Issues

Selection of a composite resin based on high filler content, may be misleading. The reported filler content may vary, depending on the ratio of prepolymerized resin to inorganic glass particles. A composite material should be labeled with two values: total filler and inorganic filler contents.

The application of flowable composite as a liner may not improve marginal adaptation and is product dependent. Lining the cavity with a 1-mm-thick layer of a bonding agent improves marginal adaptation but, clinically, may be problematic.

The results of this study demonstrated that Rely X Luting Plus, a resin-modified glass ionomer cement, exhibited the most favorable sealing properties against bacteria during a 60-day observation period in comparison to a self-etching resin cement Maxcem Elite and a conventional glass ionomer cement Ketac Cem. The bacterial leakage model used for this experiment proved to be a useful method to determine the sealing properties of luting agents used for cementation of cast restorations.

Coffee consumption during bleaching did not affect the effectiveness of dental bleaching.

Dentists use dental bonding agents (DBAs) in most operative/restorative procedures. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of such commonly used materials helps clinicians choose the appropriate DBA for optimal clinical outcomes.

The reestablishment of the anterior teeth's esthetic harmony can be obtained with excellent clinical results by using the same porcelain for different tooth preparations, such as for laminate veneers and full metal-free crowns.

In posterior stress-bearing occlusal cavities, the longevity of resin composite restorations (RCs) was lower than amalgam restorations, while the clinical performance of the restorations in use was not different. RCs must be observed with periodic follow-ups for early detection and timely repair of failures.

The methods of caries activity assessment associated with the International Caries Detection and Assessment System have similar performance independent of the examiners' levels of experience. However, assessments based on the clinical features of the lesions are less time consuming.

Clinical performance of the Filtek Silorane Restorative System was similar to that of methacrylate-based restorative systems used in this study after two years of clinical use. Teeth restored with Adper Scotchbond SE + Filtek Z250 showed a trend toward higher marginal staining.

The anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen reduced the intensity of tooth sensitivity up to one hour after in-office bleaching treatment.

A novel chlorhexidine-containing adhesive may offer comparable dentin-resin bond stability to the use of 2.0% chlorhexidine digluconate applied as a therapeutic primer while also providing a simplified clinical application technique.

In an attempt to speed up the restoration process, a new class of resin-based composite (RBC) material, the bulk-fill RBC, was recently introduced on the market, enabling up to 4- or 5-mm thick increments to be cured in one step. Their mechanical properties vary relative to those of flowable and nonflowable nanohybrid and microhybrid RBCs.

In clinical practice, as tooth preparation increases with onlay vs inlay techniques, the fracture resistance of the tooth may decrease depending on the restoration material used.

Surface treatments can adversely reduce the bond strength between resin composite and light-cured characterizing materials. Maintenance of the air-inhibited surface layer of resin composite is still the best alternative for optimizing the bond between resin composite and light-cured characterizing materials, therefore simplifying the clinical steps for performing dental characterization procedures.

If postoperative bleaching is expected, composite restorations should be bonded preferably with well-proven etch-and-rinse adhesive systems.

In general, the iTero scanner system displayed excellent extraoral performance. However, the polyurethane casts of the iTero system showed relatively low reproducibility, which indicated that the system should be used with caution for working cast fabrication.

In adhesive dentistry, the computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing composite crown offers a superior option to the ceramic crown in the restoration of endodontically treated anterior teeth.