The effects of repeated heat-pressing on properties of pressable glass-ceramics

The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties of four heat-pressed glass-ceramic materials after repeated heat-pressing. Two commercially available heat-pressed glass-ceramic systems [Optimal pressable glass-ceramics (OPC and 3G) and Empress pressable glass-ceramics (Empress and Empress2)] were selected. Disc samples (14 mm x 1.4 mm) of each tested material were heat-pressed and used as controls. Sprue and button parts of the pressed groups were retrieved and used for repeated heat-pressing to construct specimens of re-pressed group. All the heat-pressed casting procedures were performed according to the manufacturers' instructions. A biaxial flexural strength (BFS) test (ISO 6872) was performed to determine the strength of pressed and re-pressed glass-ceramic disc specimens (n = 10) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm min(-1). Ions eluted from etching procedure were collected and examined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Surface characteristics were examined with electron probe microanalysis, X-ray diffraction and secondary electron imaging (SEI). The data were analysed statistically (ANOVA + Tukey's HSD post hoc test, P < 0.05). The BFS values obtained ranged from 123.5 +/- 18.5 to 365.9 +/- 35.5 MPa. The re-pressed Empress2 group had a statistically significant higher BFS mean than the pressed control group (P < 0.05). The SEI micrographs of the lithium disilicate-reinforced glass-ceramic material (Empress2) showed a densely packed, interlocking microstructure and an increase in size with preferred orientation of the lithium disilicate crystals after repeated heat-pressing. Repeated heat-pressing treatment produced a statistically significant increase in the flexural strength of Empress2 glass-ceramic material.     

The effect of veneering and heat treatment on the flexural strength of Empress 2 ceramics

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to test and compare the biaxial flexural strength and reliability of Empress 2 ceramics after heat treatment and the addition of the veneering material and to characterise their microstructures. METHODS: Forty disc specimens (2 x 14 mm) and forty disc specimens (1 x 14 mm) were produced by heat pressing in the EP 500 press furnace. Group 1 (2 x 14 mm Empress 2 core) was as heat pressed and group 2 (2 x 14 mm Empress 2 core) was subjected to the recommended firing cycles. Groups 3 and 4 (1 x 14 mm Empress 2 core) were veneered with the dentine material and heat-treated as per group 2. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were lapped to 800 grit silicon carbide paper on the compressive surface only and group 4 on both the compressive and tensile test surfaces. Twenty disc specimens per group were tested using the biaxial flexure test at a crosshead speed of 0.15 mm/min. Specimens were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and secondary electron imaging (SEM). RESULTS: Mean biaxial flexural strengths (MPa+/-SD) were group 1: 265.5+/-25.7; group 2: 251.3+/-30.2; group 3: 258.6+/-21.4 and group 4: 308.6+/-37.7. There was no statistical difference between groups 1, 2 and 3 (p>0.05), but differences for group 4 (p<0.05). XRD and SEM revealed lithium disilicate and lithium orthophosphate in the Empress 2 core material and an amorphous glass and some evidence of a crystalline phase in the dentine material. CONCLUSIONS; Veneering or heat treatment of Empress 2 ceramics did not significantly affect the mean biaxial flexural strength (p>0.05) or reliability. Surface modification of the Empress 2 core material increased the mean biaxial flexural strength (p<0.05).     

IPS-Empress 2 玻璃陶瓷结构及性能的研究

目的 研究新型IPS-Empress 2牙科高强度陶瓷的显微结构和机械性能。方法采用原子力显微镜、扫描电子显微镜和X射线衍射仪，分析IPS-Empress 2的显微结构和晶相，用三点弯曲实验和压痕法测试其弯曲强度和断裂韧性。结果IPS-Empress 2玻璃陶瓷主要由二硅酸锂晶体和磷酸锂晶体组成，二者形成相互交错的三维网络式结构；这种玻璃陶瓷在热压铸前后晶体相保持不变，其三点弯曲强度和断裂韧性分别为300MPa和3．1MPam^1/2。结论IPS-Empress 2玻璃陶瓷的高强度和韧性与高含量的二硅酸锂晶体、相互锁结的网络结构和裂纹偏转有关。     

The effect of a layer of resin luting agent on the biaxial flexure strength of two all-ceramic systems

