Yttria-stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystalline Research Articles

Flexural Strength of Different Monolithic Computer-Assisted Design and Computer-Assisted Manufacturing Ceramic Materials Upon Accelerated Aging.

The durability of ceramic is crucial, which is probably influenced by aging. This study evaluated the effect of aging on flexural strength of different ceramics. One-hundred twenty ceramic discs (Ø 12 mm, 1.5 mm thickness) were prepared from zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS, C), lithium disilicate (LS2, E), precolored yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP, Ip), and customized color Y-TZP (Ic). Samples were randomly divided into two groups for accelerated aging (A) between 5 and 55°C water baths, 30-second immersing time each, for 10,000 cycles, and nonaged group (N), serving as control. Biaxial flexural strength (σ) was evaluated utilizing the piston-on-three-balls at 0.5 mm/min speed. Analysis of variance and Tukey comparisons were determined for significant differences (α = 0.05). Weibull analysis was applied for survival probability, Weibull modulus (m), and characteristic strength (σo). Microstructures were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The highest σ and σo were seen for IcN, followed by IcA, IpN, IpA, EN, CA, CN, and EA, respectively. CN showed the highest m, while EA showed the lowest m. Significant differences of σ for each ceramic were indicated (p < 0.05). Aging caused a significant difference in σ (p < 0.05). XRD showed t→m phase transformation of Ip and Ic after aging. Aging affected strength of ceramics. Comparable strength between LS2 and ZLS was evidenced, but both were less strength than Y-TZP either aging or non-aging. Comparable strength between precolored Y-TZP and customized color Y-TZP was indicated. Better resisting aging deterioration of Y-TZP than LS2 and ZLS is suggested for fabrication restorative reconstruction.

Rapid processes for the production of nanocrystal yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramics: ultrasonic spray pyrolysis synthesis and high-frequency induction sintering

In this study, nanocrystalline 3 mol % yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) ceramic was produced by sintering with a high-frequency induction heating (HFIH) system of granular powders obtained by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) at 600 °C. The granular nano-sized powders (10-30 nm) were micron in size (average size: 700 nm), spherical in shape and amorphous. The influences of the HFIH sintering temperature (1400-1600 °C), applied current time (60-300 sec.) and the mechanical pressure (10 MPa and 20 MPa) on the final density and grain size of the products were investigated. The amorphous granular Y-TZP powders compressed with the HFIH system allow very rapid condensation in the tetragonal phase at high density and avoid grain growth. High density (relative density over 95) nanocrystalline Y-TZP ceramic with ∼70 nm size could be obtained from the simultaneous application of 20 MPa pressure and an induced current within 300 sec. of sintering time at 1500 °C. In this condition, the sample’s maximum hardness and fracture toughness values were reached at 14.9 GPa and 3.8 MPa·m1/2, respectively. Y-TZP powders produced in nano-micro structure with the USP system were sintered with the HFIH system and rapid production was achieved by preventing grain growth.

Evaluation of Bond Strength and Fracture Load of Teeth With Flared Root Canals Restored With Prefabricated, Anatomical, and Computer-aided Design and Computer-aided Manufacturing Fiber Posts.

This study compared the use of anatomical glass fiber posts using bulk-fill composite resin with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milled glass fiber post in oversized root canals, through bond strength (BS) and fracture resistance (FR) tests (fracture load). A total of 48 mandibular premolars were selected, half of them had their crowns removed at the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and the other half were sectioned 2 mm above the CEJ. Subsequently, teeth were endodontically treated. After 1 week, the standard preparation of the canals was carried out, and the roots were divided into three groups (n=16), according to the use of different restorative techniques (control: prefabricated glass fiber post [PFP], direct anatomical glass fiber post [AFP], and CAD/CAM milled glass fiber post [MFP]). After luting procedures using Single Bond Universal and RelyX Ultimate (3M ESPE), for eight teeth in each group, six specimens were obtained (two slices from each root third: cervical, middle, and apical). For the remaining eight roots of each group, standardized preparations for metal-free crowns, milling of 5 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline, cementation of the crowns, and periodontal ligament simulation were performed. Then, for each group, the BS was evaluated through the push-out test, and the FR was evaluated in compression. The data obtained from BS were submitted to two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA; group vs root region) and Tukey (α=0.05) and from FR to one-way ANOVA (group) and Tukey (α=0.05). For the BS test, the MFP group was statistically superior to the PFP group in all root regions and was statistically superior to the AFP group only in the cervical region, being statistically similar in the middle and apical root regions. For the FR test, the MFP group was statistically superior to the PFP and AFP groups. The milled fiber post technique can be a legitimate alternative in the restoration of weakened roots with flared root canals.

