Ulrich Lohbauer

Dental Glass Ionomer Cements as Permanent Filling Materials? – Properties, Limitations and Future Trends

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are clinically attractive dental materials that have certain unique properties that make them useful as restorative and luting materials. This includes adhesion to moist tooth structures and base metals, anticariogenic properties due to release of fluoride, thermal compatibility with tooth enamel, biocompatibility and low toxicity. The use of GICs in a mechanically loaded situation, however, has been hampered by their low mechanical performance. Poor mechanical properties, such as low fracture strength, toughness and wear, limit their extensive use in dentistry as a filling material in stress-bearing applications. In the posterior dental region, glass ionomer cements are mostly used as a temporary filling material. The requirement to strengthen those cements has lead to an ever increasing research effort into reinforcement or strengthening concepts.

Bonding performance of universal adhesives in different etching modes

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) and resin penetration into dentine of three universal adhesives (UAs) applied in two different etching modes (i.e. self-etch or etch-and-rinse). The effect of thermocycling on the μTBS was also evaluated. METHODS The occlusal third of sound human molars was removed and the exposed surfaces were treated with three UAs (Futurabond Universal, Scotchbond Universal Adhesive and All-Bond Universal) in self-etch or etch-and-rinse mode. Two one-step self-etch adhesives (Futurabond DC and Futurabond M) were applied on additional teeth as reference. After composite build up, the specimens were stored for 24 h in distilled water at 37 °C or thermocycled for 5000 cycles. Composite/dentine beams were prepared (1 mm(2)) and μTBS test was performed. Data was analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Tukeys test (α=0.05). One additional tooth was prepared for each group for evaluation of infiltration ability into dentine by dyeing the adhesives with a fluorochrome (Rhodamine B). After longitudinal sectioning, the generated interfaces were examined under confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS The addition of an etching step did not significantly affect the μTBS of none of the UAs, when compared to their self-etch application mode. All pre-etched specimens showed considerably longer resin tags and thicker hybrid layers. Thermocycling had no significant effect on the μTBS of the UAs. CONCLUSIONS Application of an etching step prior to UAs improves their dentine penetration, but does not affect their bond strength to dentine after 24h or after thermocycling for 5000 cycles. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Similar bond strength values were observed for the UAs regardless of application mode, which makes them reliable for working under different clinical conditions.

Mechanical fatigue degradation of ceramics versus resin composites for dental restorations

OBJECTIVES For posterior partial restorations an overlap of indication exists where either ceramic or resin-based composite materials can be successfully applied. The aim of this study was to compare the fatigue resistance of modern dental ceramic materials versus dental resin composites in order to address such conflicts. METHODS Bar specimens of five ceramic materials and resin composites were produced according to ISO 4049 and stored for 14 days in distilled water at 37°C. The following ceramic materials were selected for testing: a high-strength zirconium dioxide (e.max ZirCAD, Ivoclar), a machinable lithium disilicate (e.max CAD, Ivoclar), a pressable lithium disilicate ceramic (e-max Press, Ivoclar), a fluorapatite-based glass-ceramic (e.max Ceram, Ivoclar), and a machinable color-graded feldspathic porcelain (Trilux Forte, Vita). The composite materials selected were: an indirect machinable composite (Lava Ultimate, 3M ESPE) and four direct composites with varying filler nature (Clearfil Majesty Posterior, Kuraray; GrandioSO, Voco; Tetric EvoCeram, Ivoclar-Vivadent; and CeramX Duo, Dentsply). Fifteen specimens were tested in water for initial strength (σin) in 4-point bending. Using the same test set-up, the residual flexural fatigue strength (σff) was determined using the staircase approach after 10(4) cycles at 0.5 Hz (n=25). Weibull parameters σ0 and m were calculated for the σin specimens, whereas the σff and strength loss in percentage were obtained from the fatigue experiment. RESULTS The zirconium oxide ceramic showed the highest σin and σff (768 and 440 MPa, respectively). Although both lithium disilicate ceramics were similar in the static test, the pressable version showed a significantly higher fatigue resistance after cyclic loading. Both the fluorapatite-based and the feldspathic porcelain showed equivalent initial and cyclic fatigue properties. From the composites, the highest filled direct material Clearfil Majesty Posterior showed superior fatigue performance. From all materials, e.max Press and Clearfil Majesty Posterior showed the lowest strength loss (29.6% and 32%, respectively), whereas the other materials lost between 41% and 62% of their flexural strength after cyclic loading. CONCLUSIONS Dental ceramics and resin composite materials show equivalent fatigue strength degradation at loads around 0.5σin values. Apart from the zirconium oxide and the lithium disilicate ceramics, resin composites generally showed better σff after 10,000 cycles than the fluorapatite glass-ceramic and the feldspathic porcelain. Resin composite restorations may be used as an equivalent alternative to glass-rich-ceramic inlays regarding mechanical performance.

