Advancements in all-ceramics for dental restorations and their effect on the wear of opposing dentition

Mechanical Properties and In Vitro Biocompatibility of Hybrid Polymer-HA/BAG Ceramic Dental Materials

The aim of this study is to prepare hybrid polymer-ceramic dental materials for chairside computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) applications. The hybrid polymer-ceramic materials were fabricated via infiltrating polymerizable monomer mixtures into sintered hydroxyapatite/bioactive glass (HA/BAG) ceramic blocks and thermo-curing. The microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy and an energy-dispersive spectrometer. The phase structure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The composition ratio was analyzed by a thermogravimetric analyzer. The hardness was measured by a Vickers hardness tester. The flexural strength, flexural modulus, and compressive strength were measured and calculated by a universal testing machine. The growth of human gingival fibroblasts was evaluated by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay and immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that the sintering temperature and BAG content affected the mechanical properties of the hybrid polymer-ceramic materials. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that high-temperature sintering promoted the partial conversion of HA to β-tricalcium phosphate. The values of the hardness, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and compressive strength of all the hybrid polymer-ceramic materials were 0.89-3.51 GPa, 57.61-118.05 MPa, 20.26-39.77 GPa, and 60.36-390.46 MPa, respectively. The mechanical properties of the hybrid polymer-ceramic materials were similar to natural teeth. As a trade-off between flexural strength and hardness, hybrid polymer-ceramic material with 20 wt.% BAG sintered at 1000 °C was the best material. In vitro experiments confirmed the biocompatibility of the hybrid polymer-ceramic material. Therefore, the hybrid polymer-ceramic material is expected to become a new type of dental restoration material.

Influence of feldspar ceramic thickness on the properties of resin cements and restorative set

This in vitro study evaluated the influence of feldspathic ceramic thickness on the properties of light- and dual-cured resin cements. For each cement (RelyX Veneer, Allcem Veneer, RelyX Ultimate, and Allcem Dual), three ceramic specimens were prepared, with seven thicknesses for each (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 mm). The degree of conversion, Vickers microhardness, irradiance power, color variation (ΔE₀₀ ), and translucency parameters were assessed. Microhardness and irradiance power were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tukey's test, while ΔE₀₀ , translucency parameters, and degree of conversion were analyzed using ANOVA of ranks with post hoc Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The relationship between each of the dependent variables (degree of conversion, ΔE₀₀ , and translucency parameter tests) and the specimen thickness was described using linear regression for each of the four resin cements. The significance level for all analyses was set at 5%. RelyX Ultimate yielded the lowest degree of conversion values among all resin cements. Allcem Veneer produced the lowest microhardness values, without statistical differences between thicknesses, of up to 1 mm. Allcem Dual produced the highest ΔE₀₀ and translucency parameter values. Feldspathic ceramic thickness influenced the mechanical properties of resin cements and optical aspects of the restorative set.

Influence of roughening procedures and priming agents on shear bond strength of CAD/CAM materials to zirconia frameworks

This study investigated the influence of roughening procedures and application of primers on shear bond strengths of CAD/CAM composite resin material or ceramic material to zirconia frameworks. A CAD/CAM composite resin block (Katana Avencia Block; AVE) and lithium disilicate glass-ceramic block (IPS e.max CAD; IEC) were used as veneer materials. The veneers were divided into three surface treatment groups; HF, hydrofluoric acid etching; AB, airborne-particle abrasion; and CON, no surface treatment. Each veneer was primed with four agents: Clearfil Porcelain Bond Activator (ACT), Clearfil Photo Bond (CPB), Clearfil Photo Bond with Porcelain Bond Activator (CPB+ACT), and no priming (UP). The zirconia frameworks and AVE or IEC veneers were resin-bonded. In the AVE specimen, AB treatment showed significantly higher shear bond strength than the other treatments at 0 and 20,000 thermocycles, except for UP and CPB+ACT groups at 20,000 thermocycles. Airborne-particle abrasion is necessary for resin bonding to Avencia blocks.

Wear of feldspathic-ceramic-veneered zirconia posterior FPDs after 10 years

Background

The abrasion behavior of various ceramics is rarely investigated, though it is relevant for the clinical success of such restorations. The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the wear of feldspathic-ceramic-veneered zirconium oxide frameworks over a period of at least 10 years.

Methods

The abrasion behavior of 15 bridge constructions from 15 different participants was examined after a period of 3, 5, and 10 years using plaster models, which were then subjected to a scanning process on the Atos II industrial scanner and digitized for three-dimensional evaluation of the abrasion by the corresponding software (ATOS Professional 7.6). The individual post-examination models were compared to the baseline model and deviations calculated in the sense of the largest, punctual loss of material in millimeters (“minimal distance”), the average abrasion in millimeters (“mean distance”), and the volume decrease in cubic millimeters (“integrated distance”). Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon sign rank test or mixed regression models. Multiple testing was considered by Benjamini-Hochberg correction. The significance level was set at 0.05.

