Angiogenesis in bone tissue engineering via ceramic scaffolds: A review of concepts and recent advancements.

Due to organ donor shortages, long transplant waitlists, and the complications/limitations associated with auto and allotransplantation, biomaterials and tissue-engineered models are gaining attention as feasible alternatives for replacing and reconstructing damaged organs and tissues. Among various tissue engineering applications, bone tissue engineering has become a promising strategy to replace or repair damaged bone. We aimed to provide an overview of bioactive ceramic scaffolds in bone tissue engineering, focusing on angiogenesis and the effect of different biofunctionalization strategies. Different routes to angiogenesis, including chemical induction through signaling molecules immobilized covalently or non-covalently, in situ secretion of angiogenic growth factors, and the degradation of inorganic scaffolds, are described. Physical induction mechanisms are also discussed, followed by a review of methods for fabricating bioactive ceramic scaffolds via microfabrication methods, such as photolithography and 3D printing. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of the commonly used methodologies and future directions are discussed.

Drug eluting bioactive glass ceramics for fusion in spondylodiscitis: a pilot study.

Retrospective observational study. To determine the efficacy and safety of bioactive glass ceramics mixed with autograft in the treatment of spondylodiscitis. Thirty-four patients with spondylodiscitis underwent surgery using autologous bone graft augmented by antibiotic loaded bioactive glass ceramic granules. Twenty-five patients aging 6 to 77, completed 1-year follow-up. The lumbosacral junction was affected in 3, lumbar spine in 13, one each in the dorso-lumbar junction and sacrum, and 7 dorsal spines. The organism isolated was Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 15, Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) in 4, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 4, Klebsiella pneumoniae in one, Burkholderia pseudomallei in 1, and mixed infections in 2. All patients had appropriate antibiotic therapy based on culture and sensitivity. Clinical and radiological evaluation of all the patients was done at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the surgery. Twenty-three patients improved clinically and showed radiographic fusion between 6 and 9 months. The patient with Burkholderia infection died due to fulminant septicemia with multi organ failure while another patient died at 9 months due to an unrelated cardiac event. The mean Visual Analogue Score (VAS) at the end of 1-year was 2 with radiological evidence of fusion in all patients. There were no re-infections or discharging wounds, and the 30-day re-admission rate was 0. Bioactive glass ceramics is a safe and effective graft expander in cases of spondylodiscitis. The absorption of antibiotics into the ceramic appears to help the elimination of infection.

Fracture strength of ceramic overlays with immediate dentin sealing and same-day delivery.

Limited research is available evaluating whether the reported in vitro benefit of immediate dentin sealing (IDS)-namely, increased bond strength to tooth structure-can be acquired in the era of same-day (SD) dentistry. The purpose of this study was to compare the fracture strengths of ceramic overlays fabricated with a delayed dentin sealing (DDS) technique or an IDS technique under 1-hour SD or 2-week multiple-day (MD) delivery conditions. Forty extracted, healthy maxillary third molars were prepared for a lithium disilicate overlay restoration and divided into 4 groups of 10 teeth each. In the SD-DDS group, the teeth were prepared and then stored for 1 hour in artificial saliva, and the adhesion protocol (bonding agent and resin cement) was applied at the time of delivery of the ceramic overlay. In the SD-IDS group, the teeth were prepared, the adhesive protocol was applied immediately, and the teeth were stored for 1 hour before delivery of the overlay. The protocols for the MD-DDS and MD-IDS groups were identical to SD-DDS and SD-IDS, respectively, except that the teeth were provisionalized and stored for 2 weeks prior to delivery of the overlay. Specimens were thermocycled and subjected to cyclic functional loading before they were loaded to failure in a universal testing machine using a rod resting on the buccal incline of the palatal cusp. Two-way analysis of variance tests revealed no statistically significant differences in fracture strength between the groups based on dentin sealing (P = 0.331) or delivery time (P = 0.314). The specimens demonstrated 2 fracture types; either a portion of the ceramic cohesively fractured, leaving the tooth intact, or the ceramic and part of the tooth fractured. There were no instances in which the restoration itself delaminated during fracture testing. A Kruskal-Wallis test indicated there were no statistically significant differences in fracture modes between the groups. In this in vitro study, IDS did not provide a significant increase in the fracture strength of overlay restorations compared with DDS, regardless of whether the restorations were delivered the same day or after 2 weeks of storage.

