Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o efeito da rugosidade da superfície (polido vs. simulação da usinagem em CAD/CAM) na resistência ao impacto de cinco cerâmicas odontológicas indicadas na fabricação de restaurações monolíticas em CAD/CAM. Espécimes de cinco cerâmicas (FC- vitrocerâmica feldspática; PICN- rede de cerâmica infiltrada com polímero; ZLS- vitrocerâmica de silicato de lítio reforçada com zircônia; LD- vitrocerâmica de dissilicato de lítio; YZ- cerâmica policristalina de zircônia tetragonal estabilizada com ítria), a serem testados sob impacto (15 × 10 × 2mm3; n= 15), foram divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com o tratamento superficial: polimento (pol) e desgaste (gri), usado como simulação da usinagem em CAD/CAM. A resistência ao impacto foi testada usando o método Dynstat. Foram realizadas as análises de rugosidade, topografia, fractografia e análise de elementos finitos. Os dados de resistência ao impacto foram analisados pela análise de Weibull, e a correlação de Pearson foi usada para correlacionar os dados de rugosidade e resistência ao impacto. A simulação da usinagem em CAD/CAM levou a uma rugosidade (Ra e Rz) significativamente maior (p < 0,05) para todas as cerâmicas, e reduziu estatisticamente a resistência ao impacto para as cerâmicas PICN (polPICN = 4,59 para griPICN = 1,09; redução de ± 76%), LD (polLD = 17,69 para griLD = 10,09; ± 43% de redução) e YZ (polYZ = 74,99 para griYZ = 20,67; ± 72% de redução); e também promoveu uma topografia mais irregular apresentando riscos e sulcos acentuados. As análises de fractografia e de elementos finitos mostraram a origem da falha no lado de maior concentração de tensão durante o teste de impacto, onde o pêndulo impactou o espécime. A simulação da usinagem em CAD/CAM reduziu significativamente a resistência ao impacto dos materiais cerâmicos avaliados.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of surface roughness (polished vs. CAD/CAM milling simulation) on impact strength of five dental ceramics for manufacturing CAD/CAM monolithic restorations. Specimens of five ceramics (FC- feldspathic glass-ceramic; PICN- polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network; ZLS- zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic; LD- lithium disilicate glass-ceramic; YZ- yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramic) to be tested under impact (15×10×2mm3; n= 15) were divided into two groups, according to surface treatment: polishing (pol) and grinding (gri) as CAD/CAM milling simulation. Impact strength was tested using the Dynstat method. Roughness, topographic, fractographic and finite element analyses were performed. The impact strength data were analyzed by Weibull, and Pearson correlation was used to correlate roughness and impact strength data. The CAD/CAM milling simulation led to significantly (p<0.05) greater roughness (Ra and Rz) and statistically reduced the impact strength for PICN (polPICN= 4.59 to griPICN= 1.09; ±76% decrease), for LD (polLD= 17.69 to griLD= 10.09; ±43% decrease) and for YZ (polYZ= 74.99 to griYZ= 20.67; ±72% decrease) ceramics; and also promoted a more irregular topography with scratches and grooves. Fractographic and FEA analyses depicted the origin of failure at the higher stress concentration side during the impact test, where the pendulum impacted. The CAD/CAM milling simulation significantly decreased the impact strength of the evaluated ceramic materials.

Resumo O presente estudo objetivou investigar a influência do ambiente de teste no comportamento a fadiga estática (resistência à fratura e tempo para falha) de cerâmicas à base de dissilicato de lítio (LD) e zircônia estabilizada com ítria (YSZ). Espécimes de LD (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) e YSZ (IPS e.max ZirCAD MO, 3mol% Y2O3, Ivoclar Vivadent) foram obtidos e alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos: testado em ar, em líquido inerte (óleo de parafina) ou em água destilada. O teste de fadiga estática (n= 15) foi realizado usando o teste pistão sobre três esferas, ISO 6872, da seguinte forma: carga inicial 100 N para LD e 300 N para YSZ; tempo de aplicação de carregamento definido para 1 hora para cada etapa de carregamento; tamanho do passo de 50 N para LD e 100 N para YSZ, aplicados sucessivamente até a fratura. Dados de resistência à fadiga estática (MPa) e tempo até a fratura (horas) foram registrados. A análise fractográfica foi executada. A análise de sobrevivência corrobora a ausência de influência do ambiente de teste nos resultados de fadiga estática (resistência à fadiga, tempo de fratura e taxas de sobrevivência) para a YSZ. Para LD, os corpos de prova testados em ar apresentaram taxa de sobrevivência e resistência à fadiga estática estatisticamente superiores (p= 0,025). Em relação ao tempo de fratura, os espécimes LD testados em ar foram superiores aos testados em água destilada (p= 0,019) ou em ambiente inerte (p= 0,017). Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas para o módulo de Weibull. Todas as falhas começaram no lado onde se concentra a tensão de tração (lado de baixo) durante o teste. Com base nisso, observa-se que o ambiente de teste não afetou os mecanismos de crescimento lento de trinca durante o teste de fadiga estática da cerâmica YSZ, mas desempenha um papel significativo na resistência à fadiga estática da cerâmica de vidro à base de dissilicato de lítio, indicando alta susceptibilidade ao crescimento lento e subcrítico de trincas.

