Surface properties of a new lithium disilicate glass-ceramic after grinding.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of grinding on some surface properties of two lithium disilicate-based glass-ceramics, one experimental new product denominated LaMaV Press (UFSCar-Brazil) and another commercial known as IPS e-max Press (Ivoclar), in the context of simulated clinical adjustment. Discs (N = 24, 12 mm in diameter) were separated into four groups: LaMaV Press with no grinding (E), LaMaV Press after grinding (EG), IPS e-max Press with no grinding (C), and IPS e-max Press after grinding (CG). A 0.1-mm deep grinding was carried out on EG and CG samples (final thickness of 1.4 mm) using a diamond stone in a low-speed device. The E and C samples had the same thickness. The effect of grinding on the sample surfaces was evaluated by X-ray diffraction, mechanical and optical profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, goniometry, and Vickers hardness. The mean roughness (Ra) was evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls statistics. The surface energy (SE) by the sessile drop method and Vickers hardness (VH) were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. The Ra medians were E = 1.69 µm, EG = 1.57 µm, C = 1.45 µm, and CG = 1.13 µm with p = 0.0284. The SE and VH were similar for all materials and treatments. Grinding smoothed the surfaces and did not significantly alter the hardness and surface energy of both LaMaV Press and IPS e-max Press. These glass-ceramics presented similar surface properties, and clinical adjustments can be implemented without loss of performance of both materials. A grinding standardization device developed that allowed to control the amount of grinding, the speed of rotation speed and the force exerted on the samples.

Efeito da elevação da margem gengival e do material restaurador no comportamento em fadiga e distribuição de tensão de molares restaurados com inlays mod / Effect of deep margin elevation and restorative material on the fatigue behavior and stress distribution of molars restored with MOD inlays

Este estudo avaliou o efeito da elevação da margem gengival (DME) e dos materiais restauradores (cerâmica vítrea reforçada por leucita [C] vs. resina composta indireta [R]) no comportamento de fadiga e distribuição de tensão de molares superiores com margens proximais com 2 mm de profundidade restauradas com inlays mesio-ocluso-distal (MOD). Para isso, 52 terceiros molares humanos extraídos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos (n = 13): C; DME + C; R; e DME + R. Restaurações do tipo inlay foram confeccionados no CAD-CAM e cimentadas adesivamente em todos os dentes. O comportamento em fadiga foi avaliado com o ensaio de vida acelerada stepwise stress (10.000 ciclos/step; step=50 N; 20 Hz; carga inicial=200 N). As cargas e o número de ciclos de falha em fadiga foram analisados com ANOVA de 2 fatores e teste de Tukey (p <0,05), também foram realizados gráficos de sobrevivência de Kaplan-Meier. A distribuição de tensões foi avaliada utilizando a análise por elementos finitos. Os modelos foram considerados isotrópicos, lineares, homogêneos e apresentaram contatos colados. Uma carga axial (400 N) foi aplicada à superfície oclusal. A distribuição de tensões foi analisada com o critério de tensão principal máxima. Para o comportamento em fadiga, não houve diferença para o fator DME (p> 0,05). Para o fator material restaurador, a carga e o número de ciclos para falha foram estatisticamente maiores nos grupos R (p <0,05). A análise por elementos finitos mostrou que os inlays de resina composta concentraram mais tensões na estrutura do dente, enquanto os inlays de cerâmica concentraram mais tensões na restauração. Falhas não reparáveis foram mais frequentes nos grupos de inlays de resina composta. Foi possível concluir que a DME não foi prejudicial para o comportamento em fadiga e na distribuição de tensão. As inlays de resina composta foram mais resistentes ao teste de fadiga, embora o modo de falha tenha sido mais agressivo(AU)