Hydroxylation of dental zirconia surfaces: characterization and bonding potential.

Bioinert zirconia surfaces exhibit a low chemical bonding potential to resin-based luting agents. The aim was to hydroxylate dental zirconia surfaces and to examine tensile bond strength using commercial luting agents. The measured bond strength was compared with established mechanical conditioning techniques. Five acidic and one alkaline hydroxylation pretreatments were applied and compared with air abrasion and tribochemical silica coating. For the chemical characterization of hydroxyl groups and hydroxyl value, zirconia powders were used, chemically modified, and analyzed using Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy and a titrimetric method according to the ISO 4629 standard. All acidic pretreatment procedures exhibited increased hydroxyl values. The highest values were recorded after treatment with phosphoric acid or Piranha solution. Tensile bond strength was examined in a universal testing machine using the commercial dual-cure luting agents Multilink (Ivoclar, Liechtenstein) and Panavia F2.0 (Kuraray, Japan). Surface hydroxylation with Piranha solution in combination with the luting agent Multilink led to a bond strength of 12.47 +/- 3.25 MPa. Tribochemical silica-coated/silanized zirconia surfaces with Multilink produced the highest bond strength of 19.33 +/- 3.65 MPa. Using the luting agent Panavia F2.0, statistically homogenous values for the untreated (11.60 +/- 1.68 MPa) and for the hydroxylated surface (12.46 +/- 3,81 MPa) were measured. Bioinert zirconia surfaces were successfully hydroxylated in terms of tensile bond strength. Resin bonding with Multilink can be strongly increased by acidic treatment with Piranha solution. Bonding with Panavia F2.0 is not affected by hydroxylation, which is likely due to the incorporation of specific functional monomers.

The potential of novel primers and universal adhesives to bond to zirconia

OBJECTIVES To investigate the adhesive potential of novel zirconia primers and universal adhesives to surface-treated zirconia substrates. METHODS Zirconia bars were manufactured (3.0mm×3.0mm×9.0mm) and treated as follows: no treatment (C); air abrasion with 35μm alumina particles (S); air abrasion with 30μm silica particles using one of two systems (Rocatec or SilJet) and; glazing (G). Groups C and S were subsequentially treated with one of the following primers or adhesives: ZP (Z-Prime Plus), AZ (AZ Primer); MP (Monobond Plus); SU (ScotchBond Universal) and; EA (an Experimental Adhesive). Groups Rocatec and SilJet were silanized prior to cementation. Samples form group G were further etched and silanized. Bars were cemented (Multilink) onto bars of a silicate-based ceramic (3.0mm×3.0mm×9.0mm) at 90° angle, thermocycled (2.500 cycles, 5-55°C, 30s dwell time), and tested in tensile strength test. Failure analysis was performed on fractured specimens to measure the bonding area and crack origin. RESULTS Specimens from group C did not survive thermocycling, while CMP, CSU and CEA groups survived thermocycling but rendered low values of bond strength. All primers presented a better bond performance after air abrasion with Al2O3 particles. SilJet was similar to Rocatec, both presenting the best bond strength results, along with SMP, SSU and CEA. G promoted intermediate bond strength values. Failure mode was predominately adhesive on zirconia surface combined to cohesive of the luting agent. CONCLUSIONS Universal adhesives (MP, SU, EA) may be a considerable alternative for bonding to zirconia, but air abrasion is still previously required. Air abrasion with silica particles followed by silane application also presented high bond strength values.

