Yttria-stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal Ceramics Research Articles

Defects in the grain interiors of 3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramics with 0.25 wt% alumina

Defects in the grain interiors of 3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramics with 0.25 wt% alumina

Physicochemical and biological properties of Y-TZP ceramics modified by infiltration with different bioactive glasses for dental implant

Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) are widely used as dental materials due to their excellent mechanical properties and appearance. However, its biological inertness limits its application for dental implants. In this study, the dry-press molded and low-temperature pre-sintered Y-TZP compacts were immersed in 58S, 68S, and 77S bioactive glass (BG) sols prepared by sol-gel method. The different BG sols were infiltrated into the Y-TZP pre-sintered compacts under negative pressure. After aging and drying, the infiltrated Y-TZP compacts were rapidly sintered at 1410 °C through microwave sintering. Results of physicochemical characterizations, including phase composition, morphology, microstructure, and flexural strength, confirm that these three BGs have successfully infiltrated into the Y-TZP matrix and remained therein. Although the modification compromised the densification and mechanical properties of Y-TZP, the flexural strength of the modified Y-TZP/BG samples could still meet the requirement of ISO 6872:2015 (Class 4: >500 MPa). Furthermore, the modified Y-TZP/BG samples showed better bioactivity, primarily characterized by superior protein adsorption capacity and the sustained release of osteogenic-related ions into the culture medium without inducing significant pH changes. Cells cultured on the surface of Y-TZP samples also exhibited better adhesion, spreading, viability, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. The enhanced bioactivity and osteogenic inductivity of Y-TZP/BG samples highlight the promising potential of Y-TZP ceramics infiltrated with different BGs for dental implant applications.

Enhanced bioactivity and hydrothermal aging resistance of Y-TZP ceramics for dental implant.

Although yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) ceramics have been widely used as restorative materials due to their high mechanical strength, unique esthetic effect, and good biocompatibility, their general application to implant materials is still limited by their biological inertness and hydrothermal aging phenomenon. Existing studies have attempted to investigate how to enhance the bioactivity or hydrothermal aging resistance of Y-TZP. Still, more studies need to be done on the modification that combines these two aspects. In this study, Y-TZP was prepared by 77S bioactive glass (BG) sol and akermanite (AKT) sol infiltration and microwave sintering, which provided Y-TZP with high bioactivity while maintaining resistance to hydrothermal aging. Results of phase composition evaluation, microstructural characteristics, and mechanical property tests showed that modified Y-TZP specimens exhibited little or no tetragonal-to-monoclinic (t → m) transformation and maintained relatively high mechanical properties after accelerated hydrothermal aging treatment. The in vitro biological behaviors showed that the introduction of 77S BG and AKT significantly promoted cell adhesion, spreading, viability, and proliferation on the surface of modified Y-TZP ceramics. Therefore, this modification could effectively enhance the bioactivity and hydrothermal aging resistance of Y-TZP ceramics for its application in dental implant materials.

Effects of Hydrothermal Treatment on the Phase Transformation, Surface Roughness, and Mechanical Properties of Monolithic Translucent Zirconia.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydrothermal treatment on four types of monolithic, translucent, yttria-stabilized, tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZPs). Two commercially available Y-TZP brands-SuperfectZir High Translucency (Aidite Technology Co, China) and Katana HT (Kuraray Noritake Dental, Japan) were assessed. For each brand of Y-TZP, materials of four coloring types, including noncolored (NC), colored by staining (CS), precolored (PC), and multilayered (ML) specimens were investigated after hydrothermal aging in an autoclave at 134°C/0.2 MPa for 0 (control group), 5, 10, and 20 hours. The tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation, surface roughness, flexural strength, and structural reliability (Weibull analysis) were measured and statistically analyzed (α=0.05). The subsurface microstructure was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy. The group ML exhibited the lowest flexural strength and Weibull characteristic strength among the four coloring types (p<0.05). Slight increases in the monoclinic phase volume, flexural strength, and Weibull characteristic strength were observed after hydrothermal aging (pall<0.05). Regardless of coloring type, no significant effects of aging on the Weibull modulus or surface roughness were found for the tested materials. Compared with the Katana HT cross-sections, the SuperfectZir High Translucency cross-sections exhibited a similar but thicker transformation zone. The coloring procedure and material type were found to affect the mechanical properties and aging resistance of translucent monolithic Y-TZP ceramics. Regardless of the aging time, the surface roughness of the tested Y-TZP ceramics remained unchanged.

