Objectives To measure the marginal and internal fit of three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) using the micro-CT technique, testing the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the adaptation between the ceramic systems studied. Methods Stainless steel models of prepared abutments were fabricated to design the FPDs. Ten FPDs were produced from each framework ceramic (YZ - Vita In-Ceram YZ and IZ - Vita In-Ceram Zirconia) using CEREC inLab according to the manufacturer instructions. All FPDs were veneered using the recommended porcelain. Each FPD was seated on the original model and scanned using micro-CT. Files were processed using NRecon and CTAn software. Adobe Photoshop and Image J software were used to analyze the cross-sections images. Five measuring locations were used as follows: MG – marginal gap; CA - chamfer area; AW - axial wall; AOT - axio-occlusal transition area; OA - occlusal area. The horizontal marginal discrepancy (HMD) was evaluated in another set of images. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Results The mean values for MG, CA, AW, OA and HMD were significantly different for all tested groups (p<0.05). IZ exhibited greater mean values than YZ for all measuring locations except for AW and AOT. OA showed the greatest mean gap values for both ceramic systems. MG and AW mean gap values were low for both systems. Significance The ceramic systems evaluated showed different levels of marginal and internal fit, rejecting the study hypothesis. Yet, both ceramic systems showed clinically acceptable marginal and internal fit.

Objective to evaluate the effect of the specimen design on the flexural strength (σf) and failure mode of ceramic structures, testing the hypothesis that the ceramic material under tension controls the mechanical performance of the structure. Methods Three ceramics used as framework materials for fixed partial dentures (YZ - Vita In-Ceram YZ; IZ - Vita In-Ceram Zirconia; AL - Vita In-Ceram AL) and two veneering porcelains (VM7 and VM9) were studied. Bar-shaped specimens were produced in three different designs (n=10): monolithic, two layers (porcelain-framework) and three layers (TRI) (porcelain-framework-porcelain). Specimens were tested for three-point flexural strength at 1 MPa/s in 37°C artificial saliva. For bi-layered design, the specimens were tested in both conditions: with porcelain (PT) or framework ceramic (FT) layer under tension. Fracture surfaces were analyzed using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Young’s modulus (E) and Poisson’s ratio (ν) were determined using ultrasonic pulse-echo method. Results were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls tests. Results Except for VM7 and VM9, significant differences were observed for E values among the materials. YZ showed the highest ν value followed by IZ and AL. YZ presented the highest σf. There was no statistical difference in the σf value between IZ and IZ-FT and between AL and AL-FT. σf values for YZ-PT, IZ-PT, IZ-TRI, AL-PT, AL-TRI were similar to the results obtained for VM7 and VM9. Two types of fracture mode were identified: total and partial failure. Significance The mechanical performance of the specimens was determined by the material under tension during testing, confirming the study hypothesis.

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the tensile (sigma(t)) and shear bond strength (sigma(s)) of a glass-infiltrated alumina-based zirconia-reinforced ceramic (IZ--Vita In-Ceram Zirconia) to a composite resin, testing the hypothesis that silica coating (SC--Cojet, 3M-Espe) produces higher bond strength values than other ceramic surface treatments. Specimens were fabricated and tested according to the manufacturers' instructions, and to ISO6872 and ISO11405 specifications. Sixty IZ disk specimens were polished through 1 microm and divided into 3 groups (n = 20) according to the following surface treatments: HF - 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (Ultradent) for 1 min; SB--sandblasting with 25-microm aluminum oxide particles for 10 s; SC--silica coating for 10 s. Silane (3M-Espe), adhesive (Single Bond, 3M-Espe) and a composite resin cylinder (Z100, 3M-Espe) were applied and polymerized to the treated bonding area (3.5 mm in diameter). Ten specimens from each group (n = 10) were tested for sigma(t) and ten specimens were tested for sigma(s), using a universal testing machine (EMIC DL 2000) at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests (alpha = 0.05). The mean and standard deviation values (MPa) and statistical groupings for sigma(t) were: HF - 3.5 +/- 1.0a; SB - 7.6 +/-1.2b; and SC - 10.4+/-1.8c. For sigma(s), the values were: HF - 10.4 +/- 3.1A; SB - 13.9+/- 3.1B; and SC - 21.6 +/- 1.7C (p < 0.05). The groups presented the same statistical ranking of mean values for both test methods. The SC-treated IZ ceramic presented a significant increase in mean bond strength values for both test methods, confirming the study hypothesis.

