Ensuring optimal success with the Lava system, Part 2: Techno-clinical perspectives from authorized Lava Milling Centers.

Dent Today. 2007 Nov;26(11):82, 84, 86

Authors: Adams DC

PMID: 18044120 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Comparison of resin cement adhesion to Y-TZP ceramic following manufacturers' instructions of the cements only.

Clin Oral Investig. 2007 Sep 26;

Authors: Ozcan M, Kerkdijk S, Valandro LF

The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the bond strength of four resin materials with various chemical compositions following the manufacturers' instructions only and (2) to test their durability in dry and thermal aged conditions when they were bonded to zirconia ceramic. Four types of resin materials namely, Panavia F 2.0, Multilink, SuperBond and Quadrant Posterior Dense, were attached to the disc-shaped zirconia ceramics (LAVA, 3M ESPE) using polyethylene molds and polymerized accordingly after the ceramics were wet ground finished and ultrasonically cleaned. The specimens were randomly divided into two groups for ageing conditions. While the dry groups were tested immediately after attachment of the resin cement, the other specimens were subjected to thermocycling (x6,000, 5-55 degrees C). Bond strength results were significantly affected by the storage condition (p < 0.001) and type of resin (p < 0.001; analysis of variance). Panavia F 2.0 showed the highest bond strength results under dry conditions (9.6 +/- 4.1 MPa). When manufacturers' instructions of the resin cements were followed, no adhesion (0 MPa) was achieved on the zirconia after 6,000 thermal cyclings including Panavia F 2.0.

PMID: 17899224 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Influence of surface treatment and simulated aging on bond strengths of luting agents to zirconia.

Quintessence Int. 2007 Oct;38(9):745-53

Authors: Blatz MB, Chiche G, Holst S, Sadan A

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short- and long-term shear bond strengths of 4 luting agents to zirconia following different surface treatments. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A total of 320 ceramic specimens fabricated from a commercial zirconium oxide ceramic (Lava) were randomly divided into 4 groups: left untreated (NOT), airborne-particle abraded (SND), Rocatec tribochemical silica/silane coated (ROC), or ground and polished (GRD). Resin composite cylinders were bonded to the zirconia specimens with resin composite luting agent RelyX ARC (ARC), universal adhesive resin composite RelyX Unicem (UNI), adhesive-phosphate-monomer-containing resin composite Panavia F (PAN), or the hybrid glass-ionomer cement RelyX Luting (LUT). Subgroups of 10 specimens were stored in distilled water (37 degrees C) for 3 days (ST) or stored for 180 days and thermocycled for 12,000 cycles (LT/TC) before shear bond strength was tested. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon 2-sample rank sum test (alpha = .01). RESULTS: Short-term shear bond strengths were higher with ROC than with SND, which were both greater than GRD or NOT. UNI revealed higher shear bond strengths than PAN, ARC, and LUT. LT/TC significantly decreased shear bond strength values. GRD and NOT produced the lowest shear bond strengths. SND and ROC significantly increased bond strength. ROC generally yielded the highest long-term shear bond strength, especially with UNI, PAN, or ARC. These were similar to SND and PAN, which revealed the highest long-term shear bond strengths. CONCLUSIONS: Surface treatment, luting agent, and storage conditions significantly influence shear bond strengths to zirconia. Artificial aging significantly reduces shear bond strengths. Airborne-particle abrasion combined with a resin composite containing adhesive phosphate monomers or tribochemical silica/silane coating combined with any of the tested resin composite luting agents provides superior long-term shear bond strength values.

PMID: 17873981 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Effect of operating air pressure on tribochemical silica-coating.

