Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Polymers for Aligner Manufacturing: In Vitro Study

The use of metal-free thermoplastic materials plays a key role in the orthodontic digital workflow due to the increasing demand for clear aligner treatments. Three thermoplastic polymers commonly used to fabricate clear aligners, namely Duran®, Biolon® and Zendura®, were investigated to evaluate the effect of thermoforming (T.), storage in artificial saliva (S.A.S.) and their combination on their mechanical properties. Elastic modulus and yield stress of the specimens were characterized. Each material was characterized for each condition through tensile tests (ISO527-1). The results showed that thermoforming does not lead to a significant decrease in yield stress, except for Zendura® that showed about a 30% decrease. An increase of the elastic modulus of Duran® and Zendura®, instead, was observed after thermoforming. The same increase was noticed for the yield stress of Duran®. For S.A.S. specimens, the elastic modulus generally decreases compared to supplier condition (A.S.) and simply thermoformed material. A decrease of yield stress, instead, is significant for Zendura®. The results demonstrated that the impact of the operating conditions on the mechanical properties can vary according to the specific polymer. To design reliable and effective orthodontic treatments, the materials should be selected after their mechanical properties are characterized in the simulated intraoral environment.

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Ex Vivo Dermis Mechanical Behavior in Relation to Decellularization Treatment Length

The Open Biomedical Engineering Journal ◽

10.2174/1874120701610010034 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 34-42 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Mara Terzini ◽

Cristina Bignardi ◽

Carlotta Castagnoli ◽

Irene Cambieri ◽

Elisabetta M. Zanetti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Elastic Modulus ◽

Sodium Hydroxide ◽

Structural Properties ◽

Structural Integrity ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Tensile Tests ◽

Treatment Length ◽

Native Tissue ◽

The Impact

Background: The dermis is a commonly used source tissue for biologic scaffolds; all cellular and nuclear materials need to be removed to limit the inflammatory immune response by the host organism. The decellularization is critical because it must preserve the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix. This work has analyzed a decellularization procedure commonly followed for the dermal tissue that is a chemical treatment with sodium hydroxide. The goal of this work is to identify the optimal treatment length on the basis of structural properties. Methods: Tensile tests have been performed on the native tissue and on tissues decellularized for 1-7 weeks in sodium hydroxide. The collected data have been analyzed through Tukey-Kramer test to assess if the mechanical properties (ultimate tensile stress and elastic modulus) of decellularized tissues were significantly different from the properties of the native tissue. These tests have been performed on specimens cut along two orthogonal directions (parallel and perpendicular to Langer’s lines). Results: The decellularization treatment performed with sodium hydroxide in general weakens the tissue: both the ultimate stress and the elastic modulus get lower. The structural properties along Langer lines orientation are more strongly impacted, while the structural properties orthogonal to Langer lines can be preserved with an optimal duration of the decellularization treatment that is 5-6 weeks. Conclusion: The duration of the decellularization treatment is critical not only to reach a complete decellularization, but also to preserve the mechanical properties of the tissue; 5-6 week treatment performed with sodium hydroxide allows preserving the mechanical properties of the native tissue perpendicularly to Langer lines orientation, and minimizing the impact of the decellularization process on the mechanical properties along the Langer lines orientation.

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Effect of fluoride on mechanical properties of NiTi and CuNiTi orthodontic archwires: an in vitro study

Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics ◽

10.1590/2177-6709.26.2.e212020.oar ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Pratap MANE ◽

Chanamallappa R. GANIGER ◽

Renuka PAWAR ◽

Sandesh PHAPHE ◽

Yusuf Ahammed RONAD ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Yield Strength ◽

Artificial Saliva ◽

Testing Machine ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Nickel Titanium ◽