Efficacy of a novel dentifrice containing bioactive glass-ceramic for dentinal hypersensitivity: A double-blind randomized controlled trial in Chinese adults.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of a toothpaste containing 7.5 % HX-BGC in combating dentinal hypersensitivity. METHODS: A single-center, randomized, double-blind, three-group parallel-controlled design was employed, with Schiff Index and Yeaple Index as measurement indicators. The study evaluated the effectiveness of HX-BGC toothpaste, NovaMin toothpaste, and a negative control toothpaste without desensitizing agents. Eligible subjects underwent baseline examination after a 2-week washout period, and those meeting inclusion criteria and not meeting exclusion criteria entered the study. Participants were randomly assigned to use one of the three toothpastes. Follow-up examinations were conducted immediately after a single use and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Intra-group and inter-group comparisons were made for Schiff and Yeaple indices. Safety of the experimental toothpastes was assessed through participant feedbacks and oral soft tissue examinations. RESULTS: Subjects in the three groups were balanced in terms of age and gender distribution, with no baseline differences in indicators. Immediately after a single application of toothpaste, Yeaple indices increased, and Schiff indices decreased, with no significant differences among the groups. After 2 weeks of continuous use, Yeaple indices increased in all groups, with significant differences observed between the HX-BGC group and the other two groups. Schiff indices decreased in all groups, with the NovaMin group showing significant differences compared to the negative control group. At weeks 4 and 6, both indices in the HX-BGC group and the NovaMin group were significantly better than those in the negative control group, with the HX-BGC group outperforming the NovaMin group in the Yeaple index. No serious adverse reactions related to the study products were observed or reported by any participants. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This clinical trial confirmed the efficacy of HX-BGC in anti-dentinal hypersensitivity and supported the clinical application of the dentifrice containing HX-BGC. CONCLUSION: Compared to the negative control group, both HX-BGC and NovaMin toothpaste groups demonstrated more significant effects in combating dentinal hypersensitivity. No adverse reactions related to the experimental toothpastes were observed.

Staining and bleaching susceptibility of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramics with different thicknesses, translucencies, and fabrication methods.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The influence of different thicknesses, translucencies, and fabrication methods on the spectrophotometric and topographical properties of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramics (ZLSs) for dental restorations remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of thicknesses, translucencies, and fabrication methods on the color stability, translucency parameter, opalescence parameter, whiteness stability, transmitted irradiance, light transmittance, opacity, gloss, and roughness of ZLSs exposed to coffee staining and bleaching treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two pressable ZLSs (VITA AMBRIA, VA and Celtra Press, CP) and 2 machinable ZLSs (VITA Suprinity, VS and Celtra Duo, CD) were examined at high translucency (HT) and low translucency (LT) levels in 2 thicknesses (n=160). The specimens were evaluated at baseline, after coffee staining, and after bleaching. The color stability (ΔE2000), translucency parameter (TP), opalescence parameter (OP), whiteness index (WID), and whiteness stability (ΔWID) were measured with a spectrophotometer. Transmitted irradiance (It), light transmission (T), and opacity (O) were obtained from a light-polymerizing unit and a polymerization light collection device. Roughness stability (ΔSa%) was determined with an optical profilometer, and gloss stability (ΔGU%) was recorded with a gloss meter. Data of ΔCIE2000, ΔWID, ΔSa%, and ΔGU% were analyzed by 4-way ANOVA, and data of the TP, OP, WID, It, T, and O were analyzed by repeated 4-way ANOVA (α=.05). RESULTS: VS-HT exceeded the ΔCIE2000 acceptability threshold after coffee staining and bleaching protocols. Pressable ZLSs exhibited greater color stability than machinable ZLSs. The 1-mm-thick VA, CP, and CD materials exceeded the ΔWID perceptibility threshold after bleaching. The highest TP and OP was displayed by the 1-mm-thick CP after bleaching. ΔGU increased after water storage and decreased after coffee staining and bleaching. ΔSa% significantly increased after bleaching (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The color stability and other spectrophotometric properties of ZLSs depended on material thickness. The effects of ZLS fabrication methods and translucency levels on their measured properties were inconsistent. Subjecting 1-mm-thick ZLS materials to acidic media adversely impacted their stainability and surface texture.

