The effect of thermocycling on the strength of porcelain laminate veneer (PLV) materials

Evaluation of Color Changes of Different Resin Cements in Feldspathic Ceramic Crowns After Accelerated Aging: An In Vitro Research

Aims:

To evaluate the color changes that occur after accelerated aging in feldspathic ceramic crowns cemented with three different dual-cured resin cements.

Materials and Methods:

For each of the A2-colored RelyX U200, G-CEM LinkForce, and Panavia V5 cement groups, 45 dies from A2-colored zirconia blocks and 45 crowns from CEREC blocks were prepared. Color measurements after 24 h of cementation (T1) and after cycles of aging of 1750 (T2), 3500 (T3), and 7000 (T4) in the thermal cycle device were made using SpectroShade Micro device. The coordinates of the color were used L*, a*, and b* as base and the color change was calculated with ∆ E00 in determining the color. One-way analysis of variance test was used to compare the times in terms of ∆ L*, ∆ a*, and ∆ b* values.

Results:

It was found that ∆ L* value decreased significantly in period of the T2, T3, and T4 times compared to T1 in all groups ( P < .05), whereas the change between period of T2, T3, and T4 times was not significant ( P > .05). The ∆ a* value increased significantly in the period of T3 and T4 times compared to T1 in the only G-CEM LinkForce group, whereas the ∆ b* value increased significantly in the period of T4 time compared to T1 in the only Panavia V5 group. The changes in ∆ E00 values, which were observed in all period of times, were found to be between 0.43 and 1.04, 0.43 and 1.43, and 0.40 and 0.97 in RelyX U200, G-CEM LinkForce, and Panavia V5 groups, respectively.

Conclusion:

After accelerated aging, it was found that the color of all cements became darker and the G-CEM LinkForce group turned red and the Panavia V5 group turned yellow. However, it was found that the color changes that occurred were within clinically acceptable visible levels.

Fracture Load and Phase Transformation of Monolithic Zirconia Crowns Submitted to Different Aging Protocols

Monolithic zirconia crowns have many favorable properties and may potentially be used to solve dental problems such as chipping. However, monolithic zirconia crown resistance can be affected by its phase transformation when subjected to low temperatures, humidity, and stress. This study evaluated the fracture load and phase transformation of monolithic zirconia crowns submitted to different thermal and mechanical aging tests. Seventy monolithic zirconia crowns were randomly divided into the following five groups: control, no treatment; hydrothermal aging at 122°C, two bar for one hour; thermal fatigue, 10⁴ cycles between 5°C and 55°C, dwell time, 30 seconds; and mechanical fatigue, 10⁶ cycles with a load of 70 N, sliding of 1.5 mm at 1.4 Hz; and combination of mechanical plus thermal fatigue. Fracture load was measured with a universal testing machine. Surface changes and fracture mode and origin were examined with a scanning electron microscope. Monoclinic phase content was evaluated by x-ray diffraction. The fracture load was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance at a level of 5%, and Weibull distribution was performed. No statistically significant differences were observed in the mean fracture load and characteristic fracture load among the groups (p>0.05). The Weibull modulus ranged from 6.2 to 16.6. The failure mode was similar for all groups with the crack origin located at the contact point of the indenter. Phase transformation was shown at different surfaces of the crown in all groups (1.9% to 8.9%). In conclusion, monolithic zirconia crowns possess high fracture load, structural reliability, and low phase transformation.

Effect of etching time and resin bond on the flexural strength of IPS e.max Press glass ceramic

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of hydrofluoric acid (HFA) etching time and resin cement bond on the flexural strength of IPS e.max(®) Press glass ceramic.

