Effect of low-temperature degradation treatment on hardness, color, and translucency of single layers of multilayered zirconia.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Evaluating the effect of low-temperature degradation (LTD) on multilayered zirconia blocks is important for the long-term life of zirconia restorations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to analyze the changes in color, translucency, and hardness of a single layer of multilayered zirconia after an LTD treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety multilayered 10×10×1.0-mm zirconia specimens (3M Lava Esthetic) were designed using Auto CAD 2006 (Autodesk) and divided into 6 groups (n=15) based on LTD (no treatment, LTD treatment) and the inherent layer type (incisal, transition, and body). The hardness of each specimen was measured using a microVickers hardness tester. The CIELab color coordinates were measured using a spectrophotometer, and the data were used to calculate the color difference and translucency (TP). Data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and the Scheffé test (α=.05). RESULTS: LTD treatment did not alter the hardness of multilayered zirconia (P=.572). A significant difference was found in the hardness between the layers of multilayered zirconia (P<.001). LTD treatment did not alter the b∗ or L∗ values (P=.773, P=.701) but did change the a∗ values (P<.001). On LTD treatment, the a∗ value was found to decrease. The L∗, a∗, and b∗ values differed based on the respective layer within the material (P<.001). As layers progress from the incisal to the body, the L∗ value decreased and the a∗ and b∗ values increased. In all groups, the color difference values were highest in the following order: the incisal and transition layers < the transition and body layers < the incisal and body layers. On LTD treatment, the color difference between the layers decreased. The LTD treatment did not affect the TP value (P=.208), but the TP value for each layer showed a significant difference (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: LTD treatment did not affect the optical properties or hardness of the multilayered zirconia. The hardness of the multilayered zirconia increased from the incisal to the body layer. In multilayered zirconia, the brightness decreased from the incisal to the body layer, and red and yellow color changes were observed. The TP of multilayered zirconia increased from the incisal to the body layer.

Evaluation of mechanical properties of dental zirconia in different milling conditions and sintering temperatures.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The dry processing of zirconia has the disadvantage of dust dispersal during milling; thus, wet milling may be preferable. However, research on the mechanical properties of dental zirconia milled under different conditions and sintered at different temperatures is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate changes in the mechanical properties of zirconia specimens after milling under dry and wet conditions at different sintering temperatures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four hundred Ø20.0×1.5-mm presintered zirconia specimens were prepared by using a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) system and divided into 8 groups (n=50) based on the sintering (1230, 1330, 1430, and 1530 °C) and milling conditions (dry or wet). The mechanical properties (Vickers hardness, biaxial flexural strength, and fracture toughness) and physical properties (linear shrinkage and density) were examined. The microstructures of the specimens were observed with a scanning electron microscope. The crystal phases of the sintered green bodies were analyzed by using an X-ray diffractometer. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and 1-way and 2-way analyses of variance with Tukey HSD tests (α=.05). RESULTS: The mechanical properties of all specimens increased with increasing sintering temperature, except for 1530 °C and the dry milling condition. The mechanical properties of the groups fabricated under wet milling conditions were better than those of the groups fabricated under dry milling conditions. Microscopic examination of the structure showed that the porosity decreased with increasing sintering temperature regardless of the milling conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Higher sintering temperatures increased the mechanical properties (biaxial flexural strength, Vickers hardness, fracture toughness). However, phase transformation from tetragonal to cubic was observed for dry milled specimens sintered at 1530 °C, with decreased mechanical properties. Specimens fabricated by wet milling exhibited better mechanical properties than those fabricated by dry milling.

Effect of sintering condition and low-temperature degradation on the flexural strength and phase transformation of zirconia.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The traditional sintering of zirconia takes an extended time, and accelerated treatments have been developed to reduce treatment time and manufacturing costs. Studies evaluating the effect of sintering time on the mechanical properties of zirconia are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of the sintering condition and the low-temperature degradation (LTD) of zirconia on the flexural strength of monolithic zirconia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Zirconia specimens (LUXEN Enamel) were sintered at 1500 °C, 1530 °C, and 1560 °C for 4, 5, 6, 7, and 12 hours and subjected to LTD (n=10). Control specimens were assessed in the nontreated condition. The 3-point flexural strength was measured by using a universal testing machine. The crystal phases of the specimens were compared and quantitatively analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and the crystal grain size was measured by using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Two-way ANOVA and the independent sample t test were used to analyze the experimental results (α=.05). RESULTS: In the group not subjected to LTD, there was no difference in flexural strength according to the change in sintering temperature and sintering time (P>.05). The group subjected to LTD showed a difference in flexural strength according to sintering time difference (P<.001). The flexural strength of the zirconia with LTD exposure increased compared with that of the zirconia specimen not subjected to LTD (P<.001). With LTD exposure, cubic and monoclinic crystals increased, tetragonal crystals decreased, and the particle size increased. As the sintering temperature increased, the particle size increased, but not according to the sintering time. CONCLUSIONS: At all sintering times, the flexural strength of zirconia was over 800 MPa, which is the minimum flexural strength of a 4-unit or longer prosthesis as specified in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 6872. With LTD exposure, the increase in the flexural strength of zirconia was associated with the phase change from tetragonal to monoclinic.