Effect of surface finish and resin cement on the bond strength to CAD-CAM ceramics for interim resin-bonded prostheses.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Resin-bonded prostheses, including interim resin-bonded prostheses, are effective in preserving tooth structure compared with other types of fixed dental prostheses for the replacement of missing teeth. However, loss of retention remains a notable concern with these types of prostheses. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of glass-ceramic type, resin type, and surface finish on the shear bond strength (SBS) to the CAD-CAM ceramics used to fabricate interim resin-bonded prostheses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty 10×2-mm glass-ceramic disks were fabricated by using a diamond saw (IsoMet 1000), 40 from feldspathic porcelain blocks (Vita Mark II) and 40 from lithium disilicate blocks (IPS e.max CAD). Half of the specimens in each group were left with a dull or matte surface finish after cutting, while the other half were glazed with an add-on glaze (VitaAkzento Plus Glaze Spray and IPS e.max CAD Glaze Spray, respectively). The disks were mounted in acrylic resin, and each group was subdivided into 2, with 1 receiving a photopolymerized resin cement (RelyX Veneer) and the other receiving a flowable composite resin (Filtek Supreme Ultimate Flow) to form 2.38×2-mm cylinders. SBS was determined using a universal testing machine (Instron 4411) in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 29022:2013 standard, and failure modes were analyzed by using a stereomicroscope with ×40 magnification. The data were analyzed with a 3-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc analysis. The chi-squared test was used to analyze the failure mode (α=.05 for all tests). RESULTS: Ceramic type, resin type, and surface finish significantly impacted SBS (P<.001, P=.003, P<.001, respectively). Lithium disilicate showed higher SBS than feldspathic porcelain, and flowable composite resin exhibited higher SBS than resin cement. Glazed surfaces displayed lower SBS compared with the dull or matte surfaces. The combinations among the 3 materials also impacted SBS (P=.03). In addition, the combinations between ceramic type and surface finish affected SBS (P<.001), regardless of resin cement type. No other combinations affected the SBS (P>.05). The mode of failure was different among the groups (P<.001). In comparison with all other groups, cohesive failures were most prevalent in feldspathic porcelain with a dull or matte surface finish, regardless of the resin type used. CONCLUSIONS: The SBS to glass-ceramics was influenced by ceramic material, resin cement type, and surface finish. Flowable composite resin showed higher SBS than resin cement. A dull or matte surface finish exhibited greater bond strength than a glazed surface. Lithium disilicate had higher SBS than feldspathic porcelain.

Long-term clinical outcome of three-unit fixed-fixed posterior zirconia ceramic inlay-retained FDPs with a modified design.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term clinical outcome of posterior inlay-retained fixed dental prostheses (IRFDPs) with a modified design made from zirconia ceramic. METHODS: In 30 patients thirty 3-unit IRFDPs were placed to replace 7 premolars (4 in the maxilla, 3 in the mandible), and 23 first molars (15 in the maxilla, 8 in the mandible). Preparations were accomplished in agreement with the general principles for ceramic inlay restorations and modified with a short retainer-wing bevel preparation within the enamel at the buccal and oral sides. The frameworks were milled from 3Y-TZP ceramic, and the pontics were veneered with feldspathic ceramic. All IRFDPs were bonded with a phosphate monomer containing luting resin after air-abrasion of the intaglio surfaces. The patients were recalled 6-12 months after placement, and then annually. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the survival and complication rates of the IRFDPs. RESULTS: The mean observation time was 10.6 ± 1.5 years. The 10-year cumulative survival rate was 89% with 4 failures, two of them were due to deep secondary caries with loss of retention, one due to repeated debonding with enamel fractures, and one due to generalized progressive periodontitis. The most common complication was chipping of the veneering ceramic (20.1%). Eighteen IRFDPs were free of any type of complication up to 15.4 years, which corresponds to a 10-year cumulative success rate of 70.4%. CONCLUSION: The long-term clinical performance of modified IRFDPs made of veneered zirconia ceramics was favorable after 10 years, therefore, they represent a treatment alternative to replace posterior single missing teeth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Zirconia-based IRFDPs fabricated in the modified design may represent a substance-preserving alternative to conventional posterior FDPs to replace posterior single missing teeth, particularly in cases where implants cannot be placed, and when the adjacent teeth already have small restorations or defects.