METHODS

Two hundred and ten bars, 25mm×3mm×2mm, were made from IPS e.max(®) Press ingots through lost-wax, hot-pressed ceramic fabrication technology and randomly divided into five groups with forty-two per group after polishing. The ceramic surfaces of different groups were etched by 9.5% hydrofluoric acid gel for 0, 20, 40, 60 and 120s respectively. Two specimens of each group were selected randomly to examine the surface roughness and 3-dimensional topography with atomic force microscope (AFM), and microstructure was analyzed by the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Then each group were subdivided into two subgroups (n=20). One subgroup of this material was selected to receive a thin (approximately 0.1mm) layer of resin luting agent (Variolink N) whereas the other subgroup remained unaltered. Half of subgroup's specimens were thermocycled 10,000 times before a 3-point bending test in order to determine the flexural strength. Interface between resin cement and ceramic was examined with field emission scanning electronic microscope.

RESULTS

Roughness values increased with increasing etching time. The mean flexural strength values of group 0s, 20s, 40s, 60s and 120s were 384±33, 347±43, 330±53, 327±67 and 317±41MPa respectively. Increasing HF etching times reduced the mean flexural strength (p<0.05). However, the mean flexural strength of each group, except group 0s, increased significantly to 420±31, 435±50, 400±39 and 412±58MPa after the application of dual-curing resin cement. In the present investigation, no significant differences after thermocycling on the flexural strengths were evident.

SIGNIFICANCE

Overtime HF etching could have a wakening effect on IPS e.max(®) Press glass ceramic, but resin cement bonding to appropriately etched surface would strengthen the dental ceramic.

Effect of porcelain and enamel thickness on porcelain veneer failure loads in vitro

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Bonded porcelain veneers are widely used esthetic restorations. Although high success and survival rates have been reported, failures occur. Fracture is the most common failure mode. Fractures range from incomplete cracks to the catastrophic. Minimally invasive or thin partial veneers have gained popularity.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to measure the influences of porcelain veneer thickness and enamel substrate thickness on the loads needed to cause the initial fracture and catastrophic failure of porcelain veneers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Model discoid porcelain veneer specimens of varying thickness were bonded to the flattened facial surfaces of incisors, artificially aged, and loaded to failure with a small sphere. Individual fracture events were identified and analyzed statistically and fractographically.

RESULTS

Fracture events included initial Hertzian cracks, intermediate radial cracks, and catastrophic gross failure. Increased porcelain, enamel, and their combined thickness had like effects in substantially raising resistance to catastrophic failure but also slightly decreased resistance to initial Hertzian cracking. Fractographic and numerical data demonstrated that porcelain and tooth enamel behaved in a remarkably similar manner. As porcelain thickness, enamel thickness, and their combined thickness increased, the loads needed to produce initial fracture and catastrophic failure rose substantially. Porcelain veneers withstood considerable damage before catastrophic failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased enamel thickness, increased porcelain thickness, and increased combined enamel and porcelain thickness all profoundly raised the failure loads necessary to cause catastrophic failure. Enamel and feldspathic porcelain behaved in a like manner. Surface contact damage occurred initially. Final catastrophic failure followed flexural radial cracking. Bonded porcelain veneers were highly damage tolerant.

Evaluation of the effect of surface preparation using phosphoric acid and luting cement on the flexural strength of porcelain laminate veneering material

BACKGROUND

Conventionally HF acid has been used for etching ceramic veneer restorations before their cementation. Studies are lacking regarding the effectiveness of phosphoric acid as a substitute for HF acid for etching the ceramic veneers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of surface preparation of porcelain laminate veneers using phosphoric acid, as compared to HF acid etching in providing the necessary surface roughness conducive to development of an effective bond between the ceramic laminate and the resin luting cement.

METHODS

210 porcelain discs of 15 mm diameter and 0.9 mm thickness were prepared. These study samples were divided into seven groups of thirty samples each. Surfaces of the first (control) and the second group of samples were not prepared. The surfaces of other five groups were prepared with different surface treatments. Further all the groups of specimens were coated with a layer of resin luting cement. Flexural strength of each specimen was determined using universal testing machine and the results were compared.

