COMPOSITE RESINS

Applications / Use

• Anterior restorations for aesthetics (class III, IV, V, cervical erosion abrasion lesions)
• Low-stress posterior restorations (small class I, II)
• Veneers
• Cores for cast restorations
• Cements for porcelain restorations
• Cements for acid-etched Maryland bridges
• Repair systems for composites or porcelains

Polymerization--reaction of small molecules (monomers) into very large molecules (polymers)

Cross-linking-tying together of polymer molecules by chemical reaction between the molecules to produce a continuous three-dimensional network

Bonding Agents

Applications-composites, resin-modified gIass ionomers, ceramic bonded to enamel restorations, veneers, orthodontic brackets, and desensitizing dentin by covering exposed tubules (Maryland bridges, composite and ceramic repair systems, amalgams and amalgam repair, and pinned amalgams)

Definitions;-

Smear layer - Layer of compacted debris on enamel and/or dentin from the cavity preparation process  that is weakly held to the surface (6 to 7 MPa) , and that limits bonding agent strength if not removed

Etching (or, conditioning)- smear layer removal and production of microspaces for micromechanical bonding by dissolving –minor amounts of surface hydroxyapatite crystals

Priming..- micromechanical (and chemical) bonding to the microspaces created by conditioning step.

Conditioning/priming agent-agent that accomplishes both actions

Bonding- formation of resin layer that connect  the primed surface to the overlying restoration (e.g., composite) .. –

Enamel bonding System-for bonding to enamel (although dentin bonding may be a Second step)

Dentin bonding system  for bonding  to dentin (although  enamel bonding  may have been a first step)

•        First-generation dentin bonding system for bonding to smear layer

•        New-generation dentin bonding system- for removing smear layer and etching intertubular dentin to allow  primer and/or bonding agent to diffuse into spaces between collagen and form hybrid zone

Enamel and dentin bonding system-for bonding to enamel and dentin surfaces with the same procedures

Amalgam bonding  system for bonding to enamel, dentin, and amalgam, dentin and amalgam during an amalgam placement procedure or for amalgam repair

Universal bonding system-for bonding to enamel, dentin, amalgam, porcelain , or any other substrate intraorally that may be necessary for a restorative procedure  using the  same set of procedures and materials

Types

Enamel bonding systems

Dentin bonding systems

Amalgam bonding systems

Universal bonding systems

Structure

o        Components of bonding systems

o        Conditioning agent-mineral or organic acid

Enamel only   37% phosphoric acid

Dentin only or enamel and .dentin---37% phosphoric acid, citric acid, maleic acid, or nitric acid

o        Priming agent

Hydrophobic-solvent-soluble, light cured monomer system

Hydrophilic-water-soluble, light-cured monomer system

Bonding agent

BIS-GMA-type monomer system

UDMA-type monomer system

Reaction

Bonding occurs primarily by intimate micromechanical retention with the relief created by the conditioning step

Chemical bonding is possible but is not recognized as contributing significantly to the overall bond strength

Manipulation-follow manufacturer's directions

Properties

Physical-thermal expansion and contraction may create fatigue stresses that debond the interface and permit micro leakage

Chemical-water absorption into the bonding agent may chemically alter the bonding

Mechanical-mechanical stresses may produce fatigue that debonds the interface and permits microleakage

Enamel bonding-adhesion occurs by macrotags (between enamel prisms) and microtags (into enamel prisms) to produce micromechanical retention

Dentin bonding-adhesion occurs by penetration of smear layer and formation of microtags into intertubular dentin to produce a hybrid zone (interpenetration zone or diffusion zone) that microscopically intertwines collagen bundles and bonding agent polymer

Biologic

Conditioning agents may be locally irritating if they come into contact with soft tissue

Priming agents (uncured), particularly those based on HEMA, may be skin sensitizers after several contacts with dental personnel

Protect skin on hands and face from inadvertent contact with unset materials and/ or their vapors

HEMA and other priming monomers may penetrate through rubber gloves in relatively short times (60 to 90 seconds)

The Sprue :

Its a channel through which molten alloy can reach the mold in an invested ring after the wax has been eliminated. Role of a Sprue: Create a channel to allow the molten wax to escape from the mold. Enable the molten alloy to flow into the mold which was previously occupied by the wax pattern.