Results

We found steadily increasing wear of the ceramic. The average volume decrease was significant (P < 0.001) at 3 years and 10 years (− 3.25 mm³ and − 8.11 mm³, respectively).

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that the rate of volume loss in feldspathic-ceramic-veneered zirconia frameworks in the posterior region increases significantly over time. An increasing frequency of parameters was observed, particularly in the second half of the study period. However, the use of this class of materials can be considered clinically acceptable.

Trial registration This study is registered in DRKS - German Clinical Trials Register with the register number DRKS00021743. https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00021743

Effect of Reduced Occlusal Thickness with Two Margin Designs on Fracture Resistance of Monolithic Zirconia Crowns

Objectives  The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two margin designs (shoulderless and slight chamfer) with two occlusal thicknesses on fracture resistance and failure mode of the monolithic zirconia crowns.

Materials and Methods  Forty nickel–chromium dies were duplicated from the previous two prepared teeth using a three-dimensional optical scanner. Nickel–chromium supporting dies were divided into two main groups ( n = 20) according to the type of margin design: group A, slight chamfer margin design and group B, shoulderless margin design. These groups were further divided into two subgroups according to the occlusal thicknesses (0.5 and 1 mm). The digital imaging of each die was done using a three-dimensional optical scanner, then zirconia blocks were milled by 5-axis machine. The crowns were cleaned by alcohol, air dried, and cemented by resin cement. Next, the crowns were subjected to 500 hot and cold cycles (30 seconds for each cycle). The samples were subjected to a static load until failure using an electronic universal testing machine and fracture resistance was recorded in Newton (N).

Statistical Analysis  Data were analyzed using the test of normality (Shapiro–Wilk test) and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.

Results   The highest mean fracture load was recorded by the shoulderless (1 mm occlusal thickness) subgroup (3,992.5 N), followed by shoulderless (0.5 mm occlusal thickness) subgroup (3,244.4 N), and the slight chamfer (1 mm occlusal thickness) subgroup (2,811 N). The lowest mean of fracture load was recorded by slight chamfer (0.5 mm occlusal thickness) subgroup (1,632.9 N). The two-way ANOVA test revealed a significant difference between the four subgroups. Regarding the fracture mode, the slight chamfer subgroups showed a severe fracture of the restoration while the shoulderless subgroups showed a fracture through the midline of the restoration.

Conclusion  Within the limitation of the comparative study, shoulderless margin design has a more favorable outcome than a slight chamfer design in all thicknesses. Although the restoration with reduced occlusal thickness has lower fracture resistance than 1 mm occlusal thickness, the 0.5 mm restorations still can tolerate occlusal forces.

Influence of Antagonist Material on Fatigue and Fracture Resistance of Zirconia Crowns

Objective  This study investigates the influence of the most commonly used indenter materials on fatigue survival and fracture resistance of zirconia crowns.

Materials and Methods  A total of 40 zirconia crowns were prepared using computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology: 30 crowns were divided into three experimental groups of 10 specimens and the last 10 specimens acted as the control group. The experimental groups were subjected to chewing simulation with simultaneous thermocycling. Three indenter materials (steatite ceramic, stainless steel, and tungsten carbide) with identical diameter were used to load the specimens. All crowns were then subjected to single load to fracture test in universal testing machine. Load was applied vertically with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until failure, and fracture load was recorded.

Statistical Analysis  Normal distribution of data was confirmed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Descriptive statistics including means and standard deviations were determined for all groups. Differences between groups were tested using Dunnett’s test and paired sample t -test.

Results  Chewing simulation for 1.2 million cycles resulted in 100% survival. The highest mean fracture load was recorded for the control group and the lowest one was for the group fatigued with stainless steel indenter. Chewing simulation statistically significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced the mean fracture load of the crowns fatigued with stainless steel and steatite ceramic indenter. However, the mean fracture load for the crowns fatigued with tungsten carbide was not significantly different from that of the control group.

Conclusion  Steatite ceramic and stainless steel indenters produced close results and significantly reduced fracture load of zirconia crowns. However, tungsten carbide indenter caused nonsignificant reduction in the fracture load of zirconia crowns.