Orthodontic Wire ◽

Point Bend ◽

Orthodontic Archwires

ABSTRACT Introduction: After debonding, white spot may appear on the area below the bracket, which is the early clinical sign of carious lesion. There is increased caries risk underneath and adjacent to orthodontic bands and brackets, which call for maximum use of caries preventive procedures using various fluoride application methods. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate alterations in the mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity and yield strength) in loading and unloading phases for different orthodontic archwires (nickel-titanium [NiTi] and copper-nickel-titanium [CuNiTi]) when exposed routinely to fluoride prophylactic agents for a predetermined period of time. Methods: Preformed rectangular NiTi and CuNiTi wires were immersed in fluoride solution and artificial saliva (control) for 90 minutes at 37ºC. After immersion, specimens were tested using a 3-point bend test on a universal testing machine. Results: There is a significant reduction in the unloading yield strength when the NiTi and CuNiTi wires were exposed to APF gel. Conclusion: The result suggests that use of topical fluoride agents affect the mechanical properties of the wires, leading to increase in treatment duration. Fluoride prophylactic agents must be used with caution in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Injudicious use of these agents may cause corrosive effects on the orthodontic wire surfaces, with alteration in their mechanical properties.

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Effects of Carbonated Drinks on Mechanical Properties of Three Types of Thermoplastic Aligner Materials: An In vitro Study

The Journal of Indian Orthodontic Society ◽

10.1177/0301574219892421 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 54 (2) ◽

pp. 115-120

Author(s):

Leyona Pushpa Femina I. ◽

Chandrashekar B.S. ◽

Arun A.V ◽

Aravind S. Raju ◽

Ramesh Kumar P.C. ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Artificial Saliva ◽

Testing Machine ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Control Groups ◽

Universal Testing ◽

In Vitro Aging ◽

Before And After ◽

Carbonated Drinks

Objectives: The aim was to assess the mechanical properties of the three types of thermoplastic aligner materials before and after in vitro aging with carbonated drinks. Materials and methods: Twelve samples of thermoplastic aligner materials produced by three different manufacturers (Leone S.P.A, Florence, Italy; Duran, SCHEU-dental GmbH, Iserlohn, Germany; Essix ACE, Dentsply Raintree Essix, United States) were selected. Samples were thermoformed and later aged in vitro at a constant temperature in artificial saliva along with carbonated drinks (10 min each day) for 2 weeks. The mechanical properties were characterized using universal testing machine such as instron (MultiTest 10-i) and the results were compared with the control groups (before exposure to carbonated drinks). Results: All the above-mentioned thermoplastic materials tested showed an insignificant ( p > 0.05) decrease in stiffness, yield strength, and elastic modulus after aging. The stiffness of the thermoplastic materials increased with an increase in thickness. The flexure modulus was higher for the thinner materials, whereas it was lower for the thicker materials. Conclusion: Experimental results indicate that the aligner material will remain stable during and following exposure to carbonated drinks, which suggests that the orthodontic force from thermoplastic appliances does not decrease with clinical usage of carbonated drinks.

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The Impact of the Demineralized Organic Matrix on the Effect of TiF4 Varnish on the Progression of Dentin Erosive Loss

Caries Research ◽

10.1159/000475534 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 51 (3) ◽

pp. 264-270 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Beatriz Martines de Souza ◽

Mariele Vertuan ◽

Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf ◽

Ana Carolina Magalhães

Keyword(s):

Citric Acid ◽

Artificial Saliva ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Organic Matrix ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Acid Ph ◽

Bonferroni Test ◽

And Control ◽

The Impact

This in vitro study compared the effect of TiF4 varnish with that of NaF varnish, applied on pre-eroded bovine dentin samples, with respect to the progression of erosive loss, in the presence or absence of the demineralized organic matrix (DOM). One hundred and sixty bovine dentin samples were pre-eroded (0.1% citric acid, pH 2.5, 30 min). Half of the samples were subjected to the DOM removal (collagenase solution, 5 days). Samples with and without the DOM were treated according to the groups (n = 20 with DOM and 20 without DOM/group): TiF4 varnish (2.45% F), NaF varnish (2.45% F), placebo varnish (without fluoride) and control (no treatment). Thereafter, the treated samples were submitted to erosive challenges 4 × 90 s/day (0.1% citric acid, pH 2.5) during 7 days. Between the challenges, the samples were immersed in artificial saliva. The dentin erosive loss was measured using contact profilometry (µm, n = 15). Five dentin samples per group were prepared for energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. Data were compared using 2-way ANOVA/Bonferroni test (p < 0.05). Both fluoride varnishes were effective in reducing the erosive loss progression regardless of the dentin condition when compared to placebo varnish and control groups. Despite the fact that the TiF4 varnish was more effective than the NaF varnish for both dentin conditions (p < 0.001), its effect was significantly reduced in the absence of DOM (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that the TiF4 varnish is the best treatment in reducing the progression of dentin erosive loss (100%) in vitro, but its protective effect is more pronounced in the presence of DOM.

