Aim:The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the synergistic effect of chemical degradation (erosion) and three-body abrasion (mechanical degradation) on the surface roughness (Ra) and hardness (KHN) of two nanorestorative materials and two conventional materials. Methods: Discshaped specimens (5 mm in diameter, 2 mm thick) of Filtek Z350 TM and TPH Spectrum TM composites and Ketac Nano TM and Vitremer TM light-curing glass ionomer cements, nanomaterials and conventional materials were prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. After 24 h, polishing procedures were performed and initial measurements of Ra and KHN were taken in all specimens. The specimens were divided into 12 groups (n = 10) according to material and storage media: artificial saliva, orange juice, and Coca-Cola®. After 30 days of storage, the specimens were submitted to mechanical degradation and re-evaluated for Ra and KHN. Data were tested for significant differences by repeated-measure three-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p<0.05). Results: Erosion and abrasion wear significantly decreased hardness of all materials. Only Filtek Z350 roughness, however, was not affected by erosion and abrasion. All materials showed a significant increase in surface roughness after erosion and abrasion, except for Filtek Z350. After chemical and mechanical degradation, the KHN of all samples had decreased significantly. After mechanical degradation, the acidic drinks (Coca-Cola® and orange juice) were more aggressive than artificial saliva to all materials. Conclusions: A synergistic effect was observed by the increase in roughness for all materials, except for Filtek Z350; hardness values decrease for all materials, regardless of whether they were nanofilled or not. The RMGICs were more susceptible to degradation than the composites, considering both hardness and roughness surface parameters.

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Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of photoinitiator concentration on marginal and internal adaptation of composites photocured by modulated methods.Materials and Methods:Composites based on BisGMA/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate and 65 wt% of filler were prepared with different concentrations of camphorquinone/amine (C1-0.5%, C2-1%, C3-1.5%). Cavities were prepared (3 mm × 3 mm × 2 mm) on the buccal surface of 120 bovine incisors and the adhesive system Adper Single Bond 2 was applied following manufactures instruction. Specimens were then distributed according to type of composite (C1, C2, C3) and photoactivation method (high-intensity – 750 mW/cm2 for 40 s; low intensity – 150 mW/cm2 for 200 s; soft-start – 150 mW/cm2 for 10 s + 750 mW/cm2 for 38 s; pulse-delay – 150 mW/cm2 for 10 s + 3 min dark + 750 mW/cm2 for 38 s). Superficial and internal margins were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, using the epoxy replica technique. The length of gaps was expressed as a percentage of the total length of the margins. Data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (α =0.05).Results:Modulated curing methods did not influence gap formation regarding both superficial and internal adaptation. The composite with the lower initiator concentration (C1) presented higher gap formation when compared with those with higher concentrations (C2 and C3).Conclusion:Modulated photoactivation methods did not reduce gap formation for the experimental composite restorations evaluated. However, higher photoinitiator concentrations promote better marginal seal.