The blending effect refers to a phenomenon where the color difference between the restorative material and surrounding tooth structure appears smaller when they are adjacent to each other. The effect can be affected by the translucency of restorative material. This study evaluated the influence of cavity depth on the color adjustment potential (CAP) and translucency of a single-shade composite resin compared to multi-shade composite resins. A single-shade composite (Omnichroma) and two multi-shade composites (FiltekTM Z350 XT and Estelite® Sigma Quick) were tested in 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm cavity depths/thicknesses. CAP was assessed using the ΔEab* color difference between single and dual specimens. Translucency was measured using the translucency parameter (TP). The single-shade composite demonstrated significantly higher CAP and TP values compared to multi-shade composites across all depths/thicknesses (p < 0.0167). CAP decreased with increasing cavity depth for all composites. In 1.5 mm cavities, the single-shade composite achieved a clinically imperceptible color match (ΔEab* < 3.7). The higher translucency of the single-shade composite likely contributes to its enhanced blending effect and CAP. These results suggest that single-shade composites offer superior shade-matching ability due to their structural color phenomenon and high translucency. However, the decrease in CAP with increasing cavity depth indicates potential limitations in deeper restorations. Clinicians should consider appropriate techniques or additional products for optimal aesthetic outcomes in deeper cavities when using single-shade composites.

This study aimed to evaluate the surface hardness and wear resistance of a novel glass-hybrid restorative material in comparison with those of high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC). Additionally, this study examined how the application of a nano-filled resin coating affected these mechanical properties. This study utilized 80 disk-shaped samples prepared from two distinct GI materials: Equia Forte HT Fil and Fuji IX GP. Half of the specimens from each material group were treated with an Equia Forte Coat. Vickers hardness tests were conducted on a set of 40 specimens, and wear resistance was measured on a separate set of 40 specimens. Equia Forte HT Fil showed significantly higher hardness than Fuji IX GP (p < 0.05). The nano-filled resin coating did not significantly affect the hardness in both groups (p > 0.05). In wear depth measurements, uncoated Equia Forte HT Fil showed significantly lower wear depth compared to uncoated Fuji IX GP (p < 0.05). After coating application, both GI groups showed significantly decreased wear depth (p < 0.05). In terms of both hardness and wear resistance, the properties of the glass-hybrid restorative material were superior to those of the high-viscosity GIC. Nano-filled resin coating exhibited no significant positive effect on the hardness of either GI cement material but significantly increased their wear resistance.

The blending effect refers to a phenomenon where the color difference between the restorative material and surrounding tooth structure appears smaller when they are adjacent to each other. The effect can be affected by the translucency of restorative material. This study evaluated the influence of cavity depth on the color adjustment potential (CAP) and translucency of a single-shade composite resin compared to multi-shade composite resins. A single-shade composite (Omnichroma) and two multi-shade composites (FiltekTM Z350 XT and Estelite® Sigma Quick) were tested in 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm cavity depths/thicknesses. CAP was assessed using the ΔEab* color difference between single and dual specimens. Translucency was measured using the translucency parameter (TP). The single-shade composite demonstrated significantly higher CAP and TP values compared to multi-shade composites across all depths/thicknesses (p < 0.0167). CAP decreased with increasing cavity depth for all composites. In 1.5 mm cavities, the single-shade composite achieved a clinically imperceptible color match (ΔEab* < 3.7). The higher translucency of the single-shade composite likely contributes to its enhanced blending effect and CAP. These results suggest that single-shade composites offer superior shade-matching ability due to their structural color phenomenon and high translucency. However, the decrease in CAP with increasing cavity depth indicates potential limitations in deeper restorations. Clinicians should consider appropriate techniques or additional products for optimal aesthetic outcomes in deeper cavities when using single-shade composites.