Objectives To evaluate the effect of the microstructure on the Weibull and slow crack growth (SCG) parameters and on the lifetime of three ceramics used as framework materials for fixed partial dentures (FPDs) (YZ - Vita In-Ceram YZ; IZ - Vita In-Ceram Zirconia; AL - Vita In-Ceram AL) and of two veneering porcelains (VM7 and VM9). Methods Bar-shaped specimens were fabricated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Specimens were tested in three-point flexure in 37°C artificial saliva. Weibull analysis (n=30) and a constant stress-rate test (n=10) were used to determine the Weibull modulus (m) and SCG coefficient (n), respectively. Microstructural and fractographic analyses were performed using SEM. ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=0.05) were used to statistically analyze data obtained with both microstructural and fractographic analyses. Results YZ and AL presented high crystalline content and low porosity (0.1–0.2%). YZ had the highest characteristic strength (σ0) value (911 MPa) followed by AL (488 MPa) and IZ (423 MPa). Lower σ0 values were observed for the porcelains (68–75 MPa). Except for IZ and VM7, m values were similar among the ceramic materials. Higher n values were found for YZ (76) and AL (72), followed by IZ (54) and the veneering materials (36–44). Lifetime predictions showed that YZ was the material with the best mechanical performance. The size of the critical flaw was similar among the framework materials (34–48 µm) and among the porcelains (75–86 µm). Significance The microstructure influenced the mechanical and SCG behavior of the studied materials and, consequently, the lifetime predictions.

The mechanical properties of the PICN are equivalent to the properties of nanoceramic resins, lower to lithium disilicate glass ceramic and superior to feldspathic porcelain. Yet, the findings suggest a highly resistant material to degradation at low loads (close to physiological situation) when cemented on a substrate.

The objective of the study was to measure the marginal and internal fit of zirconia-based all-ceramic three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) (Y-TZP -LAVA, 3M-ESPE), using a novel methodology based on micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) technology. Stainless steel models of prepared abutments were fabricated to design FPDs. Ten frameworks were produced with 9 mm² connector cross-sections using a LAVA TM CAD-CAM system. All FPDs were veneered with a compatible porcelain. Each FPD was seated on the original model and scanned using micro-CT. Files were processed using NRecon and CTAn software. Adobe Photoshop and Image J software were used to analyze the crosssectional images. Five measuring points were selected, as follows: MG -marginal gap; CA -chamfer area; AW -axial wall; AOT -axio-occlusal transition area; OA -occlusal area. Results were statistically analyzed by Kruskall-Wallis and Tukey's post hoc test (α = 0.05). There were significant differences for the gap width between the measurement points evaluated. MG showed the smallest median gap width (42 µm). OA had the highest median gap dimension (125 µm), followed by the AOT point (105 µm). CA and AW gap width values were statistically similar, 66 and 65 µm respectively. Thus, it was possible to conclude that different levels of adaptation were observed within the FPD, at the different measuring points. In addition, the micro-CT technology seems to be a reliable tool to evaluate the fit of dental restorations.

This study evaluated the flexural strength (sf) and the diametral tensile strength (st) of light-cured composite resins, testing the hypothesis that there is a positive relation between these properties. Twenty specimens were fabricated for each material (Filtek Z250- 3M-Espe; AM- Amelogen, Ultradent; VE- Vit-l-escence, Ultradent; EX- Esthet-X, Dentsply/Caulk), following ISO 4049 and ANSI/ADA 27 specifications and the manufacturers instructions. For the st test, cylindrical shaped (4 mm x 6 mm) specimens (n = 10) were placed with their long axes perpendicular to the applied compressive load at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min. The sf was measured using the 3-point bending test, in which bar shaped specimens (n = 10) were tested at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Both tests were performed in a universal testing machine (EMIC 2000) recording the fracture load (N). Strength values (MPa) were calculated and statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey (a = 0.05). The mean and standard deviation values (MPa) were Z250-45.06 +/- 5.7; AM-35.61 +/- 5.4; VE-34.45 +/- 7.8; and EX-42.87 +/- 6.6 for st; and Z250-126.52 +/- 3.3; AM-87.75 +/- 3.8; VE-104.66 +/- 4.4; and EX-119.48 +/- 2.1 for sf. EX and Z250 showed higher st and sf values than the other materials evaluated (p < 0.05), which followed a decreasing trend of mean values. The results confirmed the study hypothesis, showing a positive relation between the material properties examined.