Thermal-induced residual stresses affect the lifetime of zirconia–veneer crowns

OBJECTIVES The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of thermal residual stresses on the reliability and lifetime of zirconia-veneer crowns. METHODS One hundred and twenty eight second upper premolar zirconia-veneer crowns were manufactured for testing the initial strength (n=64) and under cyclic fatigue (n=64). Zirconia copings (YZ Cubes, VITA Zahnfabrik, CTE: alphac=10.5 ppm/°C) were milled using a Cerec3 InLab (Sirona) machine and sintered to a final thickness of 0.7 mm. Sixty-four copings were sandblasted with 105 μm alumina particles (15 s, 3 cm distance, 45° angle, 0.4 MPa pressure) in order to trigger a tetragonalmonoclinic transformation and to produce a rough surface. The copings were veneered using two different porcelains (VM9, VITA Zahnfabrik, CTE: alphaVM9=9.1 ppm/°C, Lava Ceram, 3M ESPE, CTE: alphaLava=10.2 ppm/°C) so to result in crowns with either high thermal mismatch (+1.4 ppm/°C with VM9) and low thermal mismatch (+0.3 ppm/°C with Lava Ceram). The porcelains were applied by the same operator and fired (VITA Vacumat 4000) according to the firing schedules defined by the manufacturers to a final thickness of 1.4mm (total crown thickness=2.1mm, core/veneer ratio=0.5). After the last glaze firing the crowns were cooled following a fast (600°C/min) or a slow (30°C/min) cooling protocol. The glazed crowns were submitted to a sliding-motion (0.7 mm lateral movement) cyclic fatigue in a chewing simulator (SD Mechatronik) under 20 kg (~200 N load) weight until failure (chipping) (n=16). The other half of the crowns were subjected to a compressive loading test in an universal testing machine (Instron model 4240) until failure at a cross-head speed of 0.75 mm/min (n=16). The failure probability for initial strength and cyclic fatigue was performed using a Weibull distribution approach at a scale factor of n=16. RESULTS The compressive strength test showed a low sensitivity to detect reliability variations regarding thermal stresses created within the veneer layer of tested crowns. For cyclic fatigue, slow cooling resulted in statistically higher cycles to failure only for the crowns that presented a high thermal mismatch between core and veneer (VM9 group). Comparisons between veneers with high or low thermal mismatches showed statistically higher sigma0 for Lava Ceram-veneered crowns only when the groups were fast-cooled. SIGNIFICANCE Minimizing the thermal residual stresses within the veneer through the use of a veneer with a closer CTE to the zirconia delays the failure of zirconia-veneer crowns. Slow-cooling increases the lifetime of crowns presenting large differences in CTE between the zirconia core and the veneering porcelain.

Zirconia nanoparticles prepared by laser vaporization as fillers for dental adhesives.

Zirconia nanoparticles prepared by laser vaporization were incorporated into the primer or into the adhesive of a commercial adhesive system in order to evaluate its effect on bond strength to dentin. Zirconia nanoparticles (20-50nm) were prepared using a particular laser vaporization technique and incorporated into the primer (P) or into the adhesive (A) of the Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBMP) system at 5, 10, 15 and 20wt.% by means of mechanical mixing (stirring) and ultrasonication. Control (unfilled) and experimental groups (filled) were applied, according to the manufacturers instructions, onto flat mid-coronal human dentin. Composite crowns were built up, stored in distilled water for 24h at 37°C and cut into 0.65±0.05mm² beams following a non-trimming microtensile technique. Specimens were fractured in tension using a universal testing machine (Zwick) and examined by scanning electron microscopy for fractographic analysis. Microtensile bond strength (μTBS) data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA and modified LSD test at α=0.05. Analysis of the nanofiller distribution and ultramorphological characterization of the interface were performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Zirconia nanoparticle incorporation into the primer or into the adhesive of SBMP significantly increased μTBS to dentin. Filler concentration only affected μTBS significantly in the P group. Statistically significant differences between groups P and A occurred only at 20wt.% filler content, with a significantly higher μTBS in group P. TEM micrographs revealed nanoparticle deposition on top of a hybrid layer when incorporated into the primer, whereas they remained dispersed through the adhesive layer in group A. Zirconia nanoparticles incorporation into SBMP increased bond strength to dentin by reinforcing the interface adhesive layer. Nanofiller incorporation into the primer solution showed a tendency of increasing bond strength with increasing concentration. At high concentrations (20wt.%) nanofiller incorporation was more efficient in increasing bond strength if incorporated in the primer solution. Adding nanofillers to the primer and to the adhesive solutions resulted in different particle distributions at the interface.

