Shear bond strengths of a ceramic system to alternative metal alloys

Abstract

The success of metal-ceramic restorations is influenced by the compatibility between base metal alloys and porcelains. Although porcelain manufacturers recommend their own metal systems as the most compatible for fabricating metal-ceramic prostheses, a number of alloys have been used. Purpose This study evaluated the shear bond strength between a porcelain system and 4 alternative alloys. Two Ni-Cr alloys: 4 ALL and Wiron 99, and 2 Co-Cr alloys: IPS d.SIGN 20 and Argeloy NP were selected for this study. The porcelain (IPS d.Sign porcelain system) portion of the cylindrical metal-ceramic specimens was 4 mm thick and 4 mm high; the metal portion was machined to 4x4 mm, with a base that was 5 mm thick and 1 mm high. Forty-four specimens were prepared (n=11). Ten specimens from each group were subjected to a shear load on a universal testing machine using a 1 mm/min crosshead speed. One specimen from each group was observed with a scanning electron microscope. Stress at failure (MPa) was determined. The data were analyzed with a 1-way analysis of variance (alpha=.05). The groups, all including IPS d.Sign porcelain, presented the following mean bond strengths (+/-SD) in MPa: 4 ALL, 54.0+/-20.0; Wiron, 63.0+/-13.5; IPS d.SIGN 20, 71.7+/-19.2; Argeloy NP, 55.2+/-13.5. No significant differences were found among the shear bond strength values for the metal-ceramic specimens tested. None of the base metal alloys studied demonstrated superior bond strength to the porcelain tested.