findings show that RMGIC and Alkasite have comparable outcomes to each other and better outcomes when compared with conventional GIC. Full article

(1) Background: Restoring decayed teeth in young patients can be challenging. This calls for a simplification of the protocols through new biomaterials. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the marginal adaptation delivered by restorative materials applied on class II cavities by using a simplified protocol, before and after fatigue test, followed by the assessment of the internal adaptation. (2) Methods: Forty-eight human teeth were divided into six groups (n = 8). Dentinal fluid simulation was performed before restoring the class II cavities: Gr 1—adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick) and nanohybrid flowable composite (Clearfil Majesty ES Super Low Flow), Gr 2—adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick) and nanohybrid composite (Clearfil Majesty ES standard), Gr 3—bulk fill self-adhesive composite (Surefil One), Gr 4—bioactive powder-liquid filling material (Cention Forte), Gr 5—universal adhesive (Adhese Universal) and nanohybrid composite resin (Tetric Powerfill); and control group (CT)—high-viscosity glass ionomer (Equia Forte). Marginal adaptation was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and compared before and after a fatigue test consisting of repeated thermal and mechanical cycles. The specimens were then cut mesio-distally, and internal adaptation was undertaken using SEM again. Repeated measures and one way ANOVA followed by a Fisher’s LSD test and Fisher’s LSD post hoc test were used in order to compare the statistically significant differences among groups. (3) Results: As for the marginal adaptation after loading, Cention Forte (58%) and Equia Forte HT (53%) were statistically equivalent and presented the highest results, followed by Clearfil Majesty ES Standard (32%) and Tetric Powerfill (27%), with Surefil One (8%) and Clearfil Majesty ES Flow Super Low (7%) showing the worst results. In terms of internal adaptation, Cention Forte (85%) and Clearfil Majesty ES Standard (74%) had the highest percentages of continuous margins. Tetric powerfill (56%) and Equia Forte HT (44%) showed statistically significantly lower results, followed by Clearfil Majesty ES Flow Super Low (33%) and eventually Surefil One (17%). (4) Conclusions: This in vitro study showed promising results for the marginal and internal adaptation of alkasite dual cured Cention Forte in the restoration of class II cavities. This material could be considered an interesting restorative alternative for the restoration of deciduous teeth. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of pH and temperature on the ion (F⁻ and Ca²⁺) release of a resin-based material containing alkaline fillers and a self-setting high-viscous glass ionomer cement. Disks were prepared according to manufacturers’ instructions for both materials: the EF group (Equia Forte HT filling, GC) and the CN group (Cention N, Ivoclar). Specimens were immersed in 50 mL buffer solution with three different pHs (4.8, 6.8, and 8.8), and stored at 0°, 18°, 37°, and 44 °C. After 24 h, 7 d, and 28 d, cumulative F⁻ and Ca²⁺ releases were analyzed by chromatography and mass spectrometry, and pH was measured. Both materials showed minimal changes in pH with final values after 28 d of 5.17 ± 0.56 for CN and 5.12 ± 0.24 for EF. In all experimental conditions, the percentages of ion release were higher for EF than for CF. In particular, both materials showed a significant difference in temperature in F⁻ release. Regardless of the pH values, the highest Ca²⁺ ion release was after 28 days, with a significant difference in temperature for CN and EF. Within the limit of this study, the temperature storage influenced ion release and the high-viscous glass ionomer showed the maximum values. Full article

