A study of the bond strength and color of ultralow-fusing porcelain

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different bonding agents, surface roughness, and acid pickling on the bond strength and color of ultralow-fusing porcelain fused to gold alloy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Porcelain-metal specimens were made to 25 mm x 3 mm x 0.5 mm with a 1-mm porcelain thickness. A 3-point bending test was used to evaluate the bond strength. The color of the porcelain was measured using a dental chromameter, and the data were processed in the CIE Lab system. The color difference (delta E*) was calculated for the tested groups. RESULTS: Good bond strength and color could be achieved regardless of the use and type of bonding agent. Surface roughness and acid pickling had more effect on the bond strength than on color. CONCLUSION: The type of the bonding agent, surface roughness, and acid pickling influenced the bond strength but had minimal effects on the color of ultralow-fusing porcelain. This ultralow-fusing porcelain could produce a color closer to the Vita shade than the conventional low-fusing porcelain.