Resistance to abrasion of extrinsic porcelain esthetic characterization techniques.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A novel esthetic porcelain characterization technique involves mixing an appropriate amount of ceramic colorants with clear, low-fusing porcelain (LFP), applying the mixture on the external surfaces, and firing the combined components onto the surface of restorations in a porcelain oven. This method may provide better esthetic qualities and toothbrush abrasion resistance compared to the conventional techniques of applying color-corrective porcelain colorants alone, or applying a clear glaze layer over the colorants. However, there is no scientific literature to support this claim. PURPOSE: This research evaluated toothbrush abrasion resistance of a novel porcelain esthetic characterization technique by subjecting specimens to various durations of simulated toothbrush abrasion. The results were compared to those obtained using the conventional characterization techniques of colorant application only or colorant followed by placement of a clear over-glaze. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Four experimental groups, all of which were a leucite reinforced ceramic of E TC1 (Vita A1) shade, were prepared and fired in a porcelain oven according to the manufacturer's instructions. Group S (stain only) was characterized by application of surface colorants to provide a definitive shade of Vita A3.5. Group GS (glaze over stain) was characterized by application of a layer of glaze over the existing colorant layer as used for Group S. Group SL (stain+LFP) was characterized by application of a mixture of colorants and clear low-fusing add-on porcelain to provide a definitive shade of Vita A3.5. Group C (Control) was used as a control without any surface characterization. The 4 groups were subjected to mechanical toothbrushing using a 1:1 water-to-toothpaste solution for a simulated duration of 32 years of clinical use. The amount of wear was measured at time intervals simulating every 4 years of toothbrushing. These parameters were evaluated longitudinally for all groups as well as compared at similar time points among groups. RESULTS: In this study, the novel external characterization technique (stain+LFP: Group SL) did not significantly enhance the wear resistance against toothbrush abrasion. Instead, the average wear of the applied extrinsic porcelain was 2 to 3 times more than Group S (stain only) and Group GS (glaze over stain). Application of a glaze layer over the colorants (Group GS) showed a significant improvement on wear resistance. Despite its superior physical properties, the leucite reinforced ceramic core (Group C) showed 2 to 4 times more wear when compared with other test groups. CONCLUSION: A conventional external esthetic characterization technique of applying a glaze layer over the colorants (Group GS) significantly enhanced the surface wear resistance to toothbrush abrasion when compared with other techniques involving application of colorants only (Group S) or mixture of colorant and LFP (Group SL). The underlying core ceramic had significantly less wear resistance compared with all externally characterized specimens. The novel esthetic characterization technique showed more wear and less color stability, and is thus not advocated as the "best" method for surface characterization. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Application of a glaze layer provides a more wear-resistant surface from toothbrush abrasion when adjusting or extrinsically characterizing leucite reinforced ceramic restorations. Without the glaze layer, the restoration is subjected to a 2 to 4 times faster rate and amount of wear leading to possible shade mismatch.

Effect of immediate dentine sealing on the fracture strength of lithium disilicate and multiphase resin composite inlay restorations.

