Surface modification for enhanced silanation of zirconia ceramics

Effect of water glass treatment for zirconia and silane coupling on bond strength of resin cement

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ability of the water glass treatment to penetrate zirconia and improve the bond strength of resin cement.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Water glass was applied to zirconia specimens, which were then sintered. The specimens were divided into water-glass-treated and untreated zirconia (control) groups. The surface properties of the water-glass-treated specimens were evaluated using surface roughness and electron probe micro-analyser (EPMA) analysis. A resin cement was used to evaluate the tensile bond strength, with2 and without a silane-containing primer. After 24 h in water storage at 37 °C and thermal cycling, the bond strengths were statistically evaluated with t-test, and the fracture surfaces were observed using SEM.

RESULTS

The water glass treatment slightly increased the surface roughness of the zirconia specimens, and the EPMA analysis detected the water glass penetration to be 50 μm below the zirconia surface. The application of primer improved the tensile bond strength in all groups. After 24 h, the water-glass-treated zirconia exhibited a tensile strength of 24.8 ± 5.5 MPa, which was significantly higher than that of the control zirconia (17.6 ± 3.5 MPa) (p < 0.05). After thermal cycling, the water-glass-treated zirconia showed significantly higher tensile strength than the control zirconia. The fracture surface morphology was mainly an adhesive pattern, whereas resin cement residue was occasionally detected on the water-glass-treated zirconia surfaces.

CONCLUSION

The water glass treatment resulted in the formation of a stable silica phase on the zirconia surface. This process enabled silane coupling to the zirconia and improved the adhesion of the resin cement.

Effect of surface pretreatment and artificial aging on the retention of lithium disilicate crowns cemented to zirconia implant abutments

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Recent advancements in restorative dentistry have seen an increase in the use of ceramic restorations and zirconia implant abutments. However, how the pretreatment of a zirconia abutment and different artificial aging protocols affect the bond strength of a cemented, monolithic lithium disilicate crown is unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of surface pretreatment on the retentive strength of milled lithium disilicate crowns bonded to custom zirconia implant abutments with different resin cements after thermocycling and long-term aging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 144 crowns (n=8) were milled and bonded to 144 abutments. In the experimental groups, 72 abutments were airborne-particle abraded with 50-μm aluminum oxide before bonding. All specimens were stored at 37 °C in 100% humidity for 24 hours. Forty-eight specimens were subjected to thermocycling, and another 48 were subjected to aging for 6 months. Retentive strength was measured by using a pull-off test with a universal testing machine. Retentive strength values were calculated and compared with 3-way analysis of variance and a Tukey-Kramer post hoc test (α=.05).

RESULTS

In the 24-hour aging group, retention for all experimental groups was significantly higher (P<.05) than for the control group, except for Panavia 21 with Clearfil Ceramic Primer. In the thermocycling and long-term aging groups, all cements in the experimental group displayed significantly higher retention than the control. The airborne-particle abrasion of custom zirconia implant abutments with 50-μm aluminum oxide before bonding to lithium disilicate crowns significantly increased the bond strength of the Multilink Hybrid Abutment with Monobond Plus and RelyX Ultimate with Scotchbond Universal cements after 24-hour aging, but not of Panavia 21 with Clearfil Ceramic Primer.

CONCLUSIONS

Airborne-particle abrasion significantly increased the bond strength of all 3 cements after thermocycling and long-term aging.

Adhesive bond strength of monolithic zirconia ceramic finished with various surface treatments

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate different surface treatments thought to increase the bond strength between zirconia ceramic and adhesive resin cement.

METHODS

The samples were prepared in 15 × 10 × 2 mm dimensions by cutting off monolithic zirconia ceramic blocks (Incoris TZI; Sirona, Germany). Surface roughness measurements were made with a profilometer, the average surface roughness (Ra1) was recorded, and five different surface treatments were applied. Group 1: Control group. No surface treatment was applied. Group 2: Sandblasted with Al2O3 under pressure of 50 μm. Group 3: Sandblasted with 30 μm Al2O3 - SiOx under pressure, then tribochemical silica coating, silane bonding agent, and ceramic primer were applied. Group 4: Samples were etched in a hot acid solution containing methanol, HCl, and chloride at 100 °C. Group 5: Samples were coated in a solution containing Grade C Aluminum Nitrite at 75 °C for 15 Sects. 12,000 thermal aging was carried out to all samples. Then, samples were bonded to a composite surface (Filtek Z250) with two different types of adhesive cement (Panavia F 2.0, Rely X U200) (n = 10). A load was applied to the samples attached to the Universal Test Device for the SBS, and the SBS was recorded. The surface roughness measurements of all samples were made again, and the average surface roughness Ra2 was recorded. The data was analyzed with a two-way ANOVA test. Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons of the groups. p = 0.005 was accepted as the statistically significant value.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the Ra1 measurements (p = 0.031). There was a statistically significant difference between the Ra2 values of Groups 4 and 5 and the Ra2 values of Groups 1,2 and 3 in the Ra2 measurements (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the SBS values of the groups (p > 0.005). Also, there was no statistically significant difference in the SBS values of all groups for the two different cements tested (p > 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

None of the surface treatments applied to monolithic zirconia ceramic samples increased the SBS between ceramic and adhesive resin cement.

The Influence of Alumina Airborne-Particle Abrasion with Various Sizes of Alumina Particles on the Phase Transformation and Fracture Resistance of Zirconia-Based Dental Ceramics

The surface of zirconia-based dental ceramic restorations require preparation prior to adhesive cementation. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of airborne-particle abrasion with different sizes of alumina particles (50 μm, 110 μm, or 250 μm) on the mechanical strength of zirconia-based ceramics' frameworks and on the extent of phase transformations. A fracture resistance test was performed. The central surface of the frameworks was subjected to a load [N]. The identification and quantitative determination of the crystalline phase present in the zirconia specimens was assessed using X-ray diffraction. The Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance was used to establish significance (α = 0.05). The fracture resistance of zirconia-based frameworks significantly increases with an increase in the size of alumina particles used for air abrasion: 715.5 N for 250 μm alumina particles, 661.1 N for 110 μm, 608.7 N for 50 μm and the lowest for the untreated specimens (364.2 N). The X-ray diffraction analysis showed an increase in the monoclinic phase content after air abrasion: 50 μm alumina particles-26%, 110 μm-40%, 250 μm-56%, and no treatment-none. Air abrasion of the zirconia-based dental ceramics' surface with alumina particles increases the fracture resistance of zirconia copings and the monoclinic phase volume. This increase is strongly related to the alumina particle size.

Bonding effect of a Zr/Si coating prepared on zirconia using a sol-gel method

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Zirconia has been widely used as a dental prosthetic material. However, bonding to zirconia is challenging, and whether a Zr/Si coating would improve bonding is unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to prepare a Zr/Si coating on zirconia ceramics using a sol-gel method and to determine whether the bonding to resin is improved.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Presintered zirconia specimens were prepared and divided into 5 groups: 4 experimental groups with ratios of the binary sol-gel precursor (zirconium oxychloride/tetraethoxysilane) set as 2:1 (Z2), 1:1 (Z1), 0.5:1 (Z0.5), and 0.25:1 (Z0.25) and Group C as the control group. In addition to surface roughness measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were carried out to characterize the surface. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups according to whether a silane coupling agent was applied. Half of the bond specimens were stored in deionized water for 24 hours; the remaining half were aged using 5000 thermocycles. The shear bond strength (SBS) of resin bonded to specimens was tested for the initial and durable bond strength, and the bonding interface was also observed by SEM after debonding. Data were subjected to 1-way ANOVA and the post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference test (α=.05).