Abstract It aims on evaluate the effect of the test environment on static fatigue behavior of lithium disilicate-based (LD), and yttrium oxide-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramics. Specimens of LD (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) and YSZ (IPS e.max ZirCAD MO, 3 mol% Y2O3, Ivoclar Vivadent) were randomly allocated into three groups: tested in air, inert (paraffin oil, Sigma Aldrich) or distilled water. The static fatigue test (n=15) was performed using a piston-on-three ball assembly, adapted from ISO 6872, as follows: starting load 100 N for LD and 300 N for YSZ; loading application time set to 1 hour for each loading step; step size of 50 N for LD and 100 N for YSZ, applied successively until fracture. Data from static fatigue strength (MPa) and time to fracture (hours) were recorded. Fractographic analysis was executed. Survival analysis corroborates absence of influence of environment on static fatigue outcomes (fatigue strength, time to fracture and survival rates) for YSZ. For LD, specimens tested in air presented statistically superior survival rate and static fatigue strength (p= 0.025). In regards of time to fracture, LD tested in air were superior than when tested in distilled water (p=0.019) or inert (p=0.017) environments. No statistical differences for Weibull modulus were observed. Failures started on the tensile stress surface. Thus, the test environment did not affect slow crack growth (SCG) mechanisms during static fatigue test of YSZ ceramics, but it plays a significant role for the static fatigue behavior of lithium disilicate-based glass ceramics, indicating a high susceptibility to SCG.

Resumo Introdução A resistência de união de um pino de fibra pode ser afetada por vários fatores, como o cimento endodôntico e o tempo de espera pós-endodontia. Objetivo Avaliar o efeito de diferentes cimentos endodônticos e dois tempos de espera pós-endodontia na resistência de união de pinos de fibra. Material e método Setenta e dois dentes bovinos foram tratados endodonticamente e obturados usando três cimentos endodônticos: à base de eugenol, à base de resina epóxia ou à base de mineral trióxido agregado. Os espécimes foram armazenados a 37 ° C por 24 horas ou por 30 meses. Após, os canais radiculares foram preparados para cimentação dos pinos de fibra usando o RelyX U200. Foram realizados testes de push-out e análise de falhas. Os dados foram analisados por análise de variância bidirecional e com o teste t. Resultado O cimento AH Plus obteve os maiores valores de resistência de união aos 30 meses pós-endodontia (11,26 Mpa) (p <0,05), no entanto, não houve diferença com o cimento Endofill no mesmo tempo. Os cimentos Endofill e MTA Fillapex não diferiram significativamente em seus efeitos, independentemente do tempo de espera pós-endodontia. Conclusão O cimento endodôntico utilizado e o tempo de espera pós-endodontia afetam a resistência adesiva dos pinos de fibra. A adesão aumenta significativamente quando o pino de fibra é cimentado 30 meses após a obturação do canal radicular, enquanto a adesão é reduzida ao cimentar imediatamente após o tratamento do canal radicular, principalmente para cimentos endodônticos à base de eugenol.