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The influence of a layer of resin luting agent on the longevity of glass-ceramic crowns has been demonstrated in some laboratory and clinical studies. The mechanisms of glass-ceramic crown failure and the influence of the resin luting agent layer are still not clearly understood. PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to examine the difference in biaxial flexure strength between 2 glass-ceramic dental materials and to examine the influence of a layer of resin luting agent on the characteristic strength of these materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-seven disks, 15 mm x 1.5 mm, each of IPS Empress and IPS Empress2, were fabricated according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The surface of each disk underwent acid etching and silanation. The disks from each group were arbitrarily divided into 2 subgroups. One subgroup of each material type was selected to receive a thin (approximately 0.1 mm) layer of resin luting agent (Nexus 2), whereas the other subgroups remained unaltered. Each disk was loaded, with the treated surface down, using a ball-on-ring biaxial configuration in a universal testing machine. The failure loads (N) were recorded, and the biaxial flexure strength for each disk was calculated. Characteristic Weibull parameters and a +/-95% confidence interval were determined. A 2-way analysis of variance (alpha=.05) on transformed fracture strength data was used to determine significant differences between groups. RESULTS: The Weibull characteristic strength of IPS Empress2 (213 MPa) was 75% higher than IPS Empress (122 MPa). The results also show that the application of a thin layer of resin luting agent significantly increased (P <.001) the characteristic strength of both IPS Empress and IPS Empress2 by 45.6% and 47.6%, respectively. The higher strength of the resin-coated specimens cannot be explained in terms of standard fracture mechanics alone. CONCLUSION: Results suggested that IPS Empress had significantly lower characteristic strength than IPS Empress2. A relatively thin layer of resin luting agent bonded to both IPS Empress and IPS Empress2 significantly increased the characteristic strength of the ceramics.     

The effect of core material, veneering porcelain, and fabrication technique on the biaxial flexural strength and weibull analysis of selected dental ceramics

Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare the effect of veneering porcelain (monolithic or bilayer specimens) and core fabrication technique (heat‐pressed or CAD/CAM) on the biaxial flexural strength and Weibull modulus of leucite‐reinforced and lithium‐disilicate glass ceramics. In addition, the effect of veneering technique (heat‐pressed or powder/liquid layering) for zirconia ceramics on the biaxial flexural strength and Weibull modulus was studied. Materials and Methods: Five ceramic core materials (IPS Empress Esthetic, IPS Empress CAD, IPS e.max Press, IPS e.max CAD, IPS e.max ZirCAD) and three corresponding veneering porcelains (IPS Empress Esthetic Veneer, IPS e.max Ceram, IPS e.max ZirPress) were selected for this study. Each core material group contained three subgroups based on the core material thickness and the presence of corresponding veneering porcelain as follows: 1.5 mm core material only (subgroup 1.5C), 0.8 mm core material only (subgroup 0.8C), and 1.5 mm core/veneer group: 0.8 mm core with 0.7 mm corresponding veneering porcelain with a powder/liquid layering technique (subgroup 0.8C‐0.7VL). The ZirCAD group had one additional 1.5 mm core/veneer subgroup with 0.7 mm heat‐pressed veneering porcelain (subgroup 0.8C‐0.7VP). The biaxial flexural strengths were compared for each subgroup (n = 10) according to ISO standard 6872:2008 with ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test (p≤ 0.05). The reliability of strength was analyzed with the Weibull distribution. Results: For all core materials, the 1.5 mm core/veneer subgroups (0.8C‐0.7VL, 0.8C‐0.7VP) had significantly lower mean biaxial flexural strengths (p < 0.0001) than the other two subgroups (subgroups 1.5C and 0.8C). For the ZirCAD group, the 0.8C‐0.7VL subgroup had significantly lower flexural strength (p= 0.004) than subgroup 0.8C‐0.7VP. Nonetheless, both veneered ZirCAD groups showed greater flexural strength than the monolithic Empress and e.max groups, regardless of core thickness and fabrication techniques. Comparing fabrication techniques, Empress Esthetic/CAD, e.max Press/CAD had similar biaxial flexural strength (p= 0.28 for Empress pair; p= 0.87 for e.max pair); however, e.max CAD/Press groups had significantly higher flexural strength (p < 0.0001) than Empress Esthetic/CAD groups. Monolithic core specimens presented with higher Weibull modulus with all selected core materials. For the ZirCAD group, although the bilayer 0.8C‐0.7VL subgroup exhibited significantly lower flexural strength, it had highest Weibull modulus than the 0.8C‐0.7VP subgroup. Conclusions: The present study suggests that veneering porcelain onto a ceramic core material diminishes the flexural strength and the reliability of the bilayer specimens. Leucite‐reinforced glass‐ceramic cores have lower flexural strength than lithium‐disilicate ones, while fabrication techniques (heat‐pressed or CAD/CAM) and specimen thicknesses do not affect the flexural strength of all glass ceramics. Compared with the heat‐pressed veneering technique, the powder/liquid veneering technique exhibited lower flexural strength but increased reliability with a higher Weibull modulus for zirconia bilayer specimens. Zirconia‐veneered ceramics exhibited greater flexural strength than monolithic leucite‐reinforced and lithium‐disilicate ceramics regardless of zirconia veneering techniques (heat‐pressed or powder/liquid technique).     