Acta Odontol Scand. 2007 Aug;65(4):241-8

Authors: Heikkinen TT, Lassila LV, Matinlinna JP, Vallittu PK

OBJECTIVE: Alumina and zirconia are inert to conventional etching and need to be initially conditioned with, for example, silicatization. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of operating air pressure of tribochemical silica-coating method on the shear bond strength of composite resin to ceramic substrates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Alumina (Procera Alumina, Nobel Biocare) and zirconia (LAVA; 3M ESPE and Procera Zirconia; Nobel Biocare) were airborne particle silica-coated (CoJet; 3M ESPE) using selected, clinically available air pressures of 150, 220, 300, and 450 kPa. The surfaces were silanized with silane coupling agent (ESPE Sil; 3M ESPE) and coated with adhesive resin (3M Multipurpose resin; 3M ESPE). Particulate filler resin composite (Z250; 3M ESPE) stubs (diameter 3.6 mm, height 4.0 mm) were added onto ceramics and light-cured for 40 s. The test specimens (n=18/group) were thermocycled (6000 x 5-55 degrees C) and shear bond strengths were measured with a cross-head speed of 1.0 mm/min. Fracture surfaces were examined with SEM, and an elemental analysis (EDS) was carried out to determine silica content on the substrate surface. RESULTS: The highest bond strengths were obtained with the highest pressures. ANOVA showed significant differences in bond strength between the ceramics (p<0.05) and between the specimens treated at various air pressures (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Clinically, the operating air pressure of silicatization may have a significant effect on bond strength to non-etchable ceramics.

PMID: 17762988 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Restoration of the upper dental arch using Lava all-ceramic crown and bridgework.

Br Dent J. 2007 Jun 23;202(12):731-5

Authors: Barnfather KD, Brunton PA

This paper reports the utility of an all-ceramic crown and bridge system, Lava from 3M/ESPE. The background of the case is discussed and the clinical findings and treatment of a patient are outlined. This case illustrates that state of the art zirconium oxide CAD/CAM manufactured frameworks with the latest ceramic systems are a user friendly, highly aesthetic alternative to metal-ceramic restorations.

PMID: 17589454 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Early biofilm colonization on polished- and glazed-zirconium ceramic surface. Preliminary results.

Minerva Stomatol. 2006 Sep;55(9):493-502

Authors: Scotti R, Zanini Kantorski K, Scotti N, Monaco C, Valandro LF, Bottino MA

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ceramic surface polishing procedure on the early dental biofilm formation on zirconium ceramics. METHODS: Twenty samples (discs shape) of tetragonal zirconium polycrystal stabilized with yttrium ceramics (Y-TZP) for LAVA system were fabricated (5 mm diameter and 1.5 mm thickness). Two patients with high level of dental hygiene were selected for this study. Oral devices covering the crowns of the upper premolars and molars were fabricated for each participant. Glazed and polished samples of Y-TZP ceramics were fixed on the vestibular and palatal zones of the devices. After 20 min (8 samples) and 1 h (8 samples) in the oral environment, the samples were removed and analyzed in a scanning electron microscope. The surface topographies of 4 ceramic samples (2 glazed and 2 polished) were analyzed (control group: without exposition in oral environment). RESULTS: The glazed samples showed a more irregular surface than polished samples. Deposition of granular aggregates was verified on all the samples in the two times of the study analyzed. This granular material coated more intensely on irregular areas, and its thickness increased after 1 h. No difference was observed as to bacterial morphology in any time of the study. Cocci and rods-shaped prevailed. CONCLUSIONS: Glazed surfaces presented larger tendency to dental biofilm accumulation.

PMID: 17146428 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The biaxial flexural strength and fatigue property of Lava Y-TZP dental ceramic.

Dent Mater. 2007 Aug;23(8):1018-29

Authors: Pittayachawan P, McDonald A, Petrie A, Knowles JC

OBJECTIVES: The development of yttrium oxide partially stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) has allowed the use of ceramic in load-bearing sites. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the biaxial flexural strength, hardness and fatigue life of colored and uncolored zirconia in the LAVAtrade mark system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight groups (n=30) of standardized disc specimens (15mmx1.3mm) were used to examine the biaxial flexural strength (ISO 6872 standard) using a Dartec HC10 Fatigue Tester (Zwick Ltd., UK) and Vickers hardness was also measured. The uncolored, FS4, FS7 groups were also submitted to dynamic fatigue testing to produce stress-number curves. The strength reliability was analyzed using Weibull distribution. RESULTS: All groups had a mean biaxial flexural strength, hardness and Weibull modulus (m) of approximately 1100MPa, 1300HV and 9.8-12.9, respectively. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant difference in biaxial flexural strength among the eight groups (p>0.05). Two-way ANOVA showed no significant differences in hardness values among groups except FS1 and FS5 which had significantly higher hardness values than FS4 and FS7 (p<0.001) and FS5 also had a higher hardness value than FS3 (p<0.05). Additionally, uncolored, FS4 and FS7 survived at 5x10(5) cycles at a stress level in the range of 60-65% of the mean biaxial flexural strength. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in flexural strength of uncolored and colored Y-TZP ceramic. The fatigue limit of uncolored, FS4 and FS7 zirconia may be defined as lying between 60 and 65% of the stress to failure.