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Polymethylmethacrylate Incorporating Nanodiamonds for Denture Repair: In Vitro Study on the Mechanical Properties

European Journal of Dentistry ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1735792 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammed Moustafa Ahmed Gad ◽

Mohamed Saber Ali ◽

Ahmad M. Al-Thobity ◽

Yousif A. Al-Dulaijan ◽

Mai El Zayat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Elastic Modulus ◽

Impact Strength ◽

Flexural Strength ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Acrylic Resin ◽

Bending Test ◽

Control Group ◽

Nd Addition ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nanodiamond (ND) addition to repair resin with repair gap modifications on the flexural and impact strength of repaired polymethylmethacrylate denture base. Materials and Methods Heat-polymerized acrylic resin specimens (N = 100/test) were prepared and sectioned to half creating two repair gaps: 2.5- and 0 mm with 45 degrees beveling. They were further divided into subgroups (n = 20) according to ND concentration (control, 0.25%ND, and 0.50%ND), thermocycling (500 cycles) was done to half the specimens in each subgroup. Flexural strength was tested using 3-point bending test and impact strength was tested by Charpy's impact test. Analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey's tests were performed for data analysis (α = 0.05). Scanning electron microscope was employed for fracture surface analysis and ND distribution. Results Before and after thermocycling, the addition of ND significantly increased the flexural strength and elastic modulus in comparison to control group (p ˂ 0.001), while 0 mm repair gap showed insignificant difference between ND-reinforced groups (p ˃ 0.05). Regarding impact strength, ND addition increased the impact strength with 0 mm gap in comparison to control and 2.5 mm with ND (p˂0.001), while later groups showed no significant in between (p ˃ 0.05). Comparing thermocycling effect per respective concentration and repair gap, thermocycling adversely affected all tested properties except elastic modulus with 0 mm–0.25 and 0 mm–0.5% and impact strength with 2.5 mm, 2.5 mm–0.25%, 2.5 mm– 0.5% (p ˃ 0.05). Conclusion ND addition combined with decreased repair gap improved the flexural strength, elastic modulus, and impact strength of repaired denture resin, while thermocycling has a negative effect on denture repair strength.

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THE MICROMECHANICAL AND TRIBOLOGICAL FEATURE OF MILD MOTTLED ENAMEL

Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology ◽

10.1142/s021951941450050x ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 14 (04) ◽

pp. 1450050 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

HONGYI FAN ◽

SHANSHAN GAO ◽

YANG LIU ◽

ZHUOLI ZHU ◽

HAIYANG YU

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Plastic Deformation ◽

Elastic Modulus ◽

Friction Coefficient ◽

Wear Rate ◽

Normal Load ◽

Artificial Saliva ◽

Wear Properties ◽

Constant Normal Load

The relationships between the basic mechanical and wear properties of mottled enamel, especially during the mastication process, are important factors and must be explored. This study evaluated mottled enamel's micro-tribological behavior under artificial saliva conditions in vitro. The basic mechanical properties were determined by nanoindentiation testing. A conical diamond nanoindenter tip was used to scratch mottled enamel and normal enamel. The scratches were sliding with a constant normal load of 2 mN, with different cycles during the tests. The hardness, elastic modulus and friction coefficient were obtained to analyze the mechanical properties. The results showed that the hardness and elastic modulus of mottled enamel were 10% and 14.6% less, respectively, than those of normal enamel. Mottled enamel showed a lower friction coefficient and a higher wear rate, compared to normal enamel. The friction coefficient did not appear to be related to the wear rate for either type of enamel. The wear mechanism for normal enamel was plastic deformation for early wear, while the combination of plastic deformation and delamination was the main damage feature of mottled enamel.