Abstract Introduction The resistance adhesive of a fiber post can be affected by several factors, such as the endodontic sealer and post-endodontic waiting time. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different endodontic sealers and two different post-endodontic waiting times on the bond strength of fiber posts. Material and method Seventy-two bovine teeth were endodontically treated and filled using three endodontic sealers: eugenol-based, epoxy resin-based, or mineral trioxide aggregate-based. The specimens were stored at 37°C for 24 hours or for 30 months. After the respective storage times, the root canals were prepared for luting fiber posts using RelyX U200. Push-out tests and analysis of failures were performed. The push-out data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance to compare the effects of the endodontic sealer and with the t-test to compare the effects of post-endodontic waiting time. Result The AH Plus sealer yielded the highest bond strength values at 30 months post-endodontics (11.26 Mpa) (p < 0.05), however no had difference with Endofill sealer at the same time. Endofill and MTA Fillapex sealers did not differ significantly in their effects, irrespective of the post-endodontic waiting time. Conclusion In conclusion, the endodontic sealer used and post-endodontic waiting time affect the adhesive resistance of fiber posts. The adhesion increases significantly when the fiber post is cemented 30 months after the root canal filling, while the adhesion is reduced when cementing immediately after root canal treatment, in particular for eugenol-based endodontic sealers.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito de diferentes concentrações de ácido fluorídrico (HF) na resistência de união entre uma cerâmica vítrea à base de dissilicato de lítio e um cimento resinoso. Oitenta blocos cerâmicos (12×7×2 mm) de IPS e.Max CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent) foram produzidos e distribuídos aleatoriamente em 8 grupos, considerando 2 fatores de estudo: concentração de HF em 4 níveis, isto é, 1% (HF1), 3% (HF3), 5% (HF5), e 10% (HF10), e armazenamento em 2 níveis, isto é, condição inicial (testes foram realizados 24 h após a cimentação), e envelhecidos (150 dias de armazenamento + 12.000 ciclos térmicos a 5°C e 55°C). Condicionamento ácido (20 s) foi realizado, seguido por lavagem, secagem e silanização. Quatro cilindros de cimento resinoso (ϕ= 0.96 mm) foram construídos a partir de matrizes de amido em cada amostra cerâmica (n= 40). Amostras cerâmicas adicionais foram condicionadas e analisadas quanto ao ângulo de contato, micro-morfologia e rugosidade. Na condição inicial (sem envelhecimento), os grupos HF3, HF5, e HF10 mostraram valores de resistência de união similares (13.9 - 15.9 MPa), e HF1 apresentou valores menores que HF5, sendo estatisticamente diferente (p= 0.012). Após o envelhecimento, todas as médias de resistência de união diminuíram estatisticamente, sendo que HF3, HF5 e HF10 foram similares e maiores que HF1 (p= 0.0001). Para o ângulo de contato, HF3, HF5 e HF10 apresentaram valores similares (7.8 - 10.4°), menores que os grupos HF1 e CTRL. HF5 e HF10 apresentaram superfícies mais rugosas que as outras condições. Para melhores resultados de resistência de união, a cerâmica testada pode ser condicionada com ácido fluorídrico nas concentrações de 3%, 5% e 10%.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of different hydrofluoric acid (HF) concentrations on the bond strength between a lithium disilicate-based glass ceramic and a resin cement. Eighty ceramic-blocks (12×7×2 mm) of IPS e.Max CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent) were produced and randomly assigned to 8 groups, considering 2 study factors: HF concentration in 4 levels, i.e., 1% (HF1), 3% (HF3), 5% (HF5), and 10% (HF10), and storage in 2 levels, i.e., baseline (tests were performed 24 h after cementation), and aged (storage for 150 days + 12,000 thermal-cycles at 5°C and 55°C). Acid etching (20 s) was performed, followed by washing, drying, and silanization. Four resin cement cylinders (ϕ= 0.96 mm) were built-up from starch matrices on each ceramic sample (n= 40). Additional ceramic samples were etched and analyzed for contact angle, micro-morphology, and roughness. In baseline condition (without aging), the HF3, HF5, and HF10 groups showed similar bond strength values (13.9 - 15.9 MPa), and HF1 (11.2 MPa) presented lower values than HF5, being that statistically different (p= 0.012). After aging, all the mean bond strengths statistically decreased, being that HF3, HF5, and HF10 (7.8 - 11 MPa) were similar and higher than HF1 (1.8 MPa) (p= 0.0001). For contact angle, HF3, HF5, and HF10 presented similar values (7.8 - 10.4°), lower than HF1 and CTRL groups. HF5 and HF10 presented rougher surfaces than other conditions. For better bond strength results, the tested ceramic may be etched by HF acid in concentrations of 3%, 5%, and 10%.