[Bond strength of etched In-Ceram(R) to tooth enamel]

Laminate veneers of porcelain may be suitable for the correction of enamel anomalies of incisors. They are, however, within the mouth subjected to high mechanical loads, aggressive humidity and abrupt temperature changes. Consequently high strength porcelain and a stable bond between the veneer and the enamel are mandatory. To prepare a retentive surface microscopic investigations reveal that etching of In-Ceram porcelain is less effective than etching of Biodent porcelain, which we investigated as a reference material. This is in accordance with the observed insufficient bond strength between In-Ceram porcelain and enamel. Therefore we conclude that under the environmental condition of the mouth In-Ceram porcelain, even if it is layered with Vitadur porcelain, can not be durably bonded to enamel at present.