The impact of different polishing systems on yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline crowns in relation to heat generation.

To investigate the heat generation on yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) crowns during polishing with coarse and fine polishing systems at various speeds. Two polishers (coarse and fine) at three polishing speeds were investigated. Two simulation models of the first mandibular molars were prepared for full coverage Y-TZP restorations with different reduction dimensions. Preheated water was pumped into the abutment chamber, to simulate the intrapulpal temperature and blood flow. Twelve Y-TZP crowns (3M™ Lava™ Esthetic) were milled for each prepared tooth abutment and each cusp (n = 10) was individually ground for 30 s and polished for 2 min. Thermocouple wire was secured to the intaglio surface of the crown and linked to a data logger for recording temperature changes. Selected scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the treated surfaces and polishers were analyzed. The data was statistically analyzed using Prism 9. The highest temperature rise was observed in the 20,000 RPM polishing speed groups for both coarse and fine polishing, and higher than the threshold value of 5.5°C for pulp damage. The Kruskal-Wallis test, revealed statistically significant differences (p < .0001) in heat generation between low (10,000 RPM) and high (20,000 RPM) polishing speeds. High-speed polishing at 20,000 RPM generated the most heat over the threshold of 5.5°C, which would threaten the dental pulp. The results suggest that a cautionary approach should be taken to high-speed intraoral polishing. Dental clinicians should be aware of the choice of polishing systems and speeds to avoid pulp damage from intraoral polishing of Y-TZP restorations.

Effect of nonthermal argon plasma treatment on the surface properties and phase transformation of zirconia.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of applying different parameters of nonthermal argon plasma (NTAP) on the surface roughness and phase transformation of yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) ceramics. A total of 60 zirconia samples were prepared and randomly divided into six groups according to their surface treatments (n = 10). Group 1: control group; Group 2: argon plasma with a flow rate of 5 lt/min for 4 min; Group 3: 8 lt/min for 4 min; Group 4: 8 lt/min for 2 min; Group 5: 5 l/min for 2 min; Group 6: air abrasion with Al2O3 particle. The surface roughness was measured with a profilometer, and surface topography was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to investigate the phase transformation. The air abrasion group showed the highest surface roughness. The lowest relative monoclinic phase amount (Xm) was observed in the control group (0.4%), and the highest Xm value was observed in group 6 (7.8%). While the air abrasion group showed the highest average surface roughness, it also caused the highest phase transformation. With a flow rate of 8 lt/min for 2 min NTAP treatment increased the surface roughness without causing significant phase transformation.

The Effect of Simulated Chewing on the Surface Roughness of Direct and Indirect Resin-Composites Opposed by Zirconia: An In Vitro Study.

Purpose To assess the surface roughness of two different light-cured resin-composites when opposed by monolithic zirconia after simulated mastication. Materials and Methods Materials included a direct restorative nanohybrid (n = 10) and an indirect microhybrid (n = 10) resin-composite (Tetric EvoCeram and Sinfony, respectively). The antagonist material was 3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic. Each material was subjected to in vitro chewing against zirconia using a chewing simulator for 250,000 cycles. A 3D profilometer was used to assess the surface roughness parameters of each resin-composite before and after the simulated chewing. Independent t-test and paired sample t-test were performed to compare roughness values for both materials and to compare baseline and after chewing simulation values (p = 0.05). Results Sinfony showed significantly greater roughness values compared to Tetric EvoCeram (p ≤ 0.025) before and after simulated chewing, except for Sa and Sv parameters after simulated chewing where the difference between the two materials was insignificant (p = 0.06 and 0.89, respectively). Surface roughness increased for both materials after simulated chewing compared to baseline values, but the difference was insignificant (p ≥ 0.065). However, Sa (p = 0.04) and Sv (p = 0.012) for Tetric EvoCeram were significantly higher after compared to before chewing simulation. Conclusion Tetric EvoCeram had a smoother surface than Sinfony before and after simulated chewing. Surface roughness for both materials was higher after simulated chewing compared to baseline values which represent surface damage that was significant for Tetric EvoCeram while Sinfony showed better resistance.