PURPOSE: Limited information is available on the effect of Immediate Dentin Sealing (IDS) on the fracture strength of indirect partial posterior restorations. This study evaluated the effect of IDS on the fracture strength and failure types of two indirect restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standard MOD inlay preparations were made on sound molars (N=40, n=10 per group) and randomly divided into four groups to receive the inlay materials with and without the application of IDS: Group L-IDS-: Li2Si2O5 (Lithium disilicate, IPS e.max) without IDS; Group L-IDS+: Li2Si2O5 with IDS; Group MR-IDS-: Multiphase resin composite (MR, Lava Ultimate) without IDS; MR-IDS+: MR with IDS. Inlays made of L were etched with 5% hydrofluoric acid, and MR inlays were silica coated. After silanization, they were cemented using adhesive resin cement (Variolink Esthetic DC). The specimens were thermo-mechanically aged (1.2×106 cycles, 1.7Hz, 8000 cycles, 5-55°C) and then subjected to load to failure (1 mm/min). Failure types and locations of debondings were classified. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, Mann Whitney U-test and Chi-square tests (α=0.05). Two-parameter Weibull distribution values including the Weibull modulus, scale (m) and shape (0), values were calculated. RESULTS: After aging conditions, no apparent changes were observed in marginal integrity but occlusal wear facets were more common with MR than with L (p<0.001). Material type and the application of IDS significantly affected the results (p=0.013). While group L-IDS- showed the lowest mean fracture strength (1358±506N) among all groups (p<0.05), application of IDS significantly increased the results significantly (L-IDS+: 2035±403N) (p=0.006). MR groups with and without IDS, did not show significant difference (MR-IDS-: 1861±423, MR-IDS+: 1702±596 N) (p=0.498). When materials without IDS are compared, L showed significantly lower results than that of MR (p=0.035). With the application of IDS, no significant difference was noted between L and MR materials (p=0.160). Weibull distribution presented the highest shape (0) for L-IDS+ (5.66) compared to those of other groups (3.01-4.76). Neither the material type (p=0.830), nor the application of IDS (p=0.54) affected the severity of the failure types. In 95% of the cases, the IDS layer left adhered on the tooth surface after fracture tests. In groups where no IDS was used, resin cement remained on the tooth surface in 44% of the cases (p=0.001). No significant differences were observed between the materials with respect to cement remnants or IDS after fracture (p=0.880). The incidence of repairable failure types (83%) was more common with L than with MR (75%) material (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Immediate dentin sealing improves adhesion, and thereby the fracture strength of inlays made of lithium disilicate but not that multiphase resin composite.

Radiological impact assessment to the environment due to waste from disposal of porcelain.

The present study aimed to assess the radiological parameters from gamma rays due to the uncontrolled disposal of porcelain waste to the environment. Qualitative and quantitative identification of radionuclides in the investigated samples was carried out by means of a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The average activity concentrations of the local porcelain samples were measured as 208.28 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 125.73 Bq/kg for 238U, 84.94 Bq/kg for 232Th and 1033.61 Bq/kg for 40K, respectively. The imported samples had an average activity of 240.57 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 135.56 Bq/kg for 238U, 115.74 Bq/kg for 232Th and 1312.49 Bq/kg for 40K, respectively. Radiological parameters and the radium equivalent Raeq for the investigated samples were calculated. The external and internal hazard indices, representative level index (Iγ), alpha index (Iα), and the exemption level (Ix), were estimated to be higher than the recommended value (unity), while the average activity concentrations for the studied samples were higher than recommended levels. In conclusion, we are concerned that disposal of porcelain in the environment might be a significant hazard.

Wear resistance and compression strength of ceramics tested in fluoride environments.

Dental ceramics have been widely used because of aesthetic, but wear is still questioned. There are relates that ceramic surface is prone to degradation by acidulated fluoride, that can increase wear rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of neutral and acidulated fluoride gel, used as preventive agents for professional use, at wear and compression strength of dental ceramics IPS e.max ZirPress (ZIR), IPS Empress Esthetic (EMP) e IPS Inline POM (POM). For this, 30 crowns and 30 disks were obtained by heat-pressing. Crowns and disks were submitted to two-body wear test at machine of mechanical loading, simulating occlusion, lateral movement and disocclusion. It was performed 300,000 cycles at 1Hz frequency under 20N load, to simulate 1 year of mastication. Samples were totally immersed during the test and were divided into three groups according to the gel used for immersion (n=10): control, neutral (sodium fluoride 2%) and acidulated (acidulated phosphate fluoride 1.23%). Samples (crowns and disks) were analyzed for vertical height loss after the test using, respectively, profile projector and stereomicroscope. Roughness of worn surface of crowns and disks was evaluated by laser confocal microscopy. Data of height loss and roughness were evaluated by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's test. A crown/disk of each group was analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy. After wear resistance tests, crowns were cemented to their abutments and submitted to compressive load at 30° angulation and 1mm/min speed. Type of failures was compared by qui-square test. Ceramic EMP worn less while ZIR worn more. Control gel worn more at crowns while acidulated gel worn more at disks. Surface roughness of samples tested at acidulated gel was significantly lower. Type of failures found at compression resistance tests was affected by ceramic type, but not by gel used. The results suggest that ceramic and fluoride gel affect wear and roughness of worn surface while type of failure is only affected by ceramic.