RESULTS

The combination surface treatment using alumina surface abrasion followed by etching with phosphoric acid provided the highest flexural strength with the mean flexural strength of 101.11 MPa, followed by alumina surface abrasion (95.41 MPa), and phosphoric acid surface etching (81.68 MPa).

CONCLUSION

Laminate veneers surface treated using 50 μm alumina abrasion followed by etching with phosphoric acid showed the highest flexural strengths after resin coating compared to other groups.

Effect of thermocycling on the flexural strength of porcelain laminate veneers

Aim:

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of thermocycling on the flexural strength and development of surface flaws on the glazed surface of porcelain laminate veneer restorations with and without resin luting cement.

Materials and Methods:

80 Vitadur alpha dentin porcelain discs (10 mm diameter, 0.9 mm thickness) were glazed on one side and divided into two groups: A (porcelain laminate veneer only without resin luting cement) and B (porcelain laminate veneer luted with resin cement), each containing 40 discs. The discs in groups A and B were then thermocycled at different temperatures and were subjected to SEM analysis to evaluate the effect of thermocycling on crack propagation. Mean flexural strength was determined by using the ball-on-ring test. Student's t -test was used to find out the difference between strength values of the thermocycled porcelain discs and discs luted with resin cement.

Results:

SEM analysis revealed crack propagation in the subgroups subjected to extremes of temperature, i.e., 4 ± 1°C, 37 ± 1°C and 4 ± 1°C, 65 ± 1°C in the porcelain laminate veneers luted with resin cement. Flexural strength analysis revealed superior flexural strength for porcelain laminate veneers: 88.58 ± 6.94 MPa when compared to porcelain laminate veneers luted with resin cement: 8.42 ± 2.60 MPa. Results were tabulated and statistically analyzed using Student's t -test.

Conclusion:

Laminate veneer specimens exhibited greater flexural strength than those which were luted with resin cements. Laminate veneer specimens luted with resin cement and subjected to extremes of temperature, 4 ± 1°C and 37 ± 1°C and 4 ± 1°C and 65 ± 1°C, showed a marked decrease in flexural strength. After thermocycling at extremes of temperature, laminate veneer specimens luted with resin cement showed crack propagation. Fit of laminate veneers cannot / should not be compensated by the thickness of luting agent.

Transient and residual stresses induced during the sintering of two dentin ceramics

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the stress induced deformation of bi-axial flexure strength (BFS) test specimens during processing to provide an insight into sintering effects and associated BFS determination.

METHODS

40 Vitadur-Alpha and 80 IPS e.max Ceram disc-shaped specimens were condensed and a sintered on a silicon nitride refractory tray under controlled firing and cooling parameters. The mean of the maximum deflection (μm) and Ra values (μm) were determined using a high resolution profilometer and were related to the orientation of the measured surface within the furnace. BFS testing of the subsequent groups (n = 20) was performed and the data related to the measured deformation of the sintered specimens. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) where factors were identified as surface state and firing orientation with post hoc Tukey's tests was complemented by pair-wise comparisons with a Student's t-test for each measurement (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

The mean of the maximum deflection values and the mean BFS for Vitadur Alpha discs were not significantly influenced by firing orientation (P = 0.248 and P = 0.284, respectively). However, the Ra values were significantly different (P < 0.001). The two-way ANOVA revealed a significant impact on the mean of the maximum deflection measurements for surface state (P < 0.001) and firing orientation (P < 0.001) during sintering (P < 0.001). The mean Ra values were not significantly influenced. The BFS of sintered IPS e.max Ceram discs was sensitive to firing orientation (P < 0.001).

SIGNIFICANCE

Conventional glass theory explains that residual thermal stress gradients induced during sintering can cause test specimen deformation which can alter the expected BFS data. The study demonstrates that variability such as firing orientation during sintering which is very rarely reported in the literature can have a significant impact on the reported BFS data and can confound its interpretation.