Biaxial Flexural Strength and Microstructure Changes of Two Recycled Pressable Glass Ceramics

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the biaxial flexural strength and identified the crystalline phases and the microstructural features of pressed and repressed materials of the glass ceramics, Empress 1 and Empress 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty pressed and 20 repressed disc specimens measuring 14 mm x 1 mm per material were prepared following the manufacturers' recommendations. Biaxial flexure (piston on 3-ball method) was used to assess strength. X-ray diffraction was performed to identify the crystalline phases, and a scanning electron microscope was used to disclose microstructural features. RESULTS: Biaxial flexural strength, for the pressed and repressed specimens, respectively, were E1 [148 (SD 18) and 149 (SD 35)] and E2 [340 (SD 40), 325 (SD 60)] MPa. There was no significant difference in strength between the pressed and the repressed groups of either material, Empress 1 and Empress 2 (p > 0.05). Weibull modulus values results were E1: (8, 4.7) and E2: (9, 5.8) for the same groups, respectively. X-ray diffraction revealed that leucite was the main crystalline phase for Empress 1 groups, and lithium disilicate for Empress 2 groups. No further peaks were observed in the X-ray diffraction patterns of either material after repressing. Dispersed leucite crystals and cracks within the leucite crystals and glass matrix were features observed in Empress 1 for pressed and repressed samples. Similar microstructure features--dense lithium disilicate crystals within a glass matrix--were observed in Empress 2 pressed and repressed materials. However, the repressed material showed larger lithium disilicate crystals than the singly pressed material. CONCLUSIONS: Second pressing had no significant effect on the biaxial flexural strength of Empress 1 or Empress 2; however, higher strength variations among the repressed samples of the materials may indicate less reliability of these materials after second pressing.     

Biaxial flexural strength,elastic moduli,and x-ray diffraction characterization of three pressable all-ceramic materials

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Before the release of an advanced ceramic material, independent assessment of its strength, elastic modulus, and phase composition is necessary for comparison with peer materials. PURPOSE: This study compared the biaxial flexural strength, elastic moduli, and crystalline phases of IPS Empress and Empress 2 with a new experimental ceramic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty standardized disc specimens (14 x 1.1 mm) per material were used to measure the biaxial strength. With a universal testing machine, each specimen was supported on 3 balls and loaded with a piston at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. Three standardized bars (30 x 12.75 x 1.1 mm) for each material were prepared and excited with an impulse tool. The resonant frequencies (Hz) of the bars were used to calculate the elastic moduli with the equation suggested by the standard ASTM (C 1259-94). X-ray diffraction with Cu Kalpha at a diffraction angle from 20 to 40 degrees was used to identify the crystalline phases by means of a diffractometer attached to computer software. The data were analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance followed by pairwise t tests (P<.05). RESULTS: Mean biaxial strengths were 175 +/- 32, 407 +/- 45, and 440 +/- 55 MPa for IPS Empress, Empress 2, and the experimental ceramic, respectively. Elastic modulus results were 65, 103, and 91 GPa for the same materials, respectively. There was no significant difference in strength and elastic modulus between Empress 2 and the experimental ceramic. Both materials demonstrated a significantly higher elastic modulus and strength than IPS Empress. X-ray diffraction revealed leucite as the main crystalline phase for IPS Empress and lithium disilicate for both Empress 2 and the experimental ceramic. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the improved mechanical properties of Empress 2 and experimental ceramic over those of IPS Empress were attributed to the nature and amount of their crystalline content lithium disilicate.     

