Adhesion between dental ceramic and bonding resin: quantitative evaluation by Vickers indenter methodology

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Dental ceramics are widely used in restorative dentistry.
• Achieving durable adhesion between dental ceramics and restorative materials is crucial for clinical success.
• Surface treatments play a vital role in enhancing the bond strength of dental adhesives to ceramic substrates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the adhesion of a dental adhesive to ceramic using the Vickers indenter methodology.
• To determine the influence of various surface treatments on the adhesive bond strength to feldspathic ceramic.

Main Methods:

• Dental ceramic samples (Vitapan 3D Master) were subjected to different surface treatments: polishing (500 or 4000-grit), sandblasting, acid etching (fluorhydric acid), and silane application.
• Adhesion was assessed using the Vickers indenter methodology with a 20N load for 30s.
• Bond strength was calculated based on the dimensions of the adhesive fractures observed under an optical microscope.

Main Results:

• The Vickers indenter method successfully differentiated the effects of surface treatments on bond strength.
• Silane application significantly improved bond strength on a 4000-grit polished surface (52 MPa vs. 32 MPa).
• The most robust adhesion (265 MPa) was achieved with a 500-grit polish, sandblasting, acid etching, and silane treatment.

Conclusions:

• The Vickers indenter methodology is a reliable technique for assessing the influence of surface treatments on dental ceramic adhesion.
• Optimized surface preparation, including fine grit polishing, sandblasting, acid etching, and silane coupling, is critical for maximizing adhesive bond strength to feldspathic ceramics.