Bond durability of the resin-bonded and silane treated ceramic surface.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore methods for improving the ceramic-silane-resin bond strength of silica-based ceramics, such that it may be possible to eliminate the hazardous process of acid etching these dental ceramics with hydrofluoric acid (HF). METHODS: Ni/Cr rods were prepared with ceramic facings, which were polished to a 1 microm finish. A silane coupling agent was applied to the ceramic surface using seven different procedures. Specimens were bonded using a luting resin and the tensile bond strength was measured at a crosshead speed of 1mm/min. One bonding procedure was selected and used for the comparison of four ceramic surface preparations consisting of; 1 microm polish, gritblasted (50 microm alumina), etched with 10% HF, and gritblasted and etched. The durability of the bond was assessed by (1) storing the specimens in water at 37 degrees C for different time periods up to 3 months, (2) thermal cycling, and (3) storing in water at 100 degrees C for 24h. RESULTS: The results showed that one bonding procedure to a polished ceramic surface gave better results for the tensile bond strength of the resin to the smooth ceramic surface and that the tensile bond strength was not significantly different from the gritblasted, etched or gritblasted and etched groups (P>0.05). There was no deterioration in the tensile bond strength for any of the groups after water storage for up to 3 months or after thermal cycling (P>0.05). The silane bond was also capable of resisting hydrolytic attack in boiling water. SIGNIFICANCE: The results indicate that a durable resin-ceramic tensile bond can be obtained by appropriate silane application without the need for HF acid etching the ceramic surface.     

Effect of different ceramic surface treatments on resin microtensile bond strength.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the microtensile bond strength (micro-tbs) of composite bonded to hot-pressed ceramic. The null hypothesis tested was that neither of the surface treatments (silanization or fluoric acid etching) would produce greater bond strength of composite resin to the ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four 7 x 7 x 5 mm hot-pressed ceramic blocks of IPS Empress 2 were fabricated and polished to 600 grit followed by sandblasting with 50 microm alumina. The ceramic blocks were then divided into four groups and submitted to the following surface treatments: Group 1: 9.5% hydrofluoric (HF) acid for 20 seconds and silane (S) for 3 minutes; Group 2: silane for 3 minutes; Group 3: 9.5% HF acid for 20 seconds; Group 4: no treatment. Scotchbond adhesive was applied to the treated ceramic surfaces and covered with Filtek Z250 composite resin. The composite-ceramic blocks were cut with an Isomet low speed diamond saw machine producing sticks (n = 25), which were loaded to failure under tension in an Instron Universal testing machine. The mean micro-tbs was analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni "t" test. RESULTS: All specimens of Group 4 experienced adhesive failure during the cutting of the block and were eliminated. The mean micro-tbs and standard deviations (SD) in megaPascals were: Group 1 = 56.8 (+/-10.4), Group 2 = 44.8 (+/-11.6), Group 3 = 35.1 (+/-7.7). Statistical analysis showed that the bond strength was significantly affected by surface treatment (p < 0.0001). Group 1 (HF + S) had the highest micro-tbs, and Group 2 (S) had higher micro-tbs than Group 3 (HF). The mode of fracture of the specimens was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and all fractures occurred within the adhesion zone. Conclusion: The results show that surface treatment is important for resin adhesion to ceramic and suggestthat silane treatment was the main factor responsible for resin bonding to ceramic.     

Work of adhesion of resin on treated lithia disilicate-based ceramic.