Effect of different intraoral scanning strategies on the marginal and internal fit of CAD-CAM inlay restorations: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Whether the scanning strategy of intraoral scanners (IOSs) affects the accuracy of the digital recording for an indirect ceramic inlay restoration is unclear. Furthermore, which strategy would be optimal and most effective is uncertain. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the impact of 3 different scanning strategies using the Carestream CS 3700 IOS on the marginal and internal fit of a mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) ceramic inlay restoration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A typodont master model (ANA-4 VCER; Frasaco) was used with a standardized preprepared MOD inlay maxillary first molar typodont tooth (ANA-4 ZP16 CER99-008; Frasaco) (N=30). These inlay preparations were scanned with the CS 3700 IOS using 3 different scanning strategies: linear, wave, and S-figure scanning strategies. Each scan strategy group was scanned 10 times for all groups to obtain 30 standard tessellation language (STL) files. Thirty restorations were milled from lithium disilicate CAD blocks (IPS e.max; Ivoclar AG) and cemented into their typodont-prepared inlay cavities. A single examiner used a stereomicroscope to measure the marginal and internal gaps at the predetermined points. A 1-way ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis, followed by the Tukey post hoc test with Bonferroni adjustment. All tests were 2-tailed (α=.05). RESULTS: All scanning strategy groups demonstrated statistically significant differences for the marginal and internal fit of the inlay restorations (P<.001). Overall, the linear scanning strategy showed the lowest mean marginal and internal gap values (29.2 ±3.6 µm and 39.0 ±6.4 µm), followed by the wave scanning strategy, which had comparable mean marginal and internal gap values: 49.1 ±3.6 µm and 48.2 ±6.0 µm, respectively. The S-figure scan strategy had the highest mean marginal and internal gap values: 50.2 ±12.6 µm and 71.3 ±7.7 µm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Inlay restorations scanned by the linear scan strategy had the best marginal and internal fit when scanned with the CS 3700 IOS.

Effect of mouth rinses on the stainability of monolithic lithium disilicate glass-ceramics with different surface treatments: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Mouth rinses have been reported to cause tooth surface discoloration. However, information regarding their effect on the stainability of monolithic glass-ceramics with different surface treatments is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of mouth rinses on the color change of milled and pressed monolithic lithium disilicate glass-ceramics with different surface treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-six Ø12×1.5-mm disk specimens were fabricated using 2 different processing techniques: milling and pressing. Each group was subdivided into 2 subgroups according to surface treatments: glazed and polished. Specimens were then immersed in 2 different types of mouth rinse (n=7): chlorhexidine (CHX) and Listerine (LST). Color parameters were assessed using a digital spectrophotometer. Color difference (ΔE00) was calculated and compared with perceptibility (ΔE00=0.8) and acceptability (ΔE00=1.8) thresholds. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests (α=.05). RESULTS: The color difference (ΔE00) was significantly affected by the type of processing technique, surface treatment, and mouth rinse (P<.001) and their interaction (P=.008). All ΔE00 values were below the selected clinical acceptability threshold (ΔE00=1.8). Milled groups (ΔE00=1.13) showed greater discoloration than pressed groups (ΔE00=0.86). Glazed specimens (ΔE00=0.70) were more resistant to discoloration than polished specimens (ΔE00=1.28) and immersion in CHX (ΔE00=1.09) led to more discoloration than immersion in LST (ΔE00=0.89). CONCLUSIONS: The color of milled and pressed monolithic lithium disilicate glass-ceramics with different surface treatments was affected by using CHX and LST mouth rinses. Glazed lithium disilicate glass-ceramics showed less staining compared with those that were polished. Specimens immersed in CHX showed more discoloration than those immersed in LST.

