Fatigue resistance of monolithic and multilayer zirconia crowns using veneer layering or CAD-on technique.

This study aims to evaluate the fatigue resistance of monolithic zirconia (Yz) and multilayer ceramic structures using the CAD-on technique in different thicknesses. Fifty (N=50) standardized single crowns preparations were made in fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin (NEMA grade G10), digitalized, and restorations were machined in CAD-CAM, composing 5 groups (n= 10): Control: 1.5 mm (milled zirconia framework + manual layered porcelain); Yz monolithic 1.5 mm; Yz monolithic 1.0 mm; CAD-on 1.5 mm; and CAD-on 1.0 mm (milled zirconia framework 0.5 mm thickness bonded by a low fuse ceramic to a milled lithium disilicate layer of 1.0 mm or 0.5 mm, respectively). The G10 bases were conditioned with 10% hydrofluoric acid; the crowns were air abraded with 110 µm alumina particles; and then luted onto each other with self-adhesive resin cement. A cyclic fatigue test was performed (initial load: 400N for 10,000 cycles, frequency of 20 Hz, step size of 200N) until failure, and the data was submitted to a survival statistical analysis. No failures were observed at Yz monolithic 1.5 mm. High and similar performance was observed for Cad-On groups and Yz monolithic 1.0 mm. The control group depicted the worst behavior. The Weibull modulus of CAD-on 1.5 mm was higher than the control while being similar to the other conditions. Both the monolithic systems and the CAD-on technique showed high and similar fatigue fracture behavior and survival rates, which were also higher than the control bilayer system. Both systems reduced the occurrence of delamination failures, making them suitable for clinical use.

Fatigue performance analysis of strength-graded zirconia polycrystals for monolithic three-unit implant-supported prostheses.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fatigue behavior of strength-graded zirconia polycrystals used as monolithic three-unit implant-supported prosthesis; complementarily, crystalline phase and micromorphology were also assessed. Fixed prostheses with 3 elements supported by 2 implants were confectioned, as follows: Group 3Y/5Y - monolithic structures of a graded 3Y-TZP/5Y-TZP zirconia (IPS e.max® ZirCAD PRIME); Group 4Y/5Y - monolithic structures of a graded 4Y-TZP/5Y-TZP zirconia (IPS e.max® ZirCAD MT Multi); Group Bilayer - framework of a 3Y-TZP zirconia (Zenostar T) veneered with porcelain (IPS e.max Ceram). The samples were tested for fatigue performance with step-stress analysis. The fatigue failure load (FFL), the number of cycles required until failure (CFF), and the survival rates in each cycle were recorded. The Weibull module was calculated and the fractography analyzed. The crystalline structural content via Micro-Raman spectroscopy and the crystalline grain size via Scanning Electron microscopy were also assessed for graded structures. Group 3Y/5Y showed the highest FFL, CFF, probability of survival, and reliability (based on Weibull modulus). Group 4Y/5Y showed significantly superior FFL and probability of survival than group bilayer. Fractographic analysis revealed catastrophic flaws in the monolithic structure and cohesive fracture of porcelain in bilayer prostheses, all originating from the occlusal contact point. The graded zirconia presented small grain size (≤0.61 µm), with the smallest values at the cervical region. The main composition of graded zirconia was of grains at tetragonal phase. The strength-graded monolithic zirconia, especially the 3Y-TZP/5Y-TZP, showed to be promising for use as monolithic three-unit implant-supported prosthesis.

Is the adhesive or mechanical behavior of glass ceramics influenced by the adhesive layer application after etching and silanization? A literature review

Aim: This review investigated the effect of applying an adhesive after surface treatment of glass-ceramics on the bonding, mechanical or clinical behavior. Methods: Studies comparing the adhesive, mechanical or clinical behavior of glass-ceramics, with or without adhesive application after surface treatment, were included. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences databases (January 2022), resulting in 15 included studies. Results: Regarding the evaluated outcomes, 13 studies assessed bond strength, 2 studies assessed biaxial flexural strength and 1 study assessed fatigue failure load, while no study evaluating clinical outcomes was included. It was possible to observe that the adhesive application after ceramic surface treatment was unfavorable or did not influence the evaluated outcomes. Conclusion: Most of the evidence available in the literature shows that the adhesive application after surface treatment does not improve the adhesive and mechanical behavior of glass-ceramics