OBJECTIVE: This study is to test the hypothesis that chemical etching and silane coating of a ceramic surface will influence the work of adhesion (WA) of adhesive resin to dental ceramic. METHODS: A hot-pressed lithia disilicate-based ceramic was used as a model material to investigate the influence of probing media and surface treatments on WA using a dynamic contact angle analyzer. Eighty ceramic specimens were randomly divided into eight experimental groups and treated as follows: (1 and 3) as polished; (2 and 4) etched with 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) for 1 min; (5) etched with 4% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) for 2 min; (6) silane coated; (7) etched with HF for 1 min and silane coated; (8) etched with APF for 2 min and silane coated. Advancing and receding contact angles (theta(a) and theta(r)) were measured using high purity water (gamma = 72.6 mN/m) for groups 1 and 2, and a liquid resin (gamma = 39.7) for groups 3-8 as probing liquids. RESULTS: The liquid resin medium yielded a lower WA than water. Silanization produced a significantly lower WA (p < 0.001) than non-silanated surfaces. Etching alone consistently yielded a greater WA for all surface treatments (p < 0.001). SIGNIFICANCE: The silanated ceramic surface exhibited a lower surface energy and did not enhance bonding to the liquid resin by work of adhesion.     

Influence of ceramic pre-treatments on tensile bond strength and mode of failure of resin bonded to ceramics

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of ceramic surface treatments on tensile bond strength (sigma) and the mode of failure of a resin bonded to a feldspathic glass and a low-crystalline ceramic, testing the hypothesis that a silica coating treatment is unnecessary for both the glass and the low-crystalline ceramic. METHODS: 10 blocks of each the feldspathic glass (V7-VITAVM7) and the leucite-based ceramic (E1-IPS Empress) were fabricated and polished. Five blocks of each ceramic were treated as follows: 9.5% hydrofluoric acid for 60 seconds; and silica coating using Cojet System for 15 seconds. After silane coating, an adhesive resin and a composite were applied and polymerized. The composite-ceramic blocks were cut to produce bar-shaped specimens (n = 30) that were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 7 days before tensile loading to failure in a universal testing machine. Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance, Tukey's test (alpha = .01) and Weibull analysis. Fracture surfaces were examined to determine the mode of failure. RESULTS: The Weibull modulus (m) and mean sigma value (MPa) of Group E1HF (29.8 +/- 4.5) were significantly higher than other Groups (P = .0001). There was no statistical difference between Groups E1CS (24.6 +/- 5.6) and V7HF (22.3 +/- 4.0). Group V7CS showed the lowest m and mean sigma values (15.7 +/- 6.9) (P = .0001). All fractures occurred within the adhesion zone.     

Failure analysis of resin composite bonded to ceramic.

OBJECTIVE: To use fractographic principles to classify the mode of failure of resin composite bonded to ceramic specimens after microtensile testing. METHODS: A leucite-based ceramic (IPS Empress)-E1) and a lithia disilicate-based ceramic (IPS Empress2)-E2) were selected for the study. Fifteen blocks of E1 and E2 were polished through 1 microm alumina abrasive. The following ceramic surface treatments were applied to three blocks of each ceramic: (1) 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) for 2 min; (2) 4% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) for 2 min; (3) Silane coating (S); (4) HF+S; (5) APF+S. An adhesive resin and a resin composite were applied to all treated surfaces and light cured. Twenty bar specimens for each group were prepared from the composite-ceramic blocks and stored in 37 degrees C distilled water for 30 days before loading to failure under tension in an Instron testing machine. Fracture surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray dot mapping. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, Duncan's multiple range test, and Weibull analyses. RESULTS: Similar surface treatments were associated with significantly different bond strengths and modes of failures for E1 and E2. All fractures occurred within the adhesion zone. The microstructural difference between etched E1 and E2 ceramics was a major controlling factor on adhesion. SIGNIFICANCE: The quality of the bond should not be assessed based on bond strength data alone. Mode of failure and fractographic analyses should provide important information leading to predictions of clinical performance limits.     