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of deep margin elevation (DME) and restorative materials (leucite-reinforced glass-ceramics [C] vs. indirect resin composite [R]) on the fatigue behavior and stress distribution of upper molars with 2-mm deep proximal margins restored with MOD-inlay. Methods: Fiftytwo extracted human third molars were randomly assigned into four groups (n=13): C; DME+C; R; and DME+R. Inlays were fabricated in CAD-CAM and bonded to all teeth. The fatigue behavior was assessed with the stepwise stress test (10,000 cycles/step; step=50N; 20 Hz; initial load=200 N). Fatigue failure loads and number of cycles were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05) and Kaplan-Meier survival plots. The stress distribution was assessed with finite element analysis. The models were considered isotropic, linear, homogeneous, and presented bonded contacts. A tripod axial load (400 N) was applied to the occlusal surface. The stress distribution was analyzed with the maximum principal stress criterion. Results: For fatigue, there was no difference for DME factor (p>.05). For the material factor, the load and number of cycles for failure were statistically higher in the R groups (p<.05). The finite element analysis showed that resin composite inlays concentrated more stress in the tooth structure, while ceramic inlays concentrated more stress in the restoration. Non-reparable failures were more frequent in the resin composite inlays groups. Conclusions: DME was not negative for fatigue and biomechanical behaviors. Resin composite inlays were more resistant to the fatigue test, although the failure mode was more aggressive(AU)

A facile sol-gel synthesis of low-fusing titanium opaque porcelain using borate-silicate system and its bioactivity.

The titanium opaque porcelain was synthesized through sol-gel using borate-silicate system. The porcelain was characterized by DSC-TG, X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and scanning electron microscope tests. The results of DSC showed that the nitrates could be decomposed completely when the bioglass xerogel precursor was heat-treated at 760 ℃. The XRD results showed that the Na2Ca3Si6O16 was the major phase of the opaque porcelain. The synthesized opaque porcelain powders had an average particle size of about 5-25 µm with nanopores of around 50-70 nm on the surface. The BET average surface area of the porcelain was 12.67 m2/g, while the average pore diameters for adsorption and desorption were 9.73 and 10.16 nm, respectively. The flexure strength significantly increased from 47.4 MPa to 116.2 MPa with the sintering temperature increasing from 575 ℃ to 600 ℃. The XRD, FTIR and EDS results proved that hydroxyapatite had formed on the porcelain surface after incubation in simulated body fluid.

Protection of yttria-stabilized zirconia for dental applications by oxidic PVD coating.

In this study, the application of transparent physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatings on zirconia ceramics was examined as an approach to retard the low-temperature degradation of zirconia for dental applications. Transparent monolayers of titanium oxide (TixOy) and multilayers consisting of titanium oxide-alumina-titanium oxide (TixOy-AlxOy-TixOy) were deposited onto standardized discs of 3Y-TZP using magnetron sputtering. Using X-ray photospectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry, the compositions of the coatings were verified, and an approximate thickness of 50 nm for each type of coating was ascertained. After aging the coated and uncoated samples in water vapor at 134°C and 3 bar for 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 h, the monoclinic phase content was determined using X-ray diffraction, and its impact on mechanical properties was assessed in biaxial flexural strength tests. In addition, the depth of the transformation zone was measured from scanning electron microscopy images of the fracture surfaces of hydrothermally aged samples. The results revealed that the tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation of the zirconia ceramic was retarded by the application of PVD coatings. During the first stages of aging, the coated samples exhibited a significantly lower monoclinic phase content than the uncoated samples and, after 128 h of aging, showed a transformation zone which was only ∼12-15 µm thick compared to ∼30 µm in the control group. Biaxial flexural strength decreased by ∼10% during aging and was not influenced by the application of a PVD coating.

Toughening of CAD/CAM all-ceramic crowns by staining slurry.

The ability of staining slurries containing silver and/or potassium compounds to enhance the mechanical properties of a leucite-reinforced glass ceramic (IPS Empress CAD) was investigated by measuring the Vickers hardness, median crack length, toughness, and compressive residual stress of specimens. A staining slurry containing potassium ions was found to increase the toughness of IPS specimens more than a staining slurry containing only silver ions when applied prior to sintering. None of the staining slurries produced any color changes. Thus, the results obtained in this study demonstrate that staining slurries increase the Vickers hardness and the fracture toughness of the surface and subsurface regions of all-ceramic IPS blocks fabricated by a CAD/CAM system without sacrificing their aesthetics.

