Mechanical properties of In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia

PURPOSE: This study compared the mechanical properties of In-Ceram Zirconia and In-Ceram Alumina. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-four disks and six bars were prepared with the slip-casting technique. The disks were used to assess biaxial flexural strength (piston on three ball), Weibull modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness with two methods: indentation fracture and indentation strength. The bars were used to measure elastic moduli (Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio). X-ray diffraction analysis of the specimens was carried out upon every step of the specimen preparation and of the fractured surfaces. RESULTS: Mean biaxial flexure strengths of In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia were 600 MPa (SD 60) and 620 MPa (SD 61), respectively. Mean fracture toughness measured according to indentation strength was 3.2 MPa.m1/2 (SD 0.34) for in-Ceram Alumina and 4.0 MPa.m1/2 (SD 0.43) for In-Ceram Zirconia. Mean fracture toughnesses of In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia measured according to indentation fracture were 2.7 MPa.m1/2 (SD 0.34) and 3.0 MPa.m1/2 (SD 0.48), respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that little phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic occurred when the specimens were fractured, supporting the existence of a modest difference of fracture toughness between the two ceramics. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant difference was found in strength. In-Ceram Zirconia was tougher (P < .01) than In-Ceram Alumina when tested according to indentation strength. However, no significant difference was found in the fracture toughness when tested with the indentation fracture technique.     

Flexural strength and fracture toughness of dental core ceramics

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Many different strengthened all-ceramic core materials are available. In vitro study of their mechanical properties, such as flexural strength and fracture toughness, is necessary before they are used clinically. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of 6 commonly used all-ceramic core materials using biaxial flexural strength and indentation fracture toughness tests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens of 6 ceramic core materials (Finesse, Cergo, IPS Empress, In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Cercon Zirconia) were fabricated (n=25) with a diameter of 15 mm and width of 1.2 +/- 0.2 mm. For each group, the specimens were tested to compare their biaxial flexural strength (piston on 3 balls) (n=15), Weibull modulus, and indentation fracture toughness (n=10) (IF method). The data were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA test (a=.05). The Tamhane multiple comparison test was used for post hoc analysis. RESULTS: Mean (SD) of biaxial flexural strength values (MPa) and Weibull modulus (m) results were: Finesse (F): 88.04 (31.61), m=3.17; Cergo (C): 94.97 (13.62), m=7.94; IPS Empress (E): 101.18 (13.49), m=10.13; In-Ceram Alumina (ICA): 341.80 (61.13), m=6.96; In-Ceram Zirconia (ICZ): 541.80 (61.10), m=10.17; and Cercon Zirconia (CZ): 1140.89 (121.33), m=13.26. The indentation fracture toughness results showed that there were significant differences between the tested ceramics. The highest fracture toughness values (MPa x m(0.5)) were obtained with the zirconia-based ceramic core materials. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences were found in strength and toughness values of the materials evaluated. Cercon Zirconia core material showed high values of biaxial flexural strength and indentation fracture toughness when compared to the other ceramics studied.     

Relative fracture toughness of differents dental ceramics

Although ceramics present high compressive strength, they are brittle materials due to their low tensile strength so they have lower capacity to absorb shocks. This study evaluated the fracture toughness of different ceramic systems, which refers to the ability of a friable material to absorb defformation energy. Three ceramic systems were investigated. Ten cylindrical samples (5,0mm x 3,0mm), were obtained from each ceramic material as follows: G1- 10 samples of Vitadur Alpha (Vita-Zahnfabrik); G2- 10 samples of IPS Empress2 (Ivoclar-Vivadent); G3- 10 samples of In-Ceram Alumina (Vita-Zahnfabrik). Fracture toughness values were collected upon indentation tests that were performed under a heavy load. A microhardness tester (Digital Microhardness Tester FM) utilized a 500gf load cell during 10seconds to perform four impressions on each sample. Statistically significant results were observed (ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests). In-Ceram Alumina presented the highest median toughness values (2,96N/m3/2), followed by Vitadur Alpha (2,08N/m3/2) and IPS Empress2 (1,05N/m3/2). It may be concluded that different ceramic systems present distinct fracture toughness values, thus In-Ceram is capable of absorbing superior stress when compared to Vitadur Alpha and IPS Empress2.     

