Dental educators' attitudes towards the teaching of dental amalgam.

Objective: To ascertain dental educators' attitudes towards the teaching of dental amalgam at dental schools in Australia and identify preferred curricular approaches in a potentially "amalgamless" profession.

Methods: A mixed methods analysis was employed based on an open-ended response survey followed by a closed-ended questionnaire. Identification of key issues from the survey helped frame the questionnaire.

A comparison of the shear bond strength and failure mode to metals of unsupported and supported luting cement specimens.

Purpose: To compare the mean shear bond strength (SBS) and failure mode of a resin-modified glass-ionomer luting cement (RM-GIC) to five different metals using unsupported and supported cement specimens with different placement of the shear load.

Materials And Methods: A RM-GIC was bonded to five metals using "unsupported" and "supported" techniques at a SBS-specimen diameter of 2.36 mm.

A comparison of the micro-shear bond strength and failure mode of non-enclosed and mold-enclosed luting cements bonded to metal.

The objective of the study was to compare 1) the mean micro-shear bond strength and 2) failure mode of cements to metals in nonenclosed and mold-enclosed specimens. Specimens were prepared in mold-enclosed and non-enclosed formats from two RMGIC's and a self-adhesive resin-cement. 3-way ANOVA analysis and Tukey post hoc tests were used to compare mean µSBS results (α=0.

Evaluation of the interfacial work of fracture of glass-ionomer cements bonded to dentin.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the interfacial work of fracture of conventional (C-) and resin-modified (RM-) glass-ionomer cements (GICs) bonded to dentin.

Methods: One hundred and sixty five aries-free human molars were embedded in epoxy resin, sectioned and polished with 300- and 600- grit silicon carbide paper to remove enamel on the occlusal surface. Equilateral triangular-shaped plastic molds (4×4×4×5mm(4)) were clamped to the prepared dentin surfaces by a stainless steel test apparatus.

A comparison of resin-modified glass-ionomer and resin composite polymerisation shrinkage stress in a wet environment.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the polymerisation shrinkage stress under water of four resin-modified glass-ionomers and three resin composite materials.

Methods: Transparent acrylic rods (5mm diameter×30mm) were prepared and secured into drill chucks connected to a universal testing machine. A plastics cup was placed around the lower rod and a distance of 1.

The effect of a nano-filled resin coating on the 3-year clinical performance of a conventional high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement.

Objectives: The main aim of the study was to compare the clinical performance of the conventional high-powder/liquid ratio glass-ionomer cement (GIC) Fuji IX GP Extra (F IX), Fuji IX GP Extra with a low-viscosity nano-filled resin coating, G-Coat Plus (F IX+GCP), and a resin composite, Solare (S), as a comparison material.

Materials And Methods: Moderate-depth occlusal cavities in the first permanent molars of 91 11-12-year-old children (1-4 restorations per child) were restored with either F IX (87 restorations), F IX+GCP (84 restorations) or S (83 restorations). Direct clinical assessment, photographic assessment and assessment of stone casts of the restorations were carried out at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years.

Comparison of two all-in-one adhesives bonded to non-carious cervical lesions--results at 3 years.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of S(3) Bond (Kuraray Corp., Japan) and G-Bond (GC Corp., Japan) all-in-one bonding agents, over 3 years in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs).

Survey on the teaching and use in dental schools of resin-based materials for restoring posterior teeth.

A survey was conducted of 100 dental schools worldwide to investigate the current teaching of posterior resin composite restorations. A 20 multi-part question questionnaire was emailed to the selected schools. Schools were selected by ability to understand and respond in English.

Absence of carious lesions at margins of glass-ionomer cement (GIC) and resin-modified GIC restorations: a systematic review.

This systematic review sought to quantitatively answer the question as to whether, in tooth cavities of the same size, type of dentition and follow-up period, resin-modified glass-ionomer (GIC) restorations, when compared to conventional GIC restorations, offer a significant caries preventive effect, as measured by the absence of caries lesions at the margin of restorations. Six databases were searched for articles in English, Portuguese or Spanish until 07 May 2009. Four articles were accepted and 22 separate datasets extracted.

The repair potential of resin composite materials.

Objectives: To measure the 'repair' strength of various combinations of composite using four manufacturers' adhesive systems, to compare the bond strengths with the cohesive strength of the original, unrepaired products and to assess whether the chemical nature of the resin matrix influenced the repair strength.

Methods: Specimens were prepared of three composite materials Durafill, Heraeus Kulzer; P90 (Silorane) 3M ESPE; Z250 (3M ESPE) and aged in water at 60°C for 1 month. One surface of each specimen was faced with 80-grit silicone carbide paper, one of four adhesives placed (Ecusit, DMG; Clearfil Repair, Kuraray; P90 System Adhesive; Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE) and 'repair' composite added of the same type as above, such that all combinations of original and repair composite and adhesive were used.

The effect of aging on the fracture toughness of esthetic restorative materials.

Purpose: To compare the fracture toughness (KIc) of tooth-colored restorative materials based on a four-point bending; to assess the effect of distilled water and a resin surface sealant (G-Coat Plus) on the resistance of the materials to fracture.