Effects of di-ammonium citrate: polyvinylpyrrolidone as a complexion dispersants on 3Y-TZP slurries and sintered body properties

A wide application of 3 mol% Yttria-stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Poly-crystalline (3Y-TZP) makes the concern of ceramic processing required to produce strong and reliable engineering ceramic products. In this study, we successfully improved the 3Y-TZP mechanical properties by paying great concern to the early processing of 3Y-TZP powder. Here, we used the concept of colloidal processing by manipulating the 3Y-TZP inter-particle force as a combination of steric and depletion stabilization. Di-ammonium citrate (DAC) was used to induce steric stabilization utilizing the DAC’s carboxyl group to strongly bond with the OH group of the 3Y-TZP. While Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) which could not bond with 3Y-TZP, leaves it freely as an un-attached polymer in slurries and induces a depletion stabilization mechanism. Using the combination of steric and depletion stabilization, the YSZ slurries stability is improved, and a uniform and smaller particle size can be obtained. As the result, better microstructure and high mechanical properties of the sintered body, such as higher density and Vickers hardness, can be achieved. By comparing to the sintered body of 3Y-TZP containing just DAC and 3Y-TZP containing a combination of DAC and PVP, better-sintered body properties can be found for the 3Y-TZP containing the combination of DAC and PVP, and the results can be listed as follows: grain size reduced from 0.420 to 0.281 um, density is increased from 94.5 to 99.3%, and Vickers hardness increases from 1190 to 1305 HV.

Effect of Grinding and Regenerative Heat Treatment on the Fracture Resistance of a Zirconia/Porcelain Veneer Interface.

To experimentally assess the effect of regenerative heat treatment (HT) on yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic (Y-TZP) to guarantee veneer adhesion strength. One surface of bar-shaped Y-TZP specimens was ground (G) with a diamond stone, while the control samples (C) were not. Groups C900 and G900 were submitted to HT at 900°C for 60 min, whereas groups C1000 and G1000 were submitted to HT at 1000°C for 30 min. The treated surfaces were characterized by x-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical and mechanical profilometry. The energy release rate through interface fracture was determined by a four-point bending test on notched Y-TZP veneered specimens. XRD was refined by the Rietveld method, mean roughness (Ra) and energy release rate were submitted to two-way ANOVA (a = 0.05), and the images were analyzed descriptively. The monoclinic phase (vol%), means of Ra (µm), and the energy release rate (J/m2) were, respectively: C = 1.2/0.17/6.8, C900 = 0.0/0.18/6.6, C1000 = 0.0/0.18/7.6, G = 2.6/1.16/8.3, G900 = 0.0/1.07/8.0, and G1000 = 0.0/1.01/5.7. The surface fraction of monoclinic zirconia increased by grinding and decreased by HT. Ra also increased after grinding (p < 0.005) but remained unaltered after HT (p = 0.22). Increased irregularity was observed in the G groups and a subtle smoothing of the surface after HT. After the fracture of the bilayers, a residual amount of porcelain could be seen on the zirconia surface in all groups. The energy release rate was statistically equal among all groups (p > 0.05). Heat treatment after grinding completely restored the tetragonal phase of zirconia without altering the energy release rate during interfacial fracture.

