Investigating the Effect of Different Surface Treatments on Vickers Hardness and Flexural Strength of Zirconium and Lithium Disilicate Ceramics.

Abstract

To investigate the effect of different surface treatments on Vickers hardness and flexural strength of zirconia and lithium disilicate ceramics. 50 zirconia and 50 lithium disilicate ceramic specimens were used. After identifying one group as the control, grinding, sandblasting, CoJet, and Er:YAG laser were applied on the surface of specimens (n = 10). After applying Vickers hardness test to specimens, flexural strength test was performed. The data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple comparisons tests. There were statistically significant differences found between surface treatment groups in terms of Vickers hardness of zirconia and lithium disilicate ceramics (p<0.001), but there were no statistically significant differences found between surface treatment groups in terms of flexural strength (p>0.05). Surface treatments could affect the hardness of ceramics. Therefore, was zirconia found to be harder and more durable than lithium disilicate ceramics.