Objective: To examine the effect of filler contentTo examine the effect of filler content on structural coloration of experimental flowable resin composites. Overview: Experimental composites containing spherical fillers and different filler contents (30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 wt%), a structural colored resin composite (Omnichroma), and a nanohybrid flowable resin composite (Gracefil LoFlo) were used. The optical characteristics of the specimens were measured on standard black and white backgrounds using a spectrophotometer under CIE D65 illuminant and the L*a*b* values were determined. The color matching abilities to artificial teeth were evaluated using the ΔE*ab and ΔE00 color difference formulas. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test were used. The spectral reflectance of experimental composites showed different trends in different backgrounds, plate thickness, and filler contents. In particular, higher spectral reflectance was observed on the white background at wavelengths ranging from 450 to 700 nm in both 1.5 and 3.0 mm plates when compared to the black background. The percent reflectivity tended to decrease with a decrease of the filler contents. The color matching abilities of the experimental composites improved with the increase in the filler contents. Conclusions: Structural coloration of the flowable resin composites were affected by the filler contents. Clinical significance: Clinical Significance: Higher filler contents might be needed to achieve the optimal color properties of structural colored flowable resin composites, thereby improving the restoration esthetics.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the adhesive application method on the durability of the enamel bond and the thickness of the adhesive layer. A new-generation two-step universal adhesive system, G2-Bond Universal, and two conventional two-step adhesive systems were utilized. The shear bond strength to bovine enamel was measured after thermal cycling in both etch-and-rinse and self-etch modes. Fifteen specimens were divided into three groups as follows: Group I, wherein a strong air stream was applied over the bonding agent for 5 s; Group II, wherein a gentle air stream was applied over the bonding agent for 5 s; and Group III, which was prepared as in Group II, followed by the application of a second layer of the bonding agent and a gentle air stream for 5 s. The durability of the enamel bond and thickness of the tested adhesives were influenced by the application method in both etching modes. The application method used in Group II appeared to be most suitable in terms of the bonding of the adhesives to the enamel. The new-generation two-step self-etch adhesive, comprising a universal adhesive-derived primer and a hydrophobic bonding agent, showed superior bond performance to the conventional two-step adhesive systems.

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This study investigated the influence of professional mechanical tooth cleaning (PMTC) pastes on the surface texture of different subject materials. Methods: Two one-step PMTC pastes, Clinpro Cleaning Paste for PMTC (CP) and PRG Pro-Care Gel (PG), and multiple-step PMTC pastes, Merssage Regular (MR), Merssagge Fine (MF), and Merssage Plus (MP), were used. For comparison, PMTC was performed using distilled water without paste (DW). The subjected materials used were bovine enamel (ENA) and dentin (DEN), a resin composite (FSU), and lithium disilicate (IEC). The prepared specimens were polished using a #2000-grit silicon carbide paper. PMTC was performed using a brush at 1,000 rpm for 15 s. Results: The surface roughness (Ra) values of the specimens before and after PMTC were measured by laser scanning microscopy. The Knoop hardness number (KHN) of the subjected material was obtained. The types of PMTC pastes and subject materials had a significant influence on the Ra values and KHN. For the majority of subject materials, the descending order of Ra values after PMTC was MR > MF > CP > PG > MP > DW. The descending order of KHN of the materials was IEC > ENA > FSU > DEN. Conclusion:Although one-step PMTC pastes appeared to be effective, it is important to consider the subject material during PMTC.

This study investigated the effect of the bonding agent application method on the dentin bond durability of a two‐step adhesive utilizing a universal‐adhesive‐derived primer. The bonding durability of a universal adhesive was compared with those of two conventional two‐step adhesives by shear bond strength testing after thermal cycling. The primer was applied (with or without phosphoric acid pre‐etching), and the specimens were divided into three groups based on the bonding agent application method used as follows: (i) strong air‐flow application, (ii) gentle air‐flow application, and (iii) gentle air‐flow + second bonding application. The shear bond strength was determined after thermal cycling. All the factors (bonding agent application method, adhesive system, and storage condition) significantly influenced the dentin shear bond strength both with and without phosphoric acid pre‐etching. The specimens exposed to gentle air‐flow showed a higher shear bond strength than did those exposed to strong air‐flow and gentle air‐flow + second bonding. The bond durability of the tested adhesive systems was influenced by the bonding agent application method, and this trend was material dependent. The G2‐Bond Universal exhibited the same or greater dentin bond durability to the other two‐step adhesive systems.