Effect of mastication simulation on the phase transformation of posterior 3-unit monolithic zirconia fixed dental prostheses

Statement of problemMonolithic zirconia restorations are directly exposed to cyclic loads and temperature changes in the oral cavity after cementation. These stresses may reduce the long-term success of the material by causing uncontrolled phase transformations within the zirconia. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of mastication simulation and different measurement points on the phase transformation of posterior 3-unit monolithic zirconia partial fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) in the posterior region. Material and methodsPosterior 3-unit FDPs of monolithic yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP), including BruxZir Shaded (group B), FireZr (group F), and Upcera (group U) (n=10), were machined from presintered blocks. All specimens were exposed to mastication simulation (240 000 cycles/1.7 Hz/50 N). The monoclinic phase content was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Phase transformation was measured at the mesial connector (group M), distal connector (group D), and pontic regions (group P) before and after mastication simulation. The relative monoclinic phase amount (Xm) was calculated for all specimens. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and post hoc tests (α=.05). ResultsAccording to XRD analysis, Xm for all groups and regions showed higher results after aging than before aging (P<.05). Group B has the lowest Xm among the groups. Group B showed a statistically significant difference compared with both group F and group U (P<.05). There was no significant difference between group F and group U (P>.05). When the regions were evaluated regardless of brand and the groups were evaluated in terms of regions, no statistically significant difference was observed between connectors and the pontic region (P>.05). ConclusionsMastication simulation causes an increase in the Xm. However, this increase was unlikely to be clinically significant. There may be differences in phase transformation depending on the contents of the brands and sintering procedures. Variations in the phase quantity were independent of the connector regions and pontic for FDPs.

Optimized sintering and mechanical properties of Y-TZP ceramics for dental restorations by adding lithium disilicate glass ceramics

The novel dental ceramics can be fabricated at lower temperatures when sol-gel derived lithium disilicate glass ceramics (LDGC) was used as an additive for yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) ceramics. The effect of LDGC on the sintering, mechanical, and translucent properties of Y-TZP ceramics was investigated in the present study. The results showed that the LDGC additive effectively improved the densification of Y-TZP at 1100 °C, which was much lower than the sintering temperature for pure Y-TZP. When sintered at 1100 °C, the Y-TZP with 1 wt% LDGC reached a relative density of 95.45%, and prossessed a flexural strength of 482.4 MPa and a fracture toughness of 5.94 MPa·m1/2. Moreover, its translucency was also improved. While, the addition of LDGC could result in an escape of yttrium atoms from the grain lattice of zirconia, which induced the tetragonal-monoclinic transformation of zirconia and abnormal growth of monoclinic grains. The escaped yttrium atoms diffused into the intergranular glass phase. The results indicated that the novel Y-TZP-LDGC ceramics has a great potential to be used for all-ceramic restorations.

Adhesive bond integrity of Y‐TZP post with calcium fluoride infiltrated resin dentin adhesive: An SEM, EDX, FTIR and micro‐Raman study

The study aimed to synthesize calcium fluoride (CaF2) nanoparticles and compare the push‐out bond strength and viscosity of experimental adhesive (EA) and EA with 5 wt.% CaF2 (CAF‐5%). The CaF2 nanoparticles were synthesized and then characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM)‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and micro‐Raman spectroscopies. CaF2 nanoparticles were incorporated in the adhesives to yield two groups; gp‐1: EA‐CAF‐0% (control) and gp‐2: CAF‐5%. Canals of 20 teeth (N = 20) were prepared, and then yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y‐TZP) ceramic posts were cemented. Adhesives were assessed for push‐out bond strength and rheology. CaF2 filler was seen as irregularly shaped agglomerates on SEM. The EDX analysis demonstrated the presence of calcium and fluoride for the CAF‐5% group. The FTIR indicated characteristic bands for CaF2 containing materials. The micro‐Raman spectra of CaF2 nanoparticles demonstrated the presence of CaF2 by showing strong bands at 840 cm−1, 1380 cm‐1, and 1400 cm−1 for fluorine and 950 cm−1 and 1080 cm−1 for calcium ions. The highest push‐out bond strength values were obtained for CAF‐5% group samples (cervical: 9.67 ± 1.46 MPa, apical: 8.66 ± 1.24 MPa), and both adhesives revealed adhesive‐dentin interfacial fractures. The CAF‐5% adhesive also revealed comparable rheological properties with the controls. The addition of CaF2 nanoparticles in the adhesive improved its push‐out bond strength to Y‐TZP post and root dentin, although CAF‐5% showed reduced viscosity on rheological assessment (compared with the controls).