Manufacture, characterisation and properties of novel fluorcanasite glass-ceramics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the manufacture and characterisation of different compositions of fluorcanasite glass-ceramics with reduced fluorine content and to assess their mechanical and physical properties. METHODS: Three compositional variations (S80, S81 and S82) of a fluorcanasite glass were investigated. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified crystallisation temperatures and phases. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) determined the element composition in the glass-ceramics. Different heat treatments [2 h nucleation and either 2 or 4 h crystallisation] were used for the glasses. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examined the microstructure of the cerammed glass. The chemical solubility, biaxial flexural strength, fracture toughness, hardness and brittleness index of S81 and S82 fluorcanasite were investigated with lithium disilicate (e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) as a commercial comparison. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparison tests (P<0.05). Weibull analysis was employed to examine the reliability of the strength data. RESULTS: All compositions successfully produced glasses. XRD analysis confirmed fluorcanasite formation with the S81 and S82 compositions, with the S82 (2+2h) showing the most prominent crystal structure. The chemical solubility of the glass-ceramics was significantly different, varying from 2565 ± 507 µg/cm(2) for the S81 (2+2 h) to 722 ± 177 µg/cm(2) for the S82 (2+2 h) to 37.4 ± 25.2 µg/cm(2) for the lithium disilicate. BFS values were highest for the S82 (2+2 h) composition (250 ± 26 MPa) and lithium disilicate (266 ± 37 MPa) glass-ceramics. The fracture toughness was higher for the S82 compositions, with the S82 (2+2h) attaining the highest value of 4.2 ± 0.3 MPa m(1/2)(P=0.01). The S82 (2+2 h) fluorcanasite glass-ceramic had the lowest brittleness index. CONCLUSION: The S82 (2+2 h) fluorcanasite glass-ceramic has acceptable chemical solubility, high biaxial flexural strength, fracture toughness and hardness. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A novel glass-ceramic has been developed with potential as a restorative material. The S82 (2+2 h) has mechanical and physical properties that would allow the glass-ceramic to be used as a machinable core material for veneered resin-bonded ceramic restorations.

The effect of preparation order on the crystal structure of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal and the shear bond strength of dental resin cements.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of preparation order on the crystal structure of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) and the shear bond strength of dental resin cements. METHODS: One-hundred fifty pre-sintered Y-TZP cylinders (Ø 9mm×13.5mm) were prepared and divided into three groups (control group, SBS group and SAS group). Specimens in control group were not treated. Specimens in SBS group were sandblasted and then densely sintered, and specimens in SAS group were sintered in advance, and then sandblasted. The specimens were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry, confocal laser scanning microscopy and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy before and after sandblasting. All specimens were embedded in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) molds using PMMA and each group was divided into five subgroups. The mixed resin cements (Clearfil SA luting cement, Zirconite, Superbond C&B, Rely-X Unicem, and Multilink) were placed onto the Y-TZP surfaces using PTFE molds with Ø 3mm×3mm, followed by storage in distilled water at 37°C for 24h, and thermocycling (5000 cycles at 5°C and 55°C with a 30s dwelling time). All specimens were tested for the shear bond strengths with a universal testing machine, and fractured surfaces were evaluated by SEM. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Scheffé comparison with α=.05. RESULTS: Sandblasting of the zirconia significantly increased shear bond strength of resin cements, but the preparation order had no significant influence on the shear bond strength in both test groups. In SEM observation, the natures of the surface faceting of the zirconia grains were totally different between SBS and SAS groups. SBS group exhibited less monoclinic structures than SAS group. SIGNIFICANCE: Sandblasting of pre-sintered Y-TZP and then sintering may induce favorable proportion of tetragonal structures. This might have positive effect on the clinical performance of zirconia restorations.