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito do envelhecimento através da degradação a baixas temperaturas (low temperaturare degradation - LTD) após a realização de tratamentos de superfície pós- sinterização (polimento, tratamento térmico e glaze) nas características superficiais (micromorfologia e rugosidade), e na estabilidade estrutural (transformação de fase e comportamento mecânico - resistência flexural e confiabilidade estrutural) de uma cerâmica de zircônia tetragonal policristalina estabilizada por ítria (Y-TZP) desgastada. Discos de cerâmica Y-TZP (VITA In-Ceram YZ) foram confeccionados (ISO:6872-2015; 15mm de diâmetro e 1,2 ± 0,2mm de espessura) e randomicamente divididos em 10 grupos de acordo com dois fatores: “envelhecimento” (com e sem) e “tratamento de superfície” (Ctrl - sem tratamento; Gr - desgaste com ponta diamantada grossa; Gr + HT - desgaste mais tratamento térmico; Gr + Pol - desgaste mais polimento; Gr + Gl - desgaste mais glazeamento). Foram realizadas as análises de rugosidade (n=30), flexão biaxial (n=30), transformação de fase (n=2) e topografia de superfície (n=2). O envelhecimento levou a um aumento intenso no conteúdo de fase monoclínica (m) em todas as condições testadas, sendo observada uma maior susceptibilidade de transformação de fase t-m nas amostras do grupo controle (Ctrl= 65.6%). Apesar de provocar elevada transformação de fase, o envelhecimento não apresentou efeitos negativos nos desfechos avaliados. Não houve redução significativa do módulo de Weibull após os tratamentos. Além disso, o tratamento térmico e o glaze após desgaste levaram a uma redução da resistência característica, enquanto que o grupo polimento apresentou o mais alto valor de resistência característica. O glaze e o tratamento térmico geraram o pior desempenho mecânico, portanto a realização do polimento após desgaste de uma cerâmica Y-TZP é obrigatória.

Abstract It evaluated the effect of aging by Low Temperature Degradation (LTD), executed after post- processing surface treatments (polishing, heat treatment and glazing), on the surface characteristics (micromorphology and roughness) and on the structural stability (phase transformation and mechanical behavior-flexural strength and structural reliability) of a ground yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramic. Discs of Y-TZP (VITA In-Ceram YZ) were manufactured (ISO:6872-2015; 15 mm in diameter and 1.2 ± 0.2 mm in thickness) and randomly assigned into 10 groups according two factors: “aging” in 2 levels (with or without) and “surface treatment” in 5 levels (Ctrl: as-sintered; Gr: grinding with coarse diamond bur; Gr + HT: grinding plus heat treatment; Gr + Pol: grinding plus polishing; Gr + Gl: grinding plus glazing). Roughness (n=30), biaxial flexural test (n=30), phase transformation (n=2), and surface topography (n=2) analyses were performed. Aging led to an intense increase in monoclinic (m) phase content for all the tested conditions, being the as-sintered samples (Ctrl= 65.6%) more susceptible to the t-m phase transformation. Despite of increasing the m-phase content, aging was not detrimental for characteristic strength (except to the grinding condition). There was no significant reduction in the Weibull modulus after surface treatments. Additionally, heat treatment and glazing after grinding led to a decrease in characteristic strength, while polishing presented the highest characteristic strength values. Thus, polishing is mandatory after grinding the Y-TZP ceramic, while performing glazing or heat-treatment alone after grinding lead to the worst mechanical performance.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da irrigação do espaço preparado para o pino com NaOCl e CaOCl em diferentes concentrações na resistência adesiva de pinos cimentados com um cimento resinoso autoadesivo. Oitenta pré-molares foram seccionados 14 mm do ápice e endodonticamente tratado. As obturações foram parcialmente removidas. Os espécimes divididos randomicamente em 8 grupos (n=10) de acordo com o irrigante usado para irrigação do espaço preparado para pino: SF - soro fisiológico 0,9% (grupo controle); CHX - clorexidina 2%; NaOCl 1% - hipoclorito de sódio 1%; NaOCl 2,5% - hipoclorito de sódio 2,5%; NaOCl 5% - hipoclorito de sódio 5%; CaOCl 1% - hipoclorito de cálcio 1%; CaOCl 2,5% - hipoclorito de cálcio 2,5%; CaOCl 5% - hipoclorito de cálcio 5%. Para cada grupo, irrigação foi realizada com 2 mL de solução. O espaço preparado para pino foi seco com cone de papel absorvente (#80) e os pinos de fibra foram cimentados com cimento resinoso autoadesivo. Os espécimes foram seccionados perpendicularmente e o teste de push-out foi realizado. Microscopia óptica foi usada para analisar o padrão de falha. Os testes de ANOVA e Bonferroni analisaram os dados de resistência adesiva. NaOCl e CaOCl apresentaram similar resistência adesiva, independentemente da concentração usada para irrigar o espaço preparado para pino (p>0,05). SF apresentou os maiores valores de resistência adesiva (11,47 MPa) (p<0,05). Falhas adesivas na interface cimento/dentina foram predominantes (58,33%). Soro fisiológico deve ser o irrigante de escolha para irrigar o espaço preparado para pino antes da cimentação de pinos de fibra com cimentos resinosos autoadesivos. NaOCl e CaOCl afetam negativamente os valores de resistência adesiva.