This study aimed to evaluate the surface hardness and wear resistance of a novel glass-hybrid restorative material in comparison with those of high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC). Additionally, this study examined how the application of a nano-filled resin coating affected these mechanical properties. This study utilized 80 disk-shaped samples prepared from two distinct GI materials: Equia Forte HT Fil and Fuji IX GP. Half of the specimens from each material group were treated with an Equia Forte Coat. Vickers hardness tests were conducted on a set of 40 specimens, and wear resistance was measured on a separate set of 40 specimens. Equia Forte HT Fil showed significantly higher hardness than Fuji IX GP (p < 0.05). The nano-filled resin coating did not significantly affect the hardness in both groups (p > 0.05). In wear depth measurements, uncoated Equia Forte HT Fil showed significantly lower wear depth compared to uncoated Fuji IX GP (p < 0.05). After coating application, both GI groups showed significantly decreased wear depth (p < 0.05). In terms of both hardness and wear resistance, the properties of the glass-hybrid restorative material were superior to those of the high-viscosity GIC. Nano-filled resin coating exhibited no significant positive effect on the hardness of either GI cement material but significantly increased their wear resistance.

The blending effect refers to a phenomenon where the color difference between the restorative material and surrounding tooth structure appears smaller when they are adjacent to each other. The effect can be affected by the translucency of restorative material. This study evaluated the influence of cavity depth on the color adjustment potential (CAP) and translucency of a single-shade composite resin compared to multi-shade composite resins. A single-shade composite (Omnichroma) and two multi-shade composites (FiltekTM Z350 XT and Estelite® Sigma Quick) were tested in 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm cavity depths/thicknesses. CAP was assessed using the ΔEab* color difference between single and dual specimens. Translucency was measured using the translucency parameter (TP). The single-shade composite demonstrated significantly higher CAP and TP values compared to multi-shade composites across all depths/thicknesses (p < 0.0167). CAP decreased with increasing cavity depth for all composites. In 1.5 mm cavities, the single-shade composite achieved a clinically imperceptible color match (ΔEab* < 3.7). The higher translucency of the single-shade composite likely contributes to its enhanced blending effect and CAP. These results suggest that single-shade composites offer superior shade-matching ability due to their structural color phenomenon and high translucency. However, the decrease in CAP with increasing cavity depth indicates potential limitations in deeper restorations. Clinicians should consider appropriate techniques or additional products for optimal aesthetic outcomes in deeper cavities when using single-shade composites.

This study aimed to evaluate the surface hardness and wear resistance of a novel glass-hybrid restorative material in comparison with those of high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC). Additionally, this study examined how the application of a nano-filled resin coating affected these mechanical properties. This study utilized 80 disk-shaped samples prepared from two distinct GI materials: Equia Forte HT Fil and Fuji IX GP. Half of the specimens from each material group were treated with an Equia Forte Coat. Vickers hardness tests were conducted on a set of 40 specimens, and wear resistance was measured on a separate set of 40 specimens. Equia Forte HT Fil showed significantly higher hardness than Fuji IX GP (p < 0.05). The nano-filled resin coating did not significantly affect the hardness in both groups (p > 0.05). In wear depth measurements, uncoated Equia Forte HT Fil showed significantly lower wear depth compared to uncoated Fuji IX GP (p < 0.05). After coating application, both GI groups showed significantly decreased wear depth (p < 0.05). In terms of both hardness and wear resistance, the properties of the glass-hybrid restorative material were superior to those of the high-viscosity GIC. Nano-filled resin coating exhibited no significant positive effect on the hardness of either GI cement material but significantly increased their wear resistance.

This study aims to evaluate the color stability and surface roughness of the single-shade composite resin after finishing and polishing for primary molars. A single-shade composite resin (OM, OMNICHROMA) and two multi-shade composite resins (FT, FiltekTM Z350XT; ES, ESTELITE® SIGMA QUICK) were included. The specimens were divided into three subgroups using different polishing methods: control, Sof-Lex XT, and Sof-Lex Diamond. For color stability tests, cavities were prepared on extracted primary second molars and restored with experimental composite resins. Each specimen was immersed in the coffee solution for 48 hours. The color difference of each specimen was calculated. For surface roughness tests, cylindrical specimens were crafted with experimental composite resins. Surface roughness was analyzed using an atomic force microscope and a scanning electron microscope. In the color stability tests, FT demonstrated a significantly lower ΔEab than ES among the control groups, but no significant differences were observed between the ΔEab values of OM and FT or OM and ES. Additionally, no significant differences were found between the Sof-Lex XT and Sof-Lex Diamond subgroups in the three composite groups. Moreover, no significant differences in the surface roughness were found between the three composite groups, regardless of the polishing methods. The single-shade composite resin demonstrated comparable color stability and surface roughness to that of the multi-shade composite resins regardless of the polishing methods used in restoring primary molars. The single-shade composite resin is expected to be applicable in clinical pediatric dentistry reducing chair time due to the easy shade matching procedures.