The effect of different etching times of acidulated phosphate fluoride gel on the shear bond strength of high-leucite ceramics bonded to composite resin

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A 10-minute treatment with acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel has been used as an alternative in ceramic surface etching before repairing with composite resin. However, the optimal etching time for APF gel is still unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro shear bond strengths of composite resin on high-leucite ceramics after APF gel treatment over different time periods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty high-leucite ceramic (Empress 1) specimens (12 mm in diameter and 1.5 mm thick) were prepared and divided into 12 groups (n=10). Ten experimental groups were surface treated with 1.23% APF gel, each group receiving 1 to 10 minutes of etching time in 1 minute increments. One group was treated with 9.6% hydrofluoric acid for 4 minutes and the final group received no treatment and served as a control. The surface condition of the treated specimens was analyzed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). All specimens received a silane application and were bonded to a composite resin Filtek (Z250) cylinder with an adhesive system (Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus adhesive) and then stored in 100% humidity at 37 degrees C for 24 hours before shear bond strength testing in a universal testing machine. Mean bond strengths (MPa) were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Hydrofluoric acid etching produced the highest mean shear bond strength (SD) between composite resin and the ceramic (17.64 (1.48) MPa). Overall, APF gel etching produced lower bond strengths. No significant difference in mean bond strength (SD) was observed between etching with hydrofluoric acid and etching with APF gel for 7 to 10 minutes (15.21 (1.93) to 17.33 (1.43)). The lowest mean shear bond strengths (SD) were recorded in the untreated group (7.61 (1.03) MPa) (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, shear bond strength values between composite resin and high-leucite ceramics after etching with 1.23% APF gel for 7 to 10 minutes were not significantly different than that after etching with 9.6% hydrofluoric acid for 4 minutes.     

Microtensile bond strength of a resin cement to feldpathic ceramic after different etching and silanization regimens in dry and aged conditions.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the durability of bond strength between resin cement and a feldspathic ceramic submitted to different etching regimens with and without silane coupling agent application. METHODS: Thirty-two blocks (6.4 mm x 6.4 mm x 4.8 mm) were fabricated using a microparticulate feldspathic ceramic (Vita VM7), ultrasonically cleaned with water for 5 min and randomly divided into four groups, according to the type of etching agent and silanization method: method 1, etching with 10% hydrofluoric (HF) acid gel for 1 min + silanization; method 2, HF only; method 3, etching with 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) for 5 min + silanization; method 4, APF only. Conditioned blocks were positioned in their individual silicone molds and resin cement (Panavia F) was applied on the treated surfaces. Specimens were stored in distilled water (37 degrees C) for 24h prior to sectioning. After sectioning the ceramic-cement blocks in x- and y-axis with a bonded area of approximately 0.6mm(2), the microsticks of each block were randomly divided into two storage conditions: Dry, immediate testing; TC, thermal cycling (12,000 times)+water storage for 150 d, yielding to eight experimental groups. Microtensile bond strength tests were performed in universal testing machine (cross-head speed: 1mm/min) and failure types were noted. Data obtained (MPa) were analyzed with three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Significant influence of the use of silane (p<0.0001), storage conditions (p=0.0013) and surface treatment were observed (p=0.0014). The highest bond strengths were achieved in both dry and thermocycled conditions when the ceramics were etched with HF acid gel and silanized (17.4 +/- 5.8 and 17.4 +/- 4.8 MPa, respectively). Silanization after HF acid gel and APF treatment increased the results dramatically (14.5+/-4.2-17.4+/-4.8 MPa) compared to non-silanized groups (2.6 +/- 0.8-8.9 +/- 3.1 MPa) where the failure type was exclusively (100%) adhesive between the cement and the ceramic. SIGNIFICANCE: Silanization of the feldspathic ceramic surface after APF or HF acid etching increased the microtensile bond strength results significantly, with the latter providing higher results. Long-term thermocycling and water storage did not decrease the results in silanized groups.     