Graded structures for damage resistant and aesthetic all-ceramic restorations.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical studies revealed several performance deficiencies with alumina- and zirconia-based all-ceramic restorations: fracture; poor aesthetic properties of ceramic cores (particularly zirconia cores); and difficulty in achieving a strong ceramic-resin-based cement bond. We aim to address these issues by developing a functionally graded glass/zirconia/glass (G/Z/G) structure with improved damage resistance, aesthetics, and cementation properties. METHODS: Using a glass powder composition developed in our laboratory and a commercial fine zirconia powder, we have successfully fabricated functionally graded G/Z/G structures. The microstructures of G/Z/G were examined utilizing a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystalline phases present in G/Z/G were identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Young's modulus and hardness of G/Z/G were derived from nanoindentations. Critical loads for cementation radial fracture in G/Z/G plates (20mmx20mm, 1.5 or 0.4mm thick) bonded to polycarbonate substrates were determined by loading with a spherical indenter. Parallel studies were conducted on homogeneous yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) controls. RESULTS: The G/Z/G structure consists of an outer surface aesthetic glass layer, a graded glass-Y-TZP layer, and a dense Y-TZP interior. The Young's modulus and hardness increase from surface to interior following power-law relations. For G/Z/G plates of 1.5 and 0.4mm thick, critical loads for cementation radial fracture were 1990+/-107N (mean+/-S.D., n=6) and 227+/-20N (mean+/-S.D., n=6), respectively, which were approximately 30 and 50% higher than those for their monolithic Y-TZP counterparts (1388+/-90N for 1.5mm and 113+/-10N for 0.4mm thick; mean+/-S.D., n=6 for each thickness). A 1-sample t-test revealed significant difference (p<0.001) in critical loads for radial fracture of G/Z/G and homogeneous Y-TZP for both specimen thicknesses. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results indicate that functionally graded G/Z/G structures exhibit improved damage resistance, aesthetics, and potentially cementation properties compared to homogeneous Y-TZP.

Y-TZP ceramic processing from coprecipitated powders: a comparative study with three commercial dental ceramics.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To synthesize 3mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (3Y-TZP) powders via coprecipitation route, (2) to obtain zirconia ceramic specimens, analyze surface characteristics, and mechanical properties, and (3) to compare the processed material with three reinforced dental ceramics. METHODS: A coprecipitation route was used to synthesize a 3mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic processed by uniaxial compaction and pressureless sintering. Commercially available alumina or alumina/zirconia ceramics, namely Procera AllCeram (PA), In-Ceram Zirconia Block (CAZ) and In-Ceram Zirconia (IZ) were chosen for comparison. All specimens (6mmx5mmx5mm) were polished and ultrasonically cleaned. Qualitative phase analysis was performed by XRD and apparent densities were measured on the basis of Archimedes principle. Ceramics were also characterized using SEM, TEM and EDS. The hardness measurements were made employing Vickers hardness test. Fracture toughness (K(IC)) was calculated. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: ANOVA revealed that the Vickers hardness (p<0.0001) and fracture toughness (p<0.0001) were affected by the ceramic materials composition. It was confirmed that the PA ceramic was constituted of a rhombohedral alumina matrix, so-called alpha-alumina. Both CAZ and IZ ceramics presented tetragonal zirconia and alpha-alumina mixture of phases. The SEM/EDS analysis confirmed the presence of aluminum in PA ceramic. In the IZ and CAZ ceramics aluminum, zirconium and cerium in grains involved by a second phase containing aluminum, silicon and lanthanum were identified. PA showed significantly higher mean Vickers hardness values (H(V)) (18.4+/-0.5GPa) compared to vitreous CAZ (10.3+/-0.2GPa) and IZ (10.6+/-0.4GPa) ceramics. Experimental Y-TZP showed significantly lower results than that of the other monophased ceramic (PA) (p<0.05) but it showed significantly higher fracture toughness (6.0+/-0.2MPam(1/2)) values when compared to the other tested ceramics (p<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: The coprecipitation method used to synthesize zirconia powders and the adopted ceramic processing conditions led to ceramics with mechanical properties comparable to commercially available reinforced ceramic materials.