The study aimed to investigate the rechargeability of ion-releasing dental material specimens immersed in distilled water for 25 months, which depleted their ion-releasing ability. Four restorative dental materials (alkasite composite, giomer, glass-ionomer, and composite material) presented with 24 specimens were studied after topical treatment with a concentrated fluoride gel. The effect of resin coating on the ion uptake and release was investigated on additional 42 specimens of restorative dental materials with coatings. The composite materials were coated with two adhesive systems, whereas the glass-ionomer was coated with the special coating resin. After topical fluoride exposure, ion release and specimen mass were measured at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 14-day intervals using an ion-selective electrode and an analytical balance, respectively. The cumulative fluoride levels for the uncoated specimens of alkasite composite were significantly higher than those of giomer and glass-ionomer cement, with no statistically significant difference between the latter two materials. The conventional composite had the lowest cumulative concentration of fluoride ions (p < 0.05). The adhesive systems affected the fluoride recharge and reduced the ion concentrations absorbed by the specimens. Specimens coated with universal adhesive showed significantly higher ion release compared to universal fluoride-releasing adhesive or special coating resin for glass-ionomers (p < 0.05). No statistically significant change in specimen mass was observed during the 14-day period. Surface coating with adhesive systems as well as special coating resin for glass-ionomers affects the fluoride recharge process. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the physical properties of Cention N and various glass-ionomer-based materials in vitro. The groups were obtained as follows: Group 1 (LC-Cent): light-cured Cention N; Group 2 (SC-Cent): self-cured Cention N; Group 3 (COMP): composite (3M Universal Restorative 200); Group 4 (DYRA): compomer (Dyract XP); Group 5 (LINER): Glass Liner; Group 6 (FUJI): FujiII LC Capsule; and Group 7 (NOVA): Nova Glass LC. For the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test, 21 extracted human molar teeth were used. The enamel of the teeth was removed, and flat dentin surfaces were obtained. Materials were applied up to 3 mm, and sticks were obtained from the teeth. Additionally, specimens were prepared, and their flexural strength and surface roughness (Ra) were evaluated. Herein, data were recorded using SPSS 22.0, and the flexural strength, μTBS, and Ra were statistically analyzed. According to the surface roughness tests, the highest Ra values were observed in Group 6 (FUJI) (0.33 ± 0.1), whereas the lowest Ra values were observed in Group 2 (SC-Cent) (0.17 ± 0.04) (p < 0.05). The flexural strengths of the materials were compared, and the highest value was obtained in Group 2 (SC-Cent) (86.32 ± 15.37), whereas the lowest value was obtained in Group 5 (LINER) (41.75 ± 10.05) (p < 0.05). When the μTBS of materials to teeth was evaluated, the highest μTBS was observed in Group 3 (COMP) (16.50 ± 7.73) and Group 4 (DYRA) (16.36 ± 4.64), whereas the lowest μTBS was found in Group 7 (NOVA) (9.88 ± 1.87) (p < 0.05). According to the μTBS results of materials-to-materials bonding, both Group 2 (SC-Cent) and Group 1 (LC-Cent) made the best bonding with Group 3 (COMP) (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that self-cured Cention N had the highest flexural strength and lowest surface roughness of the seven materials tested. Although the bond strength was statistically lower than conventional composites and compomers, it was similar to resin-modified glass ionomer cements. Additionally, the best material-to-material bonding was found between self-cured Cention N and conventional composites. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of radiotherapy on the mechanical, chemical, and surface properties of two recently introduced restorative dental materials (a glass hybrid and an alkasite), while two conventional restorative materials served as references. Material specimens of the experimental groups (irradiated) were compared to the specimens of the control groups that underwent the same preparation procedure but without irradiation. The experimental groups of restorative material specimens were irradiated with a total of 70 Gy over 35 days (2 Gy/day × 35 days), while the control groups received no treatment. The following properties were evaluated: surface microhardness (Vickers), surface roughness, color change, flexural strength, flexural modulus, material reliability, and infrared spectra. For the experimental groups, measurements were performed 24 h after specimen preparation, i.e., before radiotherapy and after the completion of the irradiation protocol. For the control groups, measurements were performed after the corresponding periods of no treatment. A statistically significant increase in microhardness (p = 0.001–0.004) and surface roughness (p = 0.013) was observed as a result of material aging/maturation in both the control and experimental groups. However, the only statistically significant difference between the control and experimental groups was observed in the discoloration of the conventional reference material (p < 0.001). In conclusion, no statistically significant negative effects of a therapeutic dose of radiotherapy on any of the tested properties of the alkasite and glass hybrid materials were observed, whereas only a minor negative effect of radiotherapy in terms of discoloration was found for a conventional resin composite that was used as a reference material. Full article

Conservative dentistry in primary dentition aims to remove and repair existing carious lesions and to prevent secondary caries up until exfoliation of the primary tooth happens, in order to maintain the important role in terms of the space maintenance and guidance for eruption that deciduous teeth have. Many different materials are used, and some of them, recently commercialized, show bioactive properties able to prevent secondary caries. This trial’s primary focus is to evaluate the biological, functional, and aesthetic characteristics of Cention-N alkasite material compared to glass ionomer cement (GIC) through the use of standardized FDI criteria for direct restorations. A blinded, split-mouth study was designed for this purpose, including 112 deciduous molars in 45 children showing class II caries restored with either GIC or alkasite material. The data from this study indicates that the Cention-N alkasite material showed equal performance compared with Fuji IX GIC after one year. A thorough evaluation of exfoliated teeth restored with this material will provide long-term data and an evaluation on infiltration rates. Full article

The aim of this study was a comparison of the micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) to dentin and microleakage of in vitro class V restorations of three different ion-releasing restorative materials under various pH conditions: giomer, a resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI), and a new alkasite material. A μTBS test was performed using a universal testing machine, immediately and after storage at different pH (4, 7, and 10) buffer solutions (n = 15) over 24 h, and the failure mode was analyzed. For microleakage analysis, class V restorations were performed on extracted premolars, which were sectioned and stored in pH 4-, 7-, and 10-buffered fluorescent 0.02% rhodamine B dye. The specimens were observed under a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scored using the acquired images. There were no significant differences in the μTBS according to the type of material (p = 0.518). The giomer showed a decreased bond strength under the pH 4 condition compared with the immediately tested or pH 7-stored specimens (p ≤ 0.043). In the microleakage analysis, the class V restoration with giomer showed a higher microleakage than RMGI or alkasite (p = 0.001). For RMGI and alkasite, the specimens stored at pH 4 showed a significantly lower microleakage than those stored at pH 7 (p = 0.028). RMGI and alkasite can be adopted as restorative materials in generalized or localized low-pH conditions. Full article

