An engineering perspective of ceramics applied in dental reconstructions

Abstract The demands for dental materials continue to grow, driven by the desire to reach a better performance than currently achieved by the available materials. In the dental restorative ceramic field, the structures evolved from the metal-ceramic systems to highly translucent multilayered zirconia, aiming not only for tailored mechanical properties but also for the aesthetics to mimic natural teeth. Ceramics are widely used in prosthetic dentistry due to their attractive clinical properties, including high strength, biocompatibility, chemical stability, and a good combination of optical properties. Metal-ceramics type has always been the golden standard of dental reconstruction. However, this system lacks aesthetic aspects. For this reason, efforts are made to develop materials that met both the mechanical features necessary for the safe performance of the restoration as well as the aesthetic aspects, aiming for a beautiful smile. In this field, glass and high-strength core ceramics have been highly investigated for applications in dental restoration due to their excellent combination of mechanical properties and translucency. However, since these are recent materials when compared with the metal-ceramic system, many studies are still required to guarantee the quality and longevity of these systems. Therefore, a background on available dental materials properties is a starting point to provoke a discussion on the development of potential alternatives to rehabilitate lost hard and soft tissue structures with ceramic-based tooth and implant-supported reconstructions. This review aims to bring the most recent materials research of the two major categories of ceramic restorations: ceramic-metal system and all-ceramic restorations. The practical aspects are herein presented regarding the evolution and development of materials, technologies applications, strength, color, and aesthetics. A trend was observed to use high-strength core ceramics type due to their ability to be manufactured by CAD/CAM technology. In addition, the impacts of COVID-19 on the market of dental restorative ceramics are presented.

Residual stress estimated by nanoindentation in pontics and abutments of veneered zirconia fixed dental prostheses

Abstract Glass ceramics' fractures in zirconia fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) remains a clinical challenge since it has higher fracture rates than the gold standard, metal ceramic FDP. Nanoindentation has been shown a reliable tool to determine residual stress of ceramic systems, which can ultimately correlate to failure-proneness. Objectives: To assess residual tensile stress using nanoindentation in veneered three-unit zirconia FDPs at different surfaces of pontics and abutments. Methodology: Three composite resin replicas of the maxillary first premolar and crown-prepared abutment first molar were made to obtain three-unit FDPs. The FDPs were veneered with glass ceramic containing fluorapatite crystals and resin cemented on the replicas, embedded in epoxy resin, sectioned, and polished. Each specimen was subjected to nanoindentation in the following regions of interest: 1) Mesial premolar abutment (MPMa); 2) Distal premolar abutment (DPMa); 3) Buccal premolar abutment (BPMa); 4) Lingual premolar abutment (LPMa); 5) Mesial premolar pontic (MPMp); 6) Distal premolar pontic (DPMp); 7) Buccal premolar pontic (BPMp); 8) Lingual premolar pontic (LPMp); 9) Mesial molar abutment (MMa); 10) Distal molar abutment (DMa); 11) Buccal molar abutment (BMa); and 12) Lingual molar abutment (LMa). Data were assessed using Linear Mixed Model and Least Significant Difference (95%) tests. Results: Pontics had significantly higher hardness values than premolar (p=0.001) and molar (p=0.007) abutments, suggesting lower residual stress levels. Marginal ridges yielded higher hardness values for connectors (DPMa, MMa, MPMp and DPMp) than for outer proximal surfaces of abutments (MPMa and DMa). The mesial marginal ridge of the premolar abutment (MPMa) had the lowest hardness values, suggesting higher residual stress concentration. Conclusions: Residual stress in three-unit FDPs was lower in pontics than in abutments. The outer proximal surfaces of the abutments had the highest residual stress concentration.

Three-dimensional misfit between Ti-Base abutments and implants evaluated by replica technique

Abstract An important factor affecting the biomechanical behavior of implant-supported reconstructions is the implant-abutment misfit. Objective: This study evaluated the misfit between Ti-Base abutments and implants by means of polyvinyl siloxane replica technique using microcomputed tomography (μCT). Methodology: Volumetric and linear (central and marginal) gaps of four Ti-base abutments (n=10/group): (i) Odontofix LTDA (OD), (ii) Singular Implants (SING), (iii) EFF Dental Components (EFF), and (iv) Control Group (S.I.N implants) compatible with an implant system (Strong SW, S.I.N Implants) were measured using μCT reconstructed polyvinyl siloxane replicas. Results: The results showed significantly lower volume gap for Control S.I.N (0.67±0.29 mm3) and SING (0.69±0.28 mm3) Ti-base abutments relative to OD (1.42±0.28 mm3) and EFF groups (1.04±0.28 mm3) (p<0.033), without significant difference between them (p=0.936). While gap values were homogenous in the central region, EFF presented a significantly higher marginal gap. Accordingly, the Control S.I.N and Singular Ti-base abutments showed improved volumetric and marginal fit relative to Odontofix and EFF. Conclusion: The method of manufacturing abutments influenced the misfit at the implant-abutment interface.