三种二硅酸锂玻璃陶瓷冠抗折强度研究

目的    通过抗折破坏实验分析3种牙科二硅酸锂玻璃陶瓷抗折强度的差异,为国产二硅酸锂玻璃陶瓷临床应用提供依据。方法    将30个下颌第一磨牙标准预备体代型随机分为3组,每组10个,分别制作国产二硅酸锂玻璃陶瓷冠试件（DID组）、IPS e.max CAD冠试件（IPC组）和IPS e.max Press冠试件（IPP组）。3组全瓷冠试件粘接后,分别放置于电子万能试验机上,用直径6 mm圆形加载头,以0.5 mm/min速度垂直加载于全瓷冠面中央至瓷层碎裂,记录最大载荷,即二硅酸锂玻璃陶瓷冠抗折强度。用扫描电镜（SEM）观察表面形态。采用SPSS21.0 统计软件对3组全瓷冠试件抗折强度值进行单因素方差分析和组间两两比较的q检验,检验水准取双侧α = 0.05。结果    3组全瓷冠试件抗折强度结果：DID组为（949.7 ± 119. 4）N,IPC组为（1746.9 ± 244.8）N,IPP组为（2161.8 ± 239.0）N 。3组间总的比较,差异有统计学意义（F = 86.685,P < 0.05）;各组间两两比较,差异亦均有统计学意义（均P < 0.05）。3组全瓷冠试件的断裂模式无显著差异,大部分试件断裂类型均为Ⅰ型。SEM观察,DID组可见晶体在样本中分布不均匀,大小不一,表面有细小裂隙;IPC组可见析出晶体在样本中分布较均匀,晶体较为长大;IPP组可见析出的棒状二硅酸锂晶体均匀分布于玻璃相中,互相嵌合,并形成一种互锁微结构。结论    研究条件下,不同二硅酸锂玻璃陶瓷对抗折强度及断裂类型均有影响,国产二硅酸锂玻璃陶瓷可以满足临床要求,对于其在临床应用有一定指导意义。     

Influence of layer and stain firing on the fracture strength of heat-pressed ceramics

summary Fracture strength ( T = torque to initiate fracture; K_IC= fracture toughness) and the fractography of heat-pressed leucite reinforced ceramic (IPS Empress, Ivoclar AG-Schaan, Liechtenstein) were analysed by the notched disc test technique and scanning electron microscopy methodologies. To determine the effects of additional firing schedules on the heat-pressed core ceramic, three groups of specimens were prepared. These groups were heat pressed core, heat-pressed core and simulated stain firing, and heat-pressed core and simulated layer firing. Statistical analysis of both T and K_IC values showed that there was no statistically significant difference between these three groups (P > 0–05). Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the fractured surfaces revealed that crack propagation occurred around some of the leucite particles and also partly and directly through other leucite particles.     

Fracture strength of four different types of anterior 3-unit bridges after thermo-mechanical fatigue in the dual-axis chewing simulator

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture strength of four different types of anterior 3-unit bridges after thermo-mechanical fatigue in a dual-axis chewing simulator. Sixty-four human maxillary incisors were prepared and 32 bridges fabricated. The four groups of eight bridges each were - (GC): AGC(R) galvano-ceramic bridges (CA): Celay(R) In-Ceram(R) Alumina bridges (E2): heat-pressed lithium disilicate glass-ceramic bridges and (CM) ceramo-metal (control). Fracture loads were recorded after a dual-axis chewing simulator and in a universal testing machine. The survival rate after 5 years for the CM and the GC groups was 100%, for the E2 group 75% and for the CA group 37.5% (Kaplan-Mayer analysis). The mean fracture strengths (N) were 681.52 +/- 151.90 (CM); 397.71 +/- 59.02 (GC); 292.92 +/- 46.45 (E2) and 239.95 +/- 33.39 (CA), respectively. The log-rank test showed a significant difference between the CA and the GC or the CA and the CM groups. No significant differences between the E2 and the CA or the E2 and the GC groups were found. The study indicates that heat-pressed lithium disilicate glass-ceramic and AGC(R) galvano-ceramic bridges are alternatives to ceramo-metal 3-unit anterior bridges.     

