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Published on: April 28, 2023
The effect of surface modifications on titanium to enable titanium-porcelain bonding
Manoel G Troia1, Guilherme E P Henriques, Marcelo F Mesquita
1Department of Prosthodontics, Araras Dentistry School, Herminio Ometto University, Uniararas, Rua Ipiranga 1034/12, CEP: 13400-480 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. manoeltroiajr@yahoo.com
Summary
Adding a caustic bath treatment significantly improves the bond strength between porcelain and cast commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) restorations. This method enhances titanium-ceramic bonding, a critical factor in dental prosthetics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Dental Materials
Background:
- Titanium-ceramic restorations are widely used in dentistry.
- Achieving a strong and durable bond between titanium and porcelain remains a challenge.
- Current manufacturer surface treatments for titanium may result in suboptimal bond strength compared to traditional metal-ceramic systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of acid and caustic baths on the bonding characteristics of porcelain bonded to cast commercially pure titanium (CP Ti).
- To determine if pre-treatment with a caustic solution can enhance titanium-porcelain adhesion.
Main Methods:
- Eighty cast CP Ti strips were divided into eight groups, each receiving a different surface treatment (e.g., HF, NaOH+HF, HCl, NaOH+HCl, HNO3, NaOH+HNO3, control, NaOH+control).
- Low fusion porcelain was applied to the treated CP Ti samples.
- A three-point flexure test was performed to evaluate bond strength.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyzed fracture surfaces at the titanium-porcelain interface.
Main Results:
- Groups treated with a combination of caustic (NaOH 50%-CuSO4.5H2O 10%) and acid solutions demonstrated significantly higher bond strength than those treated with acid alone.
- No significant differences in bond strength were observed between certain acid-only groups and the control group.
- SEM analysis revealed a mix of cohesive and adhesive fractures in the most effective treatment groups (NaOH+HNO3 and NaOH+control), indicating improved bonding.
Conclusions:
- Pre-treatment with a caustic bath, particularly in combination with specific acids, significantly enhances the bond strength between porcelain and cast commercially pure titanium.
- This approach offers a promising method to improve the durability and longevity of titanium-ceramic dental restorations.
