Over the past few decades, adhesive dentistry has advanced significantly. In light of minimal-invasive dentistry, this novel technique advocates a more conservative cavity design that relies on the efficiency of present enamel-dentine adhesives. The study aimed to address the scientific deficit in understanding the long-term bonding performance of universal adhesives and to provide a new clinical solution with desirable bond strength to dentin. The dentin bond strength of three bonding agents, G2-Bond Universal (GC), Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray), and Scotchbond Universal Plus (3M ESPE), was evaluated following various storage and etching modes. The UltraTester (Ultradent) bond strength testing machine was used to assess shear bond strength. The results showed that thermal cycling and the choice of adhesive system significantly affected the shear bond strength (p = 0.018 and p = 0.001, respectively). Among the three adhesives, Scotchbond Universal Plus had the lowest bond strength value (mean value = 24.78 MPa), while G2-Bond Universal was found to have desirable shear bond strength to dentin compared to the other adhesives, even after one year in the oral environment (mean value = 35.15 MPa). These findings imply that the HEMA-free universal adhesive G2-Bond Universal is the most effective universal adhesive for clinical practices, particularly when applied in the self-etch mode.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of incorporation of Al₂O₃, ZrO₂ and TiO₂ nanoparticles into glass–ionomer cements (GICs). Two different GICs were used in the study. Four groups were prepared for each material: the control group (without nanoparticles) and three groups modified by the incorporation of nanoparticles at 2, 5 or 10 wt %, respectively. Cements were mixed and placed in moulds (4 mm × 6 mm); after setting, the samples were stored in saline (one day and one week). Compressive strengths were measured and the morphology of the fractured surfaces was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The elements released into the storage solutions were determined by Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Addition of nanoparticles was found to alter the appearance of cements as examined by scanning electron microscopy. Compressive strength increased with the addition of ZrO₂ and especially TiO₂ nanoparticles, whereas the addition of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles generally weakened the cements. The ion release profile of the modified cements was the same in all cases. The addition of Al₂O₃, ZrO₂ and TiO₂ nanoparticles into GICs is beneficial, since it leads to reduction of the microscopic voids in the set cement. Of these, the use of ZrO₂ and TiO₂ nanoparticles also led to increased compressive strength. Nanoparticles did not release detectable levels of ions (Al, Zr or Ti), which makes them suitable for clinical use.

This study aimed to determine the effects of three different varnish materials (containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, nano-hydroxyapatite, and fluoride) on enamel. Thirty-three extracted human third molars were used for specimen preparation. These were demineralized using phosphoric acid. Three experimental groups (n = 11) were treated with 3M™ Clinpro™ White Varnish, MI Varnish^®, and Megasonex^® toothpaste, respectively, every twenty-four hours for fourteen days. Analysis of the microhardness of the specimens’ enamel surfaces was carried out via the Vickers method, and by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Analysis was performed at three stages: at baseline value, after demineralization, and after the period of remineralization. Data were subjected to Scheffe’s post hoc test. The mean microhardness values (HV0.1) obtained for the group of samples treated with MI Varnish^® were higher compared with the other two groups (p = 0.001 for both comparisons), while the first and third groups did not differ significantly from each other (p = 0.97). SEM analysis showed uneven patterns and porosities on all samples tested. EDS results showed an increase in the mineral content of the examined samples, with the highest mineral content observed in the MI Varnish^® group. It can be concluded that MI Varnish^® use has a better remineralization effect on enamel than the other two materials.

The purpose of the study was to determine the wear rate of Equia Forte HT Fil with Equia Forte Coat or without coating and compare it with Fuji IX GP high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) in conditions with acid load or at neutral pH. The samples were stored for 7 days: (1) in artificial saliva, (2) in artificial saliva and cyclically exposed to low pH, and (3) in distilled water and cyclically exposed to low pH. Wear was determined by measuring the difference in mass before and after brushing in an abrasion testing device. The wear of Fuji IX GP was significantly higher than that of Equia Forte HT Fil with or without coating (p = 0.000). The difference between Equia Forte HT Fil with and without Coat was not statistically significant (p < 0.803). The differences in wear resistance between samples stored in saliva and in distilled water were not significant (p = 0.588). Periodic exposure to the low pH solution significantly affected the wear resistance of all materials (p = 0.000). Equia Forte HT Fil was more resistant to wear than Fuji IX GP in all storage conditions. A resinous coat did not significantly increase wear resistance.

Objective: To evaluate the 5-year clinical performance of a glass hybrid restorative system and a nano-hybrid resin composite in moderate to large two-surface class II cavities. Materials and methods: This study was carried out by dental schools in Zagreb, Croatia; Izmir, Turkey; Belgrade, Serbia; and Milan, Italy. A total of 180 patients requiring two class-II two-surface restorations in the molars of the same jaw were recruited. The teeth were randomly restored with either a nano-hybrid resin composite (Tetric EvoCeram, Ivoclar Vivadent) or a glass-hybrid material (EQUIA Forte, GC). During the 5-year follow-up, two calibrated evaluators at each centre scored the restorations annually using the FDI-2 scoring system. The survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using non-parametric matched pair tests (p < 0.05). Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the overall survival and success rates of the two types of restorations (p>0.05). The success rates (FDI-2 scores 1–3) for EQUIA Forte were 81.9% (average annual failure rate: 3.9%) and 90.7% for Tetric EvoCeram (average annual failure rate: 1.9%). The survival rates (FDI-2 scores 1–4) for EQUIA Forte and Tetric EvoCeram were 94.5% and 94.4%, respectively, with an average annual failure rate of 1.1%. Conclusions: In terms of success and survival rates, both the glass-hybrid restorative system and the nano-hybrid resin composite have been shown to perform satisfactorily. Clinical relevance: The results of this study indicate that EQUIA Forte can be one of the therapeutic options for moderate to large two-surface class II restorations of posterior teeth.