Analysis of Topography, Flexural Strength, and Microstructure of a Lithium Disilicate Glass- Ceramic after Surface Finishing.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the influence of finishing, polishing, and glazing on the roughness, flexural strength, and microstructure of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics.

Materials and methods: LD CAD/CAM blocks were cut into 96 discs (1.2 × 12 mm). After crystallization, a layer of glaze was applied to the discs' surfaces. The specimens were randomly divided into eight groupsn = 12) for different surface treatments (glaze [G], diamond abrasion [D], find diamond abrasion [F], and polishing [P]): G(glaze, control), GD, GDG, GDP, GF GFG, GFP, and GDFP. Mean roughness (Ra), mean square height (Rq), and maximum roughness (Rz) were measured. The biaxial flexural strength test was performed in a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/minute. Microstructural analysis was performed using x-ray diffraction patterns (XRD). Differences on the roughness obtained in distinct groups was analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni tests (α = .05). The flexural strength tests were compared with one-way ANOVA.

Results: Glazed groups (G, GDG, and GFG) presented the lowest surface roughness, lower crystallinity, and higher flexural strength than the other groups. Although polishing and glaze presented similar surface roughness, polishing protocol decreased the flexural strength compared to the control group G.

Conclusions: Clinically adjusted LD glass-ceramic restorations should be reglazed whenever possible to improve strength.