Evaluation of Temperature and Stress Distribution on 2 Different Post Systems Using 3-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis.

BACKGROUND The mouth is exposed to thermal irritation from hot and cold food and drinks. Thermal changes in the oral cavity produce expansions and contractions in tooth structures and restorative materials. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of temperature and stress distribution on 2 different post systems using the 3-dimensional (3D) finite element method. MATERIAL AND METHODS The 3D finite element model shows a labio-lingual cross-sectional view of the endodontically treated upper right central incisor and supporting periodontal ligament with bone structures. Stainless steel and glass fiber post systems with different physical and thermal properties were modelled in the tooth restored with composite core and ceramic crown. We placed 100 N static vertical occlusal loading onto the center of the incisal surface of the tooth. Thermal loads of 0°C and 65°C were applied on the model for 5 s. Temperature and thermal stresses were determined on the labio-lingual section of the model at 6 different points. RESULTS The distribution of stress, including thermal stress values, was calculated using 3D finite element analysis. The stainless steel post system produced more temperature and thermal stresses on the restorative materials, tooth structures, and posts than did the glass fiber reinforced composite posts. CONCLUSIONS Thermal changes generated stresses in the restorative materials, tooth, and supporting structures.

Evaluation of Zirconia-Based All-Ceramic Single Crowns and Fixed Dental Prosthesis on Zirconia Implants: 5-Year Results of a Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this 5-year cohort investigation was to determine the survival and success rate of all-ceramic reconstructions on zirconia oral implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients received 122 one-piece zirconia implants. One hundred seventeen implants were restored with 63 single crowns (SCs) and 27 three-unit bridges (fixed dental prostheses, FDPs) fabricated using zirconia frameworks (Procera(®) Zirconia, Nobel Biocare(®), Göteborg, Sweden) hand-layered with a silicate ceramic (NobelRondo(™) Zirconia, Nobel Biocare(®)). With any occurrence of chipping regarded as an event, Kaplan-Meier success curves were plotted. Covariates (gender, location, manufacturing date) were estimated by the use of log-rank tests. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients received prosthetic reconstructions. Sixty-three of them were seen at the 5-year follow-up, with a mean observation time of 58.2 months (47 patients with SCs, 16 patients with FDPs). Reasons for the decreasing number of patients at the follow-up sessions included dropouts due to implant loss (n = 21), moving (n = 3), missed appointments (n = 1), and severe illness (n = 1). Over half of the SCs (57.2%) and 38% of the FDPs were successful after an observation time of 5 years (overall success rate of 51.7%). The performed log-rank tests revealed no statistically significant differences for the success curves regarding the above-mentioned covariates. Among the 63 restorations that completed the study, 11 of 47 SCs and one of 16 FDPs had to be replaced due to the severity of the observed chipping. This results in survival rates of 76.6% for the SCs and 93.8% for the FDPs. No framework fractures or decementations were observed in any group. CONCLUSION: Hand-layering of zirconia-based SCs and FDPs with NobelRondo(™) Zirconia restoring one-piece zirconia implants did not show acceptable survival and success rates. Meanwhile, the material has been recalled from the market. It is advised that new materials should undergo adequate preclinical evaluation before coming to the market.

Influence of bruxism on survival of porcelain laminate veneers

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine whether bruxism and the use of occlusal splints affect the survival of porcelain laminate veneers in patients treated with this technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Restorations were made in 70 patients, including 30 patients with some type of parafunctional habit. A total of 323 veneers were placed, 170 in patients with bruxism activity, and the remaining 153 in patients without it. A clinical examination determined the presence or absence of ceramic failure (cracks, fractures and debonding) of the restorations; these incidents were analyzed for association with bruxism and the use of splints. RESULTS: Analysis of the ceramic failures showed that of the 13 fractures and 29 debonding that were present in our study, 8 fractures and 22 debonding were related to the presence of bruxism. CONCLUSIONS: Porcelain laminate veneers are a predictable treatment option that provides excellent results, recognizing a higher risk of failure in patients with bruxism activity. The use of occlusal splints reduces the risk of fractures

