The evaluation of the effects of surface treatments on different dental ceramic structures

Abstract

The surface treatments applied on dental ceramics are various glazing procedures, chemical interactions and polishing techniques. Thus, a smooth and resistant surface can be obtained. The smoothness of a restoration provides minimizing the bacterial adhesion, maintaining the periodontal health and the aesthetic, and preventing the probable abrasions of the antagonist dental arch. The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of different surface treatments on the structural surface properties of widely used dental ceramics. The dental ceramics used were; IPS d. SIGN (IvoclarSchaan, Liechtenstein), Antagon (Elephant Hoorn, Holland), Ceramco 3 (DeguDent GmbH, USA) ve Vitadur Alpha (Vita, Germany). The materials and methods used in the surface treatment were grit papers, rubbers, Sof-Lex finishing kit, HP paste, autoglaze, overglaze and ion changing. The effect of different surface treatments on surface roughness and microtexture of dental ceramics was determined using profilometry. The results were statistically analyzed with the one way ANOVA analysis of variance test. The profilometry results showed that the surface smoothness was ranged as follows: overglaze, autoglaze, HP paste, rubber, Sof-Lex and grit paper. The surface treatment methods did not showed significant difference between various dental ceramics. It was determined that HP paste was a practical and suitable material for clinical use. The overglaze and autoglaze procedures sufficient surface smoothness and roughness were suitable for clinical use.