Evaluation of three silicoating methods for resin-bonded prostheses

Three different methods of increasing the bond strength of resin to metal were tested: the original Silicoater technique, the Silicoater MD technique, and the Rocatec system. Metals used for the resin-bonded prostheses were gold, a cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy, and titanium. Silicoating increased the bond strength to sandblasted specimens. The original Silicoater technique produced the highest bond strengths, especially when used with the Co-Cr alloy and titanium. The Silicoater MD technique showed the lowest bond strengths for all of the test metals. Storage for 7 days with protective film on the silicoated surface did not affect the bond strength, as compared with specimens bonded immediately. The retention of the resin to the gold specimens (Rocatec system) decreased after thermocycling, but retention to the Co-Cr alloy and titanium was not affected. Various resin cements were tested and showed the same retention with the exception of Microfill Pontic, which gave a weaker bond. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) of the specimens before and after the measurements gave no clear explanation of the differences in bond strengths between the test metals. However, it was concluded that silicoating of the metal surfaces contributed to the retention of the resin by chemical action, as no differences in adaptation of the resin to the metal were seen between specimens pretreated by sandblasting and those which were also silicoated.