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In Vitro Effects of Resin Infiltration on Enamel Erosion Inhibition

Operative Dentistry ◽

10.2341/14-162-l ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 40 (5) ◽

pp. 492-502 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

GC Oliveira ◽

AP Boteon ◽

FQ Ionta ◽

MJ Moretto ◽

HM Honório ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Confocal Microscopy ◽

Artificial Saliva ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Adhesive System ◽

Dental Erosion ◽

Deep Penetration ◽

Resin Infiltration ◽

Fluorescence Confocal Microscopy ◽

In Vitro Effects

SUMMARY Resin-based materials that show promising effects for preventing the progression of erosion have been studied. This in vitro study evaluated the effects of applying resin-based materials, including resin infiltration, on previously eroded enamel subjected to erosive challenges. The influence of enamel surface etching prior to application of the material was also studied. Bovine enamel blocks were immersed in hydrochloric acid (HCl), 0.01 M (pH 2.3), for 30 seconds in order to form a softened erosion lesion. The blocks were then randomly divided into nine groups (n=12) and treated as follows: C = control without treatment; Hel = pit & fissure resin sealant (Helioseal Clear); Adh = two-step self-etching adhesive system (AdheSe); Tet = two-step conventional adhesive system (Tetric N-bond); and Inf = infiltrant (Icon). The Helno, Adhno, Tetno, and Infno groups received the same materials without (or with no) surface conditioning. The depth of the material's penetration into softened erosion lesions was qualitatively analyzed using reflection and fluorescence confocal microscopy. After application of the materials, the blocks were immersed in HCl for two minutes; this step was followed by immersion in artificial saliva for 120 minutes four times a day for five days (erosive cycling). Both the enamel alteration and material thickness were analyzed using profilometry, and the results were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p>0.05). Images from the confocal microscopy showed minimal penetration of Adh/Adhno and deep penetration of Inf/Infno into the erosive lesions. The groups Hel, Adh, Inf, Tetno, and Infno resulted in the formation of a layer of material over the enamel, which was effective in inhibiting the progression of erosion. In conclusion, the infiltrant, with or without etching, was able to penetrate and protect the enamel against dental erosion. The other resin-based materials, except for the two-step conventional adhesive, were able to penetrate and inhibit the progression of erosive lesions only when they were applied after enamel etching.

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Potential of different fluoride gels to prevent erosive tooth wear caused by gastroesophageal reflux

BMC Oral Health ◽

10.1186/s12903-021-01548-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Philipp Körner ◽

Luca Georgis ◽

Daniel B. Wiedemeier ◽

Thomas Attin ◽

Florian J. Wegehaupt

Keyword(s):

Gastroesophageal Reflux ◽

Artificial Saliva ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Tooth Wear ◽

