Micromorphology of ceramic etching pattern for two CAD-CAM and one conventional feldspathic porcelain and need for post-etching cleaning

The aim of this in vitro study was to observe the effect of hydrofluoric acid (HF) on the surface of two glass ceramics for Cerec and to compare it with the effect on a conventional glass ceramic. Discs were cut from a feldspathic ceramic block (VitaMKII) and from a leucite reinforced glass ceramic (IPS EMPRESS CAD) for Cerec. 5% and 9% HF concentrations were used during 1 min and 2 min each. Afterwards samples were thoroughly water rinsed for 30 s. Half of the 9% HF 1 min samples were subsequently submitted to a complex post-etching cleaning. All samples were observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The conventional feldspathic ceramic samples were built up on a refractory die and a platinum foil. They were treated with 9% HF for 2 min and water rinsed for 30 s. Half of the samples were submitted to the same post-etching cleaning protocol. All samples were examined under SEM and EDX. The Cerec ceramic samples and the platinum foil ones were clean and free of any precipitate after 30 s of water rinsing. Acid concentration, times of application and the postetching cleaning treatment did not influence the cleanliness of the samples. A thick layer of deposit was observed only on the refractory die samples. This was only diminished after the post-etching treatment. The EDX analysis detected the presence of fluoride (F) only on the refractory die samples.