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Multifaceted influence of surface treatments on resin-matrix ceramics: Cytocompatibility, mechanical properties, and
Chenmin Yao1, Xinyang Li1, Xianfeng Deng1
1State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
Objectives:
To evaluate the cytocompatibility of three CAD/CAM resin-matrix ceramics (Hyramic, Lava Ultimate, and Vita Enamic), and the effects of surface treatments on their mechanical and bonding properties.
Methods:
Specimens of resin-matrix ceramics were prepared, and their monomer elution and cytocompatibility were evaluated. The materials underwent four surface treatments: polishing, hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching, air abrasion, and tribochemical silica coating (TSC). Morphological and elemental changes were evaluated via scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Flexural strength, elastic modulus, hardness, and wear resistance were measured. Shear bond strength (SBS) to resin cement was tested under immediate and 3-month aged conditions.
Results:
All materials showed negligible cytotoxicity. Hyramic exhibited the highest flexural strength (192.7 ± 26.7 MPa) and dentin-like modulus (16.7 ± 2.7 GPa), Vita Enamic had the highest hardness (257.4 ± 13.4 HV), and Lava Ultimate showed the lowest friction coefficients (0.24 ± 0.01 at, 5000 cycles). Air abrasion significantly reduced flexural strength, while HF etching reduced that of Lava Ultimate. HF etching improved bonding in Vita Enamic and Lava Ultimate, but not in Hyramic. Air abrasion and TSC enhanced bonding of Lava Ultimate and Hyramic. After aging, Vita Enamic retained stable bonding, while Lava Ultimate and Hyramic showed reduced SBSs.
Conclusions:
Resin-matrix ceramics showed favorable cytocompatibility. They exhibited material-dependent responses to surface treatments, resulting in differences in mechanical and bonding performance. Surface treatments involved trade-offs between mechanical integrity and bonding performance. Accordingly, clinical protocols should be tailored to specific materials for reliable long-term performance.
Clinical Significance:
This research provides valuable insights into adhesive dentistry by optimizing the adhesive strategy of resin-matrix ceramics and revealing the influence of surface treatments on the mechanical properties.