Mechanical and chemical analyses across dental porcelain fused to CP titanium or Ti6Al4V.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of mechanical properties and chemical variation across veneering dental porcelain fused to different titanium-based substrates. Test samples were synthesized by fusing dental feldspar-based porcelain onto commercially pure titanium grade II or Ti6Al4V alloy. Samples were cross-sectioned at angles of 10 and 90° to the interface plane. Afterwards, nanoindentation tests and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging coupled to an Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) system were carried out across interfaces extending from the metal towards the porcelain area. Elemental diffusion profiles across the porcelain-to-metal interfaces were also obtained by EDS analysis. The mismatch in mechanical properties found in porcelain-to-Ti6Al4V interfaces was lower than that of porcelain-to-CP titanium. Cracking was noticed at low-thickness veneering dental porcelain regions after the nanoindentation tests of samples cross-sectioned at low angles to the interface plane. A wide reaction zone between titanium and porcelain as well as higher incidence of defects was noticed at the porcelain-to-CP titanium interfaces. This study confirmed Ti6Al4V as an improved alternative to CP-titanium as it showed to establish a better interface with the veneering dental porcelain considering the slight chemical interaction and the lower mechanical properties mismatch. The elastic modulus of porcelain-to-Ti6Al4V samples showed to be less sensitive to porcelain thickness variations.

Tratamento de superfície de porcelanas dentárias pela irradiação com laser de CO2 / Surface treatment of dental porcelains with CO2 laser

Este estudo teve como objetivo testar o laser de CO2 como um agente de tratamento de superfície de porcelanas dentárias. Material e Métodos: O estudo foi dividido em duas etapas: na primeira etapa, discos de porcelana (3,5 mm diam. x 2,0 mm espess.) das marcas VM7, VM9 e VM13 (VITA) foram sinterizados e tiveram uma de suas faces asperizadas por uma ponta diamantada 2134F para acabamento. Os espécimes foram então divididos em grupos de acordo com os seguintes tratamentos: nenhum (C), auto-glaze em forno (G) e irradiação com laser (L) de CO2 (Coherent, = 10,6 m, 35 W) de forma contínua com 40, 45 ou 50 W/cm2 nos tempos de 3, 4 ou 5 minutos (n=7). Nesta primeira etapa, as caracterizações das amostras constaram de: difratometria por raios-X, diferença de cor (Easyshade VITA), rugosidade superficial (Surftest 301, Mitutoyo) e análise visual por meio de esteromicroscopia e MEV. Um espécime de VM9 de cada grupo foi polido e levado a um exame por microscopia de força atômica (MFA). A segunda etapa consistiu na sinterização de discos das três porcelanas nas mesmas dimensões da etapa anterior, porém submetidos a um polimento de uma das superfícies com soluções diamantadas de granulação decrescente até 1 m. Os grupos testados foram os mesmos da primeira etapa, com exceção dos grupos irradiados com 40W/cm2. As caracterizações que se seguiram foram (n=10): microdureza Vickers, tenacidade à fratura, porosidade superficial, razão de contraste (RC) e capacidade de mascaramento (CM).

Resultados: A rugosidade de espécimes asperizados foi diminuída pela aplicação do laser nas irradiâncias de 45 e 50 W/cm2, similar ao auto-glaze em forno, sem alteração de cor perceptível para a quase totalidade dos grupos irradiados. Houve um aumento do conteúdo cristalino das porcelanas VM9 e VM13 após a irradiação com o laser. As micrografias (MEV) demonstraram padrão de superfície homogêneo para os espécimes dos grupos irradiados a 50 W/cm2 e G. Os resultados da segunda etapa apontaram para alterações na microdureza e tenacidade à fratura na dependência da marca comercial e das irradiâncias estudadas. Quanto à porosidade, as porcelanas VM7 e VM13 apresentaram um aumento na fração volumétrica de poros, enquanto a porcelana VM9 irradiada apresentou-se semelhante a G. As médias de RC e CM indicaram um aumento na opacidade das porcelanas VM7 e VM13 irradiadas com o laser. Conclusão: Em condições específicas, o laser de CO2 é capaz de produzir uma lisura de superfície semelhante ao auto-glaze, com pequenas alterações nos aspectos ópticos e mecânicos. As diferentes marcas comerciais de porcelana apresentaram comportamentos distintos em relação aos tratamentos aplicados.