Mechanical testing of thin-walled zirconia abutments

Although the use of zirconia abutments for implant-supported restorations has gained momentum with the increasing demand for esthetics, little informed design rationale has been developed to characterize their fatigue behavior under different clinical scenarios. However, to prevent the zirconia from fracturing, the use of a titanium connection in bi-component aesthetic abutments has been suggested. Objective: Mechanical testing of customized thin-walled titanium-zirconia abutments at the connection with the implant was performed in order to characterize the fatigue behavior and the failure modes for straight and angled abutments. Material and Methods: Twenty custom-made bi-component abutments were tested according to ISO 14801:2007 either at a straight or a 25° angle inclination (n=10 each group). Fatigue was conducted at 15 Hz for 5 million cycles in dry conditions at 20°C±5°C. Mean values and standard deviations were calculated for each group. All comparisons were performed by t-tests assuming unequal variances. The level of statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. Failed samples were inspected in a polarized-light and then in a scanning electron microscope. Results: Straight and angled abutments mean maximum load was 296.7 N and 1,145 N, the dynamic loading mean Fmax was 237.4 N and 240.7 N, respectively. No significant differences resulted between the straight and angled bi-component abutments in both static (p=0.253) and dynamic testing (p=0.135). A significant difference in the bending moment required for fracture was detected between the groups (p=0.01). Fractures in the angled group occurred mainly at the point of load application, whereas in the straight abutments, fractures were located coronally and close to the thinly designed areas at the cervical region. Conclusion: Angled or straight thin-walled zirconia abutments presented similar Fmax under fatigue testing despite the different bending moments required for fracture...

Conceitos Básicos de Pesquisa in vivo aplicada à Implantodontia / Basic concepts of in vivo implant research

As altas taxas de sucesso das reabilitações orais sobreimplantes osseointegráveis metálicos consolidaram esta modalidade de tratamento. Porém, é incessante a busca pela otimização da resposta implante/hospedeiro imediata e a longo prazo, sendo hoje o principal fator motivador das investigações nesta área. O impacto das alterações produzidas nos implantes nas diferentes escalas macro, micro e nanométricas com o objetivo de acelerar a resposta do hospedeiro, permitindo a reabilitação em tempos menores do que aqueles inicialmente propostos nos primórdios da Implantodontia moderna, serão discutidos. Devido à quase infinidade de superfícies disponíveis no mercado, uma classificação objetiva será apresentada para facilitar a comunicação entre profissionais, pesquisadores e indústria. O efeito destas modificações, das técnicas cirúrgicas e as implicações clínicas na osseointegração serão abordados com suporte em estudos in vivo.

High success rates of implant dentistry have made it a consolidated treatment modality. However, the quest for implant/host improved response has been the main driving force in research involving the topic. The impact of macro-, micro, and nanometric alterations tailored to foster early implant/host response allowing final rehabilitation at earlier time frames will be discussed. Considering the virtually “infinite” amount of implant surfaces available in the market, a novel classification code will be presented in attempt to facilitate communication between dental professionals, researchers and industry personal. The impact of implant surface modifications and surgical technique on clinical aspects of osseointegration will be discussed based on in vivo sudies

Perda da estrutura dentária por erosão: etiologia, diagnóstico e fatores de risco / Erosion tooth wear: aetiology, diagnostic and risk factor

O desgaste dentário é um processo fisiológico e natural. Entretanto, lesões como abrasão, atrição, abfração e erosão podem ser patológicas dependendo da severidade e relacionada com a idade. Enquanto o declínio da incidência de cárie tem sido observado, o desgaste dentário por aqueles mecanismos tem se tornado um achado clínico importante. Em muitas situações é impossível distinguir qual o principal fator envolvido com as lesões por Perda da Estrutura Dentária (PED) devido a sua etiologia multifatorial e diagnóstico complexo. Adicionalmente, fatores específicos podem atuar sinergicamente com a etiologia da PED, incluindo as atividades funcionais e parafuncionais, dieta, doenças, fatores salivares, hábitos de higiene e atividade ocupacional.Entretanto, a erosão é o principal assunto dos estudos de PED, pois pesquisas clínicas indicam o aumento da sua prevalência e apontam o seu efeito dominante sobre os outros mecanismos.A erosão origina-se por meio do contato crônico dos dentes com substâncias ácidas que podem ser de origem extrínseca e intrínseca, sem o envolvimento bacteriano. A avaliação minuciosa dos hábitos do paciente associado ao exame clínico auxiliam na determinação da etiologia e dos fatores de risco, sendo esses o foco do manejo da erosão. A mensagem deste trabalho é apresentar uma abordagem de base sólida para a PED onde o seu restabelecimento deve ser acompanhado por aconselhamentos e mudanças de hábitos alimentares e quando presente doenças sistêmicas ou aos distúrbios alimentares o tratamento médico deve estar associado.