FUNCTIONS OF SPRUE

1 . Forms a mount for the wax pattern .
2 . Creates a channel for elimination of wax .
3 .Forms a channel for entry of molten metal
4 . Provides a reservoir of molten metal to compensate for the alloy shrinkage .

SELECTION OF SPRUE

Sprue former gauge selection is often empirical, is yet based on the following five general principles:
1.   Select the gauge sprue former with a diameter that is approximately the same size as the thickest area of the wax pattern. If the pattern is small, the sprue former must also be small because a large sprue former attached to a thin delicate pattern could cause distortion. However if the sprue former diameter is too small this area will solidify before the casting itself and localized shrinkage porosity may result.
2.   If possible the sprue former should be attached to the portion of the pattern with the largest cross-sectional area. It is best for the molten alloy to flow from the thick section to the surrounding thin areas. This design minimizes the risk of turbulence.
3.   The length of the sprue former should be long enough to properly position the pattern in the casting ring within 6mm of the trailing end and yet short enough so the molten alloy does not solidify before it fills the mold.
4.   The type of sprue former selected influences the burnout technique used. It is advisable to use a two-stage burnout technique whenever plastic sprue formers or patterns are involved to ensure complete carbon elimination, because plastic sprues soften at temperatures above the melting point of the inlay waxes.
5.   Patterns may be sprued directly or indirectly. For direct sprueing the sprue former provides the direct connection between the pattern area and the sprue base or crucible former area. With indirect spruing a connector or reservoir bar is positioned between the pattern and the crucible former. It is common to use indirect spruing for multiple stage units and fixed partial dentures.

RINGLESS INVESTMENT TECHNIQUE
Used for phosphate bonded investments .
This method uses paper or plastic casting ring .
It is designed to allow urestricted expansion .
Useful for high melting alloys .

Properties of Acrylic Resins.

• They have a low thermal conductivity. These resins are not easily washed out by the acids of the oral cavity (low solubility). Acrylic resins are also resilient, which allows them to be used in stress-bearing areas.
• Acrylic resins exhibit a moderate shrinkage of from 3 to 8 percent. This shrinkage and low marginal strength can lead to marginal leakage. Acrylic resins have a low resistance to wear. Acrylic resins cannot be used over a zinc oxide and eugenol-type base because eugenol interferes with the acrylic curing process.
• Mixing. Insufficient mixing will cause an uneven color or streaks in the mixture. Overmixing will cause the material to harden before it can be placed
• Poor distortion resistance at higher temperatures, therefore dentures should not be cleaned in hot water
• Good resistance to color change
• Absorbs water and must be kept hydrated  (stored in water when not in mouth) to prevent dehydration cycling and changes in dimensions
• Not resistant to strong oxidizing agents
• Low strength; however, flexible, with good fatigue resistance
• Poor scratch resistance; clean tissue-bearing surfaces of denture with soft brush and do not use abrasive cleaners

CASTING: casting is the process by which the wax pattern of a restoration is converted to a replicate in a dental alloy. The casting process is used to make dental restorations such as inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges and removable partial dentures.

Objectives of casting

1) To heat the alloy as quickly as possible to a completely molten condition.
2) To prevent oxidation by heating the metal with awell adjusted torch .
3) To produce a casting with sharp details by having adequate pressure to the well melted metal to force into the mold.

STEPS IN MAKING A CAST RESTORATION
1. TOOTH PREPARATION
2. IMPRESSION
3. DIE PREPARATION
4. WAX PATTERN FABRICATION
5. SPRUING