Evaluation of the physical, chemical and adhesive properties of Alkasite restorative materials
Alkasite, Bioactivity, Aging; Erosion, Material properties
“Restorative materials with bioactive characteristics have appeared on the market with the promise of improving the remineralization processes of the tooth structure and hindering or slowing down demineralization. The incorporation of different glass particles into composites has offered different characteristics in terms of adhesion, viscosity, physical and chemical resistance of these materials and expanded their use in various clinical situations. In this context, alkasite-type materials are a recent option for restorative use, containing bioactive properties. The aim of this project was to evaluate the chemical and mechanical behavior of alkasite materials under different aging conditions, and compare them with other conventional materials, with or without bioactivity. This text provides a brief review on the topic in chapter 1. In the second chapter, the flexural resistance, microhardness, sorption and solubility of the following materials were evaluated: Alkasite (Cention N, Ivoclar), Conventional glass ionomer cement (Riva LC, SDI), Bioactive composite resin (Beautifill II, Shofu), and conventional composite resin (Z100, 3M ESPE). The analyzes were carried out under three aging conditions: control (no aging), thermocycling (5000 cycles, 5º-55ºC, 30 s), and erosive challenges (citric acid, pH 3.6, 4x day, 5 days). The results of the study indicate that the aging carried out significantly impacted the flexural strength, microhardness, sorption, and solubility of the materials evaluated. Finally, the third and final chapter presents the evaluation of the adhesive resistance to microshear of different bioactive materials, both in enamel and dentin. The following were evaluated: Alkasite (Cention N, Ivoclar) applied with universal adhesive; Alcasite (Cention N, Ivoclar) applied without adhesive; Conventional glass ionomer cement (Riva LC, SDI); and Bioactive self-adhesive composite resin (Stella, SDI). The comparison was made after thermocycling and erosive cycling. It was observed that the materials tended to have better bonding resistance to erosive aging. Detailed presentation and discussion of each result is provided in each chapter.”