The Influence of Surface Preparation, Chewing Simulation, and Thermal Cycling on the Phase Composition of Dental Zirconia.

The effect of dental technical tools on the phase composition and roughness of 3/4/5 yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (3y-/4y-/5y-TZP) for application in prosthetic dentistry was investigated. Additionally, the X-ray diffraction methods of Garvie-Nicholson and Rietveld were compared in a dental restoration context. Seven plates from two manufacturers, each fabricated from commercially available zirconia (3/4/5 mol%) for application as dental restorative material, were stressed by different dental technical tools used for grinding and polishing, as well as by chewing simulation and thermocycling. All specimens were examined via laser microscopy (surface roughness) and X-ray diffraction (DIN EN ISO 13356 and the Rietveld method). As a result, the monoclinic phase fraction was halved by grinding for the 3y-TZP and transformed entirely into one of the tetragonal phases by polishing/chewing for all specimens. The tetragonal phase t is preferred for an yttria content of 3 mol% and phase t″ for 5 mol%. Mechanical stress, such as polishing or grinding, does not trigger low-temperature degradation (LTD), but it fosters a phase transformation from monoclinic to tetragonal under certain conditions. This may increase the translucency and deteriorate the mechanical properties to some extent.

Study of colored on the microwave sintering behavior of dental zirconia ceramics

ABSTRACT The aim of this work is to study the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of 3 mol% Yttria-stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystalline (3Y-TZP) materials doped with varying amounts of iron oxide (0, 400, 800, and 1000 ppm). We carried out full dense consolidation using two different sintering methods: fast-microwave technology at 1200°C and 1300°C, and conventional furnace at 1400°C. It was observed an improvement in density and hardness values, as well as great fracture toughness, and more intense color was achieved resulting in more natural color, similar to that of human teeth, using the microwave technique at 1300°C compared to the conventional method. However, the microwave-sintered specimens exhibited an increase in zirconia grains size and high color intensity along with iron oxide content when compared to conventional process, where the grain size does not vary with the coloring agent content. The results obtained in this work suggest that microwave technology can produce an increase in sintering activity due to the different dielectric properties of 3Y-TZP materials doped with Fe2O3. Another interesting confirmed result is that the addition of Fe2O3 presents a high resistance to low temperature hydrothermal degradation producing a delay in the aging process.

Fracture toughness enhancement of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramics through magnesia-partially stabilized zirconia addition

Abstract In this work, for the first time, we report a novel method on the fracture toughness enhancement of 3 mol % yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (3Y-TZP) ceramics through the incorporation of 8 mol % magnesia-partially stabilized zirconia (8 Mg-PSZ) powders having high fracture toughness. Highly densified composites (x3Y-TZP/y8Mg-PSZ; where x and y vary between 0.25 and 0.75 wt. %) were obtained with a relative density over 99% by pressureless sintering. Relative density, Vickers hardness (HV) and indentation fracture toughness (KIc) were significantly improved by sintering temperature and dwell-time increment. Specifically, HV and KIc values of 0.5(3Y-TZP)/0.5(8 Mg-PSZ) composite sintered at 1500oC-2h were increased by 7% and 30%, respectively, compared to that of 3Y-TZP. Sintered bodies consisted of c-ZrO2, t-ZrO2 and m-ZrO2 phases without any new phase formation. m-ZrO2/c-ZrO2+t-ZrO2 volumetric phase ratios changed with the increase of sintering temperature and time. Stress-induced t-ZrO2→m-ZrO2 phase transformation within c-ZrO2 grains in 8 Mg-PSZ was the main mechanism for toughness enhancement. Energy absorbing mechanisms, e.g., crack-bridging, crack-deflection and crack branching were also found to contribute the blunting of cracks. It is thought that our approach presented herein can be considered not only fracture toughness enhancement but also other properties in various materials for functional and structural purposes.