Tooth wear is a physiological and natural process. However, lesions like abrasion, attrition and erosion may be pathological depending on their age-related severity. While the rate of caries has decreased, pathological tooth wear has become an increasingly common clinical finding. In most cases it is a challenge to determine the main factor involved with the tooth wear lesion, given its multifactorial etiology and complex diagnostic. Additionally, specific factors can act synergistically with tooth wear etiology including functional and parafunctional activities, diet, diseases, salivary factors, hygiene habits and occupational activity. Erosion seems to be a major source and main topic on tooth wear studies since recent clinical research has pointed its increased prevalence and also its dominant effect over other mechanisms. Erosion is caused by chronic contact of teeth with acid substances that can be of extrinsic or intrinsic origin, without bacterial involvement.A thorough assessment of patient habits, and clinical exam aiming at determination of etiological and risk factors are the goals of erosion management. The message of this paper is to provide a sound basis approach to tooth wear, where restoration of lost dental structure should be coupled with counseling and changes of dietary habits and/or medical treatment if associated with eating disorders or systemic diseases.

Avaliação biomecânica e histológica de implantes com diferentes macrogeometrias no período inicial de osseointegração: estudo experimental em cães / Early biomechanical and histological analyses of different implant macrogeometries: an experimental study in beagle dogs

Desde que o conceito de osseointegração foi introduzido na Odontologia, várias mudanças ocorreram no modelo e na texturização de superfície dos implantes dentários. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar biomecânica e histologicamente diferentes macrogeometrias no período inicial da osseointegração na porção proximal da tíbia de cães Beagle. Seis cães Beagle adultos foram utilizados, onde 24 implantes tratados com jateamento com micropartículas e ataque ácido foram inseridos na porção proximal da tíbia bilateralmente (dois implantes por tíbia), 12 implantes cilíndricos com roscas triangulares (grupo controle) e 12 implantes cônicos com roscas trapezoidais (grupo experimental). Após a eutanásia, as tíbias foram removidas e destinadas ao teste de torque de remoção e processamento histológico. A análise estatística foi realizada através de teste t com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Os resultados para o torque de remoção foram 70 ± 20 Ncm e 120 ± 20 Ncm (média ± 95% de intervalo de confiança). Diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos foi encontrada (p < 0,001). Histologicamente, ambos os grupos apresentaram adequada biocompatibilidade e osseocondução com neoformação óssea nas regiões cortical e medular da tíbia. Baseado nos resultados obtidos, a macrogeometria com o tratamento de superfície empregados promoveu a osseointegração nos períodos iniciais do reparo e a macrogeometria do grupo experimental melhorou o desempenho para o torque de remoção comparado ao grupo controle. Novos estudos são necessários para confirmar suas potenciais vantagens.

Since the concept of osseointegration was introduced in dentistry, several changes concerning surface texture and macrodesign of dental implants were implemented. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different implant macrogeometries on the early biomechanical and histomorphologic response in a beagle dog proximal tibia model. Six adult beagle dogs were used, and the implants with a grit-blasted and acid-etched surface were bilaterally placed along the proximal tibia (2 per limb)- 12 conic shaped with trapezoidal threads (experimental) and 12 cylindrical implants with triangular threads (control). After animal sacrifice, the limbs were retrieved and mechanical test and histological processing were performed. Statistical evaluation was performed by a Student´s t-test at 95% level of confidence. Removal torque test mean values were 70 ± 20Ncm and 120 ± 20Ncm for control and experimental groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Histological observations showed that both implant groups were biocompatible and osseoconductive, presenting newly formed bone at regions of cortical and trabecular bone. Based on results obtained, both macrogeometries and surface treatment presented osseointegration at early implantation times, and the experimental group geometry improved torque to interface fracture relative to the control geometry. Additional studies are necessary to confirm its potential benefits.