Influence of number and position of porcelain specimens in the furnace on flexural strength and translucency

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the quantity and positioning of feldspathic ceramic specimens inside the furnace on their flexural strength and translucency. The tested hypotheses were that the arrangement of specimens in the furnance would not influence 1) the translucency or 2) the biaxial strength of the porcelain. Methods: Ninety porcelain specimens were made (1.2 mm thickness and 13.5 mm diameter) and assigned into two main groups (n=15): G1 group - 15 firing cycles containing only one specimen each, always at the center of the refractory; and G5 group - 15 firing cycles containing five specimen each, where one specimen was at the center of the refractory and four specimens positioned equidistantly on the periphery. The translucency test was performed using a spectrophotometer, followed by the flexural strength test, according to ISO 6872:2015. T-student test was performed for both the mechanical and optical obtained data. Results: The flexural strength of the porcelain was not affected by the positioning (center x periphery) of the specimens inside the furnace (p =0.08), but the translucency was affected (periphery > center; p =0.009). Regarding to the number of feldspathic ceramic specimens, the biaxial flexural strength was affected (p =0.025), as well as the translucency (p <0.05). Conclusion: A higher quantity of feldspathic ceramic specimens for each firing cycle decreased its biaxial flexural strength and translucency. Also, specimens positioned at the center of the refractory became less translucent than those positioned at the periphery.

Fatigue resistance of monolithic and multilayer zirconia crowns using veneer layering or CAD-on technique

Abstract This study aims to evaluate the fatigue resistance of monolithic zirconia (Yz) and multilayer ceramic structures using the CAD-on technique in different thicknesses. Fifty (N=50) standardized single crowns preparations were made in fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin (NEMA grade G10), digitalized, and restorations were machined in CAD-CAM, composing 5 groups (n= 10): Control: 1.5 mm (milled zirconia framework + manual layered porcelain); Yz monolithic 1.5 mm; Yz monolithic 1.0 mm; CAD-on 1.5 mm; and CAD-on 1.0 mm (milled zirconia framework 0.5 mm thickness bonded by a low fuse ceramic to a milled lithium disilicate layer of 1.0 mm or 0.5 mm, respectively). The G10 bases were conditioned with 10% hydrofluoric acid; the crowns were air abraded with 110 μm alumina particles; and then luted onto each other with self-adhesive resin cement. A cyclic fatigue test was performed (initial load: 400N for 10,000 cycles, frequency of 20 Hz, step size of 200N) until failure, and the data was submitted to a survival statistical analysis. No failures were observed at Yz monolithic 1.5 mm. High and similar performance was observed for Cad-On groups and Yz monolithic 1.0 mm. The control group depicted the worst behavior. The Weibull modulus of CAD-on 1.5 mm was higher than the control while being similar to the other conditions. Both the monolithic systems and the CAD-on technique showed high and similar fatigue fracture behavior and survival rates, which were also higher than the control bilayer system. Both systems reduced the occurrence of delamination failures, making them suitable for clinical use.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento à fadiga de estruturas cerâmicas monolíticas de zircônia (Yz) e multicamadas utilizando a técnica CAD-on em diferentes espessuras. Cinquenta (N=50) preparos unitários padronizados foram confeccionados em resina epóxi reforçada com fibra de vidro (NEMA grau G10), digitalizados e as restaurações usinadas em CAD-CAM, compondo 5 grupos (n= 10): Controle: 1,5 mm (estrutura de zircônia fresada + porcelana estratificada manualmente); Yz monolítica 1,5 mm; Yz monolítica 1,0 mm; CAD-on em 1,5 mm; e CAD-on 1,0 mm (estrutura de zircônia fresada com 0,5 mm de espessura ligada por uma cerâmica de baixa fusão a uma camada de dissilicato de lítio fresado de 1,0 mm ou 0,5 mm, respectivamente). As bases do G10 foram condicionadas com ácido fluorídrico a 10%; as coroas foram jateadas com partículas de alumina de 110 μm; e então cimentadas uma sobre a outra com cimento resinoso autoadesivo. Foi realizado um teste de fadiga cíclica (carga inicial: 400N para 10.000 ciclos, frequência de 20 Hz, step de 200N) até a falha, e os dados foram submetidos a uma análise estatística de sobrevivência. Nenhuma falha foi observada para Yz monolítica de 1,5 mm. Desempenho alto e semelhante foi observado para os grupos Cad-On e Yz monolítica 1,0 mm. O grupo controle apresentou o pior comportamento. O módulo de Weibull do CAD-on 1,5 mm foi maior que o grupo controle, sendo semelhante às outras condições. Tanto os sistemas monolíticos quanto a técnica CAD-on apresentaram alto e semelhante desempenho mecânico e taxas de sobrevivência, que também foram superiores ao sistema bicamada de controle. Ambos os sistemas reduziram a ocorrência de falhas de delaminação, tornando-os adequados para uso clínico.

