SUMMARY: This study evaluated the antibacterial effects, physical properties and bonding strengths of conventional glass-ionomer cements (GICs) containing antibiotics and determined the optimal concentration of antibiotics addition for use with the ART approach. Fuji IX GIC was used as a control. Three antibiotic mixtures, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and minocycline, were added to powdered GIC (Fuji IX) to obtain concentration ratios of 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5% w/w. The antibacterial activity of each GIC was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans or Lactobacillus casei using agar-diffusion methods. The release of antibiotics was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The compressive strength and bonding strength to dentin were measured and compared with those of control samples. The results were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon test. All tested groups showed a significantly greater inhibition with growth of the selected bacteria in comparison to the control groups (p<0.01). However, the 3% and 4.5% concentration ratios of antibiotics had significantly lower compressive strength and lower bond strength to dentin than the control group (p=0.003). The GIC-containing antibiotics were effective in inhibiting S Mutans and L Casei. The addition of a 1.5% antibiotic mixture was optimal to giving appropriate physical and bonding properties.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of food-simulating liquids (FSL) on the hardness and flexural strength (FS) of a new silorane-based composite and to compare it with methacrylate-based composites (MBCs). Four restorative materials (Filtek Silorane, P60, Z250, and Supreme XT) were used. Specimens for the FS and hardness measurements were fabricated in customized molds. Immediately after polymerization, the materials were stored in the following dietary simulating solvents at 37°C for 1 week: distilled water, 0.02 N citric acid, heptane, and 75% aqueous ethanol solution. After conditioning, the FS and hardness values were measured. Data were subjected to ANOVA/Scheffé's test at a significance level of 0.05. The hardness and FS of Filtek Silorane were not significantly affected by FSL (p>0.05). Conversely, the hardness of MBCs significantly decreased after conditioning in water and ethanol (p<0.05). Similarly, the FS values of MBCs were significantly affected after conditioning in ethanol.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of surface conditioning protocols on the shear bond strength (SBS) of metal brackets to aged composite resin surfaces in vitro. Ninety composite resin discs, 6 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height, were prepared and treated with an ageing procedure. After ageing, the specimens were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: (1) control with no surface treatment, (2) 38 per cent phosphoric acid gel, (3) 9.6 per cent hydrofluoric acid gel, (4) airborne aluminium trioxide particle abrasion, (5) sodium bicarbonate particle abrasion, and (6) diamond bur. The metal brackets were bonded to composite surfaces by means of an orthodontic adhesive (Transbond XT). All specimens were stored in water for 1 week at 37°C and then thermocycled (1000 cycles, 5–55°C) prior to SBS testing. SBS values and residual adhesive on the composite surface were evaluated. Analysis of variance showed a significant difference (P = 0.000) between the groups. Group 6 had the highest mean SBS (10.61 MPa), followed by group 4 (10.29 MPa). The results of this study suggest that a clinically acceptable bond strength can be achieved by surface conditioning of aged resin composite via the application of hydrofluoric acid, aluminium trioxide particle abrasion, sodium bicarbonate particle abrasion, or a diamond bur.