Fracture strength of copy-milled and conventional In-Ceram crowns

The purpose of this study was to compare the fracture resistance of copy-milled and conventional In-Ceram crowns. Four groups of 10 uniform sized all-ceramic anterior crowns were fabricated for this test: (1) In-Ceram Spinell (2) In-Ceram Alumina (3) Celay In-Ceram Spinell, and (4) Celay In-Ceram Alumina crowns. All specimens were cemented on stainless steel master die with resin cement and stored in 37 degrees C water for one day prior to loading into a universal testing machine. Using a steel ball at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm min-1, the crowns were loaded at 30 degrees C angle until catastrophic failure occurred. Mean fracture strength was analysed and compared. Under the conditions of this study and the materials used, the following conclusions were drawn: 1. The strength of Celay In-Ceram anterior crowns had a slightly higher fracture strength than conventional In-Ceram crowns. 2. In-Ceram Alumina crowns had a significantly higher fracture strength than In-Ceram Spinell crowns in both conventional and copy milling methods.     

Influence of different adhesive resin cements on the fracture strength of aluminum oxide ceramic posterior crowns

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The influence of different types of adhesive resin cements on the long-term prognosis of aluminum oxide ceramic posterior crowns is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of aluminum oxide ceramic on maxillary posterior crowns cemented with different resin luting agents before and after cyclic thermomechanical loading. Material and methods Forty-eight maxillary first molars were prepared and restored with standardized aluminum oxide ceramic (In-Ceram Alumina) crowns. The test specimens were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=16). The crowns were luted with an acrylic resin cement (Super-Bond C&B, control, Group SB) and 2 composite luting agents (Panavia F, Group PV; and Rely X Unicem, Group RX). Half of the specimens were exposed to thermomechanical fatigue in a masticatory simulator. All specimens were tested for fracture strength (N) using quasistatic loading. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the fracture strength (alpha=.05). RESULTS: All specimens survived the exposure to the simulator. The following median fracture strength values were obtained without/with thermomechanical fatigue loading: Group SB, 2726 N/2673 N; Group PV, 2520 N/2083 N; and Group RX, 2036 N/2369 N. The fracture strength in Group PV after thermomechanical fatigue loading was significantly lower compared to the fracture strength in Group PV without artificial aging (P =.016), as well as significantly lower compared to Group SB with artificial aging (P =.003). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, all tested cements are capable of successfully luting aluminum oxide ceramic crowns. The fracture strength of Group PV after artificial aging was comparatively low.     

Effect of etching and airborne particle abrasion on the microstructure of different dental ceramics

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The ceramic composition and microstructure surface of all-ceramic restorations are important components of an effective bonding substrate. Both hydrofluoric acid etching and airborne aluminum oxide particle abrasion produce irregular surfaces necessary for micromechanical bonding. Although surface treatments of feldspathic and leucite porcelains have been studied previously, the high alumina-containing and lithium disilicate ceramics have not been fully investigated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the surface topography of 6 different ceramics after treatment with either hydrofluoric acid etching or airborne aluminum oxide particle abrasion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five copings each of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2 (0.8 mm thick), Cergogold (0.7 mm thick), In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera (0.8 mm thick) were fabricated following the manufacturer's instructions. Each coping was longitudinally sectioned into 4 equal parts by a diamond disk. The resulting sections were then randomly divided into 3 groups depending on subsequent surface treatments: Group 1, specimens without additional surface treatments, as received from the laboratory (control); Group 2, specimens treated by use of airborne particle abrasion with 50-microm aluminum oxide; and Group 3, specimens treated with 10% hydrofluoric acid etching (20 seconds for IPS Empress 2; 60 seconds for IPS Empress and Cergogold; and 2 minutes for In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera). RESULTS: Airborne particle abrasion changed the morphologic surface of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2, and Cergogold ceramics. The surface topography of these ceramics exhibited shallow irregularities not evident in the control group. For Procera, the 50-microm aluminum oxide airborne particle abrasion produced a flattened surface. Airborne particle abrasion of In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia did not change the morphologic characteristics and the same shallows pits found in the control group remained. For IPS Empress 2, 10% hydrofluoric acid etching produced elongated crystals scattered with shallow irregularities. For IPS Empress and Cergogold, the morphologic characteristic was honeycomb-like on the ceramic surface. The surface treatment of In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera did not change their superficial structure. CONCLUSION: Hydrofluoric acid etching and airborne particle abrasion with 50-microm aluminum oxide increased the irregularities on the surface of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2, and Cergogold ceramics. Similar treatment of In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera did not change their morphologic microstructure.     