Influence of zirconia and lithium disilicate tooth- or implant-supported crowns on wear of antagonistic and adjacent teeth

PURPOSE

To investigate the influence of crown material (lithium-disilicate, 3Y-TZP zirconia) and abutment type (rigid implant, resin tooth with artificial periodontium) on wear performance of their antagonist teeth and adjacent teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A mandibular left first molar (#36) with adjacent human teeth (mandibular left second premolar: #35, mandibular left second molar: #37) and antagonistic human teeth (maxillary left second premolar: #25, maxillary left first molar: #26, maxillary left second molar: #27) was prepared simulating a section of the jaw. Samples were made with extracted human molars (Reference), crowned implants (Implant), or crowned resin tooth analogues (Tooth). Crowns (tooth #36; n = 16/material) were milled from lithium-disilicate (Li, IPS e.max CAD) or 3Y-TZP zirconia (Zr, IPS e.max ZirCAD, both Ivoclar Vivadent). Thermal cycling and mechanical loading (TCML) in the chewing simulator were applied simulating 15 years of clinical service. Wear traces were analyzed (frequency [n], depth [µm]) and evaluated using scanning electron pictures. Wear results were compared by one-way-ANOVA and post-hoc-Bonferroni (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

After TCML, no visible wear traces were found on Zr. Li showed more wear traces (n = 30–31) than the reference (n = 21). Antagonistic teeth #26 showed more wear traces in contact to both ceramics (n = 27–29) than to the reference (n = 21). Strong wear traces (> 350 µm) on antagonists and their adjacent teeth were found only in crowned groups. Abutment type influenced number and depth of wear facets on the antagonistic and adjacent teeth.

CONCLUSION

The clinically relevant model with human antagonistic and adjacent teeth allowed for a limited comparison of the wear situation. The total number of wear traces and strong wear on crowns, antagonistic and adjacent teeth were influenced by crown material.

Effect of nanomaterial incorporation on the mechanical and microbiological properties of dental porcelain

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Dental porcelain restorations are subject to biological failures related to secondary caries and periodontal disease leading to prosthesis replacement.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to explore the microbiological and mechanical properties of dental porcelain incorporated with different percentages of silver vanadate (β-AgVO₃) through microbiological analysis, roughness tests, and the Vickers microhardness test.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

IPS InLine porcelain specimens were made by using a cylindrical Teflon matrix in the dimensions of 8×2 mm. For the control group, the porcelain was manipulated according to the manufacturer's instructions. The groups incorporating the nanomaterial were prepared with 2.5%, 5%, and 10% of β-AgVO_3, which was added proportionally by mass to the porcelain powder. In vitro microbiologic analysis, roughness tests, and the Vickers microhardness test were performed.

RESULTS

Against Streptococcus mutans, the control group showed no inhibition halo (0 mm). All groups with AgVO₃ showed a zone of inhibition, the highest for the group with 10% (30 mm) and then the groups with 2.5% (9 mm) and 5% (17 mm). For Vickers microhardness, no statistically significant difference (P<.05) was observed between the evaluated groups. The group with 10% of AgVO₃ had the highest mean roughness and was statistically different (P<.001) from the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding β-AgVO₃ to dental porcelain demonstrated antimicrobial effectiveness at all concentrations (2.5%, 5%, and 10%), with no effect on Vickers microhardness. The 10% group had higher roughness than the other groups.

Aesthetic Rehabilitation of a Patient with Bruxism Using Ceramic Veneers and Overlays Combined with Four-Point Monolithic Zirconia Crowns for Occlusal Stabilization: A 4-Year Follow-Up

Management of severe worn dentition in patients with bruxism is challenging as a result of the loss of tooth structure and occlusal vertical dimension, temporomandibular implications, tooth hypersensitivity, and masticatory or aesthetic impairment. This case describes the 4-year follow-up clinical evaluation of a full mouth tooth-supported rehabilitation made on a 66-year-old man with bruxism and tooth wear, with aesthetic complaints and compromised masticatory function. The prosthetic treatment was planned with a digital smile design and a mock-up technique for an aesthetic and minimally invasive approach using lithium disilicate pressed and layered veneers on anterior teeth, posterior CAD/CAM lithium disilicate overlays with facial coverage, and CAD/CAM monolithic zirconia crowns with facial feldspathic ceramic on maxillary and mandibular canines and first molars in order to ensure the occlusal stability at the increased occlusal vertical dimension. After 4 years of function, no complications were registered. The choice of an appropriate material for the rehabilitation of these patients is essential to improve treatment prognosis and should be guided by mechanical and aesthetical properties. The use of four-point occlusal stabilization with CAD/CAM high strength monolithic zirconia crowns combined with ceramic veneers and overlays appears to be a reliable treatment option that enhances aesthetics and minimizes the occurrence of ceramic fractures, ensuring the treatment prognosis and predictability.