The objective was to evaluate new commercially available ion-releasing restorative materials and compare them to established anti-cariogenic materials. Four materials were tested: alkasite Cention (Ivoclar Vivadent) in self-cure or light-cure mode, giomer Beautifil II (Shofu), conventional glass-ionomer Fuji IX (GC), and resin composite Tetric EvoCeram (Ivoclar Vivadent) as a control. Flexural strength, flexural modulus, and Weibull modulus were measured one day, three months, and after three months with accelerated aging in ethanol. Water sorption and solubility were evaluated for up to one year. Degree of conversion was measured during 120 min for self-cured and light-cured Cention. In this study, Beautifil II was the ion-releasing material with the highest flexural strength and modulus and with the best resistance to aging. Alkasite Cention showed superior mechanical properties to Fuji IX. Weibull analysis showed that the glass-ionomer had the least reliable distribution of mechanical properties with the highest water sorption. The solubility of self-cured alkasite exceeded the permissible values according to ISO 4049. Degree of conversion of light-cured Cention was higher than in self-cure mode. The use of alkasite Cention is recommended only in the light-cure mode. Full article

Acidic drinks are known to exert negative effects on the surface properties of dental restorative materials. However, the effect of increasingly popular green smoothie drinks has not been addressed so far. The present study investigated the effect of cyclic immersions (5 min daily over 30 days) in a green smoothie drink on the surface properties of contemporary dental restorative materials, including resin composites, an alkasite, and a glass hybrid. Vickers microhardness, profile roughness, and perceptible color change in the CIE L* a* b* color space were evaluated as clinically relevant properties of the material surface. After 30-day green smoothie immersion, microhardness values either decreased by 8–28% (for resin composites) or increased by up to 91% (for glass hybrid). The increase in profile roughness (Ra parameter) of smoothie-immersed specimens was 7–26 times higher compared to the control group. The perceptible color change (ΔE*) in the smoothie group was 3–8 times higher compared to the control group. Overall, this study demonstrated that daily exposure of dental restorations made from resin composites, alkasites, and glass hybrid materials to a green smoothie drink can significantly accelerate material degradation, which is reflected as surface softening, as well as higher roughness and higher perceptible color change. Full article

The present investigation evaluated the effect of the combination of different dental filling materials in Class I cavities under occlusal loading using three-dimensional finite elements analysis (FEA). Six computer-generated and restored models of a lower molar were created in the CAD software and compared according to the biomechanical response during chewing load condition. Two adhesively bonded bulk restorative materials [bulk-fill resin composite (BF) or Alkasite (Alk)] were evaluated with or without the presence of a base material below (flowable resin composite or glass ionomer cement). A food bolus was placed on the occlusal surface mimicking the compressive occlusal load (600 N) during the static linear analysis. The maximum principal stress (tensile) was calculated as stress criteria in enamel, dentin and restoration. All models showed high stresses along the enamel/restoration margin with a similar stress trend for models restored with the same upper-layer material. Stress values up to 12.04 MPa (Alk) or up to 11.12 MPa (BF) were recorded at the enamel margins. The use of flexible polymeric or ionic base material in combination with bulk-fill resin composite or Alk did not reduce the stress magnitude in dentine and enamel. Class I cavities adhesively restored with bulk-fill resin composite showed lighter stress concentration as well as Alk. Therefore, adhesively bonded Alk restoration showed a promising mechanical behavior when used with different base materials or as a bulk restoration for posterior Class I cavity. Full article

The aim of this study is to investigate the resistance of various fluoride-releasing restorative materials against the demineralization and remineralization of enamel surfaces, including those that have been recently introduced to the market. Three different fluoride-releasing restorative materials were considered: glass ionomer (FI), resin-modified glass ionomer (RL), and an alkasite restorative material (CN). The acid neutralization ability was investigated using pH measurement, and the concentrations of released fluoride and calcium ions were measured. Finally, the demineralization resistance and remineralization effects of enamel were observed using a microhardness tester and SEM. CN showed an initial substantial increase in pH followed by a steady increase, with values higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). All three groups released fluoride ions, and the CN group released more calcium ions than the other groups (p < 0.05). In the acid resistance test, from the microhardness and SEM images, the CN group showed effective resistance to demineralization. In the remineralization test, the microhardness results showed that the FI and CN groups recovered the microhardness from the values of the demineralized enamel surface (p < 0.05). This was confirmed by the SEM images from remineralization tests; the CN group showed a recovered demineralized surface when immersed in artificial saliva for 7 days. In conclusion, alkasite restorative material can be an effective material when used in cariogenic environments. Full article