Flexural Strength of Different Monolithic Computer-Assisted Design and Computer-Assisted Manufacturing Ceramic Materials upon Different Thermal Tempering Processes.

Objective Strength of ceramics related with sintering procedure. This study investigated the influence of different tempering processes on flexural strength of three monolithic ceramic materials. Materials and Methods Specimens were prepared in bar-shape (width × length × thickness = 4 × 14 × 1.2 mm) from yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP, inCoris TZI [I]), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS, Vita Suprinity [V]), and lithium disilicate (LS 2 , IPS e.max CAD [E]), and sintered with different tempering processes: slow (S), normal (N), and fast (F) cooling procedure ( n = 15/group). Flexural strength (σ ) was determined using three-point bending test apparatus at 1 mm/min crosshead speed. Statistical Analysis The analysis of variance and Bonferroni’s multiple comparisons were determined for significant difference (α = 0.05). Weibull analysis was applied for survival probability, Weibull modulus (m), and characteristics strength (σ o ). Microstructures were evaluated with scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. Results The mean ± standard deviation (MPa) of σ, m, and σ o were: 1,183.98 ± 204.26, 6.23, 1,271.80 for IS; 1,084.43 ± 204.79, 5.76, 1,170.08 for IN; 777.19 ± 99.77, 8.78, 819.96 for IF; 267.15 ± 32.71, 9.11, 281.48 for VS; 218.43 ± 38.46, 6.40, 234.23 for VN; 252.67 ± 37.58, 7.20, 269.23 for VF; 392.09 ± 37.91, 11.37, 409.23 for ES; 378.88 ± 55.38, 7.45, 403.11 for EN, and 390.94 ± 25.34, 16.00, 403.51 for EF. Thermal tempering significantly affected flexural strength of Y-TZP ( p < 0.05), but not either ZLS or LS 2 ( p > 0.05). Y-TZP indicated significantly higher flexural strength upon slow tempering than others. Conclusion Enhancing flexural strength of Y-TZP can be achieved through slow tempering process and was suggested as a process for monolithic zirconia. Strengthening of ZLS and LS 2 cannot be accomplished through tempering; thus, either S-, N-, or F- tempering procedure can be performed. Nevertheless, to minimize sintering time, rapid thermal tempering is more preferable for both ZLS and LS 2 .

The Effects of Syndecan on Osteoblastic Cell Adhesion Onto Nano-Zirconia Surface.

PurposeZirconia is one of the most promising implant materials due to its favorable physical, mechanical and biological properties. However, until now, we know little about the mechanism of osseointegration on zirconia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Syndecan (Sdc) on osteoblastic cell (MC3T3-E1) adhesion and proliferation onto zirconia materials.Materials and MethodsThe mirror-polished disks 15 mm in diameter and 1.5 mm in thick of commercial pure titanium (CpTi), 3mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (3Y-TZP) and nano-zirconia (NanoZr) are used in this study. MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded onto specimen surfaces and subjected to RNA interference (RNAi) for Syndecan-1, Syndecan-2, Syndecan-3, and Syndecan-4. At 48h post-transfection, the cell morphology, actin cytoskeleton, and focal adhesion were observed using scanning electron microscopy or laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy. At 24h and 48h post-transfection, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to investigate cell proliferation.ResultsThe cell morphology of MC3T3-E1 cells on CpTi, 3Y-TZP, and NanoZr changed into abnormal shape after gene silencing of Syndecan. Among the Syndecan family, Sdc-2 is responsible for NanoZr-specific morphology regulation, via maintenance of cytoskeletal conformation without affecting cellular attachment. According to CCK-8 assay, Sdc-2 affects the osteoblastic cell proliferation onto NanoZr.ConclusionWithin the limitation of this study, we suggest that Syndecan affects osteoblastic cell adhesion on CpTi, 3Y-TZP, and NanoZr. Sdc-2 might be an important heparin-sensitive cell membrane regulator in osteoblastic cell adhesion, specifically on NanoZr, through the organization of actin cytoskeleton and affects osteoblastic cell proliferation.

