The bond strength of polymers and metal surfaces using the 'silicoater' technique

The silicoater technique, or silicoating, is a chemical bond system (makes mechanical retentions unnecessary) which prevents the rising of a gap in the margin area between resin and metal. This procedure solves the problems of fracture and detachment of the veneer or its discolourization. The purpose of this investigation was to find out the values of the bond strength achieved by using the silicoater technique on Ag-Pd alloy with smooth surface and with mechanical retentions on the surface. Ninety specimens were divided into groups, subjected to water storage and thermocycling. The values of the bond strength were investigated in combination with this technique with Ag-Pd alloy and three veneer materials. The silicoater technique gave the best results in combination with Dentacolor XS veneer material and mechanical retentions on the surface of the dental alloy.