PMID: 17079008 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The efficacy of posterior three-unit zirconium-oxide-based ceramic fixed partial dental prostheses: a prospective clinical pilot study.

J Prosthet Dent. 2006 Oct;96(4):237-44

Authors: Raigrodski AJ, Chiche GJ, Potiket N, Hochstedler JL, Mohamed SE, Billiot S, Mercante DE

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although zirconium-oxide-based restorations for fixed partial denture prostheses (FPDPs) are available for use, clinical studies evaluating their longevity and related complications have not been published. PURPOSE: The aim of this pilot clinical study was to assess the efficacy of zirconia-based posterior 3-unit FPDPs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty 3-unit posterior FPDPs (Lava) were placed in 16 subjects who were missing a second premolar or a first molar, met specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, and provided informed consent. All teeth were prepared in a standardized manner: occlusal reduction of 1.5 to 2 mm; axial reduction of 1 to 1.5 mm; a 1.0-mm, 360-degree rounded shoulder placed 0.5 mm subgingivally on the facial aspect and supragingivally on the lingual aspect on sound tooth structure; and rounded internal line angles. Impressions were made with vinyl polysiloxane (Express) impression material. Frameworks were fabricated using a computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing technique with a retainer thickness of 0.6 mm, and a minimal connector surface area of 9 mm(2). Restorations were luted with resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (Rely X luting). Recall appointments were made after 2 weeks and 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months. Clinical fracture resistance, marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, radiographic proximal recurrent decay, and periapical pathoses were assessed over time using modified Ryge criteria. The probability distributions of these variables were calculated for the baseline data as well as for recall data. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 31.2 months. Fifteen restorations were rated Alpha in all measured parameters. Minor chipping of veneering porcelain was detected in 5 restorations rated Bravo for clinical fracture resistance and Alpha for all other assessed parameters. One restoration was rated Bravo in terms of marginal integrity at 36 months. CONCLUSIONS: Zirconia-based posterior 3-unit FPDPs performed well after short-term service.

PMID: 17052467 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Restoration of maxillary incisors with a zirconia all-ceramic system: a case report.

Quintessence Int. 2006 May;37(5):375-80

Authors: Polack MA

The increase in patient demands for enhanced esthetics has prompted the development of several all-ceramic restorative systems. Despite their esthetic advantage, unsatisfactory mechanical properties have restricted the clinical indications of all-ceramic restorations. Recently, densely sintered zirconia-based restorations have become available. This material appears to have adequate strength and toughness to allow for the fabrication of anterior and posterior crowns and fixed partial dentures. This clinical report describes the procedures used for the restoration of maxillary incisors with the zirconia-based Lava system.

PMID: 16683685 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Microtensile bond strength of different components of core veneered all-ceramic restorations. Part II: Zirconia veneering ceramics.

Dent Mater. 2006 Sep;22(9):857-63

Authors: Aboushelib MN, Kleverlaan CJ, Feilzer AJ

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to investigate microtensile bond strength between one type of zirconia substrate and various commercial veneer ceramics. The effect of an optional liner material between the core and veneer was also evaluated where applicable. METHODS: Bilayered zirconia veneer discs were fabricated from five layering and two pressable veneer ceramics. Additionally, discs from each veneer ceramic were prepared. The discs were cut into microbars of 6 mm in length and 1mm in cross-section. The microtensile bond strength was tested in a universal testing machine. The fracture surfaces of the microbars were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDAX. RESULTS: The microtensile strength of Rondo Dentine and Lava Dentine veneer ceramics were significantly higher than the other tested veneer ceramics. Furthermore, the layered systems Rondo Dentine and Ceram Express were significantly stronger than the other tested core-veneer ceramics. The application of liner material dramatically affected the bond strength and failure mode, which was also material dependent. SEM analysis showed that two pressable veneers and one type of layering veneer ceramic failed entirely cohesively in veneer side while the remaining test groups had higher percentage of interfacial failure. SIGNIFICANCE: Selection of stronger veneer ceramics which have good bond strength with zirconia can reduce the chances of chipping and delamination under function. The liner material should only be used with some layering veneers but not in combination with pressable veneers as it will result in weakening of the microtensile bond strength.

PMID: 16376981 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The influence of surface modification techniques on the performance of a Y-TZP dental ceramic.