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of post-space irrigation with NaOCl and CaOCl at different concentrations on the bond strength of posts cemented with a self-adhesive resin cement. Eighty premolars were sectioned 14 mm from the apex, and endodontically treated. The root canal filling was partially removed. Specimens were randomly assigned into 8 groups (n=10), according to the irrigant for post-space irrigation: SS - 0.9% saline solution (control group); CHX - 2% chlorhexidine; 1% NaOCl - 1% sodium hypochlorite; 2.5% NaOCl - 2.5% sodium hypochlorite; 5% NaOCl - 5% sodium hypochlorite; 1% CaOCl - 1% calcium hypochlorite; 2.5% CaOCl - 2.5% calcium hypochlorite; and 5% CaOCl - 5% calcium hypochlorite. For each group, irrigation was performed continuously with 2 ml of solution. The post-spaces were dried with paper points (#80), and glass fiber posts were cemented using a self-adhesive resin cement. The specimens were sectioned perpendicularly and the push-out test was performed. Optical microscopy was used to analyze the failure mode. ANOVA and Bonferroni tests analyzed the bond strength data. NaOCl and CaOCl presented similar bond strength regardless the concentration used to irrigate the post-space (p>0.05). SS showed the highest bond strength (11.47 MPa) (p<0.05). Adhesive failures at the cement/dentin interface were predominant (58.33%). Saline solution should be irrigant of choice to irrigate the post-space before fiber post cementation with self-adhesive resin cement. NaOCl and CaOCl negatively affect the bond strength values.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou investigar o efeito do desgaste e envelhecimento (estímulos combinados) na resistência à fadiga, topografia superficial e transformação de fase de uma cerâmica Y-TZP. Discos para teste de flexão biaxial foram confeccionados segundo as normas da ISO-6872:2008 (15 mm Ø; 1,2 mm espessura) e randomicamente distribuídos de acordo com os fatores “desgaste” e “envelhecimento”: C- controle (sinterizado); CA- controle envelhecido; G- desgaste; GA- desgaste envelhecido. O desgaste foi feito com pontas diamantadas de granulação grossa sob irrigação com água. Os protocolos de envelhecimento consistiram em: autoclave (134°C, 2 bar de pressão, 20 horas), 365 dias armazenados em temperatura ambiente, e ciclagem mecânica (106 ciclos a 20 Hz em um intervalo de carga de até 50% da carga monotônica observada em testes estáticos). A resistência à fadiga foi determinada para 20.000 ciclos à 6 Hz sob carregamento sinusoidal através do método de escada. Adicionalmente, análises de topografia superficial em microscopia eletrônica de varredura e de transformação de fase por difração de raios-X foram executadas. A metodologia de Dixon e Mood foi usada para analisar os dados de resistência à fadiga. Foi observado que o desgaste promove uma alteração de padrão topográfico superficial; enquanto o envelhecimento aparentemente não demonstra influência. Em relação à transformação de fase e resistência à fadiga, o desgaste desencadeou um aumento de fase m sem impactar na resistência à fadiga da cerâmica Y-TZP; já o envelhecimento promoveu uma intensa transformação de fase, resultando no mecanismo de tenacificação, que gerou um aumento na resistência à fadiga para a condição sinterizada e uma tendência a aumento na condição desgaste (C < CA; G = GA). Os dados elucidam que o desgaste e o envelhecimento não impactaram negativamente na resistência à fadiga da cerâmica Y-TZP, apesar de promoverem alterações de topografia superficial e intensa transformação de fase de t-m respectivamente.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of grinding and multi-stimuli aging on the fatigue strength, surface topography and the phase transformation of Y-TZP ceramic. Discs were manufactured according to ISO-6872:2008 for biaxial flexure testing (diameter: 15 mm; thickness: 1.2 mm) and randomly assigned considering two factors “grinding” and “aging”: C- control (as-sintered); CA- control + aging; G- ground; GA- ground + aging. Grinding was carried out with coarse diamond burs under water-cooling. Aging protocols consisted of: autoclave (134°C, 2 bars pressure, 20 hours), followed by storage for 365 days (samples were kept untouched at room temperature), and by mechanical cycling (106 cycles by 20 Hz under a load of 50% from the biaxial flexure monotonic tests). Flexural fatigue strengths (20,000 cycles; 6 Hz) were determined under sinusoidal cyclic loading using staircase approach. Additionally, surface topography analysis by FE-SEM and phase transformation analysis by X-ray Diffractometry were performed. Dixon and Mood methodology was used to analyze the fatigue strength data. Grinding promotes alterations of topographical pattern, while aging apparently did not alter it. Grinding triggered t-m phase transformation without impacting the fatigue strength of the Y-TZP ceramic; and aging promoted an intense t-m transformation that resulted in a toughening mechanism leading to higher fatigue strength for as-sintered condition, and a tendency of increase for ground condition (C < CA; G = GA). It concludes that grinding and aging procedures did not affect deleteriously the fatigue strength of the evaluated Y-TZP ceramic, although, it promotes surface topography alterations, except to aging, and t-m phase transformation.