Microstructure, composition, and etching topography of dental ceramics

PURPOSE: Topographic analysis of etched ceramics provides qualitative surface structure information that affects micromechanical retention mechanisms. This study tested the hypothesis that the etching mechanism changes according to the type of etchant and the ceramic microstructure and composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative and qualitative analyses of 15 dental ceramics were performed using scanning electron microscopy, back-scattered imaging, X-ray diffraction, optical profilometry, and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy based on Phi-Rho-Z correction. All ceramic specimens were polished to 1 micron with diamond compound, and the following etchants and etching times were used: ammonium bifluoride (ABF) for 1 minute, 9.6% hydrofluoric acid (HF) for 2 minutes, and 4% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) for 2 minutes. RESULTS: HF produced an irregular etching pattern in which pores were the characteristic topographic feature. ABF-etched ceramic surfaces showed mostly grooves, and APF etchant caused a buildup of surface precipitate. Core ceramics showed less topographic change after etching because of their high alumina content and low chemical reactivity. CONCLUSION: The observations suggest that the etching mechanism is different for the three etchants, with HF producing the most prominent etching pattern on all dental ceramics examined.     

Influence of surface conditions and silane agent on the bond of resin to IPS Empress 2 ceramic

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different ceramic surface treatments on the tensile bond strength between IPS Empress 2 ceramic framework and Rely X adhesive resin cement, with or without the application of a silane coupling agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty disks were made, embedded in resin, and randomly divided into six groups: group 1 = sandblasting (100 microm), no silanation; group 2 = sandblasting (100 microm), silane treatment; group 3 = sandblasting (50 microm), no silanation; group 4 = sandblasting (50 microm), silane treatment; group 5 = hydrofluoric acid etching, no silanation; and group 6 = hydrofluoric acid etching, silane treatment. The disks were bonded into pairs with adhesive resin cement. All samples were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and then thermocycled. The samples were submitted to tensile testing. RESULTS: The use of silane improved the bond strength in relation to the groups in which silane was not applied (P < .05). The most effective surface treatment was etching with 10% hydrofluoric acid, both with (25.6 MPa) and without silane application (16.4 MPa); these values showed a statistically significant difference compared to sandblasting with 50- and 100-microm Al2O3. Sandblasting with 50-microm Al2O3, with (11.8 MPa) and without silane (5.4 MPa), demonstrated significantly higher tensile bond strength than sandblasting with 100-microm Al2O3, with (8.3 MPa) and without silane (3.8 MPa). CONCLUSION: Combined application of 10% hydrofluoric acid and silane enhanced the bond strength between the IPS Empress 2 ceramic framework and resin agent.     

Microtensile bond strength testing of luting cements to prefabricated CAD/CAM ceramic and composite blocks.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the Microtensile bond strength (microTBS) and failure mode of resin cements bonded to composite and ceramic CAD/CAM blocks following various surface treatments. METHODS: Paradigm composite blocks and Cerec Vitablocs received three surface treatments following the control treatment of surface grinding with 600 SiC grit. (1) Application of adhesive resin (Adh), (2) etching with hydrofluoric acid and silanization (HF+S) or (3) combination of the previous two treatments (HF+S+Adh). Three resin cements (Tetric Flow, Nexus 2, RelyX ARC) were applied to these surfaces and built-up in layers. After 24 h water storage at 37 degrees C, the non-trimming version of microTBS test was used to produce 1 mm(2) microbars. The Microbars were subjected to a tensile load using a modified testing device. The broken specimens were examined with a stereomicroscope and SEM to determine the failure mode. RESULTS: All control and adhesive treated groups of the ceramic substrate showed premature debonding during cutting. The overall mean microTBS for the three resin cements bonded to ceramic following HF+S and HF+S+Adh surface treatment, was 27 and 29.2 MPa and for the resin cements bonded to composite substrate was 42.3 and 54.2 MPa, respectively. The mode of failure was 98% adhesive with composite as a substrate and 68% mixed failures with ceramic as a substrate. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CAD/CAM restorations fabricated from processed composite blocks may have advantage over the ceramic blocks with regard to the higher bond strength with resin cements.     

