Bovine hydroxyapatite/3Y-TZP bioceramic: Aligning 3Y-TZP content with sintering parameters.

This study aimed to produces and characterize bovine hydroxyapatite (HA) bioceramic with 3Y-TZP addition and analyze different sintering curves. HA was extracted from bovine bones and nanoparticulated. HA discs (0, 1, 5 and 10 wt% 3Y-TZP) were subjected to uniaxial and isostatic pressing. Dilatometry analysis was performed and the groups were sintered using 3 different firing curves (conventional, 1300 °C; 2-step, 1292 °C; 2-step, 1420 °C). The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), biaxial flexural strength (BFS), Vickers microhardness (VH) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The dilatometry results signaled the need for sintering optimization in groups added with 3Y-TZP. XRD demonstrated the characteristic crystallographic peaks of HA in the pure groups and with 1% 3Y-TZP, and decomposition of HA into ß-TCP and formation of calcium zirconate in the groups with 5 and 10% 3Y-TZP. Considering each composition, the groups of pure HA (131.3 ± 13.5 MPa; 401 ± 12.7 GPa) sintered by the conventional curve and HA+1%3Y-TZP (145 ± 8.6 MPa; 507 ± 47.9 GPa), HA+5%3Y-TZP (68.1 ± 14.2 MPa; 183 ± 9.8 GPa) and HA+10%3Y-TZP (55.6 ± 5.1 MPa; 96.1 ± 7.64 GPa) sintered by the 2-step curve at 1420 °C, combined the best BFS and VH results. The addition of 1 wt% 3Y-TZP and optimization in the sintering process improved the mechanical and microstructural properties of HA bioceramics and maintenance of its crystalline characteristics. Refinement in material processing is necessary for the future use of this bioceramic in dentistry.

Structural, chemical and optical characterizations of an experimental SiO2-Y-TZP ceramic produced by the uniaxial/isostatic pressing technique.

This study aimed to produce a new SiO2+Y-TZP ceramic via uniaxial/isostatic compression that was structurally and chemically characterized relating to its translucency and flexural strength. SiO2 and Y-TZP were mixed using a ball mill, pressed and sintered at 1150 °C. The optical and mechanical properties of the specimens were compared to lithium disilicate (LD) and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) (Kruskal-Wallis, α = 0.05). The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy bands suggested an interaction between Si, O and Zr. Contrast ratio and translucency parameter of the experimental ceramic were higher and lower, (p = 0.000001) respectively, than those of the LD and ZLS. The experimental ceramic presented similar flexural strength to ZLS, but lower than LD (p < 0.0001). It can be concluded that this processing method is efficient to obtain a SiO2+Y-TZP ceramic and 1150 °C crystallizes SiO2 without inducing t-m transformation. The SiO2+Y-TZP ceramic presented lower translucency and higher masking ability than the commercially available glass-ceramics, but similar flexural strength to one glass-ceramics.

The effects of hybrid light activation and enamel acid etching on the effectiveness, stability and sensitivity after a single session in-office bleaching: A 12-month clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of hybrid-light (HL) during in-office teeth bleaching can provide faster and reliable results after a single bleaching session, especially if associated with previous acid etching. The present in vivo, interventional, split-mouth, triple-blinded and randomized study evaluated the efficiency of a HL, with and without prior enamel acid etching, assessing the gel application time, degree of color change, sensitivity and treatment stability up to 12 months. METHODS: Thirty-four patients were selected and randomly divided into four groups. The color was evaluated using a spectrophotometer with the CIELab color system, and a VAS questionnaire was used to evaluate the sensitivity. Both upper and lower hemiarches (GI and III) received enamel acid etching with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s prior to the application of 35% hydrogen peroxide gel (HP). For GI and II, HP was applied on both dental arches for 3-4 consecutive applications and activated by HL (2 × 3' activations with 1' interval); and 3 × 15' (HP) for GIII and IV without HL. Patients returned in 24 h, 1 week, 1-, 6- and 12-months intervals. The clinical operator was different from the clinical measurements operator. RESULTS: After 3-way ANOVA, Tukey's, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests, all with p < 0.05, no statistical differences were observed between the groups regarding color change (ΔE) and sensitivity in all evaluations. The lowest gel application time was observed for GII (acid etch + HL), followed by GI (HL). CONCLUSIONS: The present study's results reveal the advantages of HL associated with acid etching prior to in office bleaching.