Abstract: The effects of several ceramic surface treatments on bond strength of a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network and resin composite as repair material were evaluated. CAD-CAM blocks of a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (Vita Enamic) were sliced and subjected to aging process, followed by embedding in acrylic resin. The bonding/repair area was treated as follows (n = 30): C– without treatment; UA– universal adhesive application; FM– 10% hydrofluoric acid and silane application; OM–airborne-particle abrasion with aluminum oxide and silane application; RP– tribochemical silica coating; and CA– surface grinding and application of universal adhesive. Composite resin cylinders were made on the treated surface. Specimens from each group were assigned randomly to two subgroups (n = 15) considering storage condition: Baseline (shear tests after 48 hours) or Storage (tests after 6 months under distilled water). The treated surfaces were analyzed by goniometry, roughness, and SEM. Two-way ANOVA and 1-way ANOVA were applied to analyze the bond data and roughness / contact angle data, respectively, followed by Tukey's test (α = 5%). Surface treatments and storage conditions affected bond strengths (p < 0.01). Surface grinding (CA) followed by universal adhesive promoted the highest value of bond strength (14.5 ± 4.8 MPa for baseline, 8.5 ± 3.4 MPa for storage) and the roughest ceramic surface. Grinding with silicon carbide paper (simulating diamond bur) followed by the application of a universal adhesive system is the best option for repairing fractures of the polymer-infiltrated ceramic network.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate slow crack growth (SCG) behavior of a zirconia ceramic after grinding and simulated aging with low-temperature degradation (LTD). Complementary analysis of hardness, surface topography, crystalline phase transformation, and roughness were also measured. Disc-shaped specimens (15 mm Ø × 1.2 mm thick, n = 42) of a full-contour Y-TZP ceramic (Zirlux FC, Amherst) were manufactured according to ISO:6872-2008, and then divided into: Ctrl – as-sintered condition; Ctrl LTD – as-sintered after aging in autoclave (134°C, 2 bar, 20 h); G – ground with coarse diamond bur (grit size 181 μm); G LTD – ground and aged. The SCG parameters were measured by a dynamic biaxial flexural test, which determines the tensile stress versus stress rate under four different rates: 100, 10, 1 and 0.1 MPa/s. LTD led to m-phase content increase, as well as grinding (m-phase content: Ctrl – 0%; G – 12.3%; G LTD – 59.9%; Ctrl LTD – 81%). Surface topography and roughness analyses showed that grinding created an irregular surface (increased roughness) and aging did not promote any relevant surface change. There was no statistical difference on surface hardness among different conditions. The control group presented the lowest strength values in all tested rates. Regarding SCG, ground conditions were less susceptible to SCG, delaying its occurrence. Aging (LTD) caused an increase in SCG susceptibility for the as-sintered condition (i.e. G < G LTD < Ctrl < Ctrl LTD).