Effect of different coloring liquids on the flexural strength of multilayered zirconia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of two coloring liquids (aqueous and acid-based coloring liquids) and the position of multilayered zirconia on the flexural strength of multilayered zirconia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The multilayered zirconia specimens were divided into upper and lower positions. The specimens were divided into three subgroups (n=10): non-shaded, acid-based coloring liquid, and aqueous coloring liquid. The specimens were cut using a milling machine and were immersed in either a acid-based coloring liquid or aqueous coloring liquid 2 times for 5 seconds. The specimens were sintered in a sintering furnace according to the manufacturer's introduction. The flexural strength of the specimen was measured using a universal testing machine and the surface of the specimen was observed using a field emission scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The flexural strength of multilayered zirconia was 400 - 500 MPa. There was no statistically significant difference among all groups (P>.05).The flexural strength of the multilayered zirconia was not influenced by the kind of coloring liquid used (P>.05). The flexural strength of the multilayered zirconia colored with the coloring liquids was not influenced by its position (P>.05). CONCLUSION: The different coloring liquid application did not affect the flexural strength of multilayered zirconia of all positions.

Effects of treatment with aqueous and acid-based coloring liquid on the color of zirconia.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: To preserve the mechanical property of color-treated zirconia for optimal restoration longevity, aqueous colorants have been developed as an alternative to acid-based coloring agents. However, little is known regarding the effects of aqueous colorants on the color of zirconia. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effect of aqueous coloring liquids with acid-based coloring liquids on the color of zirconia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty monolithic zirconia specimens (10×10×2 mm) were fabricated and divided into 4 groups according to their color treatment: unshaded zirconia (control), precolored zirconia, aqueous coloring liquid on zirconia, and acid-based coloring liquid on zirconia. The shaded zirconia specimens were further divided into 3 subgroups based on the number of coloring applications used (1, 3, or 6). The International Commission on Illumination (CIELab) color coordinates were measured by spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Significant differences in the CIE a∗ and b∗ values were observed between the specimen groups treated with the aqueous coloring liquid and the acid-based coloring liquid (P<.001). Increasing the number of colorings resulted in an increase in the CIE a∗ and b∗ values and a decrease in the CIE L∗ values in all the groups (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with aqueous coloring liquid on zirconia produced a greater redness or yellowness compared with treatment with acid-based coloring liquid. The coloring of zirconia lowered its brightness and imparted a red/yellow hue.

Changes in the flexural strength of translucent zirconia due to glazing and low-temperature degradation.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Surface glazing and low-temperature degradation (LTD) can affect the mechanical properties of zirconia, which is used to fabricate monolithic ceramic crowns. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the changes in flexural strength of monolithic ceramic crowns fabricated from translucent zirconia due to surface glazing and LTD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty plates of zirconia (25×4×1.2 mm) were milled and sintered. They were classified into 4 groups according to glazing and LTD (n=15): control, glazing, LTD, and LTD after glazing. A 3-point flexural test was performed with a universal testing machine. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to observe changes in the crystal structures of each group, and field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the sizes of the crystal grains. Two-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the results of the flexural strength tests, and the Tukey honestly significant difference test was performed for post hoc analysis (α=.05). RESULTS: The flexural strength showed significant differences due to glazing (P<.01). No significant differences were found due to LTD (P>.05). The crystal grain size increased with decreasing flexural strength of the specimens. XRD showed monoclinic phases in the groups subjected to LTD. CONCLUSIONS: Glazing significantly reduced the flexural strength of translucent zirconia. LTD decreased the flexural strength of glazed translucent zirconia, but not to a significant extent.

Effects of aqueous and acid-based coloring liquids on the hardness of zirconia restorations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The effects of the application of aqueous coloring liquids on the mechanical properties of zirconia have not yet been investigated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of 3 different coloring techniques and the number of coloring liquid applications on the hardness of zirconia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty specimens were divided into 8 groups (n=10); nonshaded zirconia, preshaded zirconia, acid-based coloring liquid zirconia, and aqueous coloring liquid zirconia (1, 3, 6). Vickers hardness was measured. Data were analyzed via 1-way and 2-way ANOVAs. Multiple comparisons were performed using a Scheffé test (α=.05). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in hardness were found between acid-based coloring liquid zirconia and aqueous coloring liquid zirconia (P<.001). Increasing the number of coloring liquid applications decreased the hardness value of acid-based coloring liquid zirconia (P<.001) but had no effect on the hardness of aqueous coloring liquid zirconia (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the hardness of zirconia was influenced to differing degrees depending on coloring technique. The number of coloring liquid applications affected the hardness of zirconia colored with the acid-based coloring liquid but not the hardness of zirconia colored with the aqueous coloring liquid.

