Surface, Microstructural, and Mechanical Characterization of Prefabricated Pediatric Zirconia Crowns

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to characterize the surface roughness, the microstructure, and mechanical properties of four prefabricated zirconia pediatric crowns. Ten prefabricated crowns from four different manufacturers (Cheng Crowns Zirconia), (EZCrowns), (NuSmile ZR), and (Zirconia Pediatric Crowns) were included in this study. The surface roughness parameters (Sa, Sq, Sz, Sc, and Sv) of all samples were studied by optical profilometry and then the microstructure was studied by Raman spectroscopy. Then, all samples were embedded in epoxy resin and after metallographic polishing, the Martens hardness (HM), indentation modulus (EIT), elastic index (ηIT), Vickers hardness (HV), and fracture toughness (KIC) were identified by the Instrumented Indentation Testing (IIT). All data were statistically analyzed by a one-way ANOVA and a Tukey multiple comparison test at α = 0.05. Only the tetragonal phase of zirconia for all materials tested was identified after Raman analysis. However, statistically significant differences were found among the surface roughness parameters, HV and KIC, while no differences were allocated for HΜ, EIT, and ηΙΤ. Although the materials tested shared a similar microstructure, significant differences in surface roughness parameters HV and KIC were identified and, thus, differences in their clinical performance were anticipated.

Effects of decontamination protocols on the aesthetic, morphological, and material composition of preformed paediatric crowns

“…Zirconia crowns have good aesthetics and high strength, 11 and in the present study, they did not show any degradation with repeated reprocessing, nor any significant colour change. In addition, the absence of surface defects, irrespective of cycle parameters, reinforces the known high strength properties of zirconia ceramics 12–14 . Pate, Wells, Morrow, Ragain, Garcia‐Godoy 15 reported the high colour stability of zirconia crowns following steam sterilisation, which is consistent with the present results.…”

Zirconia Crowns for Primary Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

“…The color change of the latter can negate the original purpose of the resin as an esthetic solution as resin is prone to staining over time when exposed to agents such as coffee or dark soft drinks [ 73 , 74 ].…”

Use of Restorative Full Crowns Made with Zirconia in Children: A Systematic Review

“… 10 , 11 Recently, the prefabricated zirconium dioxide ceramic crowns are being used in the treatment of deciduous teeth to provide a more durable and esthetic alternative. 12 …”

“…Henceforth, zirconia-made pediatric crowns that contrast in compound blend microstructure and creation parameters may show a wide scope of mechanical properties and definitely a modified clinical behavior. 12 …”