Effects of mechanical and hydrothermal degradation on the microstructure, optical and mechanical properties of high translucency zirconia for monolithic restorations

Author(s)

Eduardo Mariscal Muñoz

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Araraquara. 2017-05-03.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Odontologia. Araraquara
• Defense date: 2017-03-13
• Advisor: Gelson Luis Adabo

Abstract

Porcelain veneer covering is not necessary for monolithic high translucency zirconia, and given its direct exposition to humidity and mechanic stress, there exists some concerning about its behavior against to low temperature degradation (LTD). This study evaluated the effects of artificially induced aging on microstructure, flexure resistance, optical properties and fatigue and wear resistance, of two monolithic zirconias, one for anterior teeth restorations (Prettau Anterior Zirkonzahn – ZrA), one for posterior teeth (Prettau Zirkonzahn – ZrP) and another for core fabrication (Zirkon Transluzent – Zirkhonzan- ZrI). Specimens with 12 mm of diameter and 1.2 mm of thickness were submitted to one of the following artificial aging methods; mechanical cycling (M), hydrothermal (H), mechanical cycling and hydrothermal combination (M+H) and no treatment (controle). Superficial morphology, microstructure and grain size were assessed by SEM analysis, changes in roughness (Sa) were measured by laser confocal microscopy and crystalline phase content was quantified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Optical properties of mean reflectance, opacity (%), translucency parameter and scattering/absorption sum (%) were obtained since reflected light measurement from 400 - 700 nm wavelength. Mechanical characterization was made by biaxial flexure assay and staircase approach fatigue test. Wear resistance was assessed in ZrP, ZrA through a compression/sliding assay comparing to veneering porcelain (VITA VM9). Zirconias showed different grain size (ZrI<ZrP<ZrA) and surface alterations. Aging treatments did not promote alterations in roughness. ZrI tetragonal phase decreased after H and M+H treatments and cubic and monoclinic phases augmented. H and M+H treatments diminished ZrP tetragonal phase and cubic and monoclinic phases increased. In ZrA, monoclinic phase did not appear in any condition. Optical properties were partially affected by aging. Mean reflectance decreased after M+H treatment for the three materials, and M treatment decreased only ZrA reflectance. Opacity in ZrP and ZrA augmented only after M and M+H treatments. Translucency decreased in ZrP and ZrA after M and M+H treatments. Scattering absorption sum diminished for ZrP after M+H and in ZrA when M and M+H were applied. Biaxial flexure resistance was higher in ZrI and ZrP, while in ZrA, this property was affected only by M and M+H. Fatigue resistance augmented in ZrI after H treatment and ZrP after H and M treatments. ZrA fatigue resistance was not susceptible to any treatment. Materials showed different wear resistance capacity (porcelain>ZrA>ZrP). In conclusion, our tests revealed that ZrA was not susceptible to LTD, however were less resistant than ZrI and ZrP suggesting precaution in its indication. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/22539-9 - Effects of mechanical and hydrothermal aging on microstructure, optical and mechanical properties of high translucency monolithic free-veneering zirconia
• Grantee: Eduardo Mariscal Muñoz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate