Effect of different hydrofluoric acid etching methods on the surface and adhesion strength of two ceramic inlays

To study the effect of cleaning treatment with hydrofluoric acid (HF) on the surface and bonding strength of IPS e.max and Vita Mark Ⅱ ceramic inlays.

Fifty pieces of IPS e.max and Vita Mark Ⅱ ceramic inlay specimens were made separately using CAD/CAM. After uniformly bonding surfaces using 9% HF etching, they were randomly divided into an untreated control group (group A) and the following experimental groups: neutralizing powder (B group), 37% phosphoric acid (group C), ultrasonic cleaning (group D) and neutralizing powder + 37% phosphoric acid + ultrasonic cleaning (group E). Each set of 8 specimens was bonded to Variolink N resin adhesive under standard conditions. The shear adhesive strength was measured after exposure to a constant-temperature water bath at 37 ℃ for 24 h. The location of the fracture and the type of adhesion failure were recorded. The shear adhesion and the average strength of the connection were analyzed. The remaining 2 specimens were used for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the surface morphology, including the crystal structure, pore pattern, and residue.

The results were similar for the IPS e.max and Vita Mark Ⅱ inlays. The maximum bond strength was observed in the IPS e.max ceramic inlays in group E, with an average bond strength 11.96 MPa higher than that in group A. Among the Vita Mark Ⅱ porcelain inlays, the maximum bond strength was observed in group E. The average bond strength was 9.74 MPa higher than that in group A. The results of the statistical analysis were similar for the IPS e.max and Vita Mark Ⅱ porcelain inlays, with significant differences in the bond strengths between groups C, D, and E and the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the adhesive strength between groups B and A. At the same time, there was no significant difference in the bond strength between the treatment groups B, C, D, and E (P > 0.05). SEM revealed that the pores on the surface of ceramics subjected to the acid etching treatment were broadened and uniform, with less residue than observed in the control group. The effects of treatments D and E were the best.

The HF etching treatment can enhance the bonding strength of IPS e.max and Vita Mark Ⅱ ceramic inlays while leaving little residue, and the joint strength is highest when the joints are treated together.