The Impact of Simulated Bruxism Forces and Surface Aging Treatments on Two Dental Nano-Biocomposites—A Radiographic and Tomographic Analysis

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Nowadays, indication of composite materials for various clinical situations has increased significantly. However, in the oral environment, these biomaterials are subjected (abnormal occlusal forces, external bleaching, consumption of carbonated beverages, etc.) to changes in their functional and mechanical behavior when indicated primarily for patients with masticatory habits. The study aimed to recreate in our lab one of the most common situations nowadays—in-office activity of a young patient suffering from specific parafunctional occlusal stress (bruxism) who consumes acidic beverages and is using at-home dental bleaching. Materials and Methods: Sixty standardized class II cavities were restored with two nanohybrid biocomposite materials (Filtek Z550, 3M ESPE, and Evetric, Ivoclar Vivadent); the restored teeth were immersed in sports drinks and carbonated beverages and exposed to an at-home teeth bleaching agent. The samples were subjected to parafunctional mechanical loads using a dual-axis chewing simulator. A grading evaluation system was conducted to assess the defects of the restorations using different examination devices: a CBCT, a high-resolution digital camera, and periapical X-rays. Results: Before mechanical loading, the CBCT analysis revealed substantially fewer interfacial defects between the two resin-based composites (p > 0.05), whereas, after bruxism forces simulation, significantly more defects were identified (p < 0.05). Qualitative examination of the restorations showed more occlusal defects for the Evetric than the other nanohybrid composite. Conclusions: There were different behaviors observed regarding the studied nanocomposites when simulation of parafunctional masticatory forces was associated with aging treatments.

Dentistry: A Multidisciplinary Approach

“…The research concludes that both traditional and digital models are effective for orthodontic teaching, with no significant differences in the measurement results [ 20 ]. The article “The Impact of Simulated Bruxism Forces and Surface Aging Treatments on Two Dental Nano-Biocomposites—A Radiographic and Tomographic Analysis” by Amelia Anita Boitor et al [ 21 ] investigates the effects of simulated bruxism forces and aging treatments on two dental nano-biocomposites. It focuses on the radiographic and tomographic analysis of these materials under stress.…”

“…The study simulates real-life conditions like the consumption of acidic beverages and the use of at-home dental bleaching, aiming to assess the mechanical and functional behavior of these composites under such circumstances. The results provide insights into the suitability of these materials for dental restorations in patients with specific oral conditions, including bruxism [ 21 ]. The study “Different Designs of Deep Marginal Elevation and Its Influence on Fracture Resistance of Teeth with Monolith Zirconia Full-Contour Crowns” by Ali Robaian et al [ 22 ] investigates the impact of deep marginal elevation (DME) on the fracture resistance of teeth restored with monolithic zirconia crowns.…”