Evaluation of Cleaning Methods for Lithium Disilicate Ceramic Post Try-In Paste Application: An SEM Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Ceramic Restorations
• Surface Analysis

Background:

• Accurate try-in of ceramic restorations is crucial for shade matching.
• Residual try-in pastes can interfere with definitive cementation and bonding.
• Effective cleaning protocols for lithium disilicate are essential for clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of different cleaning methods on lithium disilicate ceramic after try-in paste application.
• To compare air-water spray, ultrasonic bath in water, and ultrasonic bath in alcohol for residue removal.
• To assess the influence of different try-in pastes on cleaning effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• IPS e.max CAD specimens were prepared and etched.
• Three try-in pastes (Calibra, Variolink, RelyX Veneer) were applied.
• Cleaning methods included air-water spray (RD), ultrasonic bath in distilled water (ULT/W), and ultrasonic bath in alcohol (ULT/A); SEM analysis was performed.

Main Results:

• Air-water spray (RD) was ineffective for Calibra paste residues.
• Ultrasonic baths (ULT/W, ULT/A) were effective for Variolink and RelyX Veneer residues.
• Cleaning efficacy was dependent on the specific try-in paste used.

Conclusions:

• No single cleaning method is universally effective for all try-in pastes on lithium disilicate.
• Ultrasonic baths with distilled water or alcohol demonstrate superior efficacy for most tested pastes.
• Clinical protocols should consider the try-in paste type when selecting a cleaning method.