J Dent. 2006 Mar;34(3):195-206

Authors: Curtis AR, Wright AJ, Fleming GJ

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study was to examine the influence of the pre-cementation surface modification techniques, namely alumina abrasion and surface grinding, routinely employed by dental practitioners prior to cementation and placement of crown and bridge restorations on the performance of a Y-TZP dental ceramic. METHODS: Twelve sets of 30 Lava ceramic discs (13 mm diameter, 1.5mm thickness) supplied by the manufacturer were randomly selected. Six groups were abraded utilising 25, 50 and 110 microm alumina and stored dry or in a water bath at 37+/-1 degrees C for 24 h. Four groups were ground utilising a fine or a coarse grit diamond bur, specimens were ground dry or while using water as a coolant. The mean bi-axial flexure strengths, standard deviations and associated Weibull moduli (m) were determined. The surface roughness, hardness and phase composition were assessed utilising profilometry, the Vicker's hardness indentation and X-ray diffraction, respectively. RESULTS: No significant difference (P > 0.05) was identified in the bi-axial flexure strength of the 25, 50 and 110 microm alumina-abraded and the control specimens stored dry and wet for 24h. However, a significant increase in m was identified for the alumina-abraded specimens stored dry (10.7+/-1.9, 10.6+/-1.9 and 10.6+/-1.9) compared with the control (7.5+/-1.3) and the specimens stored in a water bath. In addition, the alumina abrasion regimes reduced the surface roughness compared with the controls. The coarse grinding regime significantly reduced both the bi-axial flexure strength and the associated m compared with the control whilst no significant difference was identified for the fine grinding regimes. The surface modification techniques initiated a phase transformation mechanism and resulted in the formation of a layer of compressive stresses on the surface of the disc-shaped specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of the reduced surface roughness and the formation of a surface layer of compressive stress as a result of the alumina abrasion regimes investigated increased the reliability of the bi-axial flexure strength. The presence of water in the current study did not detrimentally influence the performance of the Y-TZP ceramic under investigation. Coarse grinding significantly reduced the bi-axial flexure strength and m due to the increased surface roughness. The Y-TZP specimens in the current investigation underwent a toughening mechanism as a result of a phase transformation mechanism which generated a transformation compressive stress that opposes the externally applied, crack-propagating tensile stress.

PMID: 16112791 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Flexural strength of a layered zirconia and porcelain dental all-ceramic system.

J Prosthet Dent. 2005 Aug;94(2):125-31

Authors: White SN, Miklus VG, McLaren EA, Lang LA, Caputo AA

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: New processing techniques have facilitated the use of zirconia core materials in all-ceramic dental prostheses. Zirconia has many potential advantages compared to existing core materials; however, its performance when layered with porcelain has not been evaluated. PURPOSE: This study investigated the strength of a wide variety of layered zirconia and porcelain beams to determine whether the inclusion of zirconia cores results in improved strength. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight types of layered or simple zirconia and porcelain beams (n = 10), approximately fixed partial denture-size, were made of a tetragonal polycrystalline zirconium dioxide partially stabilized with yttria core (Lava System Frame) and a feldspathic dental porcelain (Lava Ceram veneer ceramic). Elastic moduli of the materials were measured using an acoustic method. Maximum force and modulus of rupture were determined using 3-point flexural testing and a universal testing machine. Descriptive statistical methods were used. RESULTS: Beams with porcelain tensile surfaces recorded mean tensile strengths or moduli of rupture from 77 to 85 MPa, whereas beams with zirconia tensile surfaces recorded moduli of rupture almost an order of magnitude higher, 636 to 786 MPa. The elastic moduli of the porcelain and zirconia materials were 71 and 224 GPa, respectively. Crack propagation following initial tensile cracking often involved the porcelain-zirconia interface, as well as bulk porcelain and zirconia. CONCLUSION: The layered zirconia-porcelain system tested recorded substantially higher moduli of rupture than have been previously reported for other layered all-ceramic systems.

PMID: 16046966 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The shear bond strength between luting cements and zirconia ceramics after two pre-treatments.