Shear bond strength of resin luting cement to glass-infiltrated porous aluminum oxide cores

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM. Resin bonding surface treatment methods for conventional silica-based dental ceramics are not reliable for glass infiltrated high alumina content In-Ceram ceramics. PURPOSE. This study developed an alternative surface treatment to improve resin bonding of glass-infiltrated aluminum oxide ceramic blasting with diamond particles and then observed the efficiency of this treatment. Material and methods. In-Ceram test specimens were prepared and divided into 2 groups. All specimens were sandblasted with Al(2)O(3), and blasted with diamond particles and 2 adhesive resins were applied. After bonding and storage in humid conditions, shear bond strength values were measured with a universal testing machine. Surface roughness and fracture interfaces were determined with a perthometer and a SEM. RESULTS. The highest bond strength was obtained on the samples blasted with diamond particles (group II). The differences between the 2 groups and the 2 adhesive resin cements were both statistically significant. CONCLUSION. Panavia-Ex cement exhibited higher bond strength than Super-Bond cement. This higher bond strength was attributed to ceramic oxide and ester bond and the mechanical properties of Panavia-Ex cement.     

Clinical long-term results of VITA In-Ceram Classic crowns and fixed partial dentures: A systematic literature review

PURPOSE: VITA In-Ceram Classic is a system designed to fabricate all-ceramic crowns and fixed partial dentures (FPDs) with a glass-infiltrated aluminum oxide core material. This systematic literature review gives an overview of the clinical performance of the VITA In-Ceram Classic Alumina, Spinell, and Zirconia restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on a systematic literature review, an evidence-based selection and assessment of clinical studies of VITA In-Ceram Classic ceramics was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 299 publications were found, 21 of which met the inclusion criteria. Only a few meaningful studies of In-Ceram Alumina FPDs and In-Ceram Zirconia crowns and FPDs were found. The 5-year survival rate of In-Ceram Alumina crowns and In-Ceram Spinell crowns ranged from 91.7% to 100% and is similar to the survival rate of conventional metal-ceramic crowns. The 5-year survival rate of single-retainer In-Ceram Alumina resin-bonded FPDs (RBFPDs) was 92.3%, which is higher than that of 2-retainer RBFPDs. CONCLUSION: In-Ceram Classic Alumina can be recommended for anterior and posterior crowns as well as for anterior single-retainer RBFPDs. Further studies should be initiated to evaluate in detail the clinical performance of In-Ceram Classic Alumina FPDs. In-Ceram Classic Spinell can be recommended for anterior crowns, especially if highly esthetic results are requested. For In-Ceram Classic Zirconia crowns or FPDs no statement can be made presently because of insufficient data.     

Strength and fracture toughness of MgO-modified glass infiltrated alumina for CAD/CAM.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of MgO additive to Al2O3 on the flexural strength, fracture toughness of glass infiltrated alumina for CAD/CAM application. METHODS: Alumina blanks with additive of 0.5 wt% MgO were prepared via isostatic pressing and sintering at 1400 degrees C for 2h, and then alumina-glass composites were fabricated by infiltrating the molten glass into the partially sintered alumina compact. Flexural strength and fracture toughness were determined using three point bending methods and a single edge notched beam method. The mechanism of crack propagation was observed under a field emission scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The three-point flexural strength and fracture toughness of partially sintered alumina and alumina-glass composite were 210 MPa, 1.86 MPam(1/2), and 432.2 MPa, 5.12 MPam(1/2), respectively, and they were free of shrinkage during the processing of glass infiltration. The field emission SEM micrograph indicated that indentation caused a non-planar crack propagation including crack deflection and crack bowing. SIGNIFICANCE: MgO was used as an additive to alumina to improve the strength and fracture toughness of partially sintered alumina and alumina-glass composite. The high strength and toughness are related to toughening by the distribution of alumina with uniform particle sizes, crack bowing, crack deflection and the beneficial wetting properties of the particle surface.     

An up to 5-year clinical evaluation of posterior in-ceram CAD/CAM core crowns

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the clinical performance of posterior CAD/CAM-generated In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Spinell core crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen In-Ceram Spinell core crowns (four premolars and 15 molars) and 24 In-Ceram Alumina core crowns (two premolars and 22 molars) in 21 patients were examined using modified USPHS criteria at baseline and after a mean service time of 39 +/- 11 months. The crown copings were machined from Vitablocs In-Ceram Alumina and Vitablocs In-Ceram Spinell using the Cerec 2 CAD/CAM system. RESULTS: Two molar In-Ceram Alumina core crowns fractured after respective service times of 14 and 17 months in the same patient. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate regarding fracture of the ceramic was 92% for In-Ceram Alumina and 100% for In-Ceram Spinell. At the follow-up examination, 80% alpha ratings and 18% beta ratings for In-Ceram Alumina core crowns and 84% alpha ratings and 15% beta ratings for In-Ceram Spinell core crowns were recorded. CONCLUSION: Despite the two fractures, the clinical quality of CAD/CAM-generated In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Spinell posterior crowns was excellent. Within the limitations of this study, both types of crowns appeared to be feasible.     