Printed Digital Wax-up Model as a Blueprint for Layered Pressed-ceramic Laminate Veneers: Technique Description and Case Report.

This article presents a clinical technique for transferring Digital Smile Design (DSD) information and a digital wax-up to fabricate highly personalized ceramic laminate veneers. The hybrid workflow of digitally designed wax-up and conventional hand-crafted veneers is showcased in a female adult who sought to improve her smile due to maxillary anterior incisal wear. The ceramic veneers, layered by feldspathic porcelain, followed the contours and shade blueprint planned with the digital wax-up. The DSD improved the harmony of the facial-and-smile relationship, and the ceramic restorations fulfilled the patient's esthetic and functional demands. Guides based on the printed model with the digitally designed wax-up can provide a reference for pressed lithium disilicate veneers layered with feldspathic porcelain.

Comparison of fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with different aesthetic post and core systems under all ceramic restoration luted with two types of cements.

Context: Fracture of endodontically treated teeth is a grave sequela that a clinician should seriously ponder. Suitable selection of restorative materials is a requisite for long-term clinical success. Aims: To compare the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with three different posts luted using two different cements under all ceramic crowns. Settings and Design: This in vitro study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, Government Dental College, Kottayam, Kerala, India. Methods and Material: Thirty endodontically treated single-rooted mandibular premolars in which post spaces were prepared and divided into three different groups. Group 1 (n = 10): zirconia post group. Group 2 (n = 10): quartz fibre post group. Group 3 (n = 10): glass fibre post group. Each group is sub-divided into two based on the luting system: resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) or dual-cure resin cement (DCRC). The fracture resistance testing was performed in a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Statistical Analysis Used: The mean fracture resistance were analysed using independent sample Student t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: : Within the zirconia post group, the mean fracture resistance was higher in DCRC sub-group compared to the RMGIC sub-group and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.017). The difference in fracture resistance between three different post systems was not found to be statistically significant with respect to both the luting systems. Conclusions: It was observed that when zirconia post is used, the mean fracture resistance was higher in dual-cure resin group compared to the resin-modified GIC group.

Comparison of Composite Resin (Duo-Shade) Shade Guide with Vita Ceramic Shades Before and After Chemical and Autoclave Sterilization.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare a composite resin (Duo-Shade) shade guide with Vita ceramic shades before/after chemical and autoclave sterilization. MATERIAL AND METHODS Color values (L*a*b*) were recorded directly from shade tabs of prefabricated composite resin (Brilliant NG Universal Duo-Shade) and ceramic (Vita classic) shade guide with a calibrated spectrophotometer (Vita Easy Shade Advance 4.0). Seventy-two composite resin disk samples with 6 different shades (A1/B1, A2/B2, A3/D3, A3.5/B3, A4/C4, and C2/C3) (n=12 each) were divided into 2 groups (Gp) - Gp A (Autoclave) and Gp C (Chemical) (15 cycles) - to assess their influence on respective shades. Mean values calculated the color differences (ΔE) while differences in color values (L*a*b*) were graded on the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) 6-grade scale and assessed for Clinical Acceptance/Perceptible Threshold (CAT), (CPT). All differences were considered significant if the color difference ΔE was ≥3.3. RESULTS Only 2 out of 12 Shade tabs (C2C3, A4C4) of composite resin matched to Vita shade tab C2 and C4 (ΔE ≤3.3). Both groups showed notable color differences after respective sterilization protocols, with color differences in Gp A significantly higher than Gp C (DE ³3.3). Within groups, all shades in Gp A showed remarkably different color changes, with shade C2C3 and A1B1 being denoted as clinically unacceptable. CONCLUSIONS Manufacturer-provided shade guides do not match ceramic shades as claimed and chemical sterilization using 10% Deconex was associated with less color changes than with autoclave sterilization.

Oxygen-Deficient Bioceramics: Combination of Diagnosis, Therapy, and Regeneration.