RESULTS

The Zr/Si coating formed on zirconia ceramics. Z0.5 had the greatest mean ±standard deviation roughness (2.13 ±0.15 μm) and had the highest silicon content (21.7 ±0.21%). t-ZrO₂, m-ZrO₂, c-SiO_2, and ZrSiO₄ were detected by XRD in Z1. The SBS values were decreased by aging but were significantly increased by Zr/Si coating, especially for Z0.5, with the application of silane (initial: 22.92 ±2.79 MPa; aged: 9.91 ±0.92 MPa).

CONCLUSIONS

The Zr/Si coating significantly improved the initial and aged bond strength, and the optimal Zr/Si ratio of the sol-gel appeared to be 0.5:1.

Digital evaluation of the effect of nanosilica-lithium spray coating on the internal and marginal fit of high translucent zirconia crowns

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of a nanosilica-lithium spray coating on the internal and marginal fit of high translucent zirconia crowns using a digital evaluation method.

METHODS

A three-dimensional analysis model of a zirconia abutment was digitally scanned using a dental scanner, and 30 monolithic high translucent zirconia crowns were designed and fabricated. They were divided into groups (n = 10) according to the surface treatment method: (1) no treatment: as-sintered zirconia; (2) airborne-particle abrasion with 50 μm Al₂O₃ particles; and (3) nanosilica-lithium spray coating. Three-dimensional data for the abutment, crown, and crown seated on the abutment were obtained using a dental scanner. The three-dimensional seated fit between the crown and abutment was reconstructed using registration technology, and a three-dimensional (3D) deviation analysis was used to evaluate the effect of different modification methods on the internal and marginal fit of the crowns using root mean square (RMS) values.

RESULTS

The 3D deviation analysis of all groups conformed to a normal distribution (P > 0.05), and the variance was homogeneous (P > 0.05). The different surface treatments had no significant effect on the RMS values in the occlusal, axial, and marginal regions of the high translucent zirconia crowns (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Nanosilica-lithium spray coating for the modification of as-sintered zirconia is clinically feasible and does not affect the internal or marginal fit of high translucent zirconia crowns.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Nanosilica-lithium spray coating does not affect the adaptation of zirconia crowns and is a clinically feasible surface treatment method for zirconia. It is unnecessary to add the setting values of the internal and marginal fit when fabricating nanosilica-lithium-sprayed zirconia crowns.

The Effect of Surface Treatments on Zirconia Bond Strength and Durability

To evaluate the effects of airborne particle abrasion (APA) combined with MDP-containing resin cement, a glass-ceramic spray deposition (GCSD) method on the shear bond strengths (SBSs) and durability of 3 mol% yttrium oxide-stabilized zirconia ceramic (3Y-TZP) compared with lithium disilicate glass ceramics (LDGC). 3Y-TZP disks were randomly treated as follows: for Group APA+MDP, 3Y-TZP was abrased using 50 μm Al₂O₃ particles under 0.1 Mpa and bonded with MDP-containing resin cement; for Group GCSD, 3Y-TZP was treated with the GCSD method, etched by 5% HF for 90 s, silanized and bonded with resin cement without MDP. Group LDGC was bonded as the Group GCSD. X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray detector (EDX) were used to analyze the surface chemical and micro-morphological changes of the ceramics before bonding. The bonded ceramic specimens were randomly divided into subgroups, and the SBSs were determined before and after 10,000 thermocycling. The SBSs were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA analysis. Failure modes were determined with optical microscopy and SEM. The XRD, ATR-FTIR and XPS results identified the formation of lithium disilicate and zirconium silicate on 3Y-TZP after GCSD. The SEM micrographs revealed that 3Y-TZP surfaces were roughened by APA, while 3Y-TZP with GCSD and LDGC surfaces could be etched by HF to be porous. The APA treatment combined with MDP-containing resin cement produced the high immediate zirconia shear bond strengths (SBSs: 37.41 ± 13.51 Mpa) that was similar to the SBSs of the LDGC (34.87 ± 11.02 Mpa, p > 0.05), but, after thermocycling, the former dramatically decreased (24.00 ± 6.86 Mpa, maximum reduction by 35.85%) and the latter exhibited the highest SBSs (30.72 ± 7.97 Mpa, minimum reduction by 11.9%). The 3Y-TZP with GCSD treatment displayed the lower zirconia SBSs before thermocycling (27.03 ± 9.76 Mpa, p < 0.05), but it was similar to the 3Y-TZP treated with APA and MDP containing resin cement after thermocycling (21.84 ± 7.03 vs. 24.00 ± 6.86 Mpa, p > 0.05). The APA combined with MDP-containing resin cement could achieve the high immediate zirconia SBSs of those of the LDGC, but it decreased significantly after thermocycling. The GCSD technique could yield the immediate zirconia SBSs similar to those of LDGC before thermocycling, and long-term zirconia SBSs were similar to those of 3Y-TZP treated with APA followed by MDP-containing resin cement after thermocycling. Hence, the GCSD technique could enrich zirconia surface treatments and is an alternative to zirconia surface pretreatment for 3Y-TZP bond durability.

A brief review on fatigue test of ceramic and some related matters in Dentistry

The characteristics of dental ceramics have been extensively studied over the years to provide highly qualified materials for use in prosthetic restorations. The ability to adhere to dental substrates, outstanding aesthetics (translucency, color, and substrate masking ability) and improved mechanical properties provide these materials with optical features and high strength to withstand masticatory stimuli. Different classifications are adopted, and it is generally considered that glass-ceramics have better optical characteristics due to the high glass content, and polycrystalline ceramics have superior strength favored by their densified and organized crystals, hampering crack growth. This knowledge was largely built-up during years of scientific research through different testing methodologies, but mainly employing static loads. It is important to not only take into account the intensity of loads that these materials will be exposed to, but also the effect of the intermittence of cyclic load application leading to mechanical fatigue and the influence of factors related to the crack origin and their propagation under this condition. Furthermore, the bonding surface of ceramic restorations requires surface treatments that improve the bond strength to luting agents; however, these treatments require caution because of their potential to produce defects and affect the structural behavior. Moreover, ceramic restorations often require internal adjustments for proper seating or external adjustments for fitting the occlusal contact with the antagonist. In this sense, finishing/polishing protocols may alter the defect population, as luting agents may also interact by filling in the superficial defects on the restoration intaglio surface. Thus, the balance among all these factors will define the performance of a restorative setup, as well as the posterior exposure to the humid environment and the masticatory stimuli (cyclical loading), which may favor developing slow and subcritical growth of cracks in ceramic materials and the degradation of the bond interface. Therefore, it is essential that the concepts which explain the fatigue mechanism are understood, as well as the crack propagation and failure patterns of restorative ceramic materials.

Adhesion concepts and techniques for laboratory-processed indirect dental restorations

The purpose of this review was to analyze the existing literature on surface conditioning of the veneering surface of substructure restorative materials in dental laboratories. New technologies are constantly improving the treatment options for fabricating dental restorations, and new materials and adhesion procedures are being offered to clinicians and dental technologists. To establish a reliable adhesion between the veneer and substructure in the dental laboratory, various surface treatment procedures and adhesion promoters are employed. The composition of a material influences the adhesion approach selected, and implementing a reliable adhesion strategy is critical for the predictability of veneered indirect dental restorations. However, surface treatment of a wide range of available material options can be challenging. Therefore, understanding various adhesion processes for different restorative materials may assist dental technologists in selecting the best and appropriate surface conditioning protocol for each dental restorative material category.

