Influence of low-temperature degradation and different pigmentation methods on the optical and mechanical properties of monolithic zirconia

• Grant number: 20/14729-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2021
• End date: January 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Principal Investigator: Renata Cristina Silveira Rodrigues Ferracioli
• Grantee: Stephanie Francoi Poole
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Ceramic materials have been widely used in oral rehabilitation for achieving satisfactory aesthetic and biomechanical results. Monolithic zirconia has excellent mechanical properties and looking to improve optical properties to meet necessary aesthetic requirements. However, the exposure of ceramic materials to the oral environment can influence its optical and mechanical properties. Thus, in order to simulate intraoral conditions and their effects on dental materials, studies have been undertaken using accelerated artificial aging. Thus, the aims of this study will be to evaluate the influence of accelerated artificial aging and different pigmentation methods on the optical and mechanical properties of monolithic zirconia. In this study, three groups (n = 15) will be evaluated according to the different pigmentation methods (single body pre-pigmented zirconia, multi-layer pre-pigmented zirconia, and colorless zirconia). After the cutting of the ceramic blocks, the colorless zirconia group will be pigmented by the immersion method. Subsequently, all samples will be submitted to the sintering process. Subsequently, microhardness, biaxial flexural strenght test, fracture toughness, surface roughness, energy dispersive spectrometer (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (MEV) analysis and microstructural and X-Ray Diffraction analysis (XRD) will be evaluated, as well as the optical characteristics such as color, translucency and opalescence; before and after accelerated artificial aging, aiming to simulate intraoral condition. After obtaining the results of the present study, all data will be tabulated and analyzed for data distribution and variables. Then the most recommended statistical tests will be applied to each test, allowing the best analysis of the results. (AU)