Influence of connector cross-sectional geometry on the load-bearing capacity under fatigue of implant-supported zirconia fixed partial prosthesis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Zirconia has been reported to be suitable for multiunit monolithic restorations. However, as the connector region is the weakest part of the system, studies are needed to determine the optimal connector geometry. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the load-bearing capacity under fatigue of implant-supported fixed partial prostheses made of monolithic zirconia with different connector cross-sectional geometries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three-unit monolithic fixed partial prostheses (from mandibular second premolar to the second molar) were fabricated in zirconia (Zenostar T) by computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD-CAM). Different connector cross-sectional geometries, with an area of 9 mm2, were tested (n=10): round, square with rounded angles, or trapezoid with rounded angles. The prostheses were screwed over 2 implants and inserted into acrylic resin bases. The specimens were submitted to a mechanical fatigue test until failure, with load applied to the pontic using the stepwise stress methodology (initial load of 100 N for 5000 cycles, followed by an increase to 200 N for 20 000 cycles, with a subsequent increase of 50 N each step). For data analysis, fatigue failure load (FFL) and cycles for fatigue failure (CFF) were recorded. Failed structures were analyzed by fractography. The Kaplan-Meier test followed by a log-rank Mantel-Cox post hoc test was used to analyze FFL and CFF (α=.05). Weibull analysis was also performed. RESULTS: The round (1065 N) and trapezoid (1010 N) groups presented higher FFL values than the square one (870 N) (P≤.05). For CFF, the round connector (358 777) was better than the square (280 310) (P=.006), and the trapezoid (337 773) was statistically similar to both (P>.05). No difference among groups was observed in Weibull modulus either for CFF or FFL data. All failures were catastrophic, originating at the base of the connector and propagating toward the occlusal surface of the pontic (region under loading). CONCLUSIONS: The connector cross-sectional geometry significantly influenced the mechanical fatigue performance of implant-supported fixed partial prostheses made of monolithic zirconia.

Surface treatments and its effects on the fatigue behavior of a 5% mol yttria partially stabilized zirconia material.

This study evaluated the effect of distinct surface treatments on the fatigue behavior (biaxial flexural fatigue testing) and surface characteristics (topography and roughness) of a 5% mol yttria partially stabilized zirconia ceramic (5Y-PSZ). Disc-shaped specimens of 5Y-PSZ (IPS e.max ZirCAD MT Multi) were manufactured (ISO 6872-2015) and allocated into six groups (n = 15) considering the following surface treatments: Ctrl - no-treatment; GLZ - low-fusing porcelain glaze application; SNF - 5 nm SiO2 nanofilm; AlOx - aluminum oxide particle air-abrasion; SiC - silica-coated aluminum oxide particles (silica-coating); and 7%Si - 7% silica-coated aluminum oxide particles (silica-coating). The biaxial flexural fatigue tests were performed by the step-stress method (20Hz for 10,000 cycles) with a step increment of 50N starting at 100N and proceeding until failure detection. The samples were tested with the treated surface facing down (tensile stress side). Topography, fractography, roughness, and phase content assessments of treated specimens were performed. GLZ group presented the highest fatigue behavior, while AlOx presented the lowest performance, and was only similar to SiC and 7%Si. Ctrl and SNF presented intermediary fatigue behavior, and were also similar to SiC and 7%Si. GLZ promoted a rougher surface, Ctrl and SNF had the lowest roughness, while the air-abrasion groups presented intermediary roughness. No m-phase content was detected (only t and c phases were detected). In conclusion, the application of a thin-layer of low-fusing porcelain glaze, the deposition of silica nanofilms and the air-abrasion with silica-coated alumina particles had no detrimental effect on the fatigue behavior of the 5Y-PSZ, while the air-abrasion with alumina particles damaged the fatigue outcomes.