Evaluation of Effect of Zirconia Surface Treatment with CO2 and Nd:YAG Lasers on Shear Bond Strength between Zirconia Frameworks and Porcelain Veneers

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of zirconia surface treatment with CO2 and Nd:YAG laser on shear bond strength (SBS) between the zirconia framework and porcelain veneering.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this in vitro study, zirconia blocks were converted to 50 cubes and were divided randomly into 5 groups. After sintering (S), porcelain was applied in the control group. The surface treatment of the second to fifth groups included CO2 laser + (S), (S + CO2), Nd:YAG laser + (S), and (S + Nd), respectively. The SBS test was done, and data were analyzed by SPSS16 software. One sample was randomly chosen from each group and the type of failure was examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM). To compare the pairs of means, the least significant difference test was used and the determined significance level was 5% (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The SBS of S + Nd group was significantly higher than the other ones, except for S + CO2 group. The least amount of SBS belonged to CO2 + S and the highest to S + Nd group. There were no significant differences between the other groups.

CONCLUSION

The bond strength of veneering porcelain to zirconia can be altered by surface treatments. It can also be affected by the type and sequence of laser and sintering application. The effect of Nd:YAG laser on the surface of zirconia, in order to create roughness to increase SBS, is better than that of CO2 laser.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Surface treatment of zirconia by certain types of lasers reduces the chipping of the ceramic veneer and increases the success rate of all-ceramic restorations.

The effect of adhesive surface with porcelain sintering and two silane coupling agents on the adhesive properties of zirconia

Background

To explore the effect of adhesive surface with porcelain sintering and different silane coupling agents on adhesive properties of zirconia ceramics.

Methods

Zirconia blocks (n=72) were randomly divided into two large groups (n=36) according to whether the adhesive surface was treated with sintered porcelain: N (no porcelain sintering), P (porcelain sintering). Then, according to different silane coupling agents, each group was randomly divided into three small groups, six small groups in total (n=12): NN (no porcelain sintering and agent), NM (no porcelain sintering + Monobond-S), NC (no porcelain sintering + Clearfil Repair); PN (porcelain sintering + no agent), PM (porcelain sintering + Monobond-S), PC (porcelain sintering + Clearfil Repair). After surface treatment, RelyX Unicem Cement was used to make ceramic-resin bonding specimens. Then, each of the six small groups was randomly divided into two subgroups; shear bond strength (SBS) was tested and bond failure mode was analyzed before and after thermal cycling 5,000 times.

Results

(I) SBS analysis: the SBS values of the P groups were significantly higher than those of the N groups (P<0.05). The groups treated with silane coupling agents showed higher SBS values than the control group (P<0.05), and the PC groups showed the highest SBS values (P<0.05). The SBS of each group was significantly decreased after thermal cycling (P<0.05). (II) The microcharacteristics under scanning electron microscopy and energy spectrum analysis: the ceramic blocks being treated by porcelain sintering showed more roughness than the control group. A large amount of silicon (Si) appeared on the surface of the ceramic blocks after porcelain sintering.

Conclusions

(I) Treating the adhesive surface by porcelain sintering can improve the bonding strength between zirconia and RelyX Unicem Cement, and the effect was better in conjunction with silane coupling agent. (II) The two kinds of silane coupling agent (Monobond-S, Clearfil Repair) can improve the bonding strength between zirconia and resin cement. The effect of Clearfil Repair is better than that of Monobond-S. (III) Thermal cycling had a significant adverse effect on SBS between zirconia and RelyX Unicem Cement. Clearfil Repair is helpful in improving the durability of zirconia bonding strength.

Current scenario on adhesion to zirconia; surface pretreatments and resin cements: A systematic review

Several methods have been proposed to increase bonding of zirconia with resin. However, we are still to find the Holy Grail. A systematic literature review was performed through PubMed on international literature from January 2000 to May 2021 with relevant Medical Subject Headings terms. 56 articles were found to be relevant. Of all the different methods proposed, mechanochemical pretreatment of zirconia surface with alumina oxide and use of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate were found to be most effective as per majority of studies. New methods that require further research also surfaced.

The effects of different silicatization and silanization protocols on the bond durability of resin cements to new high-translucent zirconia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different silicatization protocols with various silane treatment methods on the bond performance to high-translucent zirconia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High-translucent zirconia specimens were assigned to five groups according to mechanical surface pretreatment: as-sintered (Con), 0.2 MPa alumina sandblasting (AB2), tribochemical silica coating (TSC), 0.2 and 0.4 MPa glass bead air abrasion (GB2) and (GB4). Each group was subjected to 4 different cementation protocols: Panavia SA Universal (SAU), Panavia SA plus (SAP), silane + SAP (S-SAP), and Universal adhesive + SAP (U-SAP). Tensile bond strength (TBS) was measured after 24 h and 10,000 thermocycling (TC). Surface topography, surface energy, and elemental composition of the abraded zirconia surface analyses were completed. TBS data was analyzed using the Weibull analysis method. Surface roughness and surface energy were compared by one-way ANOVA analysis of variance (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

After 24 h, higher TBS was achieved with all cementation protocols in AB2 and TSC, also, in GB2 with all protocols except U-SAP, and in GB4 with SAU and S-SAP. After aging, GB4/S-SAP, GB2/S-SAP, AB2/U-SAP, and TSC/S-SAP showed the highest bond strength. GB groups showed the lowest surface roughness and highest surface energy.

CONCLUSION

Glass bead abrasion achieved the durable bond strength to high-translucent zirconia using a separate silane coupling agent while altered surface chemistry, surface energy, and roughness without effect on morphology.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Glass bead air abrasion is an alternative to alumina sandblasting and tribochemical silica coating and improves bond strength to high translucent zirconia.

Influence of Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment on Retentive Strength between Zirconia Crown and Titanium Implant Abutment

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTP) on retentive strength (RS) between the zirconia crown and the titanium implant abutment using self-adhesive resin cement. Surface free energy (SFE) was calculated on 24 cube-shaped zirconia blocks, and RS was measured on 120 zirconia crown-titanium abutment assemblies bonded with G-CEM LinkAce. The groups were categorized according to the zirconia surface treatment as follows: Control (no surface treatment), NTP, Si (Silane), NTP + Si, Pr (Z-Prime Plus), and NTP + Pr. Half of the RS test assemblies were aged by thermocycling for 5000 cycles at 5–55 °C. The SFE was calculated using the Owens-Wendt method, and the RS was measured using a universal testing machine at the maximum load until failure. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) was performed to evaluate the effect of surface treatments on the SFE and RS. Independent sample t-test was used to compare the RS according to thermocycling (p < 0.05). For the SFE analysis, the NTP group had a significantly higher SFE value than the Control group (p < 0.05). For the RS test, in non-thermocycling, the NTP group showed a significantly higher RS value than the Control group (p < 0.05). However, in thermocycling, there was no significant difference between the Control and NTP groups (p > 0.05). In non-thermocycling, comparing with the NTP + Si or NTP + Pr group, there was no significant difference from the Si or Pr group, respectively (p > 0.05). Conversely, in thermocycling, the NTP + Si and NTP + Pr group had significantly lower RS than the Si and Pr group, respectively (p < 0.05). These results suggest that NTP single treatment for the zirconia crown increases the initial RS but has little effect on the long-term RS. Applied with Silane or Z-Prime Plus, NTP pre-treatment has no positive effect on the RS.