Determining efficacy of monitoring devices on ceramic bond to resin composite

Objectives: This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of 3D nanoroughness and 2D microroughness evaluations, by their correlation with contact angle measurements and shear bond strength test, in order to evaluate the effect of two different acids conditioning on the bonding efficacy of a leucite-based glass-ceramic to a composite resin. Study Design: Ceramic (IPS Empress) blocks were treated as follows: 1) no treatment, 2) 37% phosphoric acid (H3PO4), 15 s, 3) 9% hydrofluoric acid (HF), 5 min. Micro- and nano-roughness were assessed with a profilometer and by means of an atomic force microscopy (AFM). Water contact angle (CA) measurements were determined to assess wettability of the ceramic surfaces with the asixymetric drop shape analysis contact diameter technique. Shear bond strength (SBS) was tested to a resin composite (Z100) with three different adhesive systems (Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus, Clearfil New Bond, ProBOND). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were performed. Results: Nanoroughness values assessed in 50x50 μm areas were higher for the HF group, these differences were not detected by profilometric analysis. HF treatment created the nano- roughest surfaces and the smallest CA (p<0.05), producing the highest SBS to the composite resin with all tested adhesive systems (p<0.05). No differences existed between the SBS produced by the adhesive systems evaluated with any of the surface treatments tested. Conclusions: Nano-roughness obtained in a 50x50 µm scan size areas was the most reliable data to evaluate the topographical changes produced by the different acid treatments on ceramic surfaces. Key words:Dental ceramic, acid etching, bonding efficacy, resin composite, adhesive systems, contact angle, roughness.     

Micro-shear bond strength of dual-cured resin cement to glass ceramics.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sandblasting, etching, and a silane coupling agent on the ability of dual-cured resin cement to bond to glass ceramics designed for in indirect adhesive restoration. METHODS: A cast glass ceramic (Olympus Castable Ceramics) with a crystalline phase consisting of mica and beta-spondumene was selected as the substrate material. The glass surfaces, which were sandblasted, polished, or etched with phosphoric acid or hydrofluoric acid (HF), were bonded with a dual-cured resin cement (Panavia Fluoro Cement) using a dentin adhesive system (Clearfil SE Bond), both with and without a silane coupling agent. A micro-shear bond test was carried out to measure the bond strength of the resin cement to the glass surface. Each glass surface was bonded and tested using the shear test. In addition, surfaces with the bonding removed after the shear bond test, the adhesive interface between the glass and cement, and an etched glass surface without any bonding, were studied morphologically using scanning electron microscopy or field emission scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Usage of a silane coupling agent effectively raised the bond-strength values of resin cement (Fisher's PLSD, P<0.01). The effectiveness of using phosphoric acid etching to improve bonding was not clear (Fisher's PLSD, P>0.01). HF-etching for 30s seemed to over-etch the glass surface, resulting in adverse effects on bonding (Fisher's PLSD, P<0.01). SIGNIFICANCE: The micro-shear bond strength between Olympus Castable Ceramics and resin cement can be increased by the silane coupling agent used along with an acidic primer.     

Influence of silanization on early bond strength to sandblasted densely sintered alumina.

OBJECTIVE: The increased popularity of alumina-based restorations has resulted in an interest in proper adhesive techniques to assure a strong and predictable bond to these restorations. This study investigated the early bond strength of three different resin-cement systems to densely sintered alumina (aluminum-oxide ceramic) with and without the use of their corresponding silane coupling agent (silanization). METHOD AND MATERIALS: Ninety samples of densely sintered high-purity aluminum-oxide ceramic were randomly divided into three groups. Composite cylinders were bonded to the ceramic samples with three resin-cement/bonding-agent systems: Noribond DC (NOR), Panavia 21 EX (PAN), and Variolink II (VAR). Each resin-cement/bonding-agent system was used with and without their corresponding silane (SIL) coupling agent (n = 15). After fabrication, the specimens were stored in distilled water for 3 days at room temperature, and shear bond strength was tested. RESULTS: Application of the silane-coupling agent on sandblasted densely sintered alumina did not significantly influence bond strengths with PAN. Silanization significantly improved shear bond strengths with NOR and VAR. NOR-SIL and VAR-SIL revealed the statistically highest values, with NOR-SIL showing the highest mean bond strength of all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Silanization of sandblasted densely sintered alumina had mixed effects on the applied resin cements: It had no effect on the performance of the phosphate-modified resin cement PAN, but significantly improved shear bond strength of the Bis-GMA composite resin cements VAR and NOR. NOR-SIL revealed the highest overall mean bond strength.     