Influência da modificação do desenho de infraestruturas cerâmicas e metálicas na vida útil à fadiga e no modo de falha / Influence of modified framework design in all-ceramic and metal-ceramic crowns fatigue life and failure mode

Avaliar a influência da modificação do desenho da infraestrutura na vida útil à fadiga e no modo de falha em coroas metalo-cerâmicas e alumina infiltrada por vidro. Quarenta réplicas de um primeiro molar superior foram produzidas para receber coroas com infraestrutura padrão ou modificada. A infraestrutura modificada consistiu do desenho padrão (0,5 mm de espessura) aumentada por uma cinta lingual, unindo dois postes proximais. A carga (30-300 N) foi aplicada por um endentador metálico (3,18 mm raio) na superfície oclusal, durante 106 ciclos ou até a falha. A cada 125.000 ciclos o teste era interrompido para avaliar os danos. Fraturas catastróficas ou da porcelana de revestimento e a presença da trinca cone interno estendendo-se a infraestrutura foram os critérios utilizados para definir falha. As superfícies fraturadas e as polidas foram analisadas com estereomicroscópio e por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A distribuição de Weibull foi utilizada para a análise estatística. A vida útil à fadiga da metalo-cerâmica foi significativamente maior que da alumina; contudo, a modificação não alterou este parâmetro nos grupos metálico ou cerâmico. Os grupos metalo-cerâmico apresentaram trincas cone interno sem fraturas da porcelana de revestimento. O grupo alumina com infraestrutura padrão apresentou principalmente fratura da porcelana de revestimento, enquanto que no grupo alumina com infraestrutura modificada se observou cone interno. A vida útil à fadiga não melhorou com a modificação no desenho das infraestruturas. O modo de falha variou de acordo com o material da infraestrutura.

To evaluate the effect of framework design on the fatigue life and failure modes of metal-ceramic and glass-infiltrated alumina. Forty composite resin tooth-replica of a prepared maxillary first molar were produced to receive crowns of a standard or modified framework design. Core design modification consisted of a standard, connecting to proximal struts. R-ratio fatigue loading was delivered with a spherical steel indenter (3.18 mm radius) on the center of the occlusal surface at a 30-300 N load range, until completion of 106 cycles or failure. Fatigue was interrupted every 125.000 cycles for damage evaluation. Catastrophic fracture, chipping within veneering porcelain, or inner cone crack reaching the core-veneer interface were the criteria for failure. Fractured and polished surfaces were characterized under light polarized microscopy followed by scanning electron microscopy. Weibull distribution fit was used for examining differences between groups. The highest fatigue life was observed for metal-ceramic crowns, but no significant differences were observed for groups with or without framework design modification. Failure modes of metal-ceramic comprised inner cone cracks without porcelain fracture. Glass-infiltrated alumina standard crowns presented bulk fracture whereas glass-infiltrated alumina modified crowns failed mainly through veneer. Fatigue life was not improved with framework design modification. Failure modes varied according to core material.

Próteses fixas implanto-suportadas de 3 elementos: zircônia versus metalocerâmica / Three-unit implant-supported fixed parcial dentures: zirconia versus metal-ceramic

A falha coesiva na porcelana de revestimento de próteses com infraestruturas de policristais de zircônia tetragonal estabilizada por ítrio (PZT-I) tem causado elevadas taxas clínicas de fracassos. No presente estudo avaliou-se a confiabilidade e modos de fratura de próteses fixas implanto-suportadas confeccionadas em uma liga de paládio-prata (PdAg) e em PZT-I, submetidas à fadiga acelerada progressiva. Embebeu-se análogos de implantes em uma resina acrílica. Infraestruturas em PZT-I e PdAg (n = 21/grupo) foram fabricadas, revestidas com porcelana, cimentadas e submetidas a uma carga estática (n = 3/grupo) para obtenção dos valores de resistência à fratura. Em seguida, 18 espécimes de cada grupo foram distribuídos ao longo de 3 perfis de estresse progressivo e submetidos à fadiga em água com a carga aplicada na cúspide vestibular do pôntico. Encontrou-se no grupo PdAg um modo de fratura incluindo trincas flexurais na área do conector competindo com a falha coesiva da porcelana, enquanto que as próteses em PZT-I apresentaram falha coesiva na porcelana de revestimento. O cálculo da confiabilidade (Alta Pro, Relia Soft, intervalo de confiança de 90%, bilateral) revelou confiabilidade significativamente inferior para o grupo PZT-I na finalização de uma missão de 100.000 ciclos a 300 N quando comparada ao grupo PdAg. Concluiu-se que para uma missão de 100.000 ciclos a 300 N a confiabilidade é mais alta para a prótese metalocerâmica quando comparada à em PZT-I. Os modos de fratura diferiram entre os grupos.