Surface treatments and its effects on the fatigue behavior of a 5% mol yttria partially stabilized zirconia material

This study evaluated the effect of distinct surface treatments on the fatigue behavior (biaxial flexural fatigue testing) and surface characteristics (topography and roughness) of a 5% mol yttria partially stabilized zirconia ceramic (5Y-PSZ). Disc-shaped specimens of 5Y-PSZ (IPS e.max ZirCAD MT Multi) were manufactured (ISO 6872-2015) and allocated into six groups (n = 15) considering the following surface treatments: Ctrl - no-treatment; GLZ - low-fusing porcelain glaze application; SNF - 5 nm SiO₂ nanofilm; AlOx - aluminum oxide particle air-abrasion; SiC - silica-coated aluminum oxide particles (silica-coating); and 7%Si - 7% silica-coated aluminum oxide particles (silica-coating). The biaxial flexural fatigue tests were performed by the step-stress method (20Hz for 10,000 cycles) with a step increment of 50N starting at 100N and proceeding until failure detection. The samples were tested with the treated surface facing down (tensile stress side). Topography, fractography, roughness, and phase content assessments of treated specimens were performed. GLZ group presented the highest fatigue behavior, while AlOx presented the lowest performance, and was only similar to SiC and 7%Si. Ctrl and SNF presented intermediary fatigue behavior, and were also similar to SiC and 7%Si. GLZ promoted a rougher surface, Ctrl and SNF had the lowest roughness, while the air-abrasion groups presented intermediary roughness. No m-phase content was detected (only t and c phases were detected). In conclusion, the application of a thin-layer of low-fusing porcelain glaze, the deposition of silica nanofilms and the air-abrasion with silica-coated alumina particles had no detrimental effect on the fatigue behavior of the 5Y-PSZ, while the air-abrasion with alumina particles damaged the fatigue outcomes.

Shear bond strength of an acrylic resin to a ceria-stabilized zirconia-alumina nanocomposite

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Ceria-stabilized zirconia-alumina nanocomposite (Ce-TZP-Al₂O₃) has properties that may be suitable for partial denture frameworks. However, studies on its adhesion strength and durability with denture base resin are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the optimal surface treatment for Ce-TZP-Al₂O₃ to secure a durable bond with an acrylic resin.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The surface of Ce-TZP-Al₂O₃ test specimens was alumina airborne-particle abraded (Group APA) and then treated with 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) (Group MDP) and 2 silica coating methods: the flame spraying method (Group SLP) and the tribochemical treatment (110 μm: Group TRB-P, 30 μm: Group TRB-S). TRB-P and TBR-S were further treated by MDP (Group CBT-P and CBT-S). Autopolymerizing acrylic resin was bonded to the specimens, and the shear bond strength was tested after thermocycling (5 °C and 60 °C, 10 000 cycles). The area of the resin remaining on the fractured surfaces was also measured. To evaluate the effect of the surface treatment condition on shear bond strength and the resin remaining, 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted, followed by the Tukey multiple comparison post hoc test. Additionally, the effect of thermocycling on the specimens was evaluated by the Student t test.

RESULTS

After placement in deionized water for 24 hours, the shear bond strengths of Group MDP and 2 types of combination treatment (Groups CBT-P and CBT-S) were significantly higher than those of Groups SLP, TRB-P, and TRB-S (P<.05). Moreover, the fractured surface of all the treatment conditions except Group APA showed cohesive failure. The shear bond strength as a result of all treatment conditions decreased significantly after thermocycling (P<.05). Group CBT-S showed the highest shear bond strength; however, no significant differences were found between Groups CBT-S and MDP (P=.908). In particular, the area of resin remaining on the fractured surfaces of Group CBT-S was 100% (cohesive failure).

CONCLUSIONS

The combined surface treatment of alumina airborne-particle abrasion and tribochemical treatment, along with primer treatment using silane coupling and an MDP monomer, improved the adhesion strength and adhesion durability between base resins and Ce-TZP-Al₂O₃.

Fatigue performance of fully-stabilized zirconia polycrystals monolithic restorations: The effects of surface treatments at the bonding surface

This study evaluated the distinct conditioning effect of the intaglio surface of bonded fully-stabilized zirconia (FSZ) simplified restorations on the mechanical fatigue behavior of the set prior to and after aging. Ceramic disc shaped specimens (Ø= 10 mm and 1 mm thick) were randomly allocated into 14 groups considering: "surface treatments" (Ctrl: no-treatment; PM: universal primer; GLZ: low-fusing porcelain glaze; SNF: 5 nm SiO₂ nanofilm deposition; AlOx: air-abrasion with aluminum oxide; SiC: air-abrasion with silica-coated aluminum oxide; 7%Si: air-abrasion with 7% silica-coated aluminum oxide); and "aging" (baseline: 24 h at 37 °C in water; or aged: 90 days at 37 °C in water + 12,000 thermal cycles). The discs were treated, luted with resin cement onto the dentin analog, subjected to aging or not, and then tested under a step-stress fatigue test at 20 Hz, 10,000 cycles/step, step-size of 100N starting at 200N, and proceeding until failure detection. Fractographic, topographic, surface roughness, contact angle, and atomic force microscopy analyzes were performed. The surface treatments at baseline led to statistically similar fatigue failure loads (953N-1313N), except for GLZ (1313N), which was significantly higher than 7%Si (953 N). Meanwhile, Ctrl had 40% pre-test failures (debonding) after aging, and therefore the worst fatigue performance (notable decrease in fatigue results), while all the other groups presented superior and statistically similar fatigue behavior (973-1271N). In fact, when considering baseline Vs aging conditions, stable fatigue results could only be noted when using surface treatments. In conclusion, internal surface treatments of FSZ ceramic restorations are mandatory for fatigue behavior stability after aging the restorative set, while non-treatment induced unstable results.

Effects of different silica-based layer coatings on bond strength of Y-TZP to bovine dentin

This study investigated the effects of different silica-based layer coatings on shear bond strength (SBS) between Y-TZP and bovine dentin. Three different silica-based layer coatings were applied to the Y-TZP surface: tribochemical silica coating, vitrification (glaze coating), and composite resin sintering. A silane coupling agent (SIL) was applied to the silica-coated Y-TZP surface in the presence or absence of hydrofluoric acid (HF) treatment. A one-step adhesive was then applied to the silica-coated Y-TZP and cemented to bovine dentin using MDP-free resin cement. The SBS value of the tribochemical silica coating group was lowest among the experimental groups, while the HF+SIL subgroup showed the highest SBS value after vitrification (p<0.05). While hydrofluoric acid etching did not affect the SBS value of the tribochemical silica coating group, it affected the SBS value in the vitrification and composite resin sintering groups (p<0.05).

Silicon-based film on the yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal: Surface and shear bond strength analysis

AIM

To analyze the effect of a silicon (Si)-based film deposited on yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) on the topography and bond strength of resin cement.

METHODS

Specimens of zirconia were obtained and randomly divided into 4 groups, according to surface treatment: polished group (PG) zirconia; sandblasted group (SG) zirconia with aluminum oxide (100 µm); after polished, zirconia was coated with Si-based film group (SiFG); and after sandblasted, zirconia was coated with Si-based film group (SiFSG). The Si-based films were obtained through plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Surface roughness and contact angle analysis were performed. Resin cement cylinders were built up on the treated surface of blocks, after applying Monobond-S. The specimens were submitted to thermocycling aging and shear bond strength testing. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests were performed.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between the surface treatments for each roughness parameter measured. Si-based film increased roughness and decreased the contact angle. Si-based film groups also demonstrated significantly lower bond strength values.