Glazing porcelain is an important procedure in dentistry that leads to surface smoothness, to less plaque accumulation and to brightness, especially after a chair side adjustment. Despite a good absorption of CO2 laser wavelength by dental porcelain it has not yet been tested as an alternative to oven glaze. Aim: This study tested CO2 laser as a heat source in surface treatment of dental porcelains. Material and Methods: This study was divided in two stages: at the first stage porcelain discs (VM7, VM9, VM13 VITA; 3.5 diam. x 2.0 mm thickness) were sintered, machined and had one of their sides grounded by a diamond bur (2134F KG Sorensen) simulating a chair side adjustment in clinical office. Specimens were then divided into groups according to treatment: no treatment (C); auto-glazed in conventional furnace (G) and submitted to CO2 continuous laser irradiation (Coherent, = 10.6 m; output power = 35 W, 0.5 cm laser beam) in 40, 45 or 50 W/cm2 for 3, 4 or 5 minutes (n=7). Specimens were supported by a ceramic refractory. At this first stage, the characterization consisted of X-ray diffraction (RU-200B, Rigaku), color difference (E) (Easyshade VITA), roughness (Surftest 301, Mitutoyo) and analysis of images achieved by stereomicroscopy (SZ61, Olympus) and SEM (Stereoscan 440, LEO). A VM9 specimen of each group had one of their side polished and was submitted to atomic force microscopy (AFM) Nanoscope IIIA (Veeco). In the second stage discs with the same dimension described above were sintered and polished with diamond solutions (Ecomet 3; 1 m). The same groups were tested except 40W/cm2 irradiance. Specimens were submitted to the following characterizations (n=10): Vickers microhardness test, fracture toughness by indentation fracture (HMV, Shimadzu), surface porosity (HMV, Image J software), contrast ratio (CR) and masking ability (MA) (CM-3770d, Konica Minolta).

Influência do formato da infraestrutura e do protocolo de resfriamento na tensão térmica residual antes e após carregamento oclusal: análise por elementos finitos / Framework design and cooling protocols influence in residual thermal stresses before and after an occlusal load. Finite element analysis

OBJETIVO: Verificar, através da análise por elementos finitos, a influência do formato da infraestrutura e protocolo de resfriamento nas tensões térmica residuais (TTR) e nas tensões após carregamento oclusal de coroas com infraestrutura de zircônia YTZ-P. MÉTODOS: Foram construídos modelos 3D de coroa em segundo molar inferior com dois diferentes formatos de infraestrutura: uniforme (IU) e anatômico (IA). Análise da transferência de calor foi conduzida com dois protocolos de resfriamento: lento (RL) e rápido (RR). Os dados de temperatura foram utilizados na análise da tensão térmica, na qual foi considerada a mudança do coeficiente de contração térmico linear e do módulo de elasticidade da porcelana próximo a sua Tg. Sobre os modelos com tensões térmicas residuais foi simulado o carregamento oclusal: 400 N distribuídos em 2 áreas de 1 mm2 nas cúspides vestibulares. Foram analisadas as distribuições das tensões máxima principal (1) e mínima principal (3) residuais (após resfriamento) e finais (após carregamento oclusal) na porcelana de cobertura. RESULTADOS: Os modelos com RL apresentaram maiores tensões de tração (1 positiva) e de compressão (3 negativa), além de amplas áreas com ausência de tração (1 negativa) na oclusal e na cervical. Nos modelos com RR as mesmas áreas eram isentas de compressão (3 positiva). Ao comparar as infraestruturas no RL, o modelo com IA apresentou maior área com ausência de tração, menor pico 1 (IA: 27,6 MPa; IU: 32,8 MPa) e maior pico de 3 (IA: -61,2 MPa; IU: -46,8 MPa). Com o carregamento oclusal, notou-se, de modo geral, um pequeno aumento das tensões de tração na face lingual e diminuição da tração na região cervical da face vestibular, para ambos os formatos de infraestrutura. CONCLUSÃO: A distribuição observada nos modelos resfriados rapidamente tende a oferecer menos proteção à propagação de trincas, pois na face oclusal foram geradas regiões sem compressão.