Four-Year Follow-up of Increased Vertical Dimension of Occlusion using Resin Composites

The objectives of this case report were to treat a severe loss of the vertical dimension of occlusion with indirect composite and to evaluate the durability of the restorations. A 55-year-old male complains from severe wear of teeth, leading to a change in normal occlusal plane. Two major treatment modalities were proposed to this patient; a conventional invasive crown placement with root canal treatments or a minimally invasive approach relying on adhesion. The latter was adopted and used to treat this patient. This paper describes a step-by-step approach of the different treatment phases starting with teeth preparation, then provisional prostheses, and ending with the placement of indirect anterior veneers and posterior onlays, all made with laboratory resin composite. Satisfactory clinical results were observed over the 4-year follow-up, with minimum failures limited to one partial fracture of inlay treated with direct adhesive repair.

Prefabricated resin veneer: A case report of a simplified restorative technique

Background: the aim of the study was to describe the step-by-step of clinical cases using prefabricated composite resin veneers (PCRVs), manufactured with the composite Brilliant New Generation (Coltene, Altstätten, Switzerland). Direct composite veneers presented some drawback as the difficult of execution and color instability of the composite over the time. The simplified application of the PCRVs presented as an interesting alternative in cases of smile asymmetry, large deficient restorations and discolored tooth. In the present investigation, the complete description of the PCRVs technique can help the dentist during the planning and execution of treatments with the Componeer system.

Conclusion: the treatment with Componeer Brilliant NG showed excellent aesthetic results. PCRVs technique is simpler than direct composite veneers. The specific characteristics of the system can promote results with greater aesthetic longevity. It is important to highlight that this procedure does not replace the already established veneer technique with dental ceramics.

Clinical implication: PCRVs presented an excellent surface gloss. Their dimensions based on the golden ratio facilitate the technique and turns as an excellent alternative in the aesthetic restorative treatment in the anterior region.

Resistência da união ao microcisalhamento de cimento resinoso e resina fluida à cerâmica de dissilicato de lítio

Objetivos: O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar a resistência da união ao microcisalhamento de uma resina composta microhíbrida de baixa viscosidade (fluida) e de um cimento resinoso fotopolimerizável aplicados a uma cerâmica de dissilicato de lítio. Métodos: Discos de uma cerâmica de dissilicato de lítio (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) foram divididos em 2 grupos (n = 10), de acordo com material utilizado para a cimentação: cimento resinoso (Allcem Veneer, FGM) ou resina composta microhíbrida fluida (Opallis Fluida, FGM). Previamente a aplicação do material para cimentação, todas as cerâmicas receberam tratamento superficial padronizado: condicionamento com ácido fluorídrico a 10% (Condac Porcelana, FGM) por 20 s, lavagem com água por 60 s, secagem com ar por 30s e aplicação de silano (Prosil, FGM). Os materiais foram inseridos em uma matriz elastomérica (0,5 mm x 1,2 mm) sobre o bloco cerâmico. Quatro cilindros por grupo foram construídos e fotoativados por um aparelho de diodo emissor de luz (LED, Valo, Ultradent) por 40 s a uma irradiância de 1200 mW/cm2. O teste de microcisalhamento foi feito utilizando uma máquina de ensaio universal (EMIC) a uma velocidade de 0,5 mm/min. Os dados (MPa) foram submetidos ao teste de normalidade (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) e one-way ANOVA, sendo as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (α=0,05). Resultados: O cimento resinoso apresentou resistência da união ao microcisalhamento estatisticamente superior à resina composta fluida (ρ=0,020). Conclusão: Melhor desempenho na união à cerâmica de dissilicato de lítio foi obtido utilizando cimento resinoso.

Anterosuperior rehabilitation with metal-free fixed prosthesis based on zirconia

The loss of upper front dental elements causes functional and psychosocial problems to the affected individuals. In this case report, the treatment planning considered hard and soft tissue loss for a complex fixed partial denture (FPD) rehabilitation. The six-element, all-ceramic FPD was manufactured using a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing system with zirconia framework, veneered with leucite-reinforced ceramic. Ceramic artificial gum was also produced to guarantee tooth-facial proportions as well as lip support, promoting both esthetics and phonetics. The material's mechanical properties allowed for the coupling of the esthetic and mechanical requirements, proving an alternative to the well-established metal-ceramic technology, optimizing biomimetic. One of the endodontic-treated abutment teeth required a radicular retainer with cast metal post, but because of the opacity of zirconia, the esthetics of the prosthesis was not compromised. The low silica content of high resistance ceramics such as zirconia hampers the adhesive cementation, with numerous studies advocating for different cementation protocols, with no clear scientific consensus so far. In the present case, the internal surface of the FPD was initially blasted with aluminum oxide, followed by the application of a universal adhesive system containing 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate. Finally, cementation to the dental structure was conducted with dual-cure self-adhesive resin cement.