CONCLUSION

Si-based film produced using plasma deposition provided lower bond strength to resin cement compared with conventional treatment; however, the film deposition reduced the contact angle and improved roughness, favorable properties in the long way to prepare an optimum material.

Effect of Simplified Bonding on Shear Bond Strength between Ceramic Brackets and Dental Zirconia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term stability of shear bond strength (SBS) when 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) containing universal adhesive was used in the ceramic bracket bonding on dental zirconia. Twenty human maxillary incisors were collected. The ceramic bracket was bonded on the buccal enamel surface after the acid-etching and orthodontic primer application (Group CON). Sixty zirconia specimens were sintered, sandblasted and divided into three experimental groups; group CP—ceramic primer followed by an orthodontic primer; group U—universal adhesive; group CU—ceramic primer followed by a universal adhesive. For each specimen, the bracket was bonded onto the treated surface with composite resin (Transbond XT, 3M ESPE). The SBS tested before (CON0, CP0, U0, CU0) and after the artificial aging (CON1, CP1, U1, CU1). The data were statistically analyzed with the Kruskal–Wallis test at a significance level of 0.05. The mean SBS of CON0, CP0, U0 and CU0 were within the clinically acceptable range without significant differences. After the aging process, SBS decreased in all groups. Among the aged groups, CP1 showed the highest SBS. Based on the results, when bonding ceramic brackets to a dental zirconia surface, we can conclude that ceramic primer used with an orthodontic primer, rather than using a universal adhesive, is recommended.

Dental Resin-Zirconia Bonding Promotion Using High-Silica PVD Coating with High Ionization Sputtering Processing

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of high-silica coating deposited by high-silica physical vapor deposition (PVD) as a chemical bonding method on resin-zirconia bond strength under different aging conditions. Methods: Twelve Y-TZP blocks were used as the substrates. Four resin cement stubs were bonded on each Y-TZP block, with a total number of 48 resin cement stubs. Two test groups (n = 24) were evaluated: conventional Tribochemical silica-coating (TSC) and high-silica PVD with high ionization sputtering processing. Experimental silane primer (MPS) was brushed over the surface treated Y-TZP blocks, then a polyethylene mold was placed over the coated Y-TZP blocks and filled with the adhesive resin cement, then light-cured for 40 s. The shear bond strength (SBS) was then evaluated in dry condition and after thermo-cycling for 6000 cycles. Surface roughness, mode of failure, surface topography and elemental analysis were also evaluated. Results: In dry condition, PVD-coated zirconia specimens showed significantly higher mean SBS values (11.7 ± 1.3 MPa) compared to TSC (10.2 ± 1.1 MPa) (p = 0.027). The SBS values of TSC and PVD-coated samples after thermo-cycling were higher than in dry condition, but with no statistical significant difference (p > 0.05). Tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation was detected in TSC, but not in PVD-coated zirconia. Significant decrease in surface roughness of PVD samples compared to TSC samples (p < 0.001). The silica content in PVD coating was 51% as detected by EDX. Conclusions: High-silica PVD coating on zirconia can give a reliable resin-zirconia chemical bond without any phase transformation and surface destruction by conventional grit-blasting.

Biological Activation of Bioinert Medical High-Performance Oxide Ceramics by Hydrolytically Stable Immobilization of c(RGDyK) and BMP-2

High-performance oxide ceramics (HPOC), such as alumina, zirconia, and dispersion ceramics thereof are successfully used as articulating components in joint arthroplasty. HPOC exhibit excellent wear resistance, high strength, and cytocompatible behavior; however, they lack sufficient tissue bonding capability. Thus, they are primarily deployed as low-wear-bearing articulating components in arthroplasty without direct tissue contact, although proper cellular stimulation would hold significant advantages. Here, we describe a surface modification approach for HPOC, enabling hydrolytically stable interfacial binding of c(RGDyK) peptides and BMP-2 proteins to significantly improve the adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) without altering the mechanical properties of the underlying ceramic substrates. Analyses of cellular attachment of murine fibroblasts (L929), human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549), hMSCs on c(RGDyK), and osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs on BMP-2-coated interfaces demonstrate significant improvements of cell adhesion and an enhanced osteogenic differentiation potential in vitro. The presented approach provides a strategy for the development of a novel class of bioactive HPOC with osseointegration potential that could lead to novel therapeutic solutions for biomedical applications. Furthermore, the developed surface modification is designed in a way to be readily translated to other medically employed bioinert materials in the future.

Effect of Plasma Treatment and Its Post Process Duration on Shear Bonding Strength and Antibacterial Effect of Dental Zirconia

We have investigated the effect of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) treatment and the post process time on the bonding strength and surface sterilization of dental zirconia. Presintered zirconia specimens were manufactured as discs, and then subjected to a 30-min argon treatment (Ar, 99.999%; 10 L/min) using an NTAPP device. Five post-treatment durations were evaluated: control (no treatment), P0 (immediate), P1 (24 h), P2 (48 h), and P3 (72 h). The surface characteristics, shear bonding strength (SBS) with two resin cements, and Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation of these plasma-treated dental zirconia were tested. Plasma did not change the roughness, and caused surface element changes and surface energy increase. Due to this increase in surface energy, SBS increased significantly (p < 0.05) within 48 h when RelyX^TM U200 was used. However, the increase of surface oxygen significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the SBS of Panavia F 2.0 when using plasma immediately (P0). S. mutans adhesion decreased significantly (p < 0.05) for the P0, P1, and P2 groups compared to the control. The P0 group exhibited lower biofilm thickness than the other experimental groups due to the increased hydrophilicity (p < 0.05). Our study suggests that there is a suitable time window for the post NTAPP treatment regarding bonding strength and antimicrobial growth persist.

In vitro shear bond strength between fluorinated zirconia ceramic and resin cements

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a gas-phase fluorination method under different fluorination periods through using two resin cements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

84 zirconia specimens in dimensions of 5 mm × 5 mm × 2 mm were prepared and surface treated with 50 µm aluminum oxide particles or gas phase fluorination for 2 min, 5 min, or 10 min. One specimen in each group was surface analyzed under scanning electron microscope. The remaining specimens were bonded to composite cylinders in dimensions of 2 mm diameter and 3 mm high with Panavia SA Plus or Variolink N. Then, the specimens were stored in 37℃ distilled water for 24 hours and shear bond strength test was applied at a speed of 1 mm/min.

RESULTS

The highest shear bond strength values were observed in the samples fluorinated for 5 minutes and cemented with Panavia SA Plus. Variolink N did not elicit any statistical differences between surface treatments. Panavia SA Plus resin cement and Variolink N resin cements featured statistically significant difference in shear bond strength values only in the case of 5 minutes of fluorination treatment.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study, application of 5 minutes of fluorination with 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate monomer (MDP) containing Panavia SA Plus resin cement increased the resin bond strength of zirconia. Fluorination of the zirconia surface using conventional resin cement, Variolink N, did not lead to an increase in bond strength.

