Material removal and surface damage in high-speed grinding of enamel

Although high-speed grinding of the enamel surface is often required in restorative dentistry, the knowledge of grinding mechanics, material removal, and fracture damage mechanism related to this process is still relatively limited; therefore, it is important to perform relevant scientific and theoretical research. As per the occlusal surface and the buccal/lingual surface of the teeth, the experimental scheme of high-speed grinding of the enamel surface using a diamond grinding bur was designed, and the grinding force, force ratio, grinding temperature, chips, surface morphology, surface damage, and other important characteristics were tested and analyzed. Furthermore, the grinding geometry model, grinding mechanics, material fracture, and removal mechanism associated with the high-speed grinding of an enamel surface were considered. The results show that the grinding force, friction coefficient, grinding temperature, and surface damage achieved through buccal/lingual surface grinding are considerably greater, and the grinding quality is worse than that obtained via occlusal surface grinding under the same grinding conditions. With the increase in the feed rate, grinding force, friction coefficient, grinding temperature, and surface damage obviously increase, and the surface quality decreases. The embrittlement effect and the ironing mechanism are present during the process of high-speed grinding of enamel. Regardless of the feed rate, the three types of material fracture modes of the buccal/lingual surface are more serious than those of the occlusal surface (making it more likely to produce unstable large chips or tearing chips); moreover, the brittle fracture and damage of the final machined surface are more obvious. The cutting mechanics and cutting mechanism identified in this study will provide scientific guidance for dental grinding operations.