BackgroundRepair of composite restorations is a conservative method that can increase the longevity and durability of restorations while preserving the tooth structure. Achieving a suitable bond between the old and new composite is difficult. To overcome this problem, some methods have been recommended to increase the repair bond strength of composite.This study aimed to assess the effect of aging by thermocycling (5,000 and 10,000 cycles) and mechanical surface treatments (Er,Cr:YSGG laser and bur) on repair shear bond strength of composite resin.Material and MethodsTotally, 120 composite blocks measuring 6x4x4 mm were fabricated of Filtek Z250 composite and were randomly divided into three groups (n=40) based on initial aging protocol: (a) no aging: storage in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours, (b) 5,000 thermal cycles, (c) 10,000 thermal cycles. Each group was then randomly divided into two subgroups (n=20) based on mechanical surface treatment (laser and bur). The laser and bur-prepared surfaces were silanized and Adper Single Bond 2 was then applied. The repair composite was bonded to surfaces. Half of the samples in each subgroup (n=10) were subjected to 5,000 thermal cycles to assess durability of bond. The remaining half were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours and all samples were then subjected to shear bond strength testing in a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 1mm/min. Data (in megapascals) were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (P=0.05). Mode of failure was determined under a stereomicroscope.ResultsBur preparation significantly improved the bond strength compared to laser (P<0.001). Aging by 10,000 thermal cycles significantly decreased the repair bond strength of composite (P<0.001). No significant difference was noted in this regard between distilled water and 5,000 thermal cycles groups (P=0.699). Primary bond strength and bond strength after 5,000 thermal cycles in the same subgroups were not significantly different either (P=0.342).ConclusionsAging by 10,000 thermal cycles significantly decreases the repair bond strength of composite and surface preparation by bur provides a higher bond strength compared to laser. Key words:Thermocycling, Composite, Repair, Laser.

Objective Lifelike esthetic appearance of dental restorations is among the main goals in restorative dentistry. This study aimed to assess and compare the opalescence and fluorescence of two dental composite resins. Materials and Methods This in vitro experimental study evaluated the A2 shade of Filtek Z350 XT Enamel, Filtek Z350 XT Dentin, Aelite Aesthetic Enamel, and Aelite All Purpose Body composite resins. Composite discs were fabricated with 10 mm diameter and 0.5 and 1 mm thicknesses (n = 2) using a plexiglass mold and subjected to colorimetry. The color parameters were determined according to the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) L*a*b* system using a spectrophotometer. The fluorescence and opalescence were also measured and reported separately for 0.5 and 1 mm thicknesses of Z350, Aelite Body, and Enamel composite resins. To determine the opalescence, the color of samples in the reflectance mode was measured using a calibration cylinder and in the transmittance mode in presence of 100% ultraviolet (UV) light. To determine the fluorescence, the color of samples against a white background in the reflectance mode in presence or absence of 100% UV light was measured. Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed using SPSS via three-way analysis of variance and independent t-test. Results The fluorescence of 0.5 mm thickness of all composites was higher than that of 1 mm thickness (p < 0.05). The fluorescence of Aelite was higher than that of Z350 (p < 0.05). The fluorescence of Aelite Enamel was higher than that of Aelite Body irrespective of their thickness, but the results were opposite for Z350 (p < 0.05). In Aelite composite, opalescence increased by an increase in thickness (p < 0.05). The opalescence of Aelite was significantly higher than that of Z350 (p < 0.05). The opalescence of 0.5 mm thickness of Aelite Enamel was higher than that of Aelite Body, while the opalescence of 1 mm thickness of Z350 Body was higher than that of Z350 Enamel (p < 0.05). Conclusion Thickness, type, and brand of composite resins affected their fluorescence and opalescence.

Objectives This study aimed to assess the effect of an optical whitening toothpaste on color stability of microhybrid, nanofilled, and microfilled composite resins and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) cement in comparison of two other toothpastes. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, disc-shaped composite samples were fabricated. The samples were then polished using silicon carbide papers. Twenty-seven samples of each material were fabricated and subjected to colorimetry using a spectrophotometer. Each group of material was then divided into three subgroups for the application of conventional whitening and whitening containing blue covarine toothpastes. One operator brushed the samples with an electric soft toothbrush with circular motion twice a day, each time for 30 seconds. Colorimetry was performed at 0, 1, 7, 30, and 90 days. Statistical Analysis Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) test were used for statistical analysis. Results The interaction effect of type of restorative material and time on ∆E was not significant at baseline or 1 day (p > 0.05). The effect of type of toothpaste on ∆E was not significant at baseline or 1 day (p = 0.78) but the effect of type of material was significant (p < 0.05). The toothpastes had significantly different effects on ∆E of Z250 at all time points (p < 0.05) except for ∆E0–30 (p = 0.106). The toothpastes had significantly different effects on ∆E of Z350 and Gradia at all time points (p < 0.05). The same was true for RMGI except for ∆E0–7 (p = 0.43) and ∆E0–90 (p = 0.52). The majority of color changes caused by toothpastes were not clinically perceivable (∆E < 3.3), except for ∆E0–90 by the whitening toothpaste (∆E = 9), ∆E0–90 by the conventional toothpaste for Z350 (∆E = 3.9), and ∆E0–1 by the whitening toothpaste for RMGI (∆E = 3.7). Conclusion The color change of all composite samples was not clinically perceivable (<3.3) at all time points, which shows that the tested toothpastes do not cause a significant change in color of composite materials.

BackgroundBy an increase in use of composite restorations, some defects are also seen in these restorations, which need to be repaired. Since complete replacement of an old restoration may compromise the tooth structure, repair of defect is a more practical approach if there is no caries recurrence. Risk of pulp injury also decreases as such. One major challenge in restoration repair is to obtain a durable bond between the new and old composite. Laser irradiation has been suggested for surface preparation of old composite. This study aimed to assess the effect of composite surface preparation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser on microtensile bond strength to new composite.Material and MethodsA total of 18 blocks were fabricated in three groups of nanohybrid, microhybrid and Beautiful II giomer measuring 4x7x7 mm and subjected to 10,000 thermal cycles between 5-55°C with 30 seconds of dwell time. The samples were randomly assigned to no surface treatment (etching and bonding) or laser plus etching and bonding groups. Composite cylinders measuring 4x7x7 mm were fabricated of Beautiful, nanohybrid and microhybrid composites on old composite surfaces and subjected to 500 thermal cycles for 50 seconds between 5-55°C with 30 seconds of dwell time. Each block was sectioned into 10 samples and they were subjected to microtensile bond strength test. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test.ResultsIn all composites, the mean bond strength in laser subgroups was higher than that in control subgroups except for giomer, which showed lower bond strength in laser subgroup. The lowest mean bond strength was noted in repair of Z350XT with Z350XT when the surface of old composite was etched (10.92 MPa). The highest mean bond strength was noted in repair of Z250 with giomer when the old composite surface was irradiated with laser (30.55 MPa).ConclusionsEr,Cr:YSGG laser plus etching increased the bond strength in all groups except for giomer group, which showed a reduction in bond strength. Key words:Composite resins, surface treatment, tensile bond strength, laser, er,cr:ysgg, giomer.

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