Microtensile Bond Strength of Resin Cements Used with Different Ceramics

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate microtensile bond strength between different ceramics (Empress (lithium-disilicated based all ceramic, Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and Cercon (zirconia based ceramic, Degussa, Hanau, Germany) and a light- and self-curing resin cement (Bifix, Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany) in combination with the light or self-curing dentin adhesive system Futurabond NR (Voco, Germany). Methods: Sixty ceramic blocks (30 Empress, 30 Cercon) were made with standardized dimensions (length 5 mm, diameter 1 mm). Ninety freshly extracted third molars were included in this study. All teeth were specially prepared allowing the simulation of dentin perfusion. The specimens were randomly assigned to six experimental groups of fifteen each: Group O-l: Bifix, light-curing (Control Group); group O-s: Bifix, self-curing (Control Group); group C-l: Bifix, Cercon, light-curing; group C-s: Bifix, Cercon, self-curing; group E-l: Bifix, Empress, light-curing; group E-s: Bifix, Empress, self-curing. Microtensile bond strength of the above mentioned material combinations was measured using an universal testing machine. Results: For the six test series following tensile bond strengths were evaluated (mean values and standard deviations in MPa): Group O-l: 24.56 (± 7.63); group O-s: 14.25 (± 3.48); group C-l: 23.18 (± 4.00); group C-s: 15.58 (± 2.38); group E-l: 22.56 (± 4.46); group E-s: 15.93 (± 3.67). Statistical analysis showed a significant influence of the used curing modality on micrcrotensile bond strength (pConclusions: Regardless of the curing modality, it was possible to establish bond strengths in every experimental group. Nevertheless, in the self-curing groups significant lower bond strength were evaluated. Keywords: dentin, resin cements, tensile bond strength, ceramics