Oper Dent. 2005 May-Jun;30(3):382-8

Authors: Piwowarczyk A, Lauer HC, Sorensen JA

This study evaluated the shear-bond strength of 11 luting cements from different material classes to manufactured pre-treated zirconia ceramics (Lava: 97% ZrO2, stabilized with 3% Y2O3). In addition, the influence of the curing method on shear-bond strength was investigated. The cements examined were one zinc-phosphate cement (Fleck's zinc cement), two standard glass-ionomer cements (Fuji I, Ketac-Cem), three resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (Fuji Plus, Fuji Cem, RelyX Luting), four standard resin cements (RelyX ARC, Panavia F, Variolink II, Compolute) and one self-adhesive universal resin cement (RelyX Unicem). The ceramic surface was sand-blasted with 100-microm alumina or tribochemically coated with silica. After bonding procedure, one group was tested after 30 minutes (Time I), the other group was stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 14 days and subsequently thermocycled 1000 times (Time II). Statistical analysis was performed by multifactorial ANOVA models with interactions. For multiple pairwise comparisons, the Tukey method was used. After sandblasting, the highest shear-bond strength was obtained for the self-adhesive universal resin cement at 9.7 MPa (Time I) and 12.7 MPa (Time II), respectively. When using the Rocatec system, the highest values were found for one of the resin cements at 15.0 MPa (Time I) and for the self-adhesive universal resin cement at 19.9 MPa (Time II).

PMID: 15986960 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

In vitro retentive strength of zirconium oxide ceramic crowns using different luting agents.

J Prosthet Dent. 2005 Jun;93(6):551-8

Authors: Ernst CP, Cohnen U, Stender E, Willershausen B

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: In contrast to gold crowns, in vitro determination of the retentive strength of all-ceramic crowns is more difficult because components allowing connection to testing apparatus are not as easily integrated into the all-ceramic material. Nevertheless, retentive strength data are crucial for obtaining information about the potential clinical performance of luting cements for all-ceramic restorations. Therefore, a new in vitro model was necessary to evaluate the retentive strength of all-ceramic crowns. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the retentive strength of 4 resin-cement systems, a compomer, a glass-ionomer cement, a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement, and a self-adhesive resin for luting zirconium oxide ceramic crowns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred-twenty extracted human teeth were randomly divided into 12 groups (n = 10) and prepared in a standardized manner (5-degree taper, 3-mm occlusogingival height). All-ceramic crowns (Lava) were fabricated in a standardized manner for each tooth. The following cements and corresponding bonding regimens were used to lute the crowns to the teeth according to manufacturers' recommendations: CO, Compolute/EBS Multi; CO/RT, Compolute/EBS Multi/Rocatec; CB, Superbond C and B; CB/RT, Superbond C and B/Rocatec; CB/PL, Superbond C&B/Porcelain Liner M; PA, Panavia F; DC, Dyract Cem Plus/Xeno III; CH/PL, Chemiace II/Porcelain Liner M; RL, RelyX Luting, K/C, Ketac Cem/Ketac Conditioner; K, Ketac Cem; and RU, RelyX Unicem. After thermal cycling (5000 cycles, 5 degrees C-55 degrees C), the outer surfaces of the cemented zirconium oxide ceramic crowns were treated (Rocatec) to improve bonding and then placed into a low-shrinkage epoxy resin block (Paladur). The block/crown and tooth components for each specimen were connected to opposing ends of a universal testing machine so that crown retention could be measured. Crowns were removed from teeth along their path of insertion. The retentive surface area (mm 2 ) was determined individually for each tooth. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon exact test, (alpha =.05) and a Bonferroni correction (alpha =.001). RESULTS: The median (minimum/maximum) retentive strength values (MPa) were as follows: CO, 1.7 (0.6/4.3); CO/RT, 3.0 (1.3/5.4); CB, 4.8 (3.7/7.9); CB/RT, 8.1 (4.2/12.7); CB/PL, 5.3 (3.7/10.2); PA, 4.0 (3.3/5.1); DC, 3.3 (2.1/5.6); CH/PL, 4.0 (1.3/6.3); RL, 4.7 (2.8/6.6); K/C, 1.8 (0.6/2.3); K, 1.9 (0.2/4.5); and RU, 4.8 (2.5/6.7). Superbond C&B (+ Rocatec) specimens showed the highest median retentive strength, but were not significantly different from Superbond C&B without Rocatec pretreatment of the all-ceramic crown's inner surface. Compolute specimens also did not benefit significantly from the Rocatec pretreatment. Within the materials used without pretreatment of the ceramic, Superbond C&B, Panavia, Dyract Cem Plus, RelyX Luting, and RelyX Unicem showed the highest median retentive strength values and were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Within the conditions of this study, the compomer-cement, the resin-modified glass-ionomer cement, and the self-adhesive resin luting agent had the same level of retentive quality as the resin luting agents, Superbond C&B, and Panavia. Rocatec pretreatment of the ceramic surface did not improve the retentive strengths of Compolute and Superbond C&B.