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??Objective    To investigate the fracture resistance of different lithium disilicate crowns by mechanical test.  Methods    Totally 30 epoxy dies crowns were divided into 3 groups. They were cemented to domestic lithium disilicate glass-ceramic crowns in Group DID?? to IPS e.max CAD crowns in Group IPC and to IPS e.max Press crowns in Group IPP respectively. Use the universal testing machine to survey the flexural  strength.Stainless steel ball with a diameter of 6 mm was vertically placed on the occlusal surface of the crowns at a speed of 0.5mm/min.Fracture was defined as occurrence of chipping. The loads at fracture were registered??scanning electron microscopy ??SEM?? was used to  observe cross-section morphology. SPSS21.0 was used to analyze the fracture resistance of the three groups??the standard being α = 0.05. Results    The mean fracture resistance of the domestic lithium disilicate glass-ceramic crowns was ??949.7 ± 119.4?? N?? IPC group ??1746.9 ± 244.8?? N?? IPP group ??2161.8 ± 239.0?? N. The difference among the three groups was statistically significant ??F = 86.685??P < 0.05??. The difference had statistical significance ??P < 0.05?? when the groups were compared in pairs. The fracture mode of the three groups of all-ceramic crowns had no significant difference?? and the fracture mode was mostly type ??. Under SEM?? all sizes of crystals with fine cracks on surface could be seen unevenly distributing in samples of group DID?? the big and long crystals could be seen relatively evenly distributing in samples of group IPC??and in group IPP?? the rodlike lithium disilicate crystals were evenly distributed in glass phase?? interdigitated?? and formed an interlocking microstructure. Conclusion    In the study?? different lithium disilicate glass-ceramic crowns have influence on fracture resistance and fracture mode?? and domestic lithium disilicate porcelain can meet the clinical requirement?? which has certain guiding significance for its clinical application.     

Effect of etching and airborne particle abrasion on the microstructure of different dental ceramics

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The ceramic composition and microstructure surface of all-ceramic restorations are important components of an effective bonding substrate. Both hydrofluoric acid etching and airborne aluminum oxide particle abrasion produce irregular surfaces necessary for micromechanical bonding. Although surface treatments of feldspathic and leucite porcelains have been studied previously, the high alumina-containing and lithium disilicate ceramics have not been fully investigated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the surface topography of 6 different ceramics after treatment with either hydrofluoric acid etching or airborne aluminum oxide particle abrasion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five copings each of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2 (0.8 mm thick), Cergogold (0.7 mm thick), In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera (0.8 mm thick) were fabricated following the manufacturer's instructions. Each coping was longitudinally sectioned into 4 equal parts by a diamond disk. The resulting sections were then randomly divided into 3 groups depending on subsequent surface treatments: Group 1, specimens without additional surface treatments, as received from the laboratory (control); Group 2, specimens treated by use of airborne particle abrasion with 50-microm aluminum oxide; and Group 3, specimens treated with 10% hydrofluoric acid etching (20 seconds for IPS Empress 2; 60 seconds for IPS Empress and Cergogold; and 2 minutes for In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera). RESULTS: Airborne particle abrasion changed the morphologic surface of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2, and Cergogold ceramics. The surface topography of these ceramics exhibited shallow irregularities not evident in the control group. For Procera, the 50-microm aluminum oxide airborne particle abrasion produced a flattened surface. Airborne particle abrasion of In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia did not change the morphologic characteristics and the same shallows pits found in the control group remained. For IPS Empress 2, 10% hydrofluoric acid etching produced elongated crystals scattered with shallow irregularities. For IPS Empress and Cergogold, the morphologic characteristic was honeycomb-like on the ceramic surface. The surface treatment of In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera did not change their superficial structure. CONCLUSION: Hydrofluoric acid etching and airborne particle abrasion with 50-microm aluminum oxide increased the irregularities on the surface of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2, and Cergogold ceramics. Similar treatment of In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera did not change their morphologic microstructure.     