Evaluation of fracture toughness of zirconia ceramics with heterogeneous yttrium distribution microstructures

Yttrium stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) ceramics containing 2 mol% and 2.5 mol% yttria were prepared by mixing 3 mol% yttria-doped zirconia powders with yttria-free zirconia powders. The microstructures of the sintered samples were studied using SEM, XRD, and Raman spectra. In addition, an ultra-sharp V-notch (ρ < 0.5 μm) was induced by femtosecond laser to measure its actual fracture toughness by single-edge V-notched beam (SEVNB) method. The results reveal that mixture-based Y-TZP with 2.5 mol% yttria has deeper phase transformation depth, and fracture toughness of 6.4 MPa.m1/2 is obtained. The heterogeneous distribution of the yttrium is taken account for the excellent properties.

Ceramic Materials and Technologies Applied to Digital Works in Implant-Supported Restorative Dentistry.

Computer-aided design and manufacturing technology has been closely associated with implant-supported restoration. The digital system employed for prosthodontic restorations comprises data acquisition, processing, and manufacturing using subtractive or additive methods. As digital implantology has developed, optical scanning, computer-based digital algorithms, fabricating techniques, and numerical control skills have all rapidly improved in terms of their accuracy, which has resulted in the development of new ceramic materials with advanced esthetics and durability for clinical application. This study reviews the application of digital technology in implant-supported dental restoration and explores two globally utilized ceramic restorative materials: Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline and lithium disilicate glass ceramics.

Influence of Different Surface Pretreatments on Shear Bond Strength of an Adhesive Resin Cement to Various Zirconia Ceramics.

The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the influence of surface pretreatment on shear bond strength (SBS) of an adhesive resin cement (G-CEM Link Force TM, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) to three different yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) ceramics: (1) Copran Zirconia Monolith HT, COP; (2) Katana ML Zirconia, KAT; and (3) Metoxit Z-CAD HTL Zirconia, MET. In total, 45 cylinders (5 mm in diameter, 1 mm height) for each type of zirconia ceramic were prepared used a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) machine (software CEREC 4.2). Each type of zirconia was subdivided into three groups and each group received a different surface pretreatment; 15 samples were not conditioned as control (groups COP 1, KAT 1, MET 1), 15 samples were air-borne particle abraded with aluminum dioxide particles of 50-μm size at 0.3 MPa for 20 s (groups COP 2, KAT 2, MET 2), and 15 samples were hot-etched with a solution of hydrochloric acid and ferric chloride (groups COP 3, KAT 3, MET 3). After specimen fabrication, the adhesive cement–ceramic interface was analyzed using an SBS test. Subsequently, the adhesive remnant index (ARI) was measured. Data were submitted to statistical analysis. Air-borne particle abraded specimens showed the highest SBS values for COP and KAT groups. For MET, no significant difference was reported between air-borne particle abraded specimens and untreated controls. The lowest values were detected for acid-etched groups. A higher frequency of ARI = “1” and ARI = “2” was reported in control and air-borne particle abraded groups, whereas ARI = “3” was detected in hot-etched groups. No correlation was found between ARI score and shear bond strength. Air-borne particle abrasion is considered the best treatment for Zirconia Copran and Zirconia Katana ML, if it is followed by using dual-curing resin cement.

Improving the mechanical properties of commercial feldspathic dental porcelain by addition of Alumina-Zirconia

Dental ceramics made from Yttria stabilized tetragonal Zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) with feldspathic porcelain veneers have similar mechanical and aesthetic response to natural tooth. However, cases of early failure, such as chipping or fracture in the veneering have been reported after short periods of use. The present study evaluated the feldspathic porcelain (VITA-VM9) with addition of 0.5 and 2.5 wt% Alumina-Zirconia as reinforcing agents. Hardness, fracture toughness, contact resistance and color variations were evaluated finding better mechanical performance on the new formulations.