PMID: 15942616 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Clinical fit of all-ceramic three-unit fixed partial dentures, generated with three different CAD/CAM systems.

Eur J Oral Sci. 2005 Apr;113(2):174-9

Authors: Reich S, Wichmann M, Nkenke E, Proeschel P

In this study, the hypothesis was tested that the marginal and internal fit of CAD/CAM fabricated all-ceramic three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) can be as good as in metal-ceramic FPDs. Twenty-four all-ceramic FPDs were fabricated and randomly subdivided into three equally sized groups. Eight frameworks were fabricated using the Digident CAD/CAM system (DIGI), another eight frameworks using the Cerec Inlab system (INLA). Vita Inceram Zirkonia blanks were used for both groups. In a third group frameworks were milled from yttrium-stabilized Zirconium blanks using the Lava system (LAVA). All frameworks were layered with ceramic veneering material. In addition, six three-unit metal-ceramic FPDs served as control group. All FPDs were evaluated using a replica technique with a light body silicone stabilized with a heavy body material. The replica samples were examined under microscope. The medians of marginal gaps were 75 microm for DIGI, 65 microm for LAVA and INLA and 54 microm for the conventional FPDs. Only the DIGI data differed significantly from those of the conventional FPDs. Within the limits of this study, the results suggest that the accuracy of CAD/CAM generated three-unit FPDs is satisfactory for clinical use.

PMID: 15819826 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A clinical report and overview of scientific studies and clinical procedures conducted on the 3M ESPE Lava All-Ceramic System.

J Prosthodont. 2005 Mar;14(1):39-45

Authors: Piwowarczyk A, Ottl P, Lauer HC, Kuretzky T

The Lava All-Ceramic System (3M ESPE Dental Products, St. Paul, MN) is a high-strength zirconia system, which can be utilized to create all-ceramic crowns and fixed partial dentures (FPDs) for use in the anterior and posterior regions of the oral cavity. The following study offers an overview of previously conducted scientific studies and clinical procedures that feature the Lava All-Ceramic System as well as a more general overview of zirconia ceramics. A clinical report demonstrates the use of the Lava All-Ceramic System with the restoration of 2 single crowns.

PMID: 15733134 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Lava zirconia crowns and bridges.

Int J Comput Dent. 2004 Jan;7(1):67-76

Authors: Suttor D

Ceramic restorations--suitable for the anterior as well as the posterior region, simultaneously satisfying the demand for high strength, longevity, and esthetics--are an increasingly important field for the dental professional. Because of its outstanding mechanical properties and esthetics with a proven track record in other industrial areas, zirconium oxide (zirconia) is emerging in the dental industry. As the manufacturing method of choice, CAD/CAM is important for the dental laboratory; however, in the final analysis, the primary focus will be on the material properties and the clinical performance of the result of the CAD/CAM process--in this case, zirconia crowns and bridges. This is especially true since some concepts do not require the acquisition of a CAD/CAM system at all.

PMID: 15317309 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Fixed partial dentures: all-ceramics, fibre-reinforced composites and experimental systems.

J Oral Rehabil. 2003 Sep;30(9):873-7

Authors: Rosentritt M, Behr M, Handel G

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the fracture strength of three-unit FPDs (fixed partial dentures) and three-unit inlay FPDs after a simulated 5-year oral wearing period. The restorations were made of a pressable all-ceramic (Empress 2) and two specially designed, experimentally fixed partial dentures combining ceramics with dental composite. Three-unit FPDs and inlay FPDs were manufactured and were adhesively luted onto human molars. After thermal cycling and mechanical loading in an artificial environment, the fracture strength was determined. Zircon-based milled ceramic (Lava) three-unit FPDs were used as a control. The zircon ceramic and the fibre-based ceramic three-unit FPDs showed median fracture values between 1000 and 1400 N. For composite veneered zircon FPDs a fracture strength of about 800 N and for all-ceramic Empress 2 of about 350 N could be determined. The results for the inlay FPDs were between 1300 N and 1400 N for FRC/ceramic, 1000 N for zircon/composite and 500 N for all-ceramic restorations. The all-ceramic showed higher fracture resistance applied as inlay FPDs. The described hybrid techniques combining ceramics and composites could represent an interesting procedure for further investigations and, eventually, clinical implication.