Incorporation of TiO2 nanotubes in a polycrystalline zirconia: Synthesis of nanotubes, surface characterization, and bond strength.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Despite numerous advantages such as high strength, the bond of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) to tooth structure requires improvement. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the incorporation of TiO2 nanotubes into zirconia surfaces and the bond strength of resin cement to the modified ceramic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: TiO2 nanotubes were produced by alkaline synthesis, mixed with isopropyl alcohol (50 wt%) and applied on presintered zirconia disks. The ceramics were sintered, and the surfaces were characterized by confocal laser microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. For bond strength, the following 6 groups (n=16) were evaluated: without TiO2 and Single Bond Universal; with TiO2 nanotubes and Single Bond Universal; without TiO2 nanotubes and Z-prime; with TiO2 nanotubes and Z-prime; without TiO2 and Signum Zirconia Bond; with TiO2 and Signum Zirconia Bond. After sintering, resin cement cylinders, diameter of 1.40 mm and 1 mm in height, were prepared and polymerized for 20 seconds. Specimens were stored in water at 37°C for 30 days and submitted to a shear test. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey honest significant difference (α=.05) tests. RESULTS: EDS analysis confirmed that nanoagglomerates were composed of TiO2. The shear bond strength showed statistically significant differences among bonding agents (P<.001). No significant differences were found with the application of nanotubes, regardless of the group analyzed (P=.682). The interaction among the bonding agent factors and addition of nanotubes was significant (P=.025). CONCLUSIONS: Nanotubes can be incorporated into zirconia surfaces. However, this incorporation did not improve bond strength.

Dimensional changes from the sintering process and fit of Y-TZP copings: Micro-CT analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dimensional changes from the sintering process of Y-TZP and relate them to the fit of zirconia copings. METHODS: The sintering shrinkage rate (SSR) was obtained from the measurement of geometric specimens (4×4×2mm). Thirty-six zirconia copings made using CAD/CAM were equally divided into three groups (n=12): ZMAX - IPS e.max ZirCAD (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein); ZYZ - InCeram YZ (Vita Zahnfabrik, Germany); and ZK - Zirklein (Zirklein, Brazil). The copings were scanned in micro-CT before and after sintering so that SSR was obtained. The SSR of geometrical specimens and copings was compared to each other and those the manufacturers reported (ANOVA-2 and Tukey, p≤.05). The copings were settled on an abutment and taken to the micro-CT to evaluate their marginal and internal fit. The data enabled the statistical comparison (ANOVA-2 and Tukey, p≤.05) between groups and measurement sites and between the fit obtained with that stipulated by the CAD/CAM software (80µm) (Dunnett test, p≤.05). RESULTS: All groups showed statistical differences between the SSR the manufacturer reported and those obtained experimentally and between the SSR of the geometric specimens and copings. In general, the SSR of the copings showed no uniformity. There was no statistical difference among the groups for marginal fit, with differences only for internal fit and between the different regions measured. The fit obtained experimentally differed from the internal space determined in the CAD/CAM software. SIGNIFICANCE: The lack of uniformity of sintering shrinkage might lead to a non-uniform internal fit of Y-TZP copings.

Application of Micro-Raman Spectroscopy to the Study of Yttria-Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal (Y-TZP) Phase Transformation.

The aim of this study was to perform micro-Raman spectroscopy as an alternative and nondestructive method to identify the phase transformation of zirconia after mechanical stress. The groups evaluated were experimental zirconia, zirconcad, IPS e.max ZirCad, and In Ceram YZ. Ten specimens were constructed for each group (n = 30) and subjected to a three-point bending test with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The fractured surfaces were analyzed by micro-Raman spectroscopy. The laser power was kept at 10 mW, and scanning was performed in three regions of the fractured surface: (i) near the source of the failure (region of tensile stress), (ii) central to the fractured surface, and (iii) far from the source of failure. All materials showed the characteristic bands of tetragonal and monoclinic phases of zirconia. All zirconia studied showed a monoclinic phase in the tensile stress region. Micro-Raman spectroscopy was effective in detecting the presence of crystalline phases in polycrystals ceramics.

Bond strength and Raman analysis of the zirconia-feldspathic porcelain interface.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Zirconia has the best mechanical properties of the available ceramic systems. However, the stability of the zirconia-feldspathic porcelain interface may be jeopardized by the presence of the chipping and debonding of the feldspathic porcelain. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the shear bond strength of 3 cold isostatic pressed zirconia materials and a feldspathic veneer by analyzing their interface with micro-Raman spectroscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The test groups were experimental zirconia, Zirkonzahn zirconia, and Schuetz zirconia. Blocks of partially sintered zirconia were cut into disks (n=20) and then veneered with a feldspathic porcelain. Half of the specimens from each group (n=10) were incubated in 37°C water for 24 hours, and the other half were thermocycled. All the specimens were then subjected to shear testing. The fractured areas were analyzed with optical stereomicroscopy and classified as adhesive, cohesive, or an adhesive-cohesive failure. Spectral patterns were examined to detect bands related to the zirconia and feldspathic porcelain phases. The shear strength data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA. RESULTS: No significant differences in shear bond strength were observed among the 3 groups, regardless of whether or not the specimens were thermocycled. Adhesive failures were the most prevalent types of failure (70%). Raman spectra were clearly distinguished for all the materials, which showed the presence of tetragonal and monoclinic phases. CONCLUSIONS: The controlled production of the experimental zirconia did not influence the results of the bond strength. Raman analysis suggested a process of interdiffusion by the presence of peaks associated with the zirconia and feldspathic ceramics.