Os modelos com IA, quando resfriados lentamente, apresentaram distribuição de tensões, antes e após carregamento oclusal, que pode diminuir o risco de lascamento da porcelana.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze, using a 3D finite element model, the residual thermal stress distribution and occlusal stress distribution in a veneered zirconia crown regarding the framework design and cooling protocol. METHODS: 3D models of second lower molar veneered zirconia crowns were built with two different core designs: uniform (U) or anatomic (A). Heat transfer analyses were conducted with two cooling protocols: slow (S) and fast (F). The output of temperatures was used to calculate thermal stresses. The non-linear increase in porcelain modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion close to its Tg was taken into account. An occlusal load (400 N in two 1 mm2 contact area at the buccal cusps) was applied in the pre-stressed model. The maximum (1) and minimum (3) principal stresses at the porcelain were analyzed. RESULTS: Slowly cooled models showed higher tensile (positive 1) and compressive stresses (negative 3). In addition, tension-free zones were shown in their occlusal and cervical regions, while compression-free zones were shown in the same regions of rapidly cooled models. Regarding the framework design, the anatomic model showed larger tension-free zones at the occlusal face, lower 1 peak (A: 27.6 MPa; U: 32.8 MPa) and higher 3 peak (A: -61.2 MPa; U: -46.8 MPa). After occlusal loading, the tensile stress values increased in the lingual face and decreased in the cervical of buccal face, but the general pattern of residual thermal stress distribution was maintained. CONCLUSION: The stress distribution of rapidly cooled models is less prone to protect the porcelain from crack propagation, because of the compression-free zones in the occlusal and cervical regions. The anatomic design in slowly cooled models showed stress distribution more favorable to prevent porcelain chipping.

Avaliação da resistência ao microcisalhamento na interface de união entre a porcelana feldspática e esmalte / Evaluation of microshear bond strength of the interface union between feldspathic porcelain and enabel

Este estudo visou avaliar a influência do tipo de ativação do agente cimentante resinoso, da espessura do material restuarador e do envelhecimento da restuaração na resistência adesiva da porcelana feldspática ao esmalte por meio de teste de microcisalhamento. Sessenta blocos cerâmicos de porcelana feldspática (VITA VM7) foram obtidos na cor A1, com as dimensões de 5x5x10mm. Eles receberam tratamento de superfície com ácido fluorídrico a 10%, silano e sistema adesivo. Paralelamente ao tratamento das porcelanas, sessenta dentes molares humanos recém-extraídos, foram aplainados na sua superfície vestibular e receberam tratamento com ácido fosfórico 37% e sistema adesivo...

Degradability of fluorapatite-leucite ceramics in naturally acidic agents.

This study was conducted to evaluate the titratable acidity and effect of naturally acidic agents on the surface microhardness, elemental composition, and surface morphology of fluorapatite-leucite ceramics. One hundred and ten ceramic disks (IPS d.SIGN), 12.0 mm in diameter and 2.0 mm in thickness, were fabricated. Before immersion, the baseline data of Vickers microhardness and elemental composition were recorded. Four groups were immersed in acidic agents (citrate buffer solution, green mango juice, and pineapple juice) and deionized water (control) at 37ºC for 168 hours, whereas one group was immersed in 4% acetic acid at 80ºC for 168 hours. After immersion, specimens were evaluated and data were analyzed using one-way repeated ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Microhardness values significantly decreased after immersion (p<0.05). In terms of elemental composition, the weight percentages of silicon, potassium, aluminum, and sodium also decreased after immersion (p<0.05). Results of this study showed that fluorapatite-leucite ceramics were affected by long-term immersion in acidic agents.

Zirconia-parylene multilayer thin films for enhanced fracture resistance of dental ceramics.

