Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate if argon plasma cleaning increases the shear bond strength between zirconia and veneering ceramic surfaces.
Materials and methods: Ninety tablets of densely sintered yttriastabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal were divided into three groups according to cleaning treatment (steam cleaning or plasma of Argon for 375 or 750 seconds). Groups were divided into two subgroups according to the application of a ceramic liner (A = liner, B = no liner).
Results: Within subgroup A, argon plasma cleaning significantly decreased shear bond strength. In subgroup B, the plasma treatment increased the shear bond strength, but the differences were not statistically significant. Subgroup A demonstrated lower shear bond strength compared to subgroup B.
Conclusions: Argon plasma cleaning was suggested to improve the bond between ceramic and zirconia surfaces; however, when plasma cleaning was followed by a glassy liner application, the veneering ceramic/zirconia bond was significantly reduced.