The mass production of systematic reviews about COVID-19: An analysis of PROSPERO records.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the characteristics of different designs of systematic reviews (SRs) registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) about COVID-19. METHODS: The search was performed in the PROSPERO database using the strategy proposed by the database and considered only human studies. The last date of the search was April 27, 2020. Full text of all records was accessed, and data were extracted by a single researcher, which was further double-checked by another researcher. A descriptive analysis was performed considering record characteristics using tables. RESULTS: We included 564 records from which the vast majority were registered as SRs (n = 513, 91%). In general, we found poor reporting and missing or confusing information, since 84% of the records (n = 474) did not report the full search that would be adopted, 16% (n = 90) did not report clearly the databases that would be used, and 49.1% (n = 277) did not report the number of primary outcomes. The main focus of most of the records involved clinical, epidemiological, complication, and laboratory characteristics (n = 173, 30.7%) or the treatment of COVID-19 (n = 138, 24.5%). CONCLUSION: A large number of SRs about COVID-19 have been conducted, and many of the assessed records were poorly reported and would be difficult to replicate. Besides, collected data points to an epidemic of redundant reviews on COVID-19.

Fatigue behavior and colorimetric differences of a porcelain-veneered zirconia: effect of quantity and position of specimens during firing.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of quantity and positioning of veneered zirconia specimens during firing of porcelain on their fatigue performance and colorimetric differences. METHODS: Bilayer discs (Ø=15 mm) were made, following ISO 6872 guidelines, using a Y-TZP core (yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramic; VITA In-Ceram YZ) and a feldspathic veneering material (VITA VM9), being both layers with 0.7 mm thickness. Y-TZP discs were sintered, the veneering material was applied over it, and the bilayer specimens were fired according to two factors (n=20): 'quantity' (1 or 5 samples per firing cycle; G1 and G5 groups respectively) and 'positioning' of the specimens inside the furnace (center or periphery of the refractory tray; G5C and G5P groups, respectively). The CIEL*a*b* parameters were recorded with a spectrophotometer and the color difference (ΔE 00 ) and translucency (TP 00 ) were calculated using CIEDE2000 equations. The step-stress fatigue test was performed with the veneer facing down (region of tensile stress concentration), 10 Hz frequency, initial tension of 20 MPa for 5,000 cycles, followed by steps of 10,000 cycles using a step size of 10 MPa, up to 100 MPa; data from strength and number of cycles for failure were recorded for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Unacceptable color differences (ΔE 00 >1.8) were observed comparing G5C vs. G1 (quantity) and G5C vs. G5P (positioning), meanwhile translucency parameters were not affected. Besides, only the 'quantity' factor influenced the fatigue performance (G1>G5C). None of the tested specimens survived beyond 90N and/or 75000 cycles. CONCLUSIONS: The quantity and position of the specimens during firing influence the final color of porcelain-veneered zirconia, and firing one specimen per cycle improved the fatigue performance of the bilayer system.

Influence of zirconia surface treatments of a bilayer restorative assembly on the fatigue performance.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the influence of different surface treatments of zirconia used to enhance bonding with veneering porcelain, and thermocycling on the resistance to porcelain cracking and delamination during fatigue test. METHODS: Bilayer ceramic discs were made from zirconia blocks (IPS e.max Zircad MO, Ivoclar Vivadent - 0.7 mm thickness) and randomized into 8 groups (n= 15) according to two factors: 'zirconia surface treatment' (Control; Grinding - diamond bur; Air-abrasion - aluminum oxide particles; and Liner - application of a ceramic liner [IPS e.max Zirliner, Ivoclar Vivadent]); and 'thermocycling' (presence - 12,000 thermal cycles; 5-55ºC; or absence). The discs were veneered with porcelain (IPS e.max Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent - 0.7 mm; totaling 1.4 mm thickness) according to ISO 6872:2015 for biaxial flexure strength testing. Fatigue tests (step-stress approach; 20 to 100 MPa; step of 10 MPa; 10,000 cycles per step; 10 Hz frequency) were run, followed by the data analysis (Kaplan-Meier and Mantel-Cox post-hoc tests). Analysis of roughness, topography, crystallographic phase arranges and fractography were also executed. RESULTS: The surface treatment and thermocycling did not influence the porcelain crack nor delamination resistance. When only comparing the surface treatments for crack resistance outcome, the liner application depicted the worst fatigue performance in comparison to grinding and air-abrasion, while all groups were similar for delamination. CONCLUSIONS: Neither the surface treatment of the zirconia nor the thermocycling influences the porcelain crack resistance or the resistance to delamination of the bilayer porcelain-veneered zirconia specimens.

