Adhesive/silane application effects on bond strength durability to a lithium disilicate ceramic

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Adhesive Dentistry

Background:

• Lithium disilicate ceramics are widely used in dental restorations due to their excellent aesthetics and mechanical properties.
• Ensuring durable adhesion between ceramic restorations and dental substrates is crucial for long-term clinical success.
• Various adhesive protocols involving silane coupling agents and universal adhesives are employed to enhance bonding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term adhesive durability of different adhesive protocols on lithium disilicate reinforced glass-ceramic.
• To investigate the specific effects of silane application methods on bond strength over time.

Main Methods:

• Forty lithium disilicate ceramic disks were prepared and divided into four groups based on adhesive/silane protocols: silane only (SIL), silane followed by XP-Bond (SILXP), ScotchBond Universal (SBU), and silane followed by SBU (SILSBU).
• Shear bond strength (SBS) was tested after 24 hours and 12 months of water storage.
• Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test.

Main Results:

• Initially, SILXP and SILSBU showed the highest SBS after 24 hours.
• After 12 months, SILXP and SILSBU exhibited significant reductions in SBS, while the SIL group maintained the highest SBS.
• The SBU group showed the lowest SBS after 12 months, despite no significant reduction.

Conclusions:

• A separate silane application step prior to cementation is recommended for lithium disilicate restorations.
• This recommendation holds true regardless of whether the universal adhesive contains silane.
• Optimizing silane application is key to achieving durable adhesion in dental restorations.