Control Group ◽

Erosive Tooth Wear ◽

Custom Made ◽

Post Hoc ◽

Bovine Enamel

Abstract Background This in-vitro-study aimed to evaluate the potential of different fluoride gels to prevent gastroesophageal reflux induced erosive tooth wear. Methods Surface baseline profiles of a total of 50 bovine enamel specimens [randomly assigned to five groups (G1–5)] were recorded. All specimens were positioned in a custom made artificial oral cavity and perfused with artificial saliva (0.5 ml/min). Reflux was simulated 11 times a day during 12 h by adding HCl (pH 3.0) for 30 s (flow rate 2 ml/min). During the remaining 12 h (overnight), specimens were stored in artificial saliva and brushed twice a day (morning and evening) with a toothbrush and toothpaste slurry (15 brushing strokes). While specimens in the control group (G1) did not receive any further treatment, specimens in G2–5 were coated with different fluoride gels [Elmex Gelée (G2); Paro Amin Fluor Gelée (G3); Paro Fluor Gelée Natriumfluorid (G4); Sensodyne ProSchmelz Fluorid Gelée (G5)] in the evening for 30 s. After 20 days, surface profiles were recorded again and enamel loss was determined by comparing them with the baseline profiles. The results were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey`s HSD post-hoc test. Results The overall highest mean wear of enamel (9.88 ± 1.73 µm) was observed in the control group (G1), where no fluoride gel was applied. It was significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to all other groups. G2 (5.03 ± 1.43 µm), G3 (5.47 ± 0.63 µm, p = 0.918) and G4 (5.14 ± 0.82 µm, p > 0.999) showed the overall best protection from hydrochloric acid induced erosion. Enamel wear in G5 (6.64 ± 0.86 µm) was significantly higher compared to G2 (p = 0.028) and G4 (p = 0.047). Conclusions After 20 days of daily application, all investigated fluoride gels are able to significantly reduce gastroesophageal reflux induced loss of enamel.

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Strength Enhancement of Superduplex Stainless Steel Using Thermomechanical Processing

Metals ◽

10.3390/met11071094 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 1094

Author(s):

M. A. Lakhdari ◽

F. Krajcarz ◽

J. D. Mithieux ◽

H. P. Van Landeghem ◽

M. Veron

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Stainless Steel ◽

Thermomechanical Processing ◽

Tensile Tests ◽

Image Correlation ◽

Strength Enhancement ◽

Industrial Material ◽

Superduplex Stainless Steel ◽

The Impact ◽

Strength Improvement

The impact of microstructure evolution on mechanical properties in superduplex stainless steel UNS S32750 (EN 1.4410) was investigated. To this end, different thermomechanical treatments were carried out in order to obtain clearly distinct duplex microstructures. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, together with texture measurements, were used to characterize the morphology and the preferred orientations of ferrite and austenite in all microstructures. Additionally, the mechanical properties were assessed by tensile tests with digital image correlation. Phase morphology was not found to significantly affect the mechanical properties and neither were phase volume fractions within 13% of the 50/50 ratio. Austenite texture was the same combined Goss/Brass texture regardless of thermomechanical processing, while ferrite texture was mainly described by α-fiber orientations. Ferrite texture and average phase spacing were found to have a notable effect on mechanical properties. One of the original microstructures of superduplex stainless steel obtained here shows a strength improvement by the order of 120 MPa over the industrial material.

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Mechanical Properties of Spruce Wood Extracted from GLT Beams Loaded by Fire

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13105494 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

pp. 5494

Author(s):

Lucie Kucíková ◽

Michal Šejnoha ◽

Tomáš Janda ◽

Jan Sýkora ◽

Pavel Padevět ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

High Temperature ◽

Cross Section ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Tensile Tests ◽

Thermal Recovery ◽

Bending Test ◽

Small Scale ◽

Spruce Wood ◽

The Impact

Heating wood to high temperature changes either temporarily or permanently its physical properties. This issue is addressed in the present contribution by examining the effect of high temperature on residual mechanical properties of spruce wood, grounding on the results of full-scale fire tests performed on GLT beams. Given these tests, a computational model was developed to provide through-thickness temperature profiles allowing for the estimation of a charring depth on the one hand and on the other hand assigning a particular temperature to each specimen used subsequently in small-scale tensile tests. The measured Young’s moduli and tensile strengths were accompanied by the results from three-point bending test carried out on two groups of beams exposed to fire of a variable duration and differing in the width of the cross-section, b=100 mm (Group 1) and b=160 mm (Group 2). As expected, increasing the fire duration and reducing the initial beam cross-section reduces the residual bending strength. A negative impact of high temperature on residual strength has also been observed from simple tensile tests, although limited to a very narrow layer adjacent to the charring front not even exceeding a typically adopted value of the zero-strength layer d0=7 mm. On the contrary, the impact on stiffness is relatively mild supporting the thermal recovery property of wood.

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