Effects of surface modification techniques on zirconia substrates and their effect on bonding to dual cure resin cement - An in- vitro study.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments of monolithic zirconia on the bond strength of resin to zirconia and, to explore alternative methods to improve this bonding. In-Vitro study. Fifty rectangular sintered blocks of Yttria-stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal ceramics of dimensions were milled and sintered. These specimens were further divided into five groups (control, air abrasion, etching with primer application, air abrasion with primer application and novel glass infiltrated zirconia surface group), containing 10 samples each. The specimens were analyzed for surface roughness, tensile bond strength to resin cements, and adhesive and cohesive mode of failures. ANOVA and Post-Hoc Tukey test was perform to evaluate the significant differences in the mean values of the groups. Air-abraded samples showed the highest surface roughness (4.95 ± 0.65) (P < 0.05). The group with air abrasion followed by primer application showed the highest tensile bond strength (7.12 ± 0.69) (P < 0.05). The lowest surface roughness (0.638 ± 0.8093) and tensile bond strength (2.03 ± 0.58) was seen in samples that were subjected to etchant treatment followed by application of methacryloyloxydecyl di-hydrogen phosphate (MDP) primer. The changes in comparison to the control group were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Except Groups A (control) and C (etchant followed by primer), all other groups showed a cohesive failure. Air abrasion of the zirconia surface with 50 μm alumina particles increases the surface roughness without damaging the surface. Air abrasion followed by MDP primer application is the recommended method of surface treatment to achieve superior bonding. Glass infiltration also showed promising results in terms of tensile bond strength.

Comparison of optical and crystal properties of three translucent yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals with those of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic material

Background/purposeAmong the ceramic materials used for all-ceramic crowns, zirconia has high biocompatibility and favorable mechanical properties, but its main drawbacks include low translucency and stress-induced phase transformation. To stabilize high-strength tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP), 3–5 mol% yttria is usually added to prepare yttria-stabilized TZP (Y-TZP). In this study, the optical properties of three commercial Y-TZP ceramics were compared with those of the clinically available glass-ceramic material of lithium disilicate, and the relationship between translucency and crystal properties was analyzed in vitro. Materials and methodsTwelve 5-mm-thick standardized disks were prepared from three Y-TZP ceramics and one lithium disilicate block. Absolute translucency was measured using a spectrophotometer with an integrating sphere. X-ray diffraction was used to quantify the main structural parameters (i.e., preferred plane, quantitative phase, and grain size) of Y-TZP crystals. ResultsThe product-dominated phase of Y-TZP exhibited a tetragonal lattice pattern, and the preferred planes had minor variations. The diffraction patterns of the three Y-TZP ceramics demonstrated minor effects on translucency, without significant differences (p > 0.05). The grain size of 54–70 nm was negatively related to translucency in Y-TZP. Lithium disilicate specimens had significantly higher translucency than the three Y-TZP specimens (p < 0.001). ConclusionGrain size reduction played an essential role in developing highly translucent Y-TZP ceramics. The three Y-TZP ceramics were essentially opaque but exhibited poorer translucency than lithium disilicate in terms of esthetics.

Effects of Aging on the Color and Translucency of Monolithic Translucent Y-TZP Ceramics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of In Vitro Studies.

