Issues

Insufficient light exposure could result in low degree of conversion of dual-cure resin cement, which is even lower than that of self-curing alone. Clinicians need to modify their curing strategies when sufficient light activation is difficult to achieve.

The repair of the facial surface of a class IV composite restoration with poor coloration is a minimally invasive treatment that allows satisfactory restoration of esthetics and function.

Since polymerization shrinkage in a 2.5 mm deep class I cavity was, in general, not different in a self-adhesive, a bulk-fill, and a conventional flowable resin composite, endeavors to simplify clinical procedures and to reduce steps and treatment times are promising.

Silorane-based resin composites (SBRC) have been found to exhibit a decrease in polymerization shrinkage stresses and properties at least as good as that associated with methacrylate-based resin composites. This review summarizes the current literature on the SBRC to help the dental practitioner trying to make evidence-based decisions.

In treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, light-curing desensitizing varnishes might be able to avoid dentin loss. Consequently, these materials could be a promising preventive approach and may be preferred for clinical use.

Partnering with health providers on studies that address everyday clinical research questions through practice-based research is a potential solution to speed up the translation of research findings.

Resin-modified glass ionomer cements and polyacid-modified resin composite had similar clinical performance as pit and fissure sealants and successfully prevented dental caries lesions after 22 years.

A multi-step polishing system provides more desirable clinical results compared to simplified abrasive-impregnated rubber instruments. One-step and two-step self-etch adhesives show clinically equivalent performance.

Home-use bleaching agents delivered in customized or prefilled disposable trays are equally effective in promoting tooth color change but may cause tooth sensitivity that may intensify during treatment. Users seem to find customized trays more comfortable.

In office bleaching with 6% hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by titanium dioxide that is activated with a hybrid light (blue LED/infrared laser) achieves clinical effectiveness at nine months and has a positive dental confidence and psychosocial impact on patients.

This study revealed that bonding to Er,Cr:YSGG laser–irradiated enamel depends on pulse frequency. Six watt–50 Hz parameters might be safe options for enamel ablation. However, 3 W–50 Hz parameters might improve resin-bond strength significantly when laser conditioning.

Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing resin composites have different physical properties, and care should be taken when selecting one for clinical use.

Novel composite and polymer-infiltrated ceramic CAD/CAM materials benefit from etching of the intaglio surface with hydrofluoric acid or sandblasting, both followed by silanization.

Bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs) are not a homogeneous group of materials. Their degree of conversion and polymerization shrinkage are product/depth dependent. Bulk-fill RBCs should generally not be cured in more than 4-mm increments. As the degree of conversion of some bulk-fill products is low, they should be used with caution clinically.

The investigation of bonding performance and the assessment of tooth-composite interaction are helpful in the evaluation of restoration systems. Distinct differences between self-adhering flowables regarding the adhesive performance were observed, so that the clinical use must be pursued cautiously.

Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing resin composites have different physical properties, and care should be taken when selecting one for clinical use.