The efficiency of ErCr:YSGG laser on the debonding of different thicknesses of ceramic veneers

Abstract

Aims: To verify the efficacy of Er,Cr:YSGG laser for debonding of lithium disilicate (LD) reinforced glass ceramic veneers of different thicknesses. Methods: Forty bovine teeth were prepared and randomly divided into four groups (n=10/group) according to the ceramic disc thickness: C0.5 (Control group) and L0.5 (Laser irradiated group) in which LD discs had a thickness of 0.5mm and 5mm diameter; C1 and L1 in which LD discs had a thickness of 1mm and 5mm diameter. The lithium disilcate discs (IPS E.max®, shade HTA2) were fabricated following the manufacturer’s recommendations and cemented to the prepared tooth surface. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser was applied to the laser groups at 2.5W and 25Hz for 60seconds. Universal testing machine was used to evaluate the shear bond strength for all samples at a cross head speed of 1mm/min in an inciso-gingival direction parallel to the sample surface. After debonding, the samples were examined under stereoscope to evaluate the mode of failure according to the adhesive remnant index (ARI). Results: Laser irradiation significantly diminishes the shear bond strength from 10.868 MPa to 3.778 MPa for C0.5 and L0.5 groups respectively (p=0.00) and from 14.711 MPa to 4.992 MPa for C1 and L1 groups respectively (p=0.00). The shear bond strength required for debonding increased with increasing thickness of discs, but without significant difference (p=0.110). Higher ARI scores were seen in the laser groups (more cement remaining adhered to the tooth) when compared to the control groups. Conclusions: The Er,Cr:YSGG laser could be an effective and useful tool in debonding of lithium disilicate ceramic veneers as it decreases the shear bond strength required for veneer debonding.