Properties and cyclic fatigue of glass infiltrated tape cast alumina cores produced using a water-based solvent.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the properties of tape cast alumina composite produced using a water-based solvent and its possible clinical use as an all ceramic crown system in a fixed partial denture. Durability of the system will be measured by fatigue test to simulate the masticating conditions of the oral cavity. METHODS: The optimal weight ratio of water-based alumina tape was determined by tensile strength, shrinkage ratio and durability. The coefficient of thermal expansion, fracture toughness, biaxial flexural strength and flexural strength after fatigue test of a composite produced from alumina tape at optimal weight ratios were determined and compared to In-Ceram alumina core (control). RESULTS: The weight ratio of alumina/(alumina+binder+plasticizer) of 0.84 and binder/(binder+plasticizer) of 0.5 was observed to be the optimal composition for achieving excellent composite properties. Coefficient of thermal expansion of the sintered alumina tape was observed to be 7.3x10(-6)/degrees C, and this value was increased to 7.5x10(-6)/degrees C after infiltrating the sintered tape with glass. The fracture toughness and biaxial flexural strength of glass infiltrated alumina tape was observed to be 4.6 MPa m(1/2) and 498 MPa, respectively. After cyclic loading for 10(2)-10(6) cycles, no significant change in the biaxial flexural strength was observed between the glass infiltrated alumina core and the In-Ceram alumina core (p>0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: The observed properties provide evidence that the water-based tape cast alumina-glass composite is suitable for clinical use as an all ceramic crown system in a fixed partial denture.

Trabajo en equipo en Odontología: la comunicación con el laboratorio dental como clave de éxito clínico. A propósito de un caso clínico de tratamiento multidisciplinar / Team work at odontology: the communication with the dental laboratory as key of clinical sucess

En el presente artículo se proclama la necesidad del trabajo como un medio para conseguir una odontología de calidad, especialmente en aquellos casos que sean tributarios de diagnósticos y tratamientos complejos. También se defiende una buena comunicación entre los diferentes componentes del equipo de trabajo basada en el aprovechamiento de los medios digitales y nuevas tecnologías, especialmente en lo que se refiere a la comunicación audiovisual con el laboratorio dental. Se presenta como ejemplo de comunicación entre profesionales un caso clínico multidisciplinario tributario de tratamiento ortodóncico, blanqueamiento y tratamiento protésico mediante carilla cerámica en un incisivo central endodonciado y con tinción intrínseca (AU)

The present article it proclamed the necessity of wear team work as a way to obtain quality ofontologie, especially in those case in which they are "deserves" of diagnosis and complex treatments, furthermore, it encompasses a good communication between the different components of the team that is working based in the advantage of digital and modern technologies, especially what is referred to as the audiovisual items within the dental laboratory. A clinical multidisciplinary case has been presente as an example of communication between professionals, this case deserves an "orthodontic" treatment, bleaching and prosthetic treatment using and ceramic laminated face in an endodontic central incisor with intrinsic "color" (AU)

[Study on the expansion properties of homemade fast investment material for the IPS-Empress2 castable ceramic].

IPS-Empress2 is a successful all-ceramic restoration system. To lower its cost, and promote its application, a kind of homemade fast investment material has been developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expansion properties of this investment material. The setting expansion, thermal expansion and total expansion of the homemade fast investment material were tested. The same properties of the IPS special fast investment material were also tested as control. Then the SPSS statistics software was used to evaluate the differences between the homemade material and the special material. The results show that the setting expansion rate, thermal expansion rate and total expansion rate of the special investment material for IPS-Empress2 are 0.858%, 1.11% and 1.17% respectively, while the same parameters of the homemade investment material are 0.798%, 1.09% and 1.16% respectively. There is no statistically significant difference in these expansion properties between the two investment materials. In conclusion, the expansion properties of homemade fast investment material are comparable to those of the special fast investment material, so it can compensate for the cast contraction of IPS-Empress2 castable ceramic precisely.