Determining efficacy of monitoring devices on ceramic bond to resin composite

Objectives: This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of 3D nanoroughness and 2D microroughness evaluations, by their correlation with contact angle measurements and shear bond strength test, in order to evaluate the effect of two different acids conditioning on the bonding efficacy of a leucite-based glass-ceramic to a composite resin. Study Design: Ceramic (IPS Empress) blocks were treated as follows: 1) no treatment, 2) 37% phosphoric acid (H3PO4), 15 s, 3) 9% hydrofluoric acid (HF), 5 min. Micro- and nano-roughness were assessed with a profilometer and by means of an atomic force microscopy (AFM). Water contact angle (CA) measurements were determined to assess wettability of the ceramic surfaces with the asixymetric drop shape analysis contact diameter technique. Shear bond strength (SBS) was tested to a resin composite (Z100) with three different adhesive systems (Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus, Clearfil New Bond, ProBOND). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were performed. Results: nanoroughness values assesed in 50x50 μm areas showed differences between groups did not found by profilometer. HF treatment created the nano- roughest surfaces and the smallest CA (p<0.05), producing the highest SBS to the composite resin with all tested adhesive systems (p<0.05). No differences existed between the SBS produced by the adhesive systems evaluated with any of the surface treatments tested. Conclusions: Nano-roughness obtained in a 50x50 μm scan size areas was the most reliable data to evaluate the topographical changes produced by the different acid treatments on ceramic surfaces.     

The effect of different surface treatments on bond strength between leucite reinforced feldspathic ceramic and composite resin

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the microtensile bond strength between a leucite reinforced glass–ceramic and composite resin.

Methods

Leucite reinforced ceramic blocks (n = 24) were constructed using the hot pressing technique. The blocks were assigned to 4 groups, which received the following surface treatments: G1: hydrofluoric (HF) acid and silane; G2: silane alone; G3: HF acid and silane then dried with warm air (100 °C); G4: silane alone then dried with warm air (100 °C). Unfilled resin was applied, followed by composite resin. Specimens were prepared and loaded in tension to determine the microtensile bond strength. Failure modes were classified by stereo- and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data was analysed using Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Dunn's multiple range test.

Results

The groups including the warm air step (G3 and G4) achieved a significantly stronger adhesion than G1 and G2. Pre-treatment of the surface with hydrofluoric acid in G1 resulted in significantly higher bond strength than G2. Failures were mostly cohesive in the luting resin for G1, G3 and G4 and mainly adhesive at the ceramic–resin interface in G2.

Conclusions

The method of application of silane to the ceramic surface can have a significant influence on the adhesion between the ceramic restoration and the resin cement. Enhancing the condensation reaction by drying the silane with a 100 ?C warm air stream significantly improved the microtensile bond strength, possibly eliminating the need for the hydrofluoric acid etching step.     