Abstract This in vitro study evaluated the fatigue strength of different ceramic materials indicated for monolithic restorations. Disc-shaped specimens were made according to ISO 6872 from five different ceramic materials: feldspathic ceramic (FC), polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PIC), lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LD), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic (ZLS), and high translucent tetragonal zirconia polycrystals doped by yttrium (YZ-HT). After obtaining the mean of each material (n = 5) from monotonic load-to-failure tests, specimens (n = 20) were subjected to fatigue tests (staircase method) using a biaxial flexural setup (piston-on-three-balls), to determine the fatigue strength. The parameters used for fatigue tests were: 100,000 cycles at 10 Hz, initial load of ~ 60% of mean load-to-failure, and step size of 5% of the initial load (specific for each ceramic material). Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni’s test (α = 0.05) were used to analyze the fatigue strength data. Fatigue strength (MPa) of the materials was statistically different among each other as follows: YZ-HT (370.2 ± 38.7) > LD (175.2 ± 7.5) > ZLS (152.1 ± 7.5) > PIC (81.8 ± 3.9) > FC (50.8 ± 1.9). Thus, it can be concluded that, in terms of fatigue, high translucent polycrystalline zirconia is the best choice for monolithic restorations as it bears the highest load before cracking/fracturing.

Abstract The aim of this systematic review was to compare the clinical performance and failure modes of teeth restored with intra-radicular retainers. A search was performed on PubMed/Medline, Central and ClinicalTrials databases for randomized clinical trials comparing clinical behavior and failures of at least two types of retainers. From 341 detected papers, 16 were selected for full-text analysis, of which 9 met the eligibility criteria. A manual search added 2 more studies, totalizing 11 studies that were included in this review. Evaluated retainers were fiber (prefabricated and customized) and metal (prefabricated and cast) posts, and follow-up ranged from 6 months to 10 years. Most studies showed good clinical behavior for evaluated intra-radicular retainers. Reported survival rates varied from 71 to 100% for fiber posts and 50 to 97.1% for metal posts. Studies found no difference in the survival among different metal posts and most studies found no difference between fiber and metal posts. Two studies also showed that remaining dentine height, number of walls and ferrule increased the longevity of the restored teeth. Failures of fiber posts were mainly due to post loss of retention, while metal post failures were mostly related to root fracture, post fracture and crown and/or post loss of retention. In conclusion, metal and fiber posts present similar clinical behavior at short to medium term follow-up. Remaining dental structure and ferrule increase the survival of restored pulpless teeth. Studies with longer follow-up are needed.

Abstract This study aimed to characterize and compare the effect of different aging regimens on surface characteristic (topography and roughness), structural stability (phase transformation) and mechanical performance (Weibull analysis) of a Y-TZP ceramic. Discs (15 × 1.2 mm; VITA In-Ceram YZ) were prepared according to ISO 6872-2015 for biaxial flexural strength testing and randomly assigned into five groups (n = 30): as-sintered, no aging treatment (CTRL); 20 h in autoclave at 134°C, 2 bar pressure (AUT); intermittent mechanical loading at 20 Hz/106 load pulses (MechLoad); AUT followed by MechLoad (AUT+MechLoad); and storage in distilled water at 37°C, for 1 year (STO). The following analyses were performed: roughness (n = 30), surface topography (n = 2), phase transformation (n = 2) and biaxial flexure strength (n = 30). Phase transformation (increase of m-phase content) was shown to be a spontaneous, unavoidable and time-dependent process, occurring even under ambient conditions (dry storage after 1 year = 6.0% increase), and is considerably accelerated in the presence of moisture (STO = 17.6%; AUT= 63.1%; and AUT+MechLoad = 59.9%). For roughness parameters, only Ra was affected by aging, and the highest values were observed for AUT+MechLoad (0.25 ± 0.07 µm). For Weibull analysis, structural reliability (Weibull moduli) and characteristic strength were not impaired after aging, and some aging conditions led to increased values (highest weibull moduli in AUT, and highest characteristic strength in STO). Phase transformation proves to be a time-dependent spontaneous mechanism that is accelerated in the presence of different stimuli. However, none of the aging regimens had a negative effect on the characteristic strength and structural reliability of Y-TZP ceramic.

