The effect of zirconia surface architecturing technique on the zirconia/veneer interfacial bond strength

Surface characterization of different surface treatments associations with plasma and bonding analysis of Y-TZP and the veneering ceramic

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the surface of zirconia (Y-TZP) submitted to different surface treatments (with and without plasma associations) and to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) between veneering ceramic (VC) and Y-TZP after different aging methods.

METHODS

301 Y-TZP specimens were fabricated and distributed into 7 groups: C (control): no treatment; Al: airborne abrasion with 27 μm Al₂O₃ particle; L: liner; P: plasma; Al + L: airborne + liner; Al + P: airborne + plasma; P + L: plasma + liner. The Y-TZP surface was characterized by SEM, EDS, AFM, surface profilometry, surface-free energy (SFE), and XRD. SBS between Y-TZP and VC was verified after three aging protocols: initial, after hydrothermal aging (autoclave for 5 h), or thermal fatigue (30,000 baths - 5-55 °C). One- (profilometry, SFE) and two-way ANOVA (SBS), and Tukey's HSD test were used.

RESULTS

For the plasma groups, a full globular surface coverage was observed (SEM, AFM). Si was found for Al, L, Al + L, and P + L. Roughness was lower for C, P, and Al + P. For SFE, the highest values were found when the liner was applied (>74.59 nm/Nm). The highest monoclinic content was observed for Al + L (6.96%) and Al + P (5.86%). For the initial period, Al and P + L presented the lowest SBS values (<5.85 MPa; P > 0.331). The highest SBS values were found for L, P, and P + L (hydrothermal aging) and for P, L, Al + L, and Al + P (thermal fatigue).

SIGNIFICANCE

Changes in Y-TZP topography and the SBS with the VC were found, according to treatments performed. Plasma treatment improved SBS and did not cause phase transformation.

On the behaviour of zirconia-based dental materials: A review

Zirconia-based dental materials are extensively used in clinical practice due to their tooth-like appearance, biofunctionality, biocompatibility, and affordability. However, premature clinical failures of veneering porcelains raise a concern about their integrity. Extensive studies have been performed over a decade to resolve this issue, but it is challenging to reference all information effectively. A single source identifying the significance of potential parameters on material performance has not previously been available. An evidence-based meta-narrative review technique was used to review the characteristic parameters that can affect the overall behaviour of zirconia-based materials. Keywords were chosen to assess manuscripts based on scientific coherence with this paper's research objective. Online keyword searches were carried out on ScienceDirect, PubMed, and SAGE databases for relevant published manuscripts from year 1985-2020.261 out of 3170 identified manuscripts were included. A total of 10 parameters were identified and classified into the material, manufacturing, and geometric aspects. The effect of every parameter was reviewed on the performance of the material. A discrepancy in findings was observed and is attributed to the fact that there is no standard methodology. This review acts as a single source that summarizes various parameters' contribution to zirconia-based dental materials' performance. This review facilitates manufacturing improvements by accounting for every parameter's effect on overall performance.

Comparative Effectiveness of Multiple Laser Scanning and Conventional Techniques on Zirconia Shear Bond Strength

This study aimed to compare the impact of different laser scanning with that of conventional methods on zirconia surface treatment through evaluation of shear bond strength (SBS) values. One hundred and thirty-two sintered zirconia cubic-samples were prepared and randomly divided into six study groups: milling control (without surface treatment); grinding; sandblasting; and three-times, four-times, and five-times laser scanning groups. The treatment process for the first three groups was performed before the zirconia coating, while the last three groups were treated after zirconia coating with veneer slurry through a spraying technique. In the current study, the surface roughness Ra, contact angle measurement, phase transformation, topography and interfaces, SBS in unaged and aged conditions, and fracture mode patterns of zirconia cores were investigated. The results were analyzed using laser confocal scanning microscopy, drop analyzer, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), universal testing machine and stereomicroscope. The results indicated that three-times laser scanned specimens presented higher Ra values than the other studied groups. The minimum contact angle value was detected in the mentioned group, while the control group presented the highest value. The XRD showed phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic t–m following grinding and sandblasting. However, the laser scanned specimens and the control group preserved the structural integrity of the zirconia core, presenting the tetragonal phase only. The highest SBS values were recorded in specimens treated with three-times laser scanning in the unaged and aged conditions. A mixed fracture was a common fracture pattern among the studied groups. The results confirmed that SBS could be optimized through three-times laser scanning and it provided better adhesion between zirconia and the veneer ceramic material. Multiple scanning processes of more than three times are not recommended for zirconia surface treatment.

Effects of different surface treatments on the shear bond strength of veneering ceramic materials to zirconia

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the effect of different materials and techniques on the shear bond strength of veneering ceramic materials to zirconia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

136 sintered zirconia cubes were prepared and randomly divided into four study groups according to corresponding methods of surface treatment and materials: GLN (grinding followed by laser scanning using Noritake Cerabien ZR), SLN (sandblasting followed by laser scanning using Noritake Cerabien ZR), GLV (grinding followed by laser scanning using VITA VM 9), and SLV (sandblasting followed by laser scanning using VITA VM 9). Spraying technique was performed to coat the core. Profilometer, SEM, XRD, EDS, universal testing machine, and stereomicroscope were used to record surface roughness Ra, surface morphology, phase transformation, elemental compositions, shear bond strength SBS values, and failure types, respectively. Specimens were investigated in unaged (not immersed in artificial saliva) and aged (stored in artificial saliva for a month) conditions to evaluate SBS values.

RESULTS

Grinding and GLN as first and second surface treatments provided satisfactory Ra values in both conditions (1.05 ± 0.24 µm, 1.30 ± 0.21 µm) compared to sandblasting and other groups (P<.05). The group GLN showed the highest SBS values in both conditions (30.97 ± 3.12 MPa, 29.09 ± 4.17 MPa), while group SLV recorded the lowest (23.96 ± 3.60 MPa, 22.95 ± 3.68 Mpa) (P<.05). Sandblasting showed phase transformation from t-m. Mixed failure type was the commonest among all groups.

CONCLUSION

GLN showed to be a reliable method which provided satisfactory bond strength between the veneer ceramic and zirconia. This method might preserve the integrity of fixed dental crowns.