The journey of ceramics in medicine has been synchronized with an evolution from the first generation-alumina, zirconia, etc.-to the third -3D scaffolds. There is an up-and-coming member called oxygen-deficient or colored bioceramics, which have recently found their way through biomedical applications. The oxygen vacancy steers the light absorption toward visible and near infrared regions, making the colored bioceramics multifunctional-therapeutic, diagnostic, and regenerative. Oxygen-deficient bioceramics are capable of turning light into heat and reactive oxygen species for photothermal and photodynamic therapies, respectively, and concomitantly yield infrared and photoacoustic images. Different types of oxygen-deficient bioceramics have been recently developed through various synthesis routes. Some of them like TiO2- x , MoO3- x , and WOx have been more investigated for biomedical applications, whereas the rest have yet to be scrutinized. The most prominent advantage of these bioceramics over the other biomaterials is their multifunctionality endowed with a change in the microstructure. There are some challenges ahead of this category discussed at the end of the present review. By shedding light on this recently born bioceramics subcategory, it is believed that the field will undergo a big step further as these platforms are naturally multifunctional.

Fatigue resistance of polymeric restorative materials: effect of supporting substrate.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of mismatch between the elastic properties of substrate and restorative material on the fatigue resistance and stress distribution of multilayer structures. The tested hypotheses were that (1) both an indirect composite resin (IR) and a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) would show a higher survival rate after cyclic loading when cemented to a substrate with a high elastic modulus (E); and (2) PICN structures would have higher survival rates than IR structures regardless of the supporting substrate. Blocks of PICN and IR were cut to obtain 1.0-mm-thick sections, which were cemented to substrates with different E values: c, core resin cement (low E); r, composite resin (intermediate E); and m, metal (nickel-chromium alloy; high E). The resulting 6 groups of specimens (n = 20 per group) were subjected to a cyclic fatigue test (106 cycles). Stress distribution was verified using finite element analysis, and the risk of failure was estimated. Fatigue data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Holm-Sidák tests. The χ2 test was used to evaluate the type of crack. The groups IRc, IRr, and PICNm had the highest survival rates after cyclic loading and were statistically similar to each other. Their survival rates were significantly greater than those of the IRm, PICNr, and PICNc groups (P < 0.001), which were all significantly different from each other (P < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between the experimental group and type of crack (P < 0.001). Specimens cemented to core resin cement and composite resin substrates showed predominantly radial cracks, while those cemented to nickel chromium alloy had predominantly cone cracks. The risk of failure values revealed that PICN was more sensitive to the type of substrate than IR. PICN has greater fatigue-resistant behavior when cemented to a substrate with a high E value, while IR has superior performance when substrates with lower and intermediate E values are used.

The Effect of Colloidal Silica and Glaze Coatings on the Adhesion of Zirconia with Various Ytrria Concentration.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of coating traditional and translucent Y-TZP with an industrial nanometric colloidal silica or glaze before or after sintering on the adhesion of zirconia with various ytrria concentration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens of Y-TZP with 3% and 5% yttria were subdivided into 5 groups (n=10), according to the coating applied and moment of application (before or after Y-TZP sintering): Control (no coating), Colloidal Silica/Sintering, Sintering/Colloidal Silica, Glaze/Sintering, Sintering/ Glaze. Lithium disilicate (LD) was used as positive control. Except for Y-TZP controls, groups were conditioned with silane before cementation with a self-adhesive resin cement. After 24 hours, the shear bond strength and failure analysis were performed. Also, analysis of specimens' surface was accomplished with SEM-EDX. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests were applied to analyze differences between groups (p⟨0.05). RESULTS: Overall, the worst and best values of shear bond strength test were control and glaze after sintering groups. Different morphological and chemical aspects were observed in SEM-EDX analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Coating Y-TZP with colloidal silica showed unsatisfactory results. In 3Y-TZP, the surface treatment associated with the best adhesion values was the application of glaze after zirconia sintering. However, in 5Y-TZP, glaze application can be performed before or after the zirconia sintering to optimize clinical steps.