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Types of Abrasive Surface Treatment before and after Zirconia Sintering on Its Structural Composition and Bond Strength with Resin Cement

This study evaluated the effect of air abrasion before and after sintering with different particle type, shape, and size on the surface morphology, monoclinic phase transformation, and bond strength between resin cement and zirconia surface using primer containing silane and MDP. Airborne particle abrasion (APA) was performed on zirconia before and after sintering with different particle shape and size (50 μm Al₂O₃ and 25 μm silica powder). 120 square shaped presintered zirconia samples (Amann Girrbach) were prepared (3 mm height × 10 mm width × 10 mm length) and polished with grit papers #800, 1000, 1200, 1500, and 2000. Samples were divided into 6 groups according to surface treatment-group A: (control) no surface treatment; group B: APA 50 μm Al₂O₃ before sintering (BS); group C: APA 50 μm Al₂O₃ after sintering (AS); group D: APA25 μm silica powder (BS); group E: APA25 μm silica powder (AS) at a pressure of 3.5 bar; and group F: APA 25 μm silica powder (AS) at a pressure of 4 bar. Samples were analyzed using XRD, AFM, and SEM. The samples were submitted to shear bond strength (SBS) test. A dual cure resin cement (RelyX Ultimate) and primer (Scotchbond Universal) were used. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey test (α ≥ 0.05). APA in group B significantly increased the surface roughness when compared to all other groups. A significant monoclinic phase transformation (t-m) value was observed in groups C and F and a reverse transformation occurred in presintered groups. The SBS value of group A was 11.58 ± 1.43 and the highest significant shear bond strength value was for groups B (15.86 ± 1.92) and C (17.59 ± 2.21 MPa) with no significant difference between them. Conclusions. The use of APA 50 μm Al₂O₃ before sintering and the application of primer containing MDP seem to be valuable methods for durable bonding with zirconia. The use of APA 50 μm Al₂O₃ after sintering induced the highest (t-m) phase transformation.

Acid Etching as Surface Treatment Method for Luting of Glass-Ceramic Restorations, part 1: Acids, Application Protocol and Etching Effectiveness

AIM

The purpose of this review is to represent acids that can be used as surface etchant before adhesive luting of ceramic restorations, placement of orthodontic brackets or repair of chipped porcelain restorations. Chemical reactions, application protocol, and etching effect are presented as well.

STUDY SELECTION

Available scientific articles published in PubMed and Scopus literature databases, scientific reports and manufacturers' instructions and product information from internet websites, written in English, using following search terms: "acid etching, ceramic surface treatment, hydrofluoric acid, acidulated phosphate fluoride, ammonium hydrogen bifluoride", have been reviewed.

RESULTS

There are several acids with fluoride ion in their composition that can be used as ceramic surface etchants. The etching effect depends on the acid type and its concentration, etching time, as well as ceramic type. The most effective etching pattern is achieved when using hydrofluoric acid; the numerous micropores and channels of different sizes, honeycomb-like appearance, extruded crystals or scattered irregular ceramic particles, depending on the ceramic type, have been detected on the etched surfaces.

CONCLUSION

Acid etching of the bonding surface of glass - ceramic restorations is considered as the most effective treatment method that provides a reliable bond with composite cement. Selective removing of the glassy matrix of silicate ceramics results in a micromorphological three-dimensional porous surface that allows micromechanical interlocking of the luting composite.

An insight into current concepts and techniques in resin bonding to high strength ceramics

BACKGROUND

Reliable bonding between high strength ceramics and resin composite cement is difficult to achieve because of their chemical inertness and lack of silica content. The aim of this review was to assess the current literature describing methods for resin bonding to ceramics with high flexural strength such as glass-infiltrated alumina and zirconia, densely sintered alumina and yttria-partially stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic (Y-TZP) with respect to bond strength and bond durability.

METHODS

Suitable peer reviewed publications in the English language were identified through searches performed in PubMed, Google Search and handsearches. The keywords or phrases used were 'resin-ceramic bond', 'silane coupling agents', 'air particle abrasion', 'zirconia ceramic' and 'resin composite cements'. Studies from January 1989 to June 2015 were included.

RESULTS

The literature demonstrated that there are multiple techniques available for surface treatments but bond strength testing under different investigations have produced conflicting results.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the scope of this review, there is no evidence to support a universal technique of ceramic surface treatment for adhesive cementation. A combination of chemical and mechanical treatments might be the recommended solution. The hydrolytic stability of the resin ceramic bond should be enhanced.

The Impact of Plasma Treatment of Cercon® Zirconia Ceramics on Adhesion to Resin Composite Cements and Surface Properties

Introduction: In recent years, the use of ceramic base zirconia is considered in dentistry for all ceramic restorations because of its chemical stability, biocompatibility, and good compressive as well as flexural strength. However, due to its chemical stability, there is a challenge with dental bonding. Several studies have been done to improve zirconia bonding but they are not reliable. The purpose of this research is to study the effect of plasma treatment on bonding strength of zirconia. Methods: In this in vitro study, 180 zirconia discs' (thickness was 0.85-0.9 mm) surfaces were processed with plasma of oxygen, argon, air and oxygen-argon combination with 90-10 and 80-20 ratio (n=30 for each group) after being polished by sandblast. Surface modifications were assessed by measuring the contact angle, surface roughness, and topographical evaluations. Cylindrical Panavia f2 resin-cement and Diafill were used for microshear strength bond measurements. The data analysis was performed by SPSS 20.0 software and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test as the post hoc. Results: Plasma treatment in all groups significantly reduces contact angle compare with control (P=0.001). Topographic evaluations revealed coarseness promotion occurred in all plasma treated groups which was significant when compared to control (P<0.05), except argon plasma treated group that significantly decreased surface roughness (P<0.05). In all treated groups, microshear bond strength increased, except oxygen treated plasma group which decreased this strength. Air and argon-oxygen combination (both groups) significantly increased microshear bond strength (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to this research, plasmatic processing with dielectric barrier method in atmospheric pressure can increase zirconia bonding strength.

Effect of Sandblasting Angle and Distance on Biaxial Flexural Strength of Zirconia-based Ceramics

AIM

Surface treatment is necessarily required for bonding of zirconia to the veneering porcelain and luting cements. Sandblasting is the most common and probably the most efficient surface treatment method. Sandblasting roughens the surface and may affect the flexural strength of zirconia. Different sandblasting protocols may yield variable results. This study sought to assess the effect of sandblasting angle and distance on the biaxial flexural strength of zirconia-based ceramics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This in vitro experimental study was conducted on 50 zirconia discs measuring 1.2 ± 0.2 mm in thickness and 15 ± 0.2 mm in diameter, which were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10) of one control and four experimental groups subjected to sandblasting with 110 μm aluminum oxide particles under 2 bar pressure for 10 seconds at 15 and 25 mm distances and 45 and 90° angles (between the nozzle head and zirconia surface). Surface roughness was measured by a roughness tester and samples were subjected to thermocycling followed by biaxial flexural strength testing according to ISO6872. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was noted in the mean biaxial flexural strength of the five groups (p = 0.40). Different sandblasting protocols yielded significantly different surface roughness values (p < 0.001). The highest and the lowest mean surface roughness belonged to 15 mm/90° (0.51 μm) and control (0.001 μm) groups respectively.

CONCLUSION

Change in sandblasting angle and distance had no significant effect on the biaxial flexural strength of zirconia-based ceramic, but surface roughness was significantly different in the study groups. Clinical significances: Regardless of sandblasting angle, increasing distance to 25 mm significantly decreases surface roughness that may negatively affect zirconia bond strength.