Real time neutron diffraction and NMR of the Empress II glass-ceramic system

Objective. This study reports real time neutron diffraction on the Empress II glass-ceramic system.Methods. The commercial glass-ceramics was characterized by real time neutron diffraction, ³¹P and ²⁹Si solid-state MAS-NMR, DSC and XRD.Results. On heating, the as-received glass ceramic contained lithium disilicate (Li₂Si₂O₅), which melted with increasing temperature. This was revealed by neutron diffraction which showed the Bragg peaks for this phase had disappeared by 958 °C in agreement with thermal analysis. On cooling lithium metasilicate (Li₂SiO₃) started to form at around 916 °C and a minor phase of cristobalite at around 852 °C. The unit cell volume of both Li-silicate phases increased linearly with temperature at a rate of +17 × 10⁻³ ų.°C⁻¹. Room temperature powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the material after cooling confirms presence of the lithium metasilicate and cristobalite as the main phases and shows, in addition, small amount of lithium disilicate and orthophosphate. ³¹P MAS-NMR reveals presence of the lithiorthophosphate (Li₃PO₄) before and after heat treatment. The melting of lithium disilicate on heating and crystallisation of lithium metasilicate on cooling agree with endothermic and exotermic features respectively observed by DSC. ²⁹Si MAS-NMR shows presence of lithium disilicate phase in the as-received glass-ceramic, though not in the major proportion, and lithium metasilicate in the material after heat treatment. Both phases have significantly long T₁ relaxation time, especially the lithium metasilicate, therefore, a quantitative analysis of the ²⁹Si MAS-NMR spectra was not attempted.Significance. The findings of the present work demonstrate importance of the commercially designed processing parameters in order to preserve desired characteristics of the material. Processing the Empress II at a rate slower than recommended 60 °C min⁻¹ or long isothermal hold at the maximal processing temperature 920 °C can cause crystallization of lithium metasilicate and cristobalite instead of lithium disilicate as major phase.     

Effects of surface finish and fatigue testing on the fracture strength of CAD-CAM and pressed-ceramic crowns.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: All-ceramic molar crowns can be fabricated with CAD-CAM or laboratory methods with different materials, and a polished or oven-glazed surface. PURPOSE: This in vitro study determined the fracture strength of various all-ceramic crowns, with and without prior cyclic loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Standardized molar crowns were fabricated with a CAD-CAM machine (Cerec 2), software with machinable ceramic materials (Vita Mark II and ProCAD), and also conventional heat-pressed IPS Empress crowns fabricated at 2 dental laboratories. Groups of 40 crowns of each material were manufactured with either a polished or an oven-glazed surface finish. Cyclic loading that simulated oral conditions were performed on half of each group. Afterward, all crowns were loaded until catastrophic failure.Results. Fracture loads of the polished ProCAD crowns without prior cyclic loading was 2120 +/- 231 N, significantly higher than that of the polished Vita Mark II crowns (1905 +/- 235 N), but was not significantly different from the strength of 2 laboratory-fabricated Empress crowns. Oven-glazing of ProCAD crowns improved the fracture strength significantly, up to 2254 +/- 186 N. Prior cyclic loading decreased the strength of all tested crowns significantly, but the reduction was less for the Cerec crowns than the Empress crowns. CONCLUSION: Cerec ProCAD crowns demonstrated significantly greater strength than the Vita Mark II crowns, better resistance to cyclic loading and lower failure probability than the laboratory-fabricated IPS Empress crowns. Prior cyclic loading significantly reduced the strength of all-ceramic crowns, but had less effect on Cerec crowns than on the IPS Empress crowns. Oven-glazing of ProCAD crowns resulted in significantly higher strength and higher resistance to cyclic loading than surface polishing.     

Effect of Surface Acid Etching on the Biaxial Flexural Strength of Two Hot-Pressed Glass Ceramics

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of surface acid etching on the biaxial flexural strength of two hot-pressed glass ceramics reinforced by leucite or lithium disilicate crystals.
Materials and Methods: Forty glass ceramic disks (14-mm diameter, 2-mm thick) consisting of 20 leucite-based ceramic disks (IPS Empress®) and 20 lithia disilicate-based ceramic (IPS Empress 2®) were produced by hot-pressing technique. All specimens were polished and then cleaned ultrasonically in distilled water. Ten specimens of each ceramic group were then etched with 9% hydrofluoric (HF) acid gel for 2 minutes and cleaned ultrasonically again. The biaxial flexural strength was measured by the piston-on-three-ball test in a universal testing machine. Data based on ten specimens in each group were analyzed by two-way ANOVA  (α= 0.05)  . Microstructure of ceramic surfaces before and after acid etching was also examined by a scanning electron microscope.
Results: The mean biaxial flexural strength values for each group tested were (in MPa): nonetched IPS Empress = 118.6 ± 25.5; etched IPS Empress = 102.9 ± 15.4; nonetched IPS Empress 2 = 283.0 ± 48.5; and etched IPS Empress 2 = 250.6 ± 34.6. The results showed that the etching process reduced the biaxial flexural strengths significantly for both ceramic types ( p = 0.025). No significant interaction between the ceramic type and etching process was found ( p = 0.407).
Conclusion: From the results, it was concluded that surface HF acid etching could have a weakening effect on hot-pressed leucite or lithia disilicate-based glass ceramic systems.     