Mechanical Fatigue Analysis of PEEK as Alternative to Zirconia for Definitive Hybrid Abutments Supporting All-Ceramic Crowns.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to inspect the mechanical fatigue behavior of an implant-supported restorative system using polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and yttria partially stabilized zirconia polycrystals (YZ) as materials for customized definitive implant-supported hybrid abutments, supporting two types of all-ceramic restorations: translucent zirconia (TZ) and lithium disilicate (LD) monolithic crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Morse taper implants were included in epoxy resin. Titanium intermediary abutments were placed, and the specimens were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 10) according to the customized hybrid abutment material (PEEK or YZ) and the monolithic crowns (TZ or LD) representing a maxillary central incisor crown. The specimens were subjected to a mechanical fatigue test (step-stress analysis) by means of an initial 200-N load for 5,000 cycles and subsequent increase of 50 N (step-size) at each 10,000 cycles, until failure occurred. The load at failure and number of cycles until failure were recorded; survival probabilities and specimen displacement were calculated for each step. The failure pattern was evaluated, and the Weibull modulus was obtained for each condition. RESULTS: Fatigue of both types of crowns was not influenced by the abutment material (LD-PEEK = LD-YZ; TZ-PEEK = TZ-YZ). In the PEEK abutment, the values obtained in the LD and TZ crowns showed no statistical difference; however, in the YZ abutment, the TZ crown presented a load at failure value that was statistically higher than that for LD. Failure pattern analysis revealed a higher prevalence of crown fracture for LD groups, while screw/implant platform fractures were shown for TZ groups. CONCLUSION: YZ and PEEK hybrid abutments promoted similar fatigue levels regardless of the crown materials, TZ crowns promoted a higher fatigue level than LD ones when associated with YZ abutments, and LD crowns promoted a similar fatigue level to TZ ones when associated with PEEK custom abutments. Higher prevalence of crown fractures was shown for LD and screw/implant platform fractures for TZ groups.

Fatigue performance of fully-stabilized zirconia polycrystals monolithic restorations: The effects of surface treatments at the bonding surface.

This study evaluated the distinct conditioning effect of the intaglio surface of bonded fully-stabilized zirconia (FSZ) simplified restorations on the mechanical fatigue behavior of the set prior to and after aging. Ceramic disc shaped specimens (Ø= 10 mm and 1 mm thick) were randomly allocated into 14 groups considering: "surface treatments" (Ctrl: no-treatment; PM: universal primer; GLZ: low-fusing porcelain glaze; SNF: 5 nm SiO2 nanofilm deposition; AlOx: air-abrasion with aluminum oxide; SiC: air-abrasion with silica-coated aluminum oxide; 7%Si: air-abrasion with 7% silica-coated aluminum oxide); and "aging" (baseline: 24 h at 37 °C in water; or aged: 90 days at 37 °C in water + 12,000 thermal cycles). The discs were treated, luted with resin cement onto the dentin analog, subjected to aging or not, and then tested under a step-stress fatigue test at 20 Hz, 10,000 cycles/step, step-size of 100N starting at 200N, and proceeding until failure detection. Fractographic, topographic, surface roughness, contact angle, and atomic force microscopy analyzes were performed. The surface treatments at baseline led to statistically similar fatigue failure loads (953N-1313N), except for GLZ (1313N), which was significantly higher than 7%Si (953 N). Meanwhile, Ctrl had 40% pre-test failures (debonding) after aging, and therefore the worst fatigue performance (notable decrease in fatigue results), while all the other groups presented superior and statistically similar fatigue behavior (973-1271N). In fact, when considering baseline Vs aging conditions, stable fatigue results could only be noted when using surface treatments. In conclusion, internal surface treatments of FSZ ceramic restorations are mandatory for fatigue behavior stability after aging the restorative set, while non-treatment induced unstable results.