To Evaluate Effect of Airborne Particle Abrasion using Different Abrasives Particles and Compare Two Commercial Available Zirconia on Flexural Strength on Heat Treatment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The popularity of ceramic restorations can be attributed to its life-like appearance, durability and biocompatibility and therefore ceramic restorations have been widely used for anterior and posterior teeth. Ceramic restorations have esthetic and biocompatible advantages but low fracture resistance. Since it has high flexural strength and fracture resistance, yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) is the dental material most commonly used for the core of ceramic crowns and fixed dental prosthesis. In spite of improved mechanical properties, acceptable marginal adaptation and biocompatibility the whitish opacity of zirconia is an obvious esthetic disadvantage. The zirconia framework is often veneered with conventional feldspathic porcelain to achieve a natural appearance. However it is difficult to achieve sufficient bond strength between zirconia and the veneering material. Achieving sufficient bond strength between the veneering ceramic and the zirconia core is a major challenge in the long term clinical success of veneered zirconia restorations. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the fracture strength of the two commercially available Zirconia namely Ceramill and ZR-White (AMANNGIRRBACH and UPCERA) respectively.

METHOD

Two commercially available pre-sinteredyttrium stabilized Zirconia blanks (ZR-White and Ceramill) from AMANNGIRRBACH and UPCERA respectively are used to produce the disc shaped specimens of size (15.2 ± 0.03 mm in diameter and 1.2 ± 0.03 mm thick) from each Zirconia blank. All disc shaped specimens are heated at 1200°C in a furnace for 2 hours to form homogenous tetragonal ZrO₂. The dimensions of the specimens are measured with a digital caliper (aerospace). The thickness and diameter of each specimen are calculated as the means of 3 measurements made at random sites. 80 discs from each Zirconia blank are divided into ten groups of 8 specimens each. Heat treatment after airborne-particle abrasion using 50 µm Al₂O₃ particles and 50 µm silica coated Al₂O₃ are applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the specimens. Each specimen is held under a pressure of 30 psi for 15 seconds at a direction perpendicular to the surface and at a distance of 30mm with an airborne particle abrasion device for the specimens in the airborne particle abraded groups. Heat treatments were performed at a starting temperature of 500°C, heating rate of 100°c/ min, ending at a temperature of 1000°C and 15 minutes holding time without vacuum for the specimens in the group 4, 5, 9 and 10. Airborne-particle abrasion mimicking the preparation for cementation was applied to the lower surfaces with 50 µm alumina and silica coated alumina particles for the specimens in the groups 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. The specimens were cleaned for 15 minutes in an ultrasonic bath containing distilled water. To determine the fracture strength, a disc of 10 mm diameter was used to place 3 hardened steel balls of 3 mm diameter separated each other by 120 degrees (described in the ISO standard 6872 for dental ceramics). Each specimen was centrally placed on this disc. The lower surface mimicking the internal surface of zirconia was the tension side, facing the supporting device testing, while the upper surface mimicking the external surface of the zirconia core was loaded with a flat punch (1 mm in diameter). A universal testing machine was used to perform the test at a cross head speed of 1mm/min. The failure stress was calculated with the equation listed in ISO 6872. The results were then statistically analyzed. A post hoc test was used for pair wise comparisons.

RESULT

The mean fracture strength of commercially available Zirconia Ceramill (AMANNGIRBACH) showed a significant higher value compared to the ZR-White (UPCERA) Zirconia (P<0.001), Airborne abrasion treatment to the specimens showed a significant difference between the abraded groups and the control group (P<0.001); further AMANNGIRRBACH specimens gave a higher value compare to the UPCERA specimens. The study also revealed that the heat treatment of the specimens gave significant value (P<0.001) compared to the control group, but heat treatment following the air abrasion reduces the fracture strength of the sample than the air abraded group.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitation of this study, it is concluded that, the in vitro fracture strength of Zirconia specimens treated with an airborne abrasion both on the veneering surface (50 µm silica coated Al2O3) and the cementing surface (50 µm Al₂O₃) was significantly higher than the heat treated and the control group. Airborne particle abrasion followed by the heat treatment reduces the fracture strength of the specimen than that ofthe group treated only by the air abrasives. The fracture strength of a commercially available Ceramill (AMANNGIRRBACH) is greater than that of a Zirconia from ZR-White (UPCERA) variety.

Shear bond strengths of an indirect composite layering material to a tribochemically silica-coated zirconia framework material

This study evaluated shear bond strengths of a layering indirect composite material to a zirconia framework material treated with tribochemical silica coating. Zirconia disks were divided into two groups: ZR-PRE (airborne-particle abrasion) and ZR-PLU (tribochemical silica coating). Indirect composite was bonded to zirconia treated with one of the following primers: Clearfil Ceramic Primer (CCP), Clearfil Mega Bond Primer with Clearfil Porcelain Bond Activator (MGP+Act), ESPE-Sil (SIL), Estenia Opaque Primer, MR. Bond, Super-Bond PZ Primer Liquid A with Liquid B (PZA+PZB), and Super-Bond PZ Primer Liquid B (PZB), or no treatment. Shear bond testing was performed at 0 and 20,000 thermocycles. Post-thermocycling shear bond strengths of ZR-PLU were higher than those of ZR-PRE in CCP, MGP+Act, SIL, PZA+PZB, and PZB groups. Application of silane yielded better durable bond strengths of a layering indirect composite material to a tribochemically silica-coated zirconia framework material.

Zirconia based dental ceramics: structure, mechanical properties, biocompatibility and applications

Zirconia (ZrO₂) based dental ceramics have been considered to be advantageous materials with adequate mechanical properties for the manufacturing of medical devices.

Effect of sandblasting, silica coating, and laser treatment on the microtensile bond strength of a dental zirconia ceramic to resin cements

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of laser irradiation as well as other surface treatment methods on the microtensile bond strength of a dental zirconia ceramic to the two types of resin cements. Zirconia ceramic blocks (ICE Zirkon) were sintered according to the manufacturer's instructions and duplicated in resin composites. The ceramic specimens were divided into four groups according to the following surface treatments: no surface treatment (control), sandblasting with alumina, silica coating plus silanization, and Nd:YAG laser irradiation. The specimens were divided equally and then bonded with Panavia F2.0 (self-etching resin cement) and Clearfil SA Luting (self-adhesive resin cement) to the composite blocks. The bonded ceramic-composite blocks were stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 72 h, cut to prepare bar-shaped specimens with a bonding area of approximately 1 mm(2), and thermocycled for 3000 cycles between 5 and 55 °C, and the microtensile bond strengths were measured using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. The results showed that the self-adhesive resin cement used in this study did not improve the microtensile bond strength when the zirconia surface was sandblasted by alumina. The use of the Nd:YAG laser did not enhance the bond strength between the zirconia and both types of resin cements. In addition, silica coating of the zirconia surfaces plus silane application significantly improved the bond strength regardless of the type of resin cement utilized.