Statement of problem: chipping within veneering porcelain has resulted in high clinical failure rates for implant-supported zirconia (Y-TZP) bridges. This study evaluated the reliability and failure modes of mouth-motion step-stress fatigued implant-supported Y-TZP versus Palladium-Silver alloy (PdAg) three-unit bridges. Methods: Implant-abutment replicas wereembedded in polymethylmethacrylate resin. Y-TZP and PdAg frameworks, of similar design (n = 21 each), were fabricated, veneered, cemented (n = 3 each), and Hertzian contact tested to obtain ultimate failure load. In each framework group eighteen specimens were distributed across 3 stepstress profiles and mouth-motion cyclically loaded according to the profile on the lingual slope of the buccal cusp of the pontic. Results: PdAg failures included competing flexural cracking at abutment and/or connector area and chipping, whereas Y-TZP presented predominantly cohesive failure within veneering porcelain. Including all failure modes, the reliability (2-sided at 90% confidence intervals) for a “mission” of 100,000 cycles at 300 N load was determined (Alta Pro, Reliasoft). Reliability remained unchanged for a mission of 100,000 for PdAg, but significantly decreased for Y-TZP. Conclusion: Higher reliability was found for PdAg for a mission of 100,000 cycles at 300N. Failure modes differed between materials.

Confiabilidade e modos de fratura de próteses fixas implanto-suportadas metalocerâmicas e em zircônia / Reliability and failure modes of metalloceramic and zirconia implant-supported fixed prosthesis

A falha coesiva na porcelana de revestimento de próteses com infraestruturas de policristais de zircônia tetragonal estabilizada por ítrio (PZT-Y) tem causado elevadas taxas clínicas de fracassos. No presente estudo avaliou-se a confiabilidade e modos de fratura de próteses fixas implanto-suportadas confeccionadas em uma liga de Paládio-Prata (PdAg) e em PZT-Y, submetidas à fadiga acelerada progressiva. Embebeu-se análogos de implantes em uma resina acrílica. Infra-estruturas em PZT-Y e PdAg (n = 21/ grupo) foram fabricadas, revestidas com porcelana, cimentadas e submetidas a uma carga estática (n = 3/ grupo) para obtenção dos valores de resistência à fratura. Em seguida, 18 espécimes de cada grupo foram distribuídos ao longo de 3 perfis de estresse progressivo e submetidos à fadiga em água com a carga aplicada na cúspide vestibular do pôntico. Encontrou-se no grupo PdAg um modo de fratura incluindo trincas flexurais na área do conector competindo com a falha coesiva da porcelana, enquanto que as próteses em PZT-Y apresentaram falha coesiva na porcelana de revestimento. O cálculo da confiabilidade (Alta Pro, ReliaSoft, intervalo de confiança de 90 %, bilateral) revelou a ausência de diferença significativa para a finalização de uma missão de 50.000 ciclos a 300 N entre as próteses em PdAg e PZT-Y. Contudo, a confiabilidade reduziu significativamente para o grupo PZT-Y na finalização de uma missão de 100.000 ciclos a 300 N enquanto que permaneceu a mesma para o grupo PdAg. Concluiu-se que para uma missão de 100.000 ciclos a 300 N a confiabilidade é mais alta para a prótese metalocerâmica quando comparada à em PZT-Y. Os modos de fratura diferiram entre os grupos.

Statement of problem: chipping within veneering porcelain has resulted in high clinical failure rates for implant-supported zirconia (Y-TZP) bridges. This study evaluated the reliability and failure modes of mouth-motion step-stress fatigued implant-supported Y-TZP versus Palladium-Silver alloy (PdAg) three-unit bridges. Methods: Implant-abutment replicas were embedded in polymethylmethacrylate resin. Y-TZP and PdAg frameworks, of similar design (n=21 each), were fabricated, veneered, cemented (n=3 each), and Hertzian contact tested to obtain ultimate failure load. In each framework group eighteen specimens were distributed across 3 step-stress profiles and mouth-motion cyclically loaded according to the profile on the lingual slope of the buccal cusp of the pontic. Results: PdAg failures included competing flexural cracking at abutment and/or connector area and chipping, whereas Y-TZP presented predominantly cohesive failure within veneering porcelain. Including all failure modes, the reliability (2-sided at 90% confidence intervals) for a mission of 50,000 and 100,000 cycles at 300 N load was determined (Alta Pro, Reliasoft). No difference in reliability was observed between groups for a mission of 50,000. Reliability remained unchanged for a mission of 100,000 for PdAg, but significantly decreased for Y-TZP. Conclusion: Higher reliability was found for PdAg for a mission of 100,000 cycles at 300N. Failure modes differed between materials.