Surface degradation of dental ceramics as a function of environmental pH

We tested the hypotheses that glass-ceramic veneers and overglazes degrade by ion exchange in an acidic environment, and that they degrade by breakdown of the silica network in a basic environment. Disk specimens of glass-ceramic veneer and glaze were fabricated and immersed in pH 2, 7, or 10 buffer solutions, for 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 30 days. Each specimen was placed in a shaker bath containing de-ionized distilled water at 80°C. Concentrations of Al(3+), Ca(2+), Zn(2+), Li(2+), and Si(4+) were analyzed by means of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP/AES). Statistical analyses were performed by factorial ANOVA. Significant differences occurred among leached ion concentrations as a function of material type, solution pH, and exposure time. A substantial release of Si occurred at pH 10 over time, leading to a breakdown of the glass phase. At pH 2, dissolution was controlled by an ionic exchange mechanism. We conclude that ceramic veneers and glazes may be susceptible to considerable degradation in low- and high-pH buffer solutions.