Influence of cyclic fatigue in water on the load-bearing capacity of dental bridges made of zirconia

The humid atmosphere and permanent occurrence of chewing forces in the oral environment lead to degradation of ceramics used for prosthetic restorations. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of artificial aging on the load-bearing capacity of four-unit bridges, with both undamaged and predamaged zirconia frameworks. Additionally, different parameters for chewing simulation have been investigated and a finite element analysis was made to predict the location of highest tensile stresses within the bridges. A total of 60 frameworks were milled from presintered zirconia and divided into six homogeneous groups. Prior to veneering, frameworks of two groups were "damaged" by a defined saw cut similar to an accidental flaw generated during shape cutting. After veneering, FPDs were subjected to thermal and mechanical cycling - with the exception of control groups. The load-bearing capacity of tested FPDs was significantly reduced by artificial aging. In comparison to unaged specimens, fracture resistance decreased by about 40%, whereas preliminary damage did not have a significant effect. Increasing number of cycles and increasing upper load limit failed to show any additional effect on fracture force. To predict the progression of degradation under the terms of in vitro simulation for even longer periods, further aging experiments are required.

Effect of die spacer thickness on shear bond strength of porcelain laminate veneers

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The application of die spacer may affect the shear bond strength (SBS) of porcelain laminate veneer (PLV). However, there is no standard for the amount of die spacer necessary for the fabrication of PLV restorations.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the SBS differences between enamel and a feldspathic PLV as a function of die spacer thickness.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty rectangular (5 x 3 x 1 mm) PLV (Super Porcelain EX-3) specimens were made using stone blocks on which die spacer (Nice Fit) was applied in different thicknesses (0, 2, 4, or 6 coats) (n = 20). Before bonding, all PLV specimens were pretreated with airborne-particle abrasion (1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-bar pressure; 10 sec/10-mm distance or 5 sec/20-mm distance) and cleaned with an ultrasonic cleanser. A vertically flat surface on the labial enamel of 80 freshly extracted sound teeth was prepared with a low-speed diamond-coated saw. The PLV specimens were bonded to the etched enamel specimens using a composite resin cement (RelyX Veneer). Forty enamel-ceramic specimens (Group NTc) were maintained in deionized water at room temperature for 1 week after cementation, and the other 40 specimens (Group Tc) were subjected to thermal cycling treatment (2500 cycles, 5 degrees C to 60 degrees C, 15-second dwell time). The SBS measurement was performed with a universal testing machine. The results were compared with a 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and mean values were compared with Fisher's Protected Least Significant Difference (PLSD) intervals (alpha = .05).

RESULTS

For Group NTc specimens, the SBS values (MPa) were 8.7 +/- 2.6 (no coat), 12.6 +/- 4.8 (2 coats), 10.7 +/- 2.9 (4 coats), and 9.6 +/- 2.8 (6 coats). For Group Tc specimens, the SBS values were 4.1 +/- 2.0 (no coat), 7.1 +/- 3.4 (2 coats), 6.8 +/- 2.1 (4 coats), and 6.1 +/- 2.4 (6 coats). Two-way ANOVA showed that the SBS was influenced by the thermal cycling and the number of coats, but there was no significant interaction between the 2 variables. The Fisher's PLSD interval for the SBS for comparisons among the number of coats was 0.95. The group with 2 coats of die spacer showed higher SBS values than the group with no coat, whereas groups with more than 2 coats of die spacer resulted in similar SBS values when compared to each other. The thermal cycling treatment resulted in a significant decrease of the SBS. Group Tc showed a trend similar to Group NTc.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study it was found that the appropriate application of die spacer exerts a favorable influence on the SBS of composite-bonded PLV. The 2-coat application of die spacer provides suitable space to accommodate the cement thickness.

The influence of simulated masticatory loading regimes on the bi-axial flexure strength and reliability of a Y-TZP dental ceramic

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the current study was to examine the influence of simulated masticatory loading regimes, to which all-ceramic crown or bridge restorations will routinely be subjected during their service-life, on the performance of a yttria-stabilised tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) dental ceramic.