Methods: Specimens were prepared from six materials: Quix Fil; Dyract (Dentsply), Freedom (SDI), Fuji VII (GC), Fuji IX (GC); Fuji II LC (GC). Fuji II LC and Fuji IX were tested both with and without applying G-Coat Plus (GC).

Comparison of the effect of storage media on shear punch strength of resin luting cements.

Objectives: To measure the shear punch strength of eight resin-containing luting cements before and after immersion in acidic solution and ethanol at different temperatures (37 degrees C and 60 degrees C).

Method: Specimens were prepared from six resin luting cements; Set (SDI), Panavia F (Kuraray), RelyX Veneer (3M/ESPE), VarioloinkII (Ivoclar), Maxcem (Kerr), Nexus2 (Kerr) and two Resin-modified glass-ionomer luting cements (RM-GICs); GC Fuji Plus (GC Corporation), RelyX Luting 2 (3M/ESPE). For each material a total of 114 disc-shaped specimens were prepared.

Enamel microhardness and bond strengths of self-etching primer adhesives.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between enamel surface microhardness and microshear bond strength (microSBS). Buccal and lingual mid-coronal enamel sections were prepared from 22 permanent human molars and divided into two groups, each comprising the buccal and lingual enamel from 11 teeth, to analyze two self-etching primer adhesives (Clearfil SE Bond and Tokuyama Bond Force). One-half of each enamel surface was tested using the Vickers hardness test with 10 indentations at 1 N and a 15-s dwell time.

The repair potential of resin-modified glass-ionomer cements.

Objectives: To assess the repair potential of resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (RMGICs) with additional RMGIC and resin composite.

Methods: Specimens of two proprietary RMGICs (Ketac N100 (Ketac Nano), 3M/ESPE, St Paul, MN; Fuji II LC, GC Corporation, Tokyo) were prepared and stored in water at 37 degrees C for 4 days. The surface of the RMGIC was finished flat with 600-grit silicon carbide paper.

A revised classification for direct tooth-colored restorative materials.

Composite resins and glass-ionomer cements were introduced to dentistry in the 1960s and 1970s, respectively. Since then, there has been a series of modifications to both materials as well as the development other groups claiming intermediate characteristics between the two. The result is a confusion of materials leading to selection problems.

Sorption and solubility of luting cements in different solutions.

This study examined the solubility, sorption, and dimensional change of eight luting cements in two different solutions: 50% ethanol:water and distilled water. Ten disk specimens were prepared of each material following the manufacturers instructions, and then ground with silicone carbide paper. Sorption and solubility were calculated by weighing the specimens before and after immersion and desiccation.

Five-year clinical evaluation of One-Up Bond F in non-carious cervical lesions.

Purpose: To evaluate the retention and marginal staining of restorations placed in non-carious cervical lesions using the all-in-one self-etching system, One-Up Bond F and Palfique Estelite resin composite.

Methods: Fifty-one non-undercut non-carious cervical lesions received restorations with One-Up Bond F and Palfique Estelite in 15 subjects (mean age 57.7 years) by one operator.

Comparison of the effect of storage media on hardness and shear punch strength of tooth-colored restorative materials.

Purpose: To measure the surface hardness and shear punch strength of six tooth-colored restorative materials before and after immersion in acidic and alkaline solutions.

Methods: Specimens were prepared from three resin composites; Ceram X, Filtek Supreme, Point 4, two polyacid-modified resin composites; Dyract, F2000, and one resin-modified glass-ionomer cement; Fuji II LC, immersed in distilled water for 24 hours at 60 degrees C, polished with silicon carbide papers up to 2000-grit and subjected to baseline measurement for Vickers hardness or shear punch strength. Further specimens were transferred to one of four aqueous media at 60 degrees C for a further 2 weeks; distilled water, 0.

Clinical evaluation of three adhesive systems for the restoration of non-carious cervical lesions.

The use of adhesive materials to restore non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL) has become the standard practice. Until recently, the most reliable material for restoring NCCL is glass ionomer cement, but the esthetics can be problematic. This study compared the retention of a self-etching adhesive, Clearfil SE Bond, with Clearfil ST resin composite (SE), with the phosphoric acid-etch single bottle adhesive Single Bond with A110 resin composite (SB) and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement, Fuji II LC, (FJ).

Ion leaching of a glass-ionomer glass: an empirical model and effects on setting characteristics and strength.

The release of ions from a glass-ionomer glass, which in the polyacid matrix effects the cross-linking and setting of a cement, can be modelled and initiated by acid-treatment in a dilute acid. This study examined the effect of time of acetic acid leaching on the working time, setting time, and strength of a model GIC. A reactive fluoride glass was immersed in hot acetic acid for 0 (control), 5, 15, 35, 65, 95 and 125 min, filtered and dried.

Subsurface degradation of resin-based composites.

Objectives: To determine the depth of a degraded subsurface layer produced in dental composites as a result of exposure to lactic acid or NaOH, by observing the penetration of AgNO(3) solution.

Methods: Specimens were prepared from four resin composites; Point 4 (Kerr), Premise (Kerr), Filtek Supreme (3M/ESPE), Ceram X (Dentsply), and two polyacid-modified resin composites; Dyract (Dentsply) and F2000 (3M/ESPE). The specimens were immersed in distilled water for 1 week, transferred to one of three aqueous media at 60 degrees C for 2 weeks; distilled water, 0.