Abstract Monolithic restorations of Y-TZP have been recommended as a restorative alternative on prosthetic dentistry as it allows a substantial reduction of ceramic thickness, which means a greater preservation of tooth structure. However, the influence of grinding and aging when using a thinner layer of the material is unclear. This investigation aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of ceramic thickness (0.5 mm and 1.0 mm), grinding and aging (low-temperature degradation) on the mechanical behavior and surface characteristics of a full-contour Y-TZP ceramic. Y-TZP disc-shaped specimens (15 mm diameter) were manufactured with both thicknesses and randomly assigned into 4 groups considering the factors ‘grinding with diamond bur’ and ‘aging in autoclave’. Surface topography (roughness, 3D profilometry and SEM), phase transformation, flexural strength and structural reliability (Weibull) analyses were executed. Grinding affected the surface topography, while aging did not promote any effect. An increase in m-phase content was observed after grinding and aging, although different susceptibilities were observed. Regardless of zirconia’s thickness, no deleterious effect of grinding or aging on the mechanical properties was observed. Thus, in our testing assembly, reducing the thickness of the Y-TZP ceramic did not alter its response to grinding and low temperature degradation and did not impair its mechanical performance.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito de tratamentos de superfície para melhora a união entre zircônia-porcelana. Os materiais testados foram 3Y-TZP e VM9. Os blocos de 3Y-TZP foram cortados em quadrados, polidos e sinterizados. Os tratamentos de superfície foram: Rocatec soft e aplicação de silano (TBS), vitrificação e ácido fluorídrico (GA), vitrificação, ácido fluorídrico e aplicação de silano (GAS), deposição de nanofilme de sílica (NF) e ausência de tratamento (C). Após os tratamentos, cilindros de porcelana foram construídos sobre as amostras e sinterizados. Após a sinterização da porcelana, todas as amostras foram submetidas a ciclos térmicos (6000 ciclos). Em seguida, os espécimes foram acoplados em uma máquina de ensaio universal e foi realizado o teste de micro cisalhamento a uma velocidade de 1,0 mm/min. As fraturas foram analisadas por estereomicroscópio e MEV. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA 1fator e teste de Tukey (5%). A resistência de união zircônia-porcelana foi afetado pelos tratamentos de superfície de cerâmica (p=0,0001). GA e GAS registraram os maiores valores de resistência de união, os valores mais baixos de resistência de união foram observados no grupo C (ausência de tratamento) (19,5 ± 3a, 16,2 ± 4ab e 10,1 ± 4c respectivamente). Houve predominância de falhas adesivas. Portanto, a vitrificação pode ser considerada uma opção para aumentar a resistência de união entre zircônia-porcelana.

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess whether surface treatment improves zirconia-porcelain adhesion. The 3Y-TZP blocks were cut into squares, then polished and sintered. The zirconia surface treatments were performed as follows: no treatment (C); tribochemical silica coating (TBS); glaze application + hydrofluoric acid etching (GA); glaze application + hydrofluoric acid etching + silanization (GAS); deposition of silica nanofilm (NF). After treatments, veneering porcelain cylinders (3.3 x 3.3 mm) were built up on all specimens and fired. Then the specimens were subjected to thermal cycling (6000 cycles), and subjected to shear test. Fractures were analyzed by stereomicroscopy and SEM. Data were statistically analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). Zirconia-porcelain bond strength was affected by the ceramic surface treatments (p=0.0001). GA (19.5±3 MPa) and GAS (16.2±4 MPa) recorded the highest bond strength values, while control group had the lowest bond value (10.1±4 MPa). Adhesive failure of the samples predominated. Therefore, glaze application as 3Y-TZP treatment before veneering porcelain stratification may enhance zirconia-porcelain adhesion.

Abstract The present study investigated the effect of grinding on roughness, flexural strength, and reliability of a zirconia ceramic before and after heat treatment. Seven groups were tested (n = 15): a control group (labeled CG, untreated), and six groups of samples ground with diamond discs, simulating diamond burs, with grits of 200 µm (G80); 160 µm (G120), and 25 µm (G600), either untreated or heat-treated at 1200°C for 2 h (labeled A). Yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystal discs were manufactured, ground, and submitted to roughness and crystalline phase analyses before the biaxial flexural strength test. There was no correlation between roughness (Ra and Rz) and flexural strength. The reliability of the materials was not affected by grinding or heat treatment, but the characteristic strength was higher after abrasion with diamond discs, irrespective of grit size. The X-ray diffraction data showed that grinding leads to a higher monoclinic (m) phase content, whereas heat treatment produces reverse transformation, leading to a fraction of m-phase in ground samples similar to that observed in the control group. However, after heat treatment, only the G80A samples presented strength similar to that of the control group, while the other groups showed higher strength values. When zirconia pieces must be adjusted for clinical use, a smoother surface can be obtained by employing finer-grit diamond burs. Moreover, when the amount of monoclinic phase is related to the degradation of zirconia, the laboratory heat treatment of ground pieces is indicated for the reverse transformation of zirconia crystals.