METHODS

Ten sets of 30 Y-TZP ceramic discs (13 mm diameter, 1.48-1.54 mm thickness) supplied by the manufacturer were randomly selected. Six groups were loaded for 2000 cycles at 500 N (383-420 MPa), 700N (536-588 MPa) and 800 N (613-672 MPa) with three groups maintained dry and the remaining three groups loaded while immersed in water at 37+/-1 degrees C. A further two groups underwent extended simulated masticatory loading regimes at 80 N (61-67 MPa) for 10(4) and 10(5)cycles under dry conditions. The mean bi-axial flexure strengths, standard deviations and associated Weibull moduli (m) were determined. The surface hardness was also determined using the Vickers hardness indentation technique.

RESULTS

No significant difference (P>0.05) was identified in the bi-axial flexure strength of the simulated masticatory loading regimes and the control specimens loaded dry or wet. A significant increase in m was identified for the Y-TZP specimens following loading while immersed in water (8.6+/-1.6, 8.5+/-1.6 and 10.3+/-1.9) compared with the control (7.1+/-1.3). However, the extended loading regime to 10(5)cycles resulted in a significant reduction in the m of the Y-TZP specimens (5.3+/-1.0) compared with the control. Localised areas of increased surface hardness were identified to occur directly beneath the spherical indenter.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of localised areas of increased surface hardness could be the result of either a transformation toughening mechanism or crushing and densification of the material beneath the indentor manifested as the formation of a surface layer of compressive stresses that counteracted the tensile field generated at the tip of a propagating crack which increased the Weibull modulus of the Y-TZP specimens. The reduced reliability of the Y-TZP specimens loaded to 80 N for 10(5)cycles was associated with the accumulation of subcritical damage as a result of the extended nature of loading.

The influence of surface modification techniques on the performance of a Y-TZP dental ceramic

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the current study was to examine the influence of the pre-cementation surface modification techniques, namely alumina abrasion and surface grinding, routinely employed by dental practitioners prior to cementation and placement of crown and bridge restorations on the performance of a Y-TZP dental ceramic.

METHODS

Twelve sets of 30 Lava ceramic discs (13 mm diameter, 1.5mm thickness) supplied by the manufacturer were randomly selected. Six groups were abraded utilising 25, 50 and 110 microm alumina and stored dry or in a water bath at 37+/-1 degrees C for 24 h. Four groups were ground utilising a fine or a coarse grit diamond bur, specimens were ground dry or while using water as a coolant. The mean bi-axial flexure strengths, standard deviations and associated Weibull moduli (m) were determined. The surface roughness, hardness and phase composition were assessed utilising profilometry, the Vicker's hardness indentation and X-ray diffraction, respectively.

RESULTS

No significant difference (P > 0.05) was identified in the bi-axial flexure strength of the 25, 50 and 110 microm alumina-abraded and the control specimens stored dry and wet for 24h. However, a significant increase in m was identified for the alumina-abraded specimens stored dry (10.7+/-1.9, 10.6+/-1.9 and 10.6+/-1.9) compared with the control (7.5+/-1.3) and the specimens stored in a water bath. In addition, the alumina abrasion regimes reduced the surface roughness compared with the controls. The coarse grinding regime significantly reduced both the bi-axial flexure strength and the associated m compared with the control whilst no significant difference was identified for the fine grinding regimes. The surface modification techniques initiated a phase transformation mechanism and resulted in the formation of a layer of compressive stresses on the surface of the disc-shaped specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of the reduced surface roughness and the formation of a surface layer of compressive stress as a result of the alumina abrasion regimes investigated increased the reliability of the bi-axial flexure strength. The presence of water in the current study did not detrimentally influence the performance of the Y-TZP ceramic under investigation. Coarse grinding significantly reduced the bi-axial flexure strength and m due to the increased surface roughness. The Y-TZP specimens in the current investigation underwent a toughening mechanism as a result of a phase transformation mechanism which generated a transformation compressive stress that opposes the externally applied, crack-propagating tensile stress.