The effect of finish line preparation and layer thickness on the failure load and fractography of ZrO2 copings

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM To prevent tooth weakening or pulp irritation, there is a need for a minimally invasive method of preparing single anterior crowns. Restoration dimensions for reduced coping thicknesses or less invasive finish line preparations are required. PURPOSE The purposed of this in vitro was to study investigate the fracture performance of high-strength zirconia copings, compare knife-edge margins with chamfer finish lines, and examine the effect of reducing the layer thickness from 0.5 mm to 0.3 mm. MATERIAL AND METHODS Y-TZP zirconia copings were manufactured on brass dies of a maxillary central incisor. Forty copings, with 2 layer thicknesses (0.5 and 0.3 mm), and 2 finish line preparations (knife edge and chamfer; n=10) were cemented using a conventional glass ionomer cement and stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. The copings were vertically loaded until fracture using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA (alpha=.05). Fractographic examination was performed using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS A significantly higher mean failure load was measured for knife-edge (0.5 mm, 1110 +/-175 N; 0.3 mm, 730 +/-160 N) versus chamfer (0.5 mm, 697 +/-126 N; 0.3 mm, 455 +/-79 N) preparations (P<.001), and for 0.5-mm versus 0.3-mm thickness layers (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Knife-edge preparations present a promising alternative to chamfer finish lines; the fracture load required for knife-edge preparations was 38% greater than that required for chamfer preparations, regardless of coping thickness. Reducing the thickness of a single crown coping from 0.5 to 0.3 mm resulted in a 35% reduction in fracture load required for either preparation type.

Chairside CAD/CAM materials Part 1: Measurement of elastic constants and microstructural characterization

OBJECTIVE A deeper understanding of the mechanical behavior of dental restorative materials requires an insight into the materials elastic constants and microstructure. Here we aim to use complementary methodologies to thoroughly characterize chairside CAD/CAM materials and discuss the benefits and limitations of different analytical strategies. METHODS Eight commercial CAM/CAM materials, ranging from polycrystalline zirconia (e.max ZirCAD, Ivoclar-Vivadent), reinforced glasses (Vitablocs Mark II, VITA; Empress CAD, Ivoclar-Vivadent) and glass-ceramics (e.max CAD, Ivoclar-Vivadent; Suprinity, VITA; Celtra Duo, Dentsply) to hybrid materials (Enamic, VITA; Lava Ultimate, 3M ESPE) have been selected. Elastic constants were evaluated using three methods: Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS), Resonant Beam Technique (RBT) and Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo (PE). The microstructures were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Raman Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). RESULTS Youngs modulus (E), Shear modulus (G), Bulk modulus (B) and Poissons ratio (ν) were obtained for each material. E and ν reached values ranging from 10.9 (Lava Ultimate) to 201.4 (e.max ZirCAD) and 0.173 (Empress CAD) to 0.47 (Lava Ultimate), respectively. RUS showed to be the most complex and reliable method, while the PE method the easiest to perform but most unreliable. All dynamic methods have shown limitations in measuring the elastic constants of materials showing high damping behavior (hybrid materials). SEM images, Raman spectra and XRD patterns were made available for each material, showing to be complementary tools in the characterization of their crystal phases. SIGNIFICANCE Here different methodologies are compared for the measurement of elastic constants and microstructural characterization of CAD/CAM restorative materials. The elastic properties and crystal phases of eight materials are herein fully characterized.

A Photoelastic Assessment of Residual Stresses in Zirconia-Veneer Crowns

Residual stresses within the veneer are linked to the high prevalence of veneer chipping observed in clinical trials of zirconia prostheses. We hypothesized that the thermal mismatch between the zirconia infrastructure and the veneer porcelain, as well as the rate used for cooling zirconia-veneer crowns, would be directly proportional to the magnitude of residual stresses built within the veneer layer. Two porcelains with different coefficients of thermal expansion were used to veneer zirconia copings, to create high or low thermal mismatches. The crowns were cooled according to a fast- or a slow-cooling protocol. The retardation of polarized light waves was used to calculate the residual stress magnitude and distribution across the veneer, according to the photoelasticity principle, in 1.0-mm-thick crown sections. While thermal mismatch was an important factor influencing the maximum stress development in the veneer, cooling rate had a minor role. Curved surfaces were preferential sites for stress concentration regardless of thermal mismatch or cooling rate.