Background Monolithic restorations made of translucent yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) have become popular over the past few decades. However, whether aging affects the color and translucency of monolithic translucent Y-TZP is unclear. Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies was to evaluate the effects of aging on the color and translucency of monolithic translucent Y-TZP ceramics. Materials and Methods This systematic review/meta-analysis was reported according to the PRISMA statement and registered in the OSF registries (https://osf.io/5qjmu). Four databases including Medline via the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases and the Cochrane Library were searched using no publication year and language limits. The last search was executed on November 20, 2020. In vitro studies comparing the translucency and/or color of monolithic translucent Y-TZP ceramics before and after simulated aging were selected. Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager software (version 5.3, Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) with random-effects models at a significance level of 0.05. A risk-of-bias assessment was also performed for the included studies. Results Of the 188 potentially relevant studies, 13 were included in the systematic review. The hydrothermal aging duration ranged from 1 to 100 h at relatively similar temperatures (~134°C). In the general meta-analyses, the aged Y-TZP ceramics exhibited similar translucency parameter (TP), L∗, and b∗ values compared with the nonaged controls (P = .73, P = .49, and P = .62, respectively). Moreover, there was a significant difference between the aged and nonaged Y-TZP ceramics in the a∗ value (P = .03; MD = −0.26; 95% CI = −0.51 to − 0.02), favoring the nonaged Y-TZP ceramics. The subgroup analyses showed that the duration of aging contributed to changes in the translucency and color of the Y-TZP ceramics. Conclusions The optical properties of monolithic translucent Y-TZP ceramics were stable after hydrothermal aging at 134°C and 0.2 MPa for ≤20 h. Moreover, clinically unacceptable changes in the translucency and color of monolithic translucent Y-TZP ceramics were found after hydrothermal aging for >20 h.

Effect of cementation delay on bonding of self-adhesive resin cement to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramic treated with nonthermal argon plasma

Statement of problemNonthermal argon plasma (NTAP) has been reported to improve the bond strength of resin cements to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics. However, the effect of the inevitable delay before cementation and after treating Y-TZP ceramics with NTAP is unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate whether delays of 8, 12, and 24 hours between the Y-TZP ceramic treatment with NTAP and the cementation would affect the surface energy and the bond strength of a self-adhesive resin cement to Y-TZP ceramic. Material and methodsSixty plates and 50 blocks of 3Y-TZP ceramic were divided into 2 groups (n=30 and n=25): as-sintered (AS) and airborne-particle abraded with 50-μm Al2O3 (APA). These groups were further divided into 5 subgroups (n=6 and n=5) according to the delay between the NTAP treatment and the measurement of surface energy and microtensile bond strength (μTBS) evaluation: (0, 8, 12, and 24 hours). For both 3Y-TZP surface conditions (AS and APA), a control group without NTAP treatment was used (ASC and APAC). The surface energy (SE) was evaluated with a goniometer and the 3Y-TZP elemental composition with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). For the μTBS test, the 3Y-TZP ceramic blocks were cemented to composite resin blocks with a self-adhesive resin cement. After storage in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 hours, the 3Y-TZP-composite resin blocks were sectioned into beams and submitted to a μTBS test. Data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (α=.05). ResultsFor the AS group, NTAP increased the SE irrespective of the delay before measurement: ASC<0 hour=8 hours=12 hours=24 hours (P<.05). For the APA group, except after 12 hours, NTAP also increased the surface energy (P<.05). XPS analysis showed an increase in the oxygen/carbon ratio after NTAP treatment for both groups. For the AS group, NTAP increased the μTBS after 0, 8, and 12 hours (P<.05), whereas for the APA group this occurred only after 8 hours (P<.05). For the AS and APA groups, the highest μTBS was reached after 8 hours (P<.05). ConclusionsTreatment of 3Y-TZP ceramic with NTAP improved the SE and increased the μTBS of self-adhesive resin cement to 3Y-TZP ceramic. These effects were time dependent, with better results at 8 hours after NTAP treatment.