Recent research has shown that the application of specific thin films can enhance the material properties of a laminate construct. In this study, the effect of different mono/multilayered films on the strength of a ceramic specimen is demonstrated. It is well established that cracks can initiate and/or propagate from the internal surfaces of all-ceramic dental restorations. Modifying that surface by thin-film deposition might help increase clinical longevity and applicability. Specimens were divided into the following groups according to different surface treatments received: uncoated (control group), 10 microm yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin film, 10 microm parylene thin film, 9.75 microm YSZ + 0.25 microm parylene film, and a multilayered film (five layers of 1.25 microm YSZ + 0.75 microm parylene). Depositions were performed using a radio-frequency magnetron sputter system (working pressure 15 mT, 150 degrees C, 30:1 Ar/O2 gas ratio) to produce the YSZ layers, and a vapour deposition process was used to produce the parylene layers. Flexural strength measurements were carried out by three-point bending (span = 10 mm) in a servo-electric material testing system in deioinized (DI) water (37 degrees C). The results showed that the strength of the specimen significantly increased with the deposition of all types of coating, showing the greatest increase with the multilayered film (approximately 32 per cent). It is hypothesized that a multilayer thin film (brittle/ductile) can promote crack deflection, causing strength enhancement of the brittle construct.

[Determination and Weibull analysis of the strength of dental veneering porcelains].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the strength of the veneering porcelain stored in artificial saliva. METHODS: Standard beams with a size of 3 mm x 2 mm x 20 mm made from the body, incisal, and translucent porcelains of SHOFU Vintage were stored in the artificial saliva for 30 days. Twenty samples from each material were tested for the strength by the 3-point flexural test at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm. The data were analyzed by the two-parameter Weibull method. RESULTS: The strength, Weibull modulus (m) and characterization strength (male0) were (75.5 +/- 5.6) MPa, 17.3, and 77.6 MPa for Body porcelain, respectively; (73.6 +/- 5.0) MPa, 16.5, and 76.0 MPa for incisal porcelain, respectively; and (72.9 +/- 4.5) MPa, 16.1, and 75. 5 MPa for translucent porcelain, respectively. CONCLUSION: There are no differences in strength between the three dental porcelains. Weibull analysis describes the strength of the porcelains better than the average and standard deviation.

Influence of leucite content on slow crack growth of dental porcelains.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the stress corrosion susceptibility coefficient, n, of seven dental porcelains (A: Ceramco I; B: Ceramco-II; C: Ceramco-III; D: d.Sign; E: Cerabien; F: Vitadur-Alpha; and G: Ultropaline) after aging in air or artificial saliva, and correlate results with leucite content (LC). METHODS: Bars were fired according to manufacturers' instructions and polished before induction of cracks by a Vickers indenter (19.6N, 20s). Four specimens were stored in air/room temperature, and three in saliva/37 degrees C. Five indentations were made per specimen and crack lengths measured at the following times: approximately 0; 1; 3; 10; 30; 100; 300; 1000 and 3000 h. The stress corrosion coefficient n was calculated by linear regression analysis after plotting crack length as a function of time, considering that the slope of the curve was [2/(3n+2)]. Microstructural analysis was performed to determine LC. RESULTS: LC of the porcelains were 22% (A and B); 6% (C); 15% (D); 0% (E and F); and 13% (G). Except for porcelains A and D, all materials showed a decrease in their n values when stored in artificial saliva. However, the decrease was more pronounced for porcelains B, F, and G. Ranking of materials varied according to storage media (in air, porcelain G showed higher n compared to A, while in saliva both showed similar coefficients). No correlation was found between n values and LC in air or saliva. SIGNIFICANCE: Storage media influenced the n value obtained for most of the materials. LC did not affect resistance to slow crack growth regardless of the test environment.

Component analysis of dental porcelain for assisting dental identification.

The fluorescence of porcelain crowns recovered from the mouth of an unknown murder victim, and several control porcelain samples, were examined by fluorescent examination lamps. The fluorescence from two of the control samples was quite similar to that from the porcelain crowns recovered from the victim. To increase the objectivity of the results by quantitative analysis, the composition of each porcelain crown and control sample was also evaluated by wave dispersion X-ray microanalyser. The elements detected from the porcelain crowns of the victim matched those of two of the porcelain samples. Later, the antemortem dental records and radiographs of the victim were obtained through a dentist, who had recognized the name of the porcelain manufacturer in a postmortem dental information request placed on the Japanese Dental Association web page. Although component analysis of dental porcelain may be an effective means of assisting dental identification, a more rapid and non-destructive analysis for detecting the elements is required. The energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer was used for a pilot study of identification of porcelain composition.