The nucleation and crystallization of fine grained leucite glass-ceramics for dental applications.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to control the nucleation and crystal growth of selected aluminosilicate glass powders, to produce uniform leucite glass-ceramic microstructures consisting of fine (<1000 nm) grained leucite crystals. METHODS: A starting glass composition of wt%; 64.2% SiO(2), 16.1% Al(2)O(3), 10.9% K(2)O, 4.3% Na(2)O, 1.7% CaO, 0.5% LiO(2) and 0.4% TiO(2) was heated in an electric furnace and later quenched to produce glasses. The glass powders were ball milled to two different particle sizes and heat-treated using one and two-step crystallization heat treatments. Dta, Xrd, and Sem analyses was used to characterise and explore the crystallization kinetics of the glasses. RESULTS: Selected heat treatments of the glass powders produced a uniform distribution of fine tetragonal leucite crystals (mean+/-S.D.) 0.1+/-0.2 microm(2) in the glassy matrix, with minimal matrix microcraking in the glass-ceramics produced. The addition of a two-step heat treatment increased the leucite volume fraction in all instances. SIGNIFICANCE: Selected crystallization heat treatments and powder particle sizes were used to control the leucite crystal size, distribution and volume fraction, in order to produce uniformly distributed ultra fine grained tetragonal leucite glass-ceramics for dental applications.

Development of Al2O3 fiber-reinforced Al2O3-based ceramics.

The purpose of this study was to use a tape casting technique to develop an Al2O3 fiber-reinforced Al2O3-based ceramic material (Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite) into a new type of dental ceramic. The Al2O3-based ceramic used a matrix consisting of 60 wt% Al2O3 powder and 40 wt% SiO2-B2O3 powder. The prepreg sheets of Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite (in which uniaxially aligned Al2O3 fibers were infiltrated with the Al2O3-based matrix) were fabricated continuously using tape casting technique with a doctor blade system. Multilayer preforms of Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite sheets were then sintered at a maximum temperature of 1000 degrees C under an atmospheric pressure in a furnace. The results showed that the shrinkage and bending properties of Al2O3-fiber/Al2O3 composite exceeded those of unreinforced Al2O3--hence demonstrating the positive effects of fiber reinforcement. In conclusion, the tape casting technique has been utilized to successfully develop a new type of dental ceramic material.

Study on the effect of Y2O3 addition to the fluorescent property of dental porcelain.

The appearance of dental porcelains is comparable to natural teeth. This study discusses the effect of Y2O3 addition to the fluorescent property of dental porcelains. The composition of dental porcelains contained Y2O3 as the fluorescent agent and base frit. The combinations of Y2O3 added consist of a series with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 wt% respectively, based on the total composition. In the extreme condition, fluorescent agents are added from 5.0 up to 10.0 wt%. In order to enhance the fluorescent property of dental porcelains, an opacifiying agent, cerium oxide (CeO2) was also added to dental porcelains composition. The fluorescent property was determined using Spectroline EF-1400C/F that emits 240 nm wavelength ultraviolet light. The microstructure was examined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The result shows that, the fluorescent properties displayed are similar to natural teeth when subjected to ultraviolet light. SEM micrograph was able to show the fluorescent agent dispersed in glass phase. Increasing additions of Y2O3 gave the fluorescent properties near to natural teeth.

Study on the effect of Y2O3 addition to the fluorescent property of dental porcelain

The appearance of dental porcelains is comparable to natural teeth. This study discusses the effect of Y2O3 addition to the fluorescent property of dental porcelains. The composition of dental porcelains contained Y2O3 as the fluorescent agent and base frit. The combinations of Y2O3 added consist of a series with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 wt% respectively, based on the total composition. In the extreme condition, fluorescent agents are added from 5.0 up to 10.0 wt%. In order to enhance the fluorescent property of dental porcelains, an opacifiying agent, cerium oxide (CeO2) was also added to dental porcelains composition. The fluorescent property was determined using Spectroline EF-1400C/F that emits 240 nm wavelength ultraviolet light. The microstructure was examined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The result shows that, the fluorescent properties displayed are similar to natural teeth when subjected to ultraviolet light. SEM micrograph was able to show the fluorescent agent dispersed in glass phase. Increasing additions of Y2O3 gave the fluorescent properties near to natural teeth.