Resin bond strength to densely sintered alumina ceramic

PURPOSE: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the resin bond strength and durability of adhesive bonding systems to densely sintered, pure aluminum oxide ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acrylic glass tubes filled with composite resin were bonded to industrially manufactured alumina ceramic disks with an ultrasonically machined surface. Groups of 20 samples were bonded in an alignment apparatus using five different bonding methods. Subgroups of 10 bonded samples were tested for tensile strength following storage in distilled water at 37 degrees C for either 3 or 150 days. In addition, the 150-day samples were thermocycled 37,500 times. The statistical analyses were made by the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by multiple pairwise comparison of the groups using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The mean bond strength of a bis-GMA composite resin to sandblasted alumina ceramic was relatively high after 3 days, at 20 MPa. Additional silanization or tribochemical silica coating and silanization did not enhance the bond strength (18 to 20 MPa) and failed spontaneously over long-term storage. However, using a composite resin containing a special adhesive phosphate monomer, a statistically significantly higher and durable bond strength to the sandblasted alumina ceramic surface was achieved after 3 days (50 MPa) and after 150 days of storage (46 MPa). CONCLUSION: A durable bond strength to pure alumina ceramic was achieved only by using a composite resin containing an adhesive phosphate monomer after sandblasting the ceramic surface.     

Bonding to enamel and dentin using self-etching adhesive systems.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effectiveness of three different dentin adhesive systems on the adhesion of resin composite to both dentin and enamel. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The flat dentin and enamel surfaces of 60 extracted human molar teeth were exposed by wet grinding with 600-grit silicon carbide paper. One total-etch self-priming adhesive system (Prime & Bond NT), one two-step self-etching primer adhesive system (Clearfil SE Bond), and one "all-in-one" self-etching adhesive system (Prompt L-Pop) were evaluated. Each bonding system was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions and followed by composite (TPH Spectrum) application. Twenty-four hours after bonding, the teeth were subjected to shear testing. There were 10 replicates for each group. RESULTS: Prompt L-Pop exhibited significantly higher bond strength values to enamel (27 +/- 4.2 MPa) than all other groups. There were no statistically significant differences for shear bond strength to dentin among adhesives. Prompt L-Pop showed the statistically significantly higher bond strength to enamel than dentin. There were no statistically significant differences between the enamel and dentin bond strengths of Clearfil SE Bond and Prime & Bond NT. CONCLUSIONS: The self-etching adhesive systems produced high bond strengths to human coronal dentin and ground enamel surfaces. These materials seem to be very promising for further clinical applications, and the results are very encouraging for the clinical success of these simplified adhesive systems. The self-etching adhesive systems produced even better bond strengths to both enamel and dentin than conventional total-etch systems, especially the "all-in-one" system, which produced the highest bond strength to enamel.     

Evaluation of bond strength of metal brackets by a resin to ceramic surfaces

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of three different ceramic brands with two different ceramic surfaces (glazed and deglazed), with and without silane application. METHODOLOGY: Using the three different ceramics (Empress 2, Finesse, and Ceramco II), two metallic brackets were bonded to each sample, one with the adhesive system and the other one with a silane application. The samples were thermocycled, and then the debonding tests were performed with the Instron Universal Testing Machine. All the results were statistically analyzed with a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. RESULTS: The three-way ANOVA (brand, ceramic surface, with/without silane) indicated significant differences among them (p < 0.05). ANOVA showed that the greatest bond strength value (megapascals, MPa) was for Empress 2 deglazed with the silane application (8.873 MPa), followed by Finesse glazed with the silane application (7.072 MPa). CONCLUSION: The ceramic surface has a direct effect on adhesion. Therefore, Empress 2 deglazed achieved the greatest value in bond strength. To achieve the ideal values of 6-10 MPa, applying silane to the ceramic surface before bonding the brackets is recommended, even though silane can damage the ceramic surface.     