Effect of flowability on the flow rate, polymerization shrinkage, and mass change of flowable composites.

As a lining or restoration material, flowable composites are popular due to their ease in use and agreeable marginal adaptation of tooth cavity. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate various properties of flowable composites which were claimed to be of high or low flowability by the manufacturers. For the study, twelve flowable composites from six different manufacturers were used. Based on the manufacturers' claim, they were divided into two groups: high or low flowability. The products grouped in high flowability showed significantly higher (p<0.05) flow rate (flow distance), polymerization shrinkage, and microhardness (on the top surface), regardless of light-curing unit, than those grouped in low flowability. On the other hand, water sorption and solubility showed nonsignificantly different values regardless of flowability. Through the study, flow rate had low correlation with microhardness (R<0.23), polymerization shrinkage (R<0.60), and water sorption and solubility (R<0.36) regardless of light-curing unit.

Polymerization shrinkage, flexural and compression properties of low-shrinkage dental resin composites.

This study evaluated the polymerization shrinkage, flexural and compressive properties of low-shrinkage resin composites. For the study, four methacrylate-based and one silorane-based resin composites were light cured using three different light-curing units (LCUs) and their polymerization shrinkage, flexural (strength (FS) and modulus (FM)) and compressive (strength (CS) and modulus (CM)) properties were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and a post-hoc Tukey test. The polymerization shrinkage ranged approximately 7.6-14.2 µm for 2-mm thick specimens depending on the resin product and LCU. Filtek LS showed the least shrinkage while the rest shrank approximately 13.2-14.2 µm. However, Filtek LS showed the greatest shrinkage difference for the used LCUs. FS and CS of the tested specimens ranged 96.2-152.1 MPa and 239.2-288.4 MPa, respectively, depending on the resin product and LCU. The highest and lowest FS and FM were recorded for the methacrylate-based resin composites. Among the specimens, Filtek LS showed the lowest CS and CM.

Effect of a DPSS laser on the shear bond strength of ceramic brackets with different base designs.

This study evaluated the shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of ceramic brackets with different base designs using a 473-nm diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser to test its usefulness as a light source. A total of 180 caries-free human premolars were divided into four groups according to the base designs: microcrystalline, crystalline particle (CP), dovetail, and mesh. For each base design, teeth were divided into three different subgroups for light curing using three different light-curing units (LCUs) (quartz-tungsten-halogen unit, light-emitting diode unit, and a DPSS laser of 473 nm). Applied light intensities for the DPSS laser and the other LCUs were approximately 630 and 900 mW/cm(2), respectively. Stainless steel brackets with a mesh design served as controls. The failure modes of debonded brackets were scored using ARI. As a result, brackets bonded using the DPSS laser had the highest SBS values (16.5-27.3 MPa) among the LCUs regardless of base design. Regarding base designs, the CP groups showed the highest SBS values (22.9-27.3 MPa) regardless of LCU. Furthermore, stainless steel brackets with a mesh design had the lowest SBS values regardless of LCU. In many cases, brackets bonded using the DPSS laser had higher ARI scores and had more adhesive on their bases than on tooth surfaces. The study shows that the 473-nm DPSS laser has considerable potential for bonding ceramic brackets at lower light intensities than the other light-curing units examined.

Influence of flowable resins on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

The present study tested the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded to teeth using flowable resins. A total of 105 human teeth were divided into seven groups. The brackets in each group were bonded to the tooth substrates using a Transbond XT adhesive and six other different flowable resins, respectively. Each adhesive resin was light-cured using a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) light for 40 seconds. The brackets were debonded in shear mode using a universal testing machine. The brackets bonded using Tetric Flow and Grandio Flow showed slightly greater SBS values (13.0+/-1.8 and 12.2+/-1.2 MPa, respectively) than the Transbond XT adhesive (12.1+/-1.2 MPa). However, the SBS values of Transbond XT, X-flow, Tetric Flow, Grandio Flow, and Filtek Z350 flow were not significantly different. As for Admira Flow and Aelite Flow, they scored significantly lower SBS values (7.0+/-2.1 and 9.2+/-1.3 MPa, respectively) than the other groups. On bracket failure mode, statistical analysis revealed a similar failure mode among all the seven test groups.