The Influence of Surface Treatments on Resin Bond Strength to Zirconia

Abstract

Background: It’s shown that the clinical success of ceramic restorations much depends on the quality and durability of the bond to ceramic. For zirconia-based ceramics (Y-TZP), the surface treatment has a substantial impact on bond strength. Therefore, the bond strength evaluation of Y-TZP surface treatments is a requirement for predicting the clinical performance of such restorations. Objective: Evaluating the resin bond strength to Y-TZP after different surface treatments. Methods: Monolithic Y-TZP (Zenostar Zr Translucent, Wieland Dental, Rosbach vor der Höhe, Germany) blocks were bonded to resin composite blocks using a resin-based cement system after two Y-TZP surface treatments: APA- airborne particle abrasion with alumina particles; and CJ- silicatization (Cojet sand, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA). A silane coupling agent and an adhesive system were applied to the treated Y-TZP surfaces and resin composite blocks were cemented (RelyX Ultimate, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) and light activated from all sides. These structures were cut to obtain bar-shaped specimens (n=30), which were stored in 37ºC distilled water for 7 days before microtensile testing. Specimens were loaded to failure under tension using a universal testing machine. Data was statistically analyzed using Students t test (α=0.05) and Weibull distribution. Failure modes were evaluated using optical (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Mean bond strength values (CJ= 25.7±8.2 MPa; APA= 22.0±6.3 MPa) were statistically similar (p>0.05). No difference was found for the characteristic strengths (σ0) and for Weibull moduli (m) since the confidence intervals (95% CI) overlapped. The bond strength values for a 5% failure probability (σ5%) were 12.4 (CJ) and 11.5 (APA). All fractures were due to cohesive failure within the adhesive cement system. Conclusion: Both Y-TZP surface treatments (CJ and APA) produced similar structural reliability and short-term bond strength to a resin cement system.