Effects of ceramic surface treatments on the bond strength of an adhesive luting agent to CAD-CAM ceramic

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the micro-tensile bond strength (microTBS) of an adhesive luting agent to CAD-CAM ceramic. The hypothesis tested was that neither of the surface treatments would produce higher bond strength of the adhesive luting agent to CAD-CAM ceramic. METHODS: Ceramic specimens of two different sizes (6 mm x 8 mm x 3 mm; 13 mm x 8 mm x 4 mm) were fabricated from ProCAD ceramic blocs (Ivoclar-Vivadent) with a low-speed diamond saw. The ceramic blocks were divided into seven groups and submitted to the following surface treatments: group 1: no treatment; group 2: etching with 37% H(3)PO(4); group 3: etching with 37% H(3)PO(4)+silane; group 4: etching with 37% H(3)PO(4)+silane+adhesive resin; group 5: etching with 4.9% HF acid; group 6: etching with 4.9% HF acid+silane; group 7: etching with HF acid+silane+adhesive resin. After surface treatment, two differently sized porcelain disks were bonded together with a composite luting agent (Variolink II, Ivoclar-Vivadent). The specimens were stored for 24h in distilled water at 37 degrees C prior to microTBS testing. One-way analysis of variance was used to test the influence of surface treatment and Scheffe multiple comparisons test determined pair-wise statistical differences (p<0.05) in microTBS between the experimental groups. RESULTS: The mean microTBSs (standard deviation) are: group 1: 12.8 (+/-4.6)MPa; group 2: 19.1 (+/-5.0)MPa; group 3: 27.4 (+/-11.1)MPa; group 4: 34.0 (+/-8.9)MPa; group 5: 37.6 (+/-8.4) MPa; group 6: 34.6 (+/-12.8)MPa; group 7: 34.5 (+/-5.1)MPa. Statistical significant differences were found between group 1 and groups 3-7, and between group 2 and groups 4-7. All specimens of groups 1-4 exhibited adhesive failures, while a combination of adhesive and mixed (adhesive and cohesive) failures was observed in the specimens of groups 5-7. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that surface treatment is important to bond to ceramic and suggests that etching is needed preferably with hydrofluoric acid than with phosphoric acid.     

Influence of ceramic surface conditioning and resin cements on microtensile bond strength to a glass ceramic

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: It is not clear how different glass ceramic surface pretreatments influence the bonding capacity of various luting agents to these surfaces. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (microTBS) of 3 resin cements to a lithia disilicate-based ceramic submitted to 2 surface conditioning treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen 5 x 6 x 8-mm ceramic (IPS Empress 2) blocks were fabricated according to manufacturer's instructions and duplicated in composite resin (Tetric Ceram). Ceramic blocks were polished and divided into 2 groups (n=9/treatment): no conditioning (no-conditioning/control), or 5% hydrofluoric acid etching for 20 seconds and silanization for 1 minute (HF + SIL). Ceramic blocks were cemented to the composite resin blocks with 1 self-adhesive universal resin cement (RelyX Unicem) or 1 of 2 resin-based luting agents (Multilink or Panavia F), according to the manufacturer's instructions. The composite resin-ceramic blocks were stored in humidity at 37 degrees C for 7 days and serially sectioned to produce 25 beam specimens per group with a 1.0-mm(2) cross-sectional area. Specimens were thermal cycled (5000 cycles, 5 degrees C-55 degrees C) and tested in tension at 1 mm/min. Microtensile bond strength data (MPa) were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance and Tukey multiple comparisons tests (alpha=.05). Fractured specimens were examined with a stereomicroscope (x40) and classified as adhesive, mixed, or cohesive. RESULTS: The surface conditioning factor was significant (HF+SIL > no-conditioning) (P<.0001). Considering the unconditioned groups, the microTBS of RelyX Unicem was significantly higher (9.6 +/- 1.9) than that of Multilink (6.2 +/- 1.2) and Panavia F (7.4 +/- 1.9). Previous etching and silanization yielded statistically higher microTBS values for RelyX Unicem (18.8 +/- 3.5) and Multilink (17.4 +/- 3.0) when compared to Panavia F (15.7 +/- 3.8). Spontaneous debonding after thermal cycling was detected when luting agents were applied to untreated ceramic surfaces. CONCLUSION: Etching and silanization treatments appear to be crucial for resin bonding to a lithia disilicate-based ceramic, regardless of the resin cement used.