Effect of hydrofluoric acid-based etchant at an elevated temperature on the bond strength and surface topography of Y-TZP ceramics.

ObjectivesThis study investigated the effects of a hydrofluoric acid (HA; solution of hydrogen fluoride [HF] in water)-based smart etching (SE) solution at an elevated temperature on yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics in terms of bond strength and morphological changes.Materials and MethodsEighty sintered Y-TZP specimens were prepared for shear bond strength (SBS) testing. The bonding surface of the Y-TZP specimens was treated with 37% phosphoric acid etching at 20°C–25°C, 4% HA etching at 20°C–25°C, or HA-based SE at 70°C–80°C. In all groups, zirconia primers were applied to the bonding surface of Y-TZP. For each group, 2 types of resin cement (with or without methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate [MDP]) were used. SBS testing was performed. Topographic changes of the etched Y-TZP surface were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results were analyzed and compared using 2-way analysis of variance.ResultsRegardless of the type of resin cement, the highest bond strength was measured in the SE group, with significant differences compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). In all groups, MDP-containing resin cement yielded significantly higher bond strength values than MDP-free resin cement (p < 0.05). It was also shown that the Y-TZP surface was etched by the SE solution, causing a large change in the surface topography.ConclusionsBond strength significantly improved when a heated HA-based SE solution was applied to the Y-TZP surface, and the etched Y-TZP surface was more irregular and had higher surface roughness.

Clinical factors affecting the translucency of monolithic Y-TZP ceramics.

The use of monolithic yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics in aesthetically critical regions is questionable because of the insufficient translucency and opacity of the restorations. Intrinsic (manufacturing process) and extrinsic factors (laboratory procedures and clinical factors) can affect the translucency of monolithic zirconia. In this narrative review, the clinical factors (thickness, cementation type, colour of the monolithic zirconia, surface finishing methods and wear, dental background, cement colour, low temperature degradation) affecting the translucency of monolithic Y-TZP ceramics were reported.

Effects of Pretreatment, Specimen Thickness, and Artificial Aging on Biaxial Flexural Strength of Two Types of Y-TZP Ceramics.

To evaluate the effects of surface treatment, specimen thickness, and aging on the biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of two types of yttria-stabilized, tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics. Disc-shaped specimens, 0.4 and 1.3 mm thick, made from hot isostatic pressed (Denzir) and non-hot isostatic pressed (ZirPlus) Y-TZP, were sandblasted, heat treated, and autoclaved. The surface topography was assessed in accordance with European Standard 623-624:2004 and the BFS tests in accordance with International Organization for Standardization Standard 6872:2008. For statistical analyses, one-way Shapiro-Wilk test, analysis of variance (post hoc: least significant differences), Mann-Whitney U-test, and Pearson correlation tests (p<0.05) were used. As delivered, the BFS of the 0.4-mm ZirPlus was >1.3-mm ZirPlus (p<0.01), and the BFS of the 0.4-mm Denzir was >1.3-mm Denzir (p<0.001). Sandblasting with 0.2 MPa reduced the BFS of the ZirPlus and Denzir discs (p<0.01), whereas sandblasting with 0.6 MPa increased the BFS of the 0.4-mm Denzir (p<0.001) and reduced the BFS of the 0.4-mm ZirPlus (p<0.05). Heat treatment significantly reduced the BFS of all the groups except for the 0.6 MPa sandblasted 0.4-mm ZirPlus. Autoclaving reduced the BFS of the as-delivered ZirPlus and Denzir specimens (p<0.001), whereas autoclaving the 0.6 MPa sandblasted and heat-treated specimens had no effect (p>0.05) on the BFS. The 0.6 MPa sandblasted, heat-treated, and autoclaved 0.4-mm Denzir exhibited higher BFS than the 0.6 MPa sandblasted, heat-treated, and autoclaved 0.4-mm ZirPlus (p<0.05). Thickness and surface treatment of Y-TZP-based ceramics should be considered since those factors could influence the BFS of the material.

