Objective: To characterize the effect of pigmentation techniques on the fatigue behavior of a 4YSZ ceramic adhesively luted onto dentin analog (glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin).
Methods: 4YSZ ceramic discs (Ø= 10 mm, 1 mm thickness) were allocated into 5 groups: Ctrl - unshaded (IPS e.max ZirCAD MT BL); Manuf - shaded by the manufacturer (IPS e.max ZirCAD MT A2); Brush - unshaded pigmented, pre-sintering, using a brush; Stain - unshaded pigmented, post-sintering, during glaze application; Brush+Stain - combination of both techniques. Color assessments ensured the same perceived color (Vita Classical A2). Dentin analog discs (Ø= 10 mm, 2.5 mm thickness) were obtained, paired with the 4YSZ discs, and adhesively luted using a resin cement. Cyclic fatigue testing (n = 15) was run (20 Hz; 10,000 cycles/step, initial load 200 N; step-size 100 N up to 700 N; then 50 N until specimen failure). Fractographic, roughness and topography analyses were performed.
Results: No statistical (p > 0.05) detrimental influence were observed for fatigue outcomes (Ctrl = Manuf = Brush = Stain = Brush+Stain). However, the Brush+Stain technique induced inferior statistical (p < 0.05) fatigue performance compared to Stain. All failures were radial cracks with origin at the ceramic intaglio surface. The staining technique triggered statistically higher roughness (p < 0.05). Uniformly sized zirconia crystals were seen in the Ctrl, Manuf and Brush groups, and a smooth vitreous surface with encrusted pigments in the Stain and Brush+Stain groups.
Significance: Pigmentation techniques (Vita Classical A2 shade) have no detrimental effect on the mechanical fatigue properties of 4YSZ ceramic adhesively luted onto dentin analog.
Keywords: Fatigue; Pigmentation techniques; Shading; Staining; Yttrium stabilized zirconia.
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