Effect of superspeed sintering on translucency, opalescence, microstructure, and phase fraction of multilayered 4 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal and 6 mol% yttria-stabilized partially stabilized zirconia ceramics.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The optical properties of recently developed multilayer zirconia have mainly been studied for the effects of conventional sintering and speed sintering but not as much for the effect of superspeed sintering. As superspeed sintering protocols typically require a higher sintering temperature and higher heating and cooling rates than speed- and conventional sintering protocols, the optical properties of superspeed sintered zirconia may be affected differently. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of superspeed sintering on the optical properties, microstructure, and phase fraction of multilayered 4 mol% yttria-stabilized (4Y-) and 6 mol% yttria-stabilized (6Y-) zirconia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multilayered 4Y- and 6Y-zirconia were sectioned. After conventional and superspeed sintering, the translucency parameter (TP), and opalescence parameter (OP) were measured with a spectrophotometer (n=10). To obtain the grain sizes from the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images for each layer (n=2), more than 500 (6Y-zirconia) and 800 grains (4Y-zirconia) were measured by linear intercept methods. The phase fractions were obtained through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis by using the Rietveld method (n=1). The results were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey honest significant difference tests (TP and OP) and by 3-way ANOVA and post hoc Scheffé tests (grain size) (α=.05). RESULTS: No layers exhibited a significant difference in TP after superspeed sintering, except the dentin layer (DL) and transition layer 2 (T2) of 4Y- and 6Y-zirconia, respectively. The TP increased (P<.05) in DL for superspeed sintered 4Y-zirconia and decreased (P<.05) in T2 for the superspeed sintered 6Y-zirconia. However, the difference in TP by superspeed sintering was lower than the perceptibility thresholds of 50:50%. The OP decreased (P<.05) in the DL and T2 of 4Y-zirconia after superspeed sintering. For 6Y-zirconia, the OP decreased (P<.05) in all layers except for the transition layer 1 (T1) after superspeed sintering. However, the difference in OP values was minimal, with only a 1.1 difference observed for Zolid Gen-X (4Y) and a range of 1.22 to 1.62 for Katana UTML (6Y) when using superspeed sintering. No significant change was found in the grain size after superspeed sintering of either zirconia. Regardless of the sintering speed, the average grain size of the 6Y-zirconia (conventional: 2.09 to 2.21 µm; superspeed: 2.11 to 2.20 µm) was larger than that of the 4Y-zirconia (conventional: 0.50 to 0.52 µm; superspeed: 0.52 to 0.54 µm). Owing to superspeed sintering, the metastable tetragonal (T') phase content increased while the tetragonal (T) phase decreased in 4Y-zirconia; in 6Y-zirconia, the cubic (C) phase content increased, while the T'-phase content decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Superspeed sintering did not result in any clinically significant changes in the translucency and opalescence of 4Y- or 6Y-zirconia.

Comprehensive Review on Fabricating Bioactive Ceramic Bone Scaffold Using Vat Photopolymerization.

In recent years, bioactive ceramic bone scaffolds have drawn remarkable attention as an alternative method for treating and repairing bone defects. Vat photopolymerization (VP) is a promising additive manufacturing (AM) technique that enables the efficient and accurate fabrication of bioactive ceramic bone scaffolds. This review systematically reviews the research progress of VP-printed bioactive ceramic bone scaffolds. First, a summary and comparison of commonly used bioactive ceramics and different VP techniques are provided. This is followed by a detailed introduction to the preparation of ceramic suspensions and optimization of printing and heat treatment processes. The mechanical strength and biological performance of the VP-printed bioactive ceramic scaffolds are then discussed. Finally, current challenges and future research directions in this field are highlighted.

Effect of Antioxidant Agents After Dental Bleaching on Color Stability and Mechanical Properties of Bonding Interface Components in Ceramic Laminate Veneer Luting.

