Implant surface modification using laser guided coatings: in vitro comparison of mechanical properties.

Purpose: Plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated implants show failures along the coating-substrate interface due to poor bond strength. We analyzed HA coatings obtained by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and compared them to commercially used plasma-sprayed coatings with respect to their bond strength to titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V), as well as surface roughness alterations produced by each of the two deposition methods.

Materials And Methods: Twelve titanium alloy disks were plasma-sprayed under commercial implant coating conditions, and 24 titanium alloy disks were coated using PLD.

Human enamel nanohardness, elastic modulus and surface integrity after beverage contact.

This study evaluated nanohardness, elastic modulus and surface roughness of human enamel after contact with citric beverages. Human enamel samples were assigned to 3 groups according to the type of beverage used: carbonated drink, orange juice and tap water (control). Surface roughness was assessed using a profilometer, and nanohardness and elastic modulus were recorded using a nanoindenter.

Evaluation of the debonding characteristics of 2 ceramic brackets: an in vitro study.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the shear bond strengths and bond failure locations of 2 currently available orthodontic ceramic brackets. Forty polycrystalline ceramic brackets (Clarity, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) and 40 monocrystalline ceramic brackets (Inspire, Ormco, Orange, Calif) were bonded to 80 extracted premolars with the same bonding system. All bonded specimens were placed in distilled water for 42 hours at 37 degrees C followed by thermal cycling for 700 complete cycles.

Nanostructured ceramics for biomedical implants.

Recent progress in the synthesis, characterization, and biological compatibility of nanostructured ceramics for biomedical implants is reviewed. A major goal is to develop ceramic coating technology that can reduce the friction and wear in mating total joint replacement components, thus contributing to their significantly improved function and longer life span. Particular attention is focused on the enhancement of mechanical properties such as hardness, toughness, and friction coefficient and on the bioactivity as they pertain to the nanostructure of the material.

The effect of three commonly used endodontic materials on the strength and hardness of root dentin.

The purpose of this study was to determine if calcium hydroxide, mineral trioxide aggregate, or sodium hypochlorite caused a change in the force required to fracture root dentin. Ten bovine central and lateral incisors were machined using various saws and drills to produce a cylinder of dentin with a 6.0-mm outer diameter 3.