PMID: 12950967 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Effects of pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation on shear bond strength of composite resin bonded to porcelain]

Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2000 Dec;18(6):377-9

Authors: Li R, Ren Y, Han J

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the shear bond strength of composite resin bonded to pretreated porcelain surfaces by use of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation and by use of 8% hydrofluoric etching. METHODS: Surfaces of porcelain were roughened with coarse diamonds until the opaque body porcelains were exposed. The samples were divided into four groups. Samples of the first group were etched with 8% hydrofluoric acid for 3 min by following the manufacter's instructions. Samples of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups were separately irradiated by a pulsed Nd:YAG laser of three energy parameters of 15 Hz, 40 mJ; 0.6 W; 15 Hz, 60 mJ, 0.9 W and 15 Hz, 80 mJ, 1.2 W different respectively, each specimen was irradiated for 1 min. Then, silane coupling agent was equally placed on the treated surfaces for 3 min, the activator was used on each surface. The adhesive was applied and light-cured. The composite resin material was finally bonded to the treated porcelain surface, forming a 3 mm x 3 mm x 2 mm resin mass. Samples were then tested for shear bond strength between the treated porcelain and composite resin by using a SWD-10 electric universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until fracture. At the end of testing, the data was evaluated by using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) comparing the shear bond strength. On the other hand, characteristic morphology of laser irradiated surfaces of porcelain was prepared and observed by a scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The shear bond strength of laser groups of 0.6 W, 0.9 W, 1.2 W and etching group was respectively 8.61, 14.07, 11.22 and 13.47 MPa. There was no significantly difference among groups of laser 0.9 W, 1.2 W and the etching group. This suggested that irradiated on surfaces of porcelain by Nd:YAG laser at the above laser energy could attain the same effectiveness as hydrofluoric acid etching. But the shear bond strength of laser 0.6 W group was significantly lower than the etching group. It suggested that shear bond strength would obviously decrease when laser energy was 0.6 W or lower than this parameter, and had no use in treatment on porcelain surfaces comparing to acid etching. SEM showed that porcelain surfaces irradiated by Nd:YAG laser exhibited rough, umbilicate, lava crater-like structure. This structure helped to produce mechanical retention between resin composite and porcelain. CONCLUSION: The pulsed Nd:YAG laser could replace etching method to pretreat the fracture porcelain surfaces for bonding with composite resin at appropriate energy parameters.

PMID: 12539463 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

LAVA--the system for all-ceramic ZrO2 crown and bridge frameworks.

Int J Comput Dent. 2001 Jul;4(3):195-206

Authors: Suttor D, Bunke K, Hoescheler S, Hauptmann H, Hertlein G

All-ceramic restorations in the posterior region are an increasingly important area of dental care. However, no real suitable ceramics or economic processing procedures have been available so far. With the new LAVA system, it will be possible to satisfy these demands in the future. The system is based on the machining of presintered zirconia, which, due to its outstanding mechanical properties, its biocompatibility, and its excellent esthetics in combination with a specially designed veneer ceramic, is the ideal candidate for these applications. In combination with a corresponding CAD/CAM unit, the use of an easy-to-machine presintered ceramic material (which is sintered to full density after shaping, thus eliminating the need for extensive use of diamond tools) allows for the first time reliable, fully-automated and thus fast manufacturing of such restorations.

PMID: 11862886 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Microvascular anastomosis using a new diode laser system with a contact probe.

Lasers Surg Med. 1989;9(2):160-8

Authors: Unno N, Sakaguchi S, Koyano K

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the usefulness of our newly produced diode laser device (an 830-nm output of 190 mW CW) for microvascular end-to-end anastomoses. In the device, diode laser energy is delivered to a contact ceramic tip with a 200-microns diameter output end. Its wavelength is 830 nm and its power 60 mW. This device is small (30 x 25 x 10 cm), lightweight (gross weight 3kg), and easy to manipulate. Compared with conventional microvascular suture anastomosis (CMSA), the time required for the laser-assisted vascular anastomoses (LAVA) was reduced by almost half. Anastomosed portions of both methods were examined 1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks later for patency and aneurysm formation. The patency rate and incidence of aneurysmal formation were the same in both groups. Histological examination revealed that LAVA is superior to CMSA in the smoothness of the inner surface, less inflammatory reaction, and normal collagen and elastic reorientation. The tensile strength