Influence of surface treatment on bond strength of veneering ceramics fused to zirconia

In all-ceramic restorations involving a zirconia framework, surface treatment of the zirconia surface is required to enhance bonding strength with the veneering ceramics and thus prevent chipping. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of surface roughness and heat treatment of the zirconia and use of liner porcelain on bond strength between veneering ceramics and a zirconia framework. Debonding/crack-initiation strength (τb) was determined according to ISO 9693. No significant difference was observed among conditions, except with use of a liner under heat treatment, which yielded a τb of 26.0±2.9-28.9±1.7 MPa. Electron probe microanalysis revealed that components of the veneering ceramics remained on the zirconia surface after debonding, suggesting that fractures occur in the veneering ceramics and that improving the strength of the veneering ceramics themselves might increase bond strength.