Al Jabbari YS. J Adv Prosthodont. 2014 Apr;6(2):138-145. https://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2014.6.2.138

Titanium nitride and/or nitrogen ion implanted coated dental materials have been investigated since the mid-1980s and considered in various applications in dentistry such as implants, abutments, orthodontic wires, endodontic files, periodontal/oral hygiene instruments, and casting alloys for fixed restorations. Multiple methodologies have been employed to create the coatings, but detailed structural analysis of the coatings is generally lacking in the dental literature. Depending on application, the purpose of the coating is to provide increased surface hardness, abrasion/wear resistance, esthetics, and corrosion resistance, lower friction, as well as greater beneficial interaction with adjacent biological and material substrates. While many studies have reported on the achievement of these properties, a consensus is not always clear. Additionally, few studies have been conducted to assess the efficacy of the coatings in a clinical setting. Overall, titanium nitride and/or nitrogen ion implanted coated dental materials potentially offer advantages over uncoated counterparts, but more investigation is needed to document the structure of the coatings and their clinical effectiveness.

Objective: To evaluate the combined effects of material type, surface treatment, and thermocycling on the bond strength of orthodontic brackets to materials used for the fabrication of provisional crowns. Materials and Methods: Four materials were included in this study (ProTemp, Trim Plus, Trim II, and Superpont C+B). Sixty cylindrical specimens (1 × 3 cm) were prepared from each material and equally divided into three groups. The first group was ground with silica carbide paper, the second was polished with pumice, and the last group was sandblasted with 50-µm aluminum oxide particles. Stainless-steel maxillary central incisor brackets (Victory Series, 3M) were bonded to the provisional material specimens with Transbond XT light-cured composite resin, and half of the specimens from each group were thermocycled 500 times in 5°C and 55°C water baths. Then the brackets were debonded with shear testing, and the results were statistically analyzed by three-way analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple-comparison tests at α = 0.05. Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was also identified. Results: Before and after thermocycling, ProTemp materials showed the highest shear bond strength with orthodontic brackets (10.3 and 13.1 MPa, respectively). The statistical analysis indicated an interaction among the three independent variables ( P < .05) and statistically significant differences in bond strength among provisional materials ( P < .001), surface treatments ( P < .001), and thermocycling ( P < .05). According to the ARI, most groups demonstrated adhesive failure. Conclusions: The provisional material type, surface treatment, and artificial aging have a significant effect on bond strength. Sandblasting treatment exerts a beneficial effect on shear bond strength.

To perform a comparative analysis of the microstructure, porosity, mechanical properties, corrosion, and tarnish resistance of Co-Cr alloys prepared by casting and three different computer aided designed/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques. Four groups of metallic specimens were prepared, one each by conventional casting (CST), milling (MIL), selective laser melting (SLM), and milling soft metal (MSM). Ten samples were tested by X-rays, after which their microstructure and elemental composition were tested by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) analysis. Martens hardness (HM) and elastic index (ηIT) were determined by instrumented indentation testing (IIT), while modulus of elasticity (E) was determined by three-point bending. Corrosion measurements were tested according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 10271. The electrolytes were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Holm-Sidak's multiple-comparison test (α=0.05). The CST group illustrated internal flaws while all CAD/CAM group samples were found to be free of them. No statistically significant differences were identified among groups in their elemental composition. SLM showed the highest HM, followed by the MIL, CST, and MSM. Elastic index showed significant differences among all groups, with CST showing the lowest and SLM the highest values. SLM showed the highest elastic modulus values, followed by MSM, MIL, and CST. No significant differences were found in ionic release among groups. No surface deterioration after static and cyclic tarnish testing was determined. The manufacturing procedure significantly affects the microstructure, porosity, and mechanical properties of Co-Cr alloys. In contrast, ionic release and tarnish resistance are independent of the manufacturing technique used.