[Line scanning analysis of white porcelain from Gong Kiln in early Tang dynasty by energy disperse X-ray fluorescence].

Gong kiln, for its long porcelain-firing history, was one of three representative white porcelain kilns in northern China. In order to improve the quality and whiteness of white porcelain, a decorating layer or cosmetic earth was laid on the body surface in Gong kiln during early Tang dynasty, which was able to blot out rough surface and weaken the influence of fuscous body upon surface color. In this paper the main chemical composition of the white porcelain's profile was analyzed by using energy disperse X-Ray fluorescence. The result showed that different materials were used as cosmetic earth during early Tang dynasty, in accordance with the phenomenon under optical microscope. In addition, the glaze belongs to calcium glaze in which plant ash was added.

Osteoblast cell adhesion on a laser modified zirconia based bioceramic.

Due to their attractive mechanical properties, bioinert zirconia bioceramics are frequently used in the high load-bearing sites such as orthopaedic and dental implants, but they are chemically inert and do not naturally form a direct bond with bone and thus do not provide osseointegration. A CO2 laser was used to modify the surface properties with the aim to achieve osseointegration between bioinert zirconia and bone. The surface characterisation revealed that the surface roughness decreased and solidified microstructure occurred after laser treatment. Higher wettability characteristics generated by the CO2 laser treatment was primarily due to the enhancement of the surface energy, particularly the polar component, determined by microstructural changes. An in vitro test using human fetal osteoblast cells (hFOB) revealed that osteoblast cells adhere better on the laser treated sample than the untreated sample. The change in the wettability characteristics could be the main mechanism governing the osteoblast cell adhesion on the YPSZ.

Study on changing the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of dental porcelain.

Raising the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of dental porcelains is important to match the CTE of the ceramic material with the higher CTE of the metal inlay in dental restorations. The higher thermal expansion of the leucite phase increases the overall thermal expansion coefficient of the dental porcelain. Potassium nitrate (KNO3) additions in controlled percentages to the base dental porcelain formulation help in the formation of a leucite phase. The percentage added was 5,10 and 20 weight percent of leucite, respectively, to the total base frit composition. The change in CTE values was then investigated using a Linseis Dilatometer. A 20wt% KNO3 addition resulted in a CTE of 9.0 microm/m-K compared to the 7.7 microm/m-K CTE of the base composition. The microstructures observed under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) show a multiphase material with the leucite phases dispersed within a glassy matrix. The results suggest that higher CTEs in the dental porcelain are possible by increasing the KNO3- additions within the limits tested.

Características generales y propiedades de las cerámicas sin metal / General features and properties of metal-free ceramics restorations

Introducción y objetivos: los actuales sistemas restauradores cerámicos sin base metálica son una realidad creciente debido a las inmejorables propiedades ópticas y estéticas que presentan gracias a su comportamiento con la luz, la capacidad para mimetizar con los dientes naturales, etc. A pesar de las ventajas indiscutibles que poseen todavía presentan algunos problemas de tipo mecánico y funcional (como la fragilidad, la fractura, la abrasión de los antagonistas, etc.) que limitan actualmente su uso generalizado como materiales restauradores. Tanto los nuevos materiales cerámicos, como los innovadores métodos de procesamiento asistidos por ordenador auguran un futuro próximo donde el uso de porcelanas libres de metal sea masivo en el quehacer diario de la profesión odontoestomatológica. Nuestro objetivo a la hora de abordar este tema es revisar los conceptos actuales sobre las porcelanas sin metal. Material y metodología: se realiza en base a una revisión bibliográfica del tema propuesto y que se estructurará en los siguientes apartados: evolución histórica, definición del material y sinonimia, propiedades deseables o exigibles a los materiales restauradores cerámicos, ventajas e inconvenientes de ellos derivados, clasificación de las porcelanas dentales, composición de las porcelanas dentales y algunas propiedades. Resultados y discusión: en base a los datos encontrados en la bibliografía consultada (AU)