Biaxial flexural strength and translucent characteristics of dental lithium disilicate glass ceramics with different translucencies

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the biaxial flexural strength and translucent characteristics of dental lithium disilicate glass ceramics with different translucencies.MethodsTwo heat pressed lithium disilicate glass ceramics (IPS e.max Press and an experimental ceramic) and one computer aided design/ computer aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) lithium disilicate glass ceramic (IPS e.max CAD) with different translucencies were evaluated. Disk-shaped specimens of each group were subjected to a biaxial flexural strength (BFS) test. Translucent parameters (TP) were also tested at 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm thickness, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM were used for crystalline and microstructural analysis.ResultsBFS values of two heat pressed lithium disilicate glass ceramics were significantly higher than the CAD/CAM counterpart. No difference in BFS between two heat pressed glass ceramic was found. There were significant differences in BFS and TP values among the tested subgroups with different translucencies for IPS e.max Press and IPS e.max CAD. No difference in crystalline composition was found among the tested glass ceramics, but microstructure with shorter and wider crystal was revealed for IPS e.max CAD ceramics.ConclusionsLithium disilicate glass ceramics with different translucencies demonstrated different BFS and TP values.     

Development and testing of multi-phase glazes for adhesive bonding to zirconia substrates

Objectives

The aims of the study were to develop and test multi-phase glaze coatings for zirconia restorations, so that the surface could be etched and adhesively bonded.

Methods

Zirconia disc specimens (n = 125, 16 mm × 1 mm) were cut from cylinders of Y-TZP (yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals) ZS-Blanks (Kavo, Everest) and sintered overnight. Specimens were subjected to the recommended firing cycles, and next sandblasted. The specimens were divided into 5 groups of 25, with Group 1 as the sandblasted control. Groups 2–5 were coated with overglaze materials (P25 and IPS e.max Ceram glazes) containing secondary phases. Group 2 was (wt%): 10% hydroxyapatite (HA)/P25 glaze, Group 3: 20% IPS Empress 2 glass–ceramic/glaze, Group 4: 20% IPS Empress 2 glass/glaze and Group 5: 30% IPS Empress 2 glass/glaze. After sintering and etching, Monobond-S and composite resin cylinders (Variolink II, Ivoclar-Vivadent) were applied and light cured on the test surfaces. Specimens were water stored for 7 days. Groups were tested using the shear bond strength (SBS) test at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Overglazed and the fractured specimen surfaces were viewed using secondary electron microscopy. Room and high temperature XRD and DSC were carried out to characterize the materials.

Results

The mean (SD) SBS (MPa) of the test groups were: Group 1: 7.7 (3.2); Group 2: 5.6 (1.7); Group 3: 11.0 (3.0); Group 4: 8.8 (2.6) and Group 5: 9.1 (2.6). Group 3 was significantly different to the control Group 1 (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean SBS values between Group 1 and Groups 2, 4 and 5 (p > 0.05). Group 2 showed statistically lower SBS than Groups 3–5 (p < 0.05). Lithium disilicate fibres were present in Groups 3–5 and fine scale fibres were grown in the glaze following a porcelain firing cycle (Groups 4 and 5). XRD indicated a lithium disilicate/minor lithium orthophosphate phase (Group 3), and a tetragonal zirconia phase for the sintered Y-TZP ZS-Blanks. DSC and high temperature XRD confirmed the crystallization temperatures and phases for the IPS Empress 2 glass.

Conclusions

The application of a novel glass–ceramic/glaze material containing a major lithium disilicate phase might be a step in improving the bond strength of a zirconia substrate to a resin cement.     