Chemical Bonding to Novel Translucent Zirconias: A Mechanical and Molecular Investigation.

To investigate direct bonding of a 10-MDP-based cement to two novel translucent yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramics (4Y-TZP, 5Y-TZP) and observe the influence of thermocycling on this bonding. Powders of presintered and isostatically pressed 5Y-TZP, 4Y-TZP and 3Y-TZP were mixed with a 10-MDP-based cement (Panavia F 2.0), then stored in deionized water for 48 h at 37°C or thermocycled 10,000 times. Raman spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to assess the presence of a functional group (PO32-) that could indicate bonding before and after thermocycling. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to identify the presence of the suspected Zr-O-P bond in the same specimens. A shear-bond strength (SBS) test was conducted based on ISO 29022:2013. Marked peaks assigned to the asymmetric vibrations of the PO32- functional group were observed in both zirconias before and after thermocycling. The binding energy corresponding to Zr-O-P interactions (531.5 eV) was masked by the aluminosilicate in the filler of the cement. Shear bond strengths were approximately 20 MPa after water storage and approximately 6 MPa after thermocycling. No differences were found between the control group and the translucent zirconias. Direct bonding of the 10-MDP-based cement to both 4Y-TZP and 5Y-TZP was highly plausible. Both 4Y-TZP and 5Y-TZP may be promising alternatives to glass-ceramic restorations.

Effects of MDP-based primers on shear bond strength between resin cement and zirconia.

Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics are widely used for fixed dental prostheses and dental implants. Various primers have been introduced to enhance the bonding strength of zirconia crowns. The aim of current study was to analyze the effects of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) primers on the shear bond strength between zirconia crowns and resin cement were assessed. The total sample size included 90 samples of Y-TZP ceramic surfaces. Samples in group I were abraded with aluminum oxide. Samples in groups II and III were abraded and primed with the zirconia and Z-PrimePlus MDP primers, respectively. Group IV samples did not undergo any treatment or application. Group V and VI samples did not undergo any abrasion but were primed with zirconia and Z-PrimePlus MDP primers, respectively. Prior to bonding of the resin cement, the primers were applied for 1 min and air-dried. Then, Clearfil SA luting self-adhesive resin cement was coated onto the zirconia crowns. The highest bond strength was achieved in group III, followed by group II, and group IV exhibited the lowest bond strength between Y-TZP ceramic and adhesive resin cement. Therefore, the application of MDP primers yielded greater bond strength between Y-TZP ceramics and adhesive resin cement, compared with the group without the use of primers.

Bond Strength Stability of Self-adhesive Resin Cement to Etched Vitrified Yttria-stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal Ceramic After Thermomechanical Cycling.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of thermomechanical cycling on the bond strength stability of self-adhesive resin cement to vitrified yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramic. Y-TZP ceramic blocks were divided into four groups according to the surface treatments: AS, as sintered; SB, sandblasted with 50-μm Al2O3 particles; LG, vitrification with a low-fusing glaze and etching with 10% hydrofluoric acid; and HC, vitrification with a ceramic liner and etching with 10% hydrofluoric acid. Lithium disilicate ceramic blocks etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 20 seconds (EM) were also tested. Blocks of resin composite were cemented on the ceramic block surfaces using a self-adhesive resin cement. Half of the blocks from each group were cut into beams and submitted to microtensile bond strength (μTBS) testing after immersion in water at 37°C for 24 hours and the other half after mechanical (1,200,000 cycles, 98 N, 2.5 Hz) and thermal (10,000 cycles, 5-55°C, 30-second dwell time) cycling (TMC). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's honest significant difference post hoc test, and Student t-test (α=0.05). After 24 hours, EM and LG presented similar and the highest μTBS, whereas AS showed the lowest μTBS (p<0.05). After TMC, EM presented the highest μTBS, followed by LG (p<0.05). Only EM and LG maintained the stability of μTBS after TMC (p>0.05). The bonding to Y-TZP ceramic vitrified with a low-fusing glaze withstood thermomechanical cycling.

