Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the debonding resistance of three different endocrown designs on molar teeth, using three different zirconia surface pretreatments.
Material and method: Ninety human mandibular first molars were divided into three main groups: endocrowns without ferrule, with 1 mm ferrule, and with 2 mm ferrule. The subgroups were defined by their surface pretreatment method used (n = 15): 50 μm alumina air-particle abrasion, silica coating using 30 μm Cojet™ particles, and Zircos-E® etching. The endocrowns were fabricated using multilayer zirconia ceramic, cemented with self-adhesive resin cement, and subjected to 5000 thermocycles (5-55°C) before debonding. The data obtained were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA.
Results: All test specimens survived the thermocyclic aging. The results indicated that both the preparation design and the surface treatment had a significant impact on the resistance to debonding of the endocrowns (p < .001). The 2 mm ferrule followed by the 1 mm ferrule designs exhibited the highest debonding resistance, both were superior to the endocrown without ferrule. Zircos-E® etching and silica coating yielded comparable debonding resistance, which were significantly higher than alumina air-particle abrasion. All endocrowns demonstrated a favorable failure mode.
Conclusions: All designs and surface treatments showed high debonding resistance for a single restoration. However, ferrule designs with Zircos-E® etching or silica coating may represent better clinical options compared to the nonferrule design or alumina airborne-particle abrasion. Nonetheless, further research, including fatigue testing and evaluations with different luting agents is recommended.
Keywords: Zirconia endocrowns; Zircos‐E® etch; airborne‐particle abrasion; debonding resistance.
© 2024 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.