Mechanism of strength increase for a hydrothermal porcelain.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to verify the formation of a hydrolyzed surface layer on Duceram LFC, to determine the effects of such a layer on mechanical material properties, and to identify a specific mechanism responsible for any strength increase observed. METHODS: Specimens were fabricated from dentin porcelain by a vibration blotting technique and were prepared to have either blunt or sharp surface flaws. Half of the specimens underwent accelerated aging. Specimens were fractured in three-point flexure to measure their strength, and fractographic analysis was used to determine fracture toughness and residual surface stress. Surface hardness and elastic modulus were measured using a microindentation method. Porcelain surface topography was examined using atomic force microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine the composition of the surface layer. RESULTS: The aging treatment modified the porcelain surface topography but did not create a layer with increased hydroxyl ion content. Porcelain strength increased upon aging, and the increase was proportional to initial flaw severity. The apparent fracture toughness of sharp flaw specimens increased to match that for specimens containing blunt flaws upon aging. Surface hardness and elastic modulus decreased upon aging. SIGNIFICANCE: Previous studies on the strength increase of hydrothermal porcelain were contradictory because a variety of specimen preparation procedures were used. This study resolves the apparent contradiction by determining the effect of specimen preparation on material strength.

Firing shrinkage of porcelain-resin composites prepared by laser lithography.

Using porcelain and resin-mixed composites as experimental materials, cubic polymerized composites were prepared by the accumulation of thin slices cured by laser scanning. The composites were then fired, and bulk ceramic bodies were made. The optimal firing conditions of polymerized composites and firing shrinkage were investigated. The results showed that cubic ceramic bodies in a form homologous to that before firing could be reproduced. The volume shrinkage of fired ceramic bodies consisting of 1 g of ceramic powders and 0.3 g of epoxy resin was about 30% under all firing conditions, and there were no significant differences between specimens. It was suggested that with further research and development, three-dimensional forms for clinical use in dentistry could be manufactured by the proposed method.

Influence of modification of Na2O in a glass matrix on the strength of leucite-containing porcelains.

The desirable thermal properties of matrix glass to the strength of feldspar porcelain with leucite crystal were investigated. Five kinds of feldspar glasses, each with different a content of Na2O, were prepared for the matrix glasses of the leucite-containing porcelains. The specimens were arranged by mixing each glass powder with high-purity natural leucite crystals (0, 20 and 40%) followed by firing. The thermal properties of the glass and the transformation temperature of the leucite were measured. A three-point bending test was performed to measure the flexural strength of the porcelains. The glass transition temperature and deformation temperature of the glass-only porcelains were decreased as the Na2O content increased. The Na2O-modified glasses were substantially strengthened by the leucite dispersion. However, the strength of the porcelains was affected by the relation between the transformation temperature of the leucite and the thermal properties of the glass matrix. It was concluded that control of the residual stress in the composite porcelain is an important factor in developing high strength porcelain containing leucite.

An approach to computer aided porcelain forming system.

To examine a new concept for computerized production of dental prostheses, an experimental porcelain forming system was devised. Unlike other dental CAM systems, the system is intended to form porcelain much as human technicians do. The system builds up an object by alternately applying water and droplets of porcelain powder. Test specimens were made by forming porcelain powder into square plates under different forming conditions. Surface characteristics and shapes of formed porcelain were found to be affected by conditions such as quantity of water, forming area and forming thickness. The proper quantity of water for forming was influenced by evaporation. It was concluded that investigation into feedback control of the water supply in response to varying forming conditions is required.