Effect of different times of nonthermal argon plasma treatment on the microtensile bond strength of self-adhesive resin cement to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramic

Statement of problemNonthermal argon plasma may increase the surface energy of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) dental ceramics. However, studies that evaluated the effect of increased plasma treatment times on the bond strength of resin cements to Y-TZP ceramics are lacking. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different nonthermal argon plasma (NTAP) treatment times on the surface energy and bond strength of a self-adhesive resin cement to Y-TZP ceramic. Material and methodsForty-eighty Y-TZP plates were divided into 2 groups (n=24): as-sintered (AS) and airborne-particle abrasion (APA) with 50-μm Al2O3, which were subdivided into 4 groups (n=6) according to the time of NTAP treatment: 0, 20, 60, and 120 seconds. The surface energy was evaluated with a goniometer. Forty Y-TZP blocks submitted to the same surface treatments (8 groups; n=5) were cemented to composite resin blocks, using a self-adhesive resin cement. After storage in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours, the Y-TZP-composite resin blocks were cut into beams and submitted to a microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test. Data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey honestly significant differences test (α=.05). ResultsTreatment with NTAP increased the surface energy for AS and APA groups (P<.05). For both groups, the μTBS was as follows: 0 seconds < 20 seconds < 60 seconds = 120 seconds (P<.05). Only after 120 seconds of NTAP treatment was the μTBS of APA higher than that of AS (P<.05). ConclusionsTreatment with NTAP improved the surface energy and increased the μTBS of self-adhesive resin cement to Y-TZP ceramic, with higher times of plasma treatment resulting in higher bond strength.

Novel Zirconia Materials in Dentistry

Zirconias, the strongest of the dental ceramics, are increasingly being fabricated in monolithic form for a range of clinical applications. Y-TZP (yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal) is the most widely used variant. However, current Y-TZP ceramics on the market lack the aesthetics of competitive glass-ceramics and are therefore somewhat restricted in the anterior region. This article reviews the progressive development of currently available and next-generation zirconias, representing a concerted drive toward greater translucency while preserving adequate strength and toughness. Limitations of efforts directed toward this end are examined, such as reducing the content of light-scattering alumina sintering aid or incorporating a component of optically isotropic cubic phase into the tetragonal structure. The latest fabrication routes based on refined starting powders and dopants, with innovative sintering protocols and associated surface treatments, are described. The need to understand the several, often complex, mechanisms of long-term failure in relation to routine laboratory test data is presented as a vital step in bridging the gaps among material scientist, dental manufacturer, and clinical provider.

Effect of sandblasting on bending strength and subcritical crack growth of the dental zirconia ceramics

Objective: To evaluate the effect of sandblasting on bending strength and subcritical crack growth (SCG) under cyclic loading of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics. Methods: After being polished, sixty bar-shaped specimens of Y-TZP (Wieland zirconia ceramics) were assigned to two groups (n=30) according to the random number table, the sandblasting group (SG) which was treated with sandblasting and the control group (CG) which remained untouched. In each group, half of the specimens (n=15) were subjected to bending strength test, and the results were examined by Weibull statistics and analyzed with ANOVA. The other 15 specimens in each group were subjected to fatigue tests. The results were examined by Weibull statistics and subcritical crack propagation rates were calculated. Results: The bending strengths of SG and CG were (1 291±133) and (1 140±124) MPa (F=10.117, P=0.004), and the Weibull modules of the two groups were 11.06 and 10.64 respectively. The crack growth rate of SCG of SG was lower than that of CG under the same cyclic loading. Conclusions: Proper sandblasting on Y-TZP ceramic can increase its bending strength and resistance to SCG.