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of erythrosine-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in dentin and its effect on the shear bond strength (SBS) of composite resin to dentin. Eighty extracted human noncarious premolars were used in this study. Forty teeth were used for the antibacterial activity test, while the remaining 40 were used for the SBS test. Both experiments were conducted with 4 experimental groups (n = 10): control (distilled water), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl, 6%), chlorhexidine (CHX, 0.12%), and erythrosine-mediated PDT. Antibacterial effects were evaluated by counting S. mutans colony-forming units (CFUs). The SBS of composite resins to dentin was measured using a universal testing machine. All treatments (NaOCl, CHX, and PDT) demonstrated statistically significant differences in antibacterial activity compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The antibacterial effects were ranked from strongest to weakest as follows: NaOCl, PDT, and CHX. In the SBS test, the NaOCl group exhibited a statistically significant difference compared with the CHX, PDT, and control groups (p < 0.05), with the lowest bond strength. No statistically significant differences were found among the CHX, PDT, and control groups (p > 0.05). Erythrosine-mediated PDT exhibited significant antibacterial effects against S. mutans, with higher antibacterial activity than CHX but lower than NaOCl. Only NaOCl negatively affected the bond strength of composite resin to dentin. In conclusion, erythrosine-mediated PDT shows potential as a cavity disinfectant due to its significant antibacterial effects against S. mutans and lack of adverse effects on bond strength.

This study evaluated the additive impact of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) on erythrosine-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm by measuring colony-forming units and applying confocal laser scanning microscopy. Fifty-six bovine incisors, free from dental caries or structural defects, were utilized in this study. Dentin specimens were created by cutting with a low-speed diamond disk under a continuous flow of water, resulting in dimensions of 6.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 2.0 mm. The specimens were categorized into 4 groups: Control, EDTA, PDT, and EDTA + PDT. S. mutans ATCC 25175 was employed to establish biofilm on the dentin specimens. A 17% EDTA solution was applied for 1 min. For PDT, erythrosine served as the photosensitizer. Finally, a light-emitting diode source (385 - 515 nm) was employed in this study. The PDT group exhibited a significantly lower bacterial count than both the control and EDTA groups (p < 0.001). The EDTA + PDT group demonstrated a significantly reduced bacterial count compared to the other 3 groups (p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that EDTA enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of PDT on S. mutans biofilm. Even at a low concentration of photosensitizer, the combination of EDTA and PDT yields a significant antibacterial effect.

Silver diamine fluoride, which can arrest dental caries, is alkaline and may cause mild soft tissue irritation. Water-based silver fluoride has a neutral pH, which is closer to the physiological range, and is biocompatible for use in the oral environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of water-based silver fluoride on remineralizing early enamel lesions by comparing it with other fluoride agents through microhardness and quantitative light-induced fluorescence measurements. An in vitro study with intact bovine incisors was performed. Artificial enamel lesions were induced and subjected to microhardness and quantitative light-induced fluorescence testing. Specimens were randomly divided into 4 groups for treatment. The specimens in group I were treated with water-based silver fluoride and potassium iodide, group II with silver diamine fluoride and potassium iodide, group III with sodium fluoride varnish, and group IV with distilled water. After 8 days of pH cycling, the specimens were subjected to microhardness and quantitative light-induced fluorescence testing. Water-based silver fluoride and silver diamine fluoride showed the greatest increases in microhardness and quantitative light-induced fluorescence, with no significant differences between the two. Sodium fluoride varnish also exhibited a significant increase in microhardness and quantitative light-induced fluorescence, but the differences were smaller than those for water-based silver fluoride and silver diamine fluoride. Water-based silver fluoride is considered useful in a clinical setting for remineralizing enamel lesions, with the advantages of no risk of tissue burn and improved taste and smell.