渗透对CAD/CAM氧化铝陶瓷颜色和结构的影响

目的:考察渗透过程对计算机辅助设计和制造(CAD/CAM)切削氧化铝陶瓷颜色和结构变化的影响。方法:将氧化铝瓷块样本薄片10个,随机分为A、B组,每组5个,其中A组用ALMC玻璃料渗透,B组用VitaIn-CeramAL3色玻璃料渗透,进行颜色测量和电子扫描镜观察。结果:渗透前后A组和B组颜色(L,a,b)均有显著差异(P<0.01);扫描电镜显示,玻璃颗粒渗透入氧化铝结构中。结论:氧化铝陶瓷渗透后玻璃料与氧化铝嵌合,形成致密组织,增加强度,并产生初始颜色。     

Fracture resistance of lithium disilicate-, alumina-, and zirconia-based three-unit fixed partial dentures: a laboratory study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the fracture resistance of three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPD) made of new core ceramics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A base metal three-unit master FPD model with a maxillary premolar and molar abutment was made. Tooth preparation showed 0.8-mm circumferential and 1.5-mm occlusal reduction and a chamfer margin design. FPDs were constructed with a uniform 0.8-mm-thick core ceramic and a porcelain veneer layer. In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and DC-Zirkon core ceramics were machined by a computer-aided design/manufacturing system, whereas IPS Empress 2 core ceramic was indirectly built up using the fabrication technology of waxing and heat pressing. FPDs of IPS Empress were heat pressed as complete restorations without core material. To ensure standardized dimensions, the FPDs were controlled at different points. All FPDs were cemented with ZnPO4 on the master model and loaded on a universal testing machine until failure. The failure load and mode of failure were recorded. RESULTS: The highest failure loads, exceeding 2,000 N, were associated with FPDs of DC-Zirkon. FPDs of IPS Empress and In-Ceram Alumina showed the lowest failure loads, below 1,000 N, whereas intermediate values were observed for FPDs of IPS Empress 2 and In-Ceram Zirconia. Differences in mean values were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The high fracture resistance evaluated for FPDs made of DC-Zirkon underscores the remarkable mechanical properties of high-performance ceramic, which could be useful for highly loaded all-ceramic restorations, especially in the molar region.     

Analysis of subcritical crack growth in dental ceramics using fracture mechanics and fractography.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the flexural strengths and critical flaw sizes of dental ceramic specimens will be affected by the testing environment and stressing rate even though their fracture toughness values will remain the same. METHODS: Ceramic specimens were prepared from an aluminous porcelain (Vitadur Alpha; VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad S?ckingen, Germany) and an alumina-zirconia-glass composite (In-Ceram Zirconia; VITA Zahnfabrik). Three hundred uniaxial flexure specimens (150 of each material) were fabricated to dimensions of 25 mmx4 mmx1.2 mm according to the ISO 6872 standard. Each group of 30 specimens was fractured in water using one of four different target stressing rates ranging on a logarithmic scale from 0.1 to 100 MPa/s for Vitadur Alpha and from 0.01 to 10 MPa/s for In-Ceram Zirconia. The fifth group was tested in inert environment (oil) with a target stressing rate of 100 MPa/s for Vitadur Alpha and 1000 MPa/s for In-Ceram Zirconia. The effects of stressing rate and environment on flexural strength, critical flaw size, and fracture toughness were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA on ranks followed by post hoc comparisons using Dunn's test (alpha=0.05). In addition, 20 Vitadur Alpha specimens were fabricated with controlled flaws to simplify fractography. Half of these specimens were fracture tested in water and half in oil at a target stressing rate of 100 MPa/s, and the results were compared using Mann-Whitney rank sum tests (alpha=0.05). A logarithmic regression model was used to determine the fatigue parameters for each material. RESULTS: For each ceramic composition, specimens tested in oil had significantly higher strength (P0.05). Specimens tested at faster stressing rates had significantly higher strength (P0.05). Regarding critical flaw size, stressing rate had a significant effect for In-Ceram Zirconia specimens (P0.05). Fatigue parameters, n and lnB, were 38.4 and -12.7 for Vitadur Alpha and were 13.1 and 10.4 for In-Ceram Zirconia. SIGNIFICANCE: Moisture assisted subcritical crack growth had a more deleterious effect on In-Ceram Zirconia core ceramic than on Vitadur Alpha porcelain. Fracture surface analysis identified fracture surface features that can potentially mislead investigators into misidentifying the critical flaw.     