Characterization of Conventional and High-Translucency Y-TZP Dental Ceramics Submitted to Air Abrasion.

This study evaluated the effect of air-abrasion on t®m phase transformation, roughness, topography and the elemental composition of three Y-TZP (Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal) dental ceramics: two conventional (Lava Frame and IPS ZirCad) and one with high-translucency (Lava Plus). Plates obtained from sintered blocks of each ceramic were divided into four groups: AS (as-sintered); 30 (air-abrasion with 30 mm Si-coated Al2O3 particles); 50 (air-abrasion with 50 mm Al2O3 particles) and 150 (air-abrasion with 150 mm Al2O3 particles). After the treatments, the plates were submitted to X-ray diffractometry; 3-D profilometry and SEM/EDS. The AS surfaces were composed of Zr and t phases. All treatments produced t®m phase transformation in the ceramics. The diameter of air-abrasion particles influenced the roughness (150>50>30>AS) and the topography. SEM analysis showed that the three treatments produced groove-shaped microretentions on the ceramic surfaces, which increased with the diameter of air-abrasion particles. EDS showed a decrease in Zr content along with the emergence of O and Al elements after air-abrasion. Presence of Si was also detected on the plates air-abraded with 30 mm Si-coated Al2O3 particles. It was concluded that irrespective of the type and diameter of the particles, air-abrasion produced t®m phase transformation, increased the roughness and changed the elemental composition of the three Y-TZP dental ceramics. Lava Plus also behaved similarly to the conventional Y-TZP ceramics, indicating that this high translucency ceramic could be more suitable to build monolithic ceramic restorations in the aesthetic restorative dentistry field.

The role of functional phosphoric acid ester monomers in the surface treatment of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals.

This study aimed to evaluate the bond strength of a resin cement to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZPs) treated with three different phosphate functional monomers containing primers by measuring the water contact angle. Seventy Y-TZP discs were divided into seven experimental groups (n=10), including an untreated (control) group. Specimens were treated with one of the following monomers: MDP (MD), GPDM (GP), and Phenyl-P (PP). After primer application and air drying, half the treated specimens were ultrasonically cleaned in ethanol for 2 min (MD-e, GP-e, and PP-e), and contact angles were measured. The tensile bond strength test was performed after storage for 24 h in 37°C water. The contact angle on the MD-e surface (64°) was significantly higher than that on the Con, GP-e, and PP-e surfaces (51°-52°). The application of the MDP-containing primer resulted in significantly higher bond strength between Y-TZP ceramics and a resin cement.

Reprint of “Biomimetic apatite coating on yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia utilizing femtosecond laser surface processing”

Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) have been used in orthopedic and dental implants because of their excellent physicochemical properties. In this study, we developed an apatite coating technique with low thermal effects for Y-TZP ceramics based on a biomimetic process using a supersaturated calcium phosphate solution (CP solution) as a coating medium. To achieve this, we performed femtosecond laser processing with low thermal effects as a surface pre-modification tool for Y-TZP ceramics. By changing the laser scanning mode, we fabricated two different submicro-/micro-structures on the Y-TZP sample. Both laser-treated samples showed increased water wettability due to ablation plasma and partly formed an apatite layer on their surfaces in the CP solution within 7 days. To further enhance the apatite-forming ability, we applied an alternate dipping process to the laser-treated sample in order to precoat the sample with apatite precursors. The laser-treated and precursor-precoated sample successfully formed an apatite layer on the entire surface in the CP solution within a shorter time period (24 h). The thus-coated apatite layer adhered to the sample so strongly that the layer remained on the sample even after the tape-detaching test. This strong adhesion may be attributed to the mechanical interlocking effects due to laser-induced surface roughening. Our proposed apatite-coating technique using the laser- and precursor-assisted biomimetic process would be useful for the creation of apatite-coated Y-TZP ceramics for orthopedic and dental applications.