Light irradiance through novel CAD–CAM block materials and degree of conversion of composite cements

Publication date: Available online 21 November 2017
Source:Dental Materials
Author(s): Diogo Pedrollo Lise, Annelies Van Ende, Jan De Munck, Kumiko Yoshihara, Noriyuki Nagaoka, Luiz Clovis Cardoso Vieira, Bart Van Meerbeek
ObjectiveTo assess light irradiance (LI) delivered by two light-curing units (LCU's) and to measure the degree of conversion (DC) of three composite cements, when cured through different thicknesses of two novel CAD–CAM block materials.Methods100-μm-thick films of a dual-curable composite cement (G-CEM LinkAce, GC), a light-curable flowable resin-based composite (RBC) (G-ænial Universal Flo, GC) and a micro-hybrid RBC (G-ænial Posterior, GC) were investigated as luting agents. Two 'polymer–ceramic' CAD–CAM blocks (Cerasmart, GC; Enamic, Vita Zahnfabrik) were sectioned in slabs with different thicknesses (1, 3 and 5mm). LI at the bottom of the specimens was measured using a calibrated spectrometer, while being light-cured through the CAD–CAM block slabs for 40s with a low- (±500mW/cm²) or high- (±1,600mW/cm²) irradiance LCU (n=5). After light-curing, micro-Raman spectra of the composite films were acquired to determine DC at 5min, 10min, 1h and 24h. LI data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis followed by post-hoc comparisons, while a linear mixed-effect model was applied for the DC analysis. In addition, the CAD–CAM blocks ultrastructure was characterized upon argon-ion slicing using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Finally, light transmission (LT) through each CAD–CAM block material was assessed using a spectrophotometer.ResultsCuring-light attenuation and DC were significantly influenced by thickness and type of the overlying material. LCU only had a significant effect on DC of the micro-hybrid RBC. DC significantly increased over time for all composite cements. CAD–CAM block structural analysis revealed a relatively small and homogenous filler configuration (mean filler size of 0.2–0.5μm) for Cerasmart, while Enamic contained ceramic grains varying in shape and size (1–10μm), which were interconnected by the polymer-based network. LT was much higher at a wavelength range of 300–800nm for Cerasmart than for Enamic.SignificanceLight-curable composite cements can be cured through a restoration up to 2.7-mm thickness, depending on the kind of CAD–CAM material. A high-irradiance LCU only has a limited effect on the maximum thickness of the polymer–ceramic CAD–CAM material that can be cured through.



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