Effect of surface treatments on the properties and morphological change of dental zirconia

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Creating a rough surface for bonding with airborne-particle abrasion with alumina may damage the surface of zirconia. Other treatment methods for creating a bonding surface without causing damage require investigation.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to find ways of treating the zirconia surface without causing flaws, debris, pits, microcracks, or tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramic surfaces were treated with gas plasma, argon-ion bombardment, 150-μm abrasive zirconia particles, and abrasive 150-μm alumina particles; untreated surfaces were used as the control group. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and confocal Raman spectroscopy were used to study the phase transformation. The roughness of specimens was measured with a confocal 3D laser scanning microscope. Modification of surface topography was analyzed with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and the flexural strength was measured with a universal testing machine. Statistical analyses were performed with 1-way ANOVA, followed by comparison of means with the Tukey honest significant difference test. The standard deviation was calculated with descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The sintered Y-TZP ceramic used in this study showed 2 phases, tetragonal and cubic. Specimens abraded with 150-μm alumina particles showed a higher monoclinic volume fraction (VmXRD=8.68%) and roughness (Ra=0.91μm) than specimens abraded with 150-μm zirconia particles (VmXRD=1.22%, Ra=0.08μm). One-way ANOVA indicated a significance difference in roughness among groups (P<.01). No phase transformation was observed in specimens treated with argon-ion bombardment or plasma. According to the Raman results, the volume fraction of the monoclinic phase for the specimens treated with airborne-particle abrasion depended on the distance from the ceramic surfaces and decreased with the increase in this distance. A slightly higher flexural strength was observed for untreated specimens (1009 MPa), followed by specimens treated with gas plasma (1000 MPa) and those airborne-particle abraded with 150-μm zirconia particles (967 MPa). The flexural strength of other specimens was lower (940 MPa for specimens abraded with 150-μm alumina particles and 916 MPa for specimens subjected to argon-ion bombardment). One-way ANOVA analysis indicated no significant difference in flexural strengths among all groups (P>.2). FESEM measurements showed that airborne-particle abrading Y-TZP surfaces with 150-μm alumina particles caused more damage to this area than the other methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Y-TZP ceramic surfaces treated with zirconia particles, argon-ion bombardment, and gas plasma were damaged less in comparison with surfaces abraded with alumina particles.

On the interfacial fracture resistance of resin-bonded zirconia and glass-infiltrated graded zirconia

OBJECTIVE

A major limiting factor for the widespread use of zirconia in prosthetic dentistry is its poor resin-cement bonding capabilities. We show that this deficiency can be overcome by infiltrating the zirconia cementation surface with glass. Current methods for assessing the fracture resistance of resin-ceramic bonds are marred by uneven stress distribution at the interface, which may result in erroneous interfacial fracture resistance values. We have applied a wedge-loaded double-cantilever-beam testing approach to accurately measure the interfacial fracture resistance of adhesively bonded zirconia-based restorative materials.

METHODS

The interfacial fracture energy GC was determined for adhesively bonded zirconia, graded zirconia and feldspathic ceramic bars. The bonding surfaces were subjected to sandblasting or acid etching treatments. Baseline GC was measured for bonded specimens subjected to 7 days hydration at 37°C. Long-term GC was determined for specimens exposed to 20,000 thermal cycles between 5 and 55°C followed by 2-month aging at 37°C in water. The test data were interpreted with the aid of a 2D finite element fracture analysis.

RESULTS

The baseline and long-term GC for graded zirconia was 2-3 and 8 times greater than that for zirconia, respectively. More significantly, both the baseline and long-term GC of graded zirconia were similar to those for feldspathic ceramic.

SIGNIFICANCE

The interfacial fracture energy of feldspathic ceramic and graded zirconia was controlled by the fracture energy of the resin cement while that of zirconia by the interface. GC for the graded zirconia was as large as for feldspathic ceramic, making it an attractive material for use in dentistry.

Fatigue Resistance of Y-TZP/Porcelain Crowns is Not Influenced by the Conditioning of the Intaglio Surface

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of treatments of the intaglio surface of Y-TZP frameworks and luting agents on the fatigue resistance of all-ceramic crowns.

METHODS

A research design was chosen that attempted to reduce the likelihood of Hertzian cracking and to increase the probability of fracture initiation at the intaglio surface of the framework. Ninety identical preparations were machined in a dentin-like epoxy composite. Each preparation was restored with a Y-TZP framework made by a CAD/CAM system and veneered using feldspathic ceramic. Prior to cementation the intaglio surface of the ceramic was treated using one of four treatments: 1) cleaning with isopropyl alcohol; 2) application of an overglaze; 3) sandblasting with 125 μm aluminum oxide powder; and 4) sandblasting with 30 μm silica powder (CJ). One of three luting cements were used: 1) zinc phosphate; 2) glass ionomer; and 3) adhesive resin cement (PN). All three cements were tested against frameworks that were alcohol cleaned. Only the PN cements were tested against frameworks that had been sandblasted or glazed. Altogether, six groups of 15 specimens each were tested. Fatigue resistance was evaluated using stepwise loads at 1.4 Hz until failure: 5000 cycles at maximum load of 200 N, followed by 10,000 cycles at maximum loads of 800, 1000, 1200, and 1400 N. The cement thickness and failure modes were analyzed using a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy. The results were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier and Mantel-Cox log rank tests (5%), a one-way analysis of variance, Tukey multiple comparison test, and Weibull nonparametric test.

RESULTS

The predominant failure mode was chipping of the veneer. The crowns cemented with the adhesive resin cement exhibited chipping failure at higher mean loads than did crowns cemented with cements that usually do not bond strongly with dentin. When the adhesive cement was used, glazing and sandblasting intaglio framework surface treatments exhibited lower mean loads at chipping than did crowns whose intaglio surface was only cleaned with alcohol. Weibull analysis indicated that all specimens had a high ratio of late-to-early failures.

CONCLUSIONS

The fatigue experiment produced a pattern of failures that is very similar to that observed in clinical trials of Y-TZP crowns that are veneered with feldspathic porcelain. Crowns cemented with an adhesive resin cement exhibited chipping at a significantly higher mean load than those cemented with luting cements that do not usually form strong bonds with dentin. When cemented with adhesive resin cement, glazing or sandblasting the intaglio surface of the framework significantly reduced the mean fatigue loads at which chipping of veneers occurred, as compared to crowns whose intaglio surface had only been cleaned with alcohol. For this cement glazing or sandblasting the intaglio surface of the crown is not recommended.

Zirconia as a Dental Biomaterial

Ceramics are very important in the science of dental biomaterials. Among all dental ceramics, zirconia is in evidence as a dental biomaterial and it is the material of choice in contemporary restorative dentistry. Zirconia has been applied as structural material for dental bridges, crowns, inserts, and implants, mostly because of its biocompatibility, high fracture toughness, and radiopacity. However, the clinical success of restorative dentistry has to consider the adhesion to different substrates, which has offered a great challenge to dental zirconia research and development. This study characterizes zirconia as a dental biomaterial, presenting the current consensus and challenges to its dental applications.

Surface Treatments of Zirconia to Enhance Bonding Durability

This article reviewed the surface treatments used most often to improve adhesion between zirconia and adhesive cements, focusing on their capacity to provide long-term bonding. Traditional and new treatments for zirconia bonding were searched. Some new treatments were discussed along with topographical views of the modified zirconia. New methods, such as selective infiltration etching and the low-fusing glassy porcelain application are promising, but more research is needed.

Resin cementation of zirconia ceramics with different bonding agents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sandblasting and different chemical bonding agents on shear bond strength of zirconia and conventional resin cement. In this study, 35 zirconia specimens were treated as follows: Group I: control; Group II: sandblasting; Group III: sandblasting + Monobond S; Group IV: sandblasting + Monobond Plus; Group V: sandblasting + Z-Prime Plus. The specimens in each group were bonded with conventional composite resin cement Variolink II. After cementation, specimens were stored in distilled water (at 37 °C) for 24 h and shear test was performed. The highest shear bond strength values were observed in Groups IV and V. The lowest shear bond strength values were observed in Group I. Using 10-methacryloyloxy-decyl dihydrogenphosphate monomer-containing priming agents, e.g. Monobond Plus and Z-PRIME Plus, combined with sandblasting can be an effective method for resin bonding of zirconia restorations.