The influence of internal surface treatments on tensile bond strength for two ceramic systems

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The ceramic composition and surface microstructure of all-ceramic restorations are important components of an effective bonding substrate. Hydrofluoric acid and sandblasting are well-known procedures for surface treatment; however, surface treatment for high alumina-containing and lithium disilicate ceramics have not been fully investigated. PURPOSE: This in vitro study evaluated the tensile bond strength of resin cement to two types of ceramic systems with different surface treatments. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty specimens of each ceramic system were made according to the manufacturer's instructions and embedded in polyester resin. Specimens of In-Ceram Alumina [I] and IPS Empress 2 [E] were distributed to three groups with differing surface treatments (n = 10): sandblasting with 50 microm aluminum oxide (APA); sandblasting with 110 microm aluminum oxide modified with silica particles (ROCATEC System-RS); a combination of sandblasting with APA and 10% hydrofluoric acid etching (HA) for two minutes on In-Ceram and for 20 seconds for IPS Empress 2. After the respective surface treatments, all the specimens were silanated, and Rely-X resin cement was injected onto the ceramic surface and light polymerized. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and thermally cycled 1,100 times (5 degrees C/55 degrees C). The tensile bond strength test was performed in a universal testing machine at a 0.5 mm/minute crosshead speed. RESULTS: The mean bond strength values (MPa) for IPS Empress 2 were 12.01 +/- 5.93 (EAPA), 10.34 +/- 1.77 (ERS) and 14.49 +/- 3.04 (EHA). The mean bond strength values for In-Ceram Alumina were 9.87 +/- 2.40 (IAPA) and 20.40 +/- 6.27 (IRS). All In-Ceram specimens treated with 10% hydrofluoric acid failed during thermal cycling. CONCLUSION: The Rocatec system was the most effective surface treatment for In-Ceram Alumina ceramics; whereas, the combination of aluminum oxide sandblasting and hydrofluoric acid etching for 20 seconds worked more effectively for Empress 2 ceramics.     

氧化锆对二硅酸锂玻璃陶瓷力学性能的影响

目的:测定牙科氧化锆-二硅酸锂玻璃陶瓷复合材料(ZTCLDC)的力学性能,探讨氧化锆质量分数变化对ZTCLDC力学性能的影响及机制。方法:向制备好的二硅酸锂基础玻璃粉体中分别添加不同质量分数的ZrO(21%,2%,3%,4%),静压成型晶化热处理,每组中的半数试件进行牙科热压铸处理,分别测试热压铸前后的三点弯曲强度及断裂韧性;扫描电镜观察晶体微观结构;X射线衍射分析其晶相组成。结果:热压铸前,ZTCLDC抗弯强度和断裂韧性随ZrO2含量的增加而升高;热压铸后,ZTCLDC抗弯强度随ZrO2含量的增加而降低,ZrO2加入量为4%时,压铸后的断裂韧性最高为4.3 MPa.m1/2。结论:ZrO2对实验二硅酸锂玻璃陶瓷存在增韧效果,能够提高复合材料的断裂韧性。     

显微CT与三维重建技术对双层二硅酸锂玻璃陶瓷内部缺陷探测的可靠性分析

目的通过比较二硅酸锂双层瓷试件剖面影像学形貌与相应显微CT扫描成像和三维重建结果,分析显微CT与三维重建技术用于无损探测二硅酸锂双层瓷材料内部缺陷的可靠性。 方法制作双层二硅酸锂双层瓷矩形试件,进行显微CT扫描;扫描后沿垂直于试件长轴将试件平均切成6段,对每段剖面进行光学显微镜观察并获取5个剖面图像。根据剖面位置确定显微CT扫描断层图像,并将显微镜图像与显微CT图像进行灰度差值匹配比对,分析显微CT对全瓷材料内部缺陷探测的可靠性与精确性。对CT扫描结果进行三维重建,比较二硅酸锂双层瓷试件内部缺陷的二维形貌与三维形貌的差异。 结果显微镜图像与显微CT图像的平均相似度为（83 ± 7.9）%;缺陷的二维剖面形貌与三维形貌存在较大差异。 结论显微CT能够可靠地无损探测二硅酸锂双层瓷材料的内部缺陷结构,但对尺寸接近探测分辨率的孔洞成像较模糊。三维重建分析较二维形貌观察能更全面地反映缺陷的形貌。