Fracture toughness and hardness evaluation of three pressable all-ceramic dental materials

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the fracture toughness and hardness of three pressable all-ceramic materials: IPS-Empress, Empress 2 and an experimental ceramic material. METHODS: Fifteen discs and 15 bars per material were prepared. Fracture toughness was measured with two different techniques: indentation fracture and indentation strength. During the indentation fracture tests the hardness of each material was also measured. Statistical significance among groups of population was studied using one-way Anova and Tukey's multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: Fracture toughness results using the indentation strength technique (with three-point bending and biaxial flexure tests) were: IPS-Empress (1.39 (SD 0.3) and 1.32 (SD 0.3)); Empress 2 (3.14 (SD 0.5) and 2.50 (SD 0.3)) MPa x m(1/2); and the experimental ceramic (3.32 (SD 0.6) and 2.43 (SD 0.3)) MPa x m(1/2). The indentation fracture technique generated orthogonal cracks of different lengths for Empress 2 and the experimental ceramic, whether perpendicular or parallel to the lithium disilicate elongated crystals. Thus, two values were reported: Empress 2 (1.5 (SD 0.2) and 1.16 (SD 0.2)) MPa x am(1/2) and the experimental ceramic (1.67 (SD 0.3) and 1.15 (SD 0.15)) MPa x m(1/2). The IPS-Empress indentation fracture result was 1.26 (SD 0.1). The hardness results were: 6.6, 5.3 and 5.5 GPa for IPS-Empress, Empress 2 and the experimental ceramic, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in fracture toughness and hardness results were found between Empress 2 and the experimental ceramic (P>0.05 ANOVA). Both materials exhibited fracture toughness anisotropy following pressing. They demonstrated improved fracture toughness and reduced hardness compared with IPS-Empress P<0.05(ANOVA), which should be beneficial for clinical applications.     

Probability of failure of veneered glass fiber-reinforced composites and glass-infiltrated alumina with or without zirconia reinforcement

PURPOSE: The probability of failure under flexural load of veneered specimens of a unidirectional glass fiber-reinforced composite (FibreKor/Sculpture), a bidirectional glass fiber-reinforced composite (Vectris/Targis), a glass-infiltrated alumina (In-Ceram Alumina/Vita alpha), and a zirconia-reinforced glass-infiltrated alumina (In-Ceram Zirconia/Vita alpha) was investigated; a metal-ceramic (PG200/Vita omega) system served as a control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten uniform beams of the veneered core materials were fabricated for each system and subjected to a three-point bending test. The data were analyzed using the Weibull method. The failure load of specimens at a 10% probability of failure (B10 load) was compared. The mode of failure was analyzed. RESULTS: The B10 load of the systems investigated was not significantly different from that of the metal-ceramic system. FibreKor possessed significantly higher B10 load than Vectris, In-Ceram Alumina, and In-Ceram Zirconia. The B10 strength loads of Vectris, In-Ceram Alumina, and In-Ceram Zirconia were not significantly different from one another. CONCLUSION: The probability of FibreKor to fracture under a flexural load was significantly lower than that of Vectris, In-Ceram Alumina, or In-Ceram Zirconia.     

Effect of repeated firings on microtensile bond strength of In-Ceram Alumina with two different veneering ceramics

Microtensile bond strengths of In-Ceram Alumina cores veneered with two ceramics after different numbers of firing cycles were evaluated. After In-Ceram Alumina cores were fabricated, they were veneered with either Vitadur Alpha or Vita VM7. A control group of each core-veneer combination was fired twice, and a second group was fired five times to induce thermal fatigue. Obtained microbars were subjected to microtensile bond strength tests. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance. Microtensile bond strength values for Vita VM7 specimens were higher than those for Vitadur Alpha (P < .001). Although the number of firing cycles revealed no change in bond strength, the veneering material proved to be an important factor.     