PURPOSE: Few studies have evaluated the influence of antioxidant agents on the optical and mechanical properties of ceramic laminate veneers after dental bleaching. Thus, this in vitro study aimed to evaluate the influence of antioxidant agents on the color stability and mechanical properties, such as nanohardness (HIT), elastic modulus (Eit*), and degree of conversion (DC) of the bonding interface components after dental bleaching in ceramic laminate veneer luting. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 143 bovine teeth were distributed into experimental groups, according to the procedure method (unbleached or bleached with Whiteness HP Maxx 35%), antioxidant type (control, 10% ascorbic acid, or 10% α-tocopherol), and luting period (24 hours or 14 days) (n=13). The Tetric N-Bond Universal adhesive system and Variolink Esthetic LC resin cement were used as luting agents to lute IPS e.max ceramic restorations (0.6 mm in thickness) to enamel. A UV-visible spectrophotometer was used to assess color stability before and after UV-B artificial accelerated aging for 252, 504, and 756 hours (n=8). The HIT and Eit* of the adhesive and resin cement were measured using a nanohardness tester under a load of 1000 µN, and the DC was measured using a micro-Raman spectrometer (n=5). The color stability and mechanical properties were measured and evaluated by twoway and one-way ANOVA, respectively, and Tukey test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Distinct aging periods exerted significant changes on the color stability of the restorations luted in enamel associated with ascorbic acid, bleached and unbleached, and the bleached enamel under no antioxidant agent action, for the experimental groups evaluated after 14 days (p<0.05). The use of the α-tocopherol antioxidant solution after the bleaching process for 24 hours did not alter the optical and mechanical properties of the adhesive interface of the laminate restorations compared to those of the control group (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of a 10% α-tocopherol antioxidant solution produced promising results, suggesting that it could be mediately used after tooth bleaching to lute ceramic laminate veneers.

Bonding effect of a Zr/Si coating prepared on zirconia using a sol-gel method.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Zirconia has been widely used as a dental prosthetic material. However, bonding to zirconia is challenging, and whether a Zr/Si coating would improve bonding is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to prepare a Zr/Si coating on zirconia ceramics using a sol-gel method and to determine whether the bonding to resin is improved. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Presintered zirconia specimens were prepared and divided into 5 groups: 4 experimental groups with ratios of the binary sol-gel precursor (zirconium oxychloride/tetraethoxysilane) set as 2:1 (Z2), 1:1 (Z1), 0.5:1 (Z0.5), and 0.25:1 (Z0.25) and Group C as the control group. In addition to surface roughness measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were carried out to characterize the surface. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups according to whether a silane coupling agent was applied. Half of the bond specimens were stored in deionized water for 24 hours; the remaining half were aged using 5000 thermocycles. The shear bond strength (SBS) of resin bonded to specimens was tested for the initial and durable bond strength, and the bonding interface was also observed by SEM after debonding. Data were subjected to 1-way ANOVA and the post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference test (α=.05). RESULTS: The Zr/Si coating formed on zirconia ceramics. Z0.5 had the greatest mean ±standard deviation roughness (2.13 ±0.15 µm) and had the highest silicon content (21.7 ±0.21%). t-ZrO2, m-ZrO2, c-SiO2, and ZrSiO4 were detected by XRD in Z1. The SBS values were decreased by aging but were significantly increased by Zr/Si coating, especially for Z0.5, with the application of silane (initial: 22.92 ±2.79 MPa; aged: 9.91 ±0.92 MPa). CONCLUSIONS: The Zr/Si coating significantly improved the initial and aged bond strength, and the optimal Zr/Si ratio of the sol-gel appeared to be 0.5:1.

Ultrathin Partial Ceramic Veneers in the Esthetic Zone with Tooth Whitening: A 5-year Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: This case report describes a minimally invasive approach with tooth whitening and partial ceramic veneers in the esthetic zone with a 5-year follow-up. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The patient was initially concerned about the tooth color and previous direct resin composite restorations that chipped on the incisal edges of both maxillary central incisors. Tooth whitening and partial veneers for both central incisors were recommended after clinical evaluation. Two sessions of in-office tooth whitening, first with 35% hydrogen peroxide and later with 10% carbamide peroxide from first premolar to first premolar, were provided. Minimal tooth preparation that only removed the fractured composite restorations was performed followed by placement of feldspathic porcelain ultrathin partial ceramic veneers for both central incisors. We emphasize the benefits of minimal tooth preparation paired with partial ceramic veneers and the importance of masking discolored tooth structure with such thin veneers, including potential tooth whitening. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we demonstrate a well-planned and executed restorative procedure combining tooth whitening and ultrathin partial ceramic veneers to achieve desired results in the esthetic zone that remained successful for five years.