The influence of internal surface treatments on tensile bond strength for two ceramic systems

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The ceramic composition and surface microstructure of all-ceramic restorations are important components of an effective bonding substrate. Hydrofluoric acid and sandblasting are well-known procedures for surface treatment; however, surface treatment for high alumina-containing and lithium disilicate ceramics have not been fully investigated. PURPOSE: This in vitro study evaluated the tensile bond strength of resin cement to two types of ceramic systems with different surface treatments. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty specimens of each ceramic system were made according to the manufacturer's instructions and embedded in polyester resin. Specimens of In-Ceram Alumina [I] and IPS Empress 2 [E] were distributed to three groups with differing surface treatments (n = 10): sandblasting with 50 microm aluminum oxide (APA); sandblasting with 110 microm aluminum oxide modified with silica particles (ROCATEC System-RS); a combination of sandblasting with APA and 10% hydrofluoric acid etching (HA) for two minutes on In-Ceram and for 20 seconds for IPS Empress 2. After the respective surface treatments, all the specimens were silanated, and Rely-X resin cement was injected onto the ceramic surface and light polymerized. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and thermally cycled 1,100 times (5 degrees C/55 degrees C). The tensile bond strength test was performed in a universal testing machine at a 0.5 mm/minute crosshead speed. RESULTS: The mean bond strength values (MPa) for IPS Empress 2 were 12.01 +/- 5.93 (EAPA), 10.34 +/- 1.77 (ERS) and 14.49 +/- 3.04 (EHA). The mean bond strength values for In-Ceram Alumina were 9.87 +/- 2.40 (IAPA) and 20.40 +/- 6.27 (IRS). All In-Ceram specimens treated with 10% hydrofluoric acid failed during thermal cycling. CONCLUSION: The Rocatec system was the most effective surface treatment for In-Ceram Alumina ceramics; whereas, the combination of aluminum oxide sandblasting and hydrofluoric acid etching for 20 seconds worked more effectively for Empress 2 ceramics.     

不同桩核材料对氧化铝全瓷冠颜色的影响

目的探讨4种不同桩核材料对氧化铝全瓷冠（In-Ceram）颜色的影响。方法选取1颗完整离体牙,进行截冠、完善根管治疗和桩道预备。制备不同材料的桩核预备体和1个氧化铝全瓷冠（In-Ceram）,分为4组（镍铬合金桩核组、金合金桩核组、氧化锆桩核组、纤维桩树脂核组）,每组10颗。采用Minolta CM-700d分光测色仪,测试4组不同桩核材料背景下氧化铝全瓷冠（InCeram）唇面中1/3区域的L^＊、a^＊、b^＊值,分别进行完全随机设计的单因素方差分析和两两比较的LED检验,并根据公式计算和比较色差△E。结果 4种不同的桩核材料背景下氧化铝全瓷冠（In-Ceram）的L^＊、a^＊、b^＊值的差异有统计学意义（FL=334.90,PL=0.000;Fa=4.43,Pa=0.009;Fb=359.22,Pb=0.000）。镍铬合金桩核和金合金桩核组的色差均超过临床可接受水平（△E〉2）;氧化锆桩核和纤维桩树脂核组的色差均不能为肉眼所识别（△E〈1.5）。结论临床应用氧化铝全瓷冠（In-Ceram）进行修复时,尤其在前牙区,不建议使用金属桩核。     

Influence of residual surface investment material on crystallization shrinkage of a mica-based glass-ceramic.

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that residual surface investment material induced precipitation of a second phase in the surface of a mica-based castable glass-ceramic. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of this precipitate on the crystallization shrinkage of the glass-ceramic. METHODS: In experiment 1, six glass bars were cast. The whole surface of three of the six bars was ground to remove residual surface investment material. Then, the six bars were treated thermally to induce crystallization. Dimensional change in the bars during the treatment was recorded. In experiment 2, 14 glass specimens were assigned to two groups. Seven specimens in the one group would form the second phase. The length of each specimen was measured pre- and post-crystallization, and the crystallization shrinkage value calculated. RESULTS: In experiment 1, all specimens showed shrinkage during thermal processing. The majority of crystallization shrinkage began around 620 degrees C and finished at 750 degrees C. Specimens with the residual investment showed less net shrinkage than those without the investment. In experiment 2, mean shrinkage values and standard deviations were 1.11 (0.05)% for the group without the investment and 0.93 (0.11)% for the group with the investment. There was a significant difference between the groups (P<0.01). SIGNIFICANCE: The residual surface investment material decreases the crystallization shrinkage, and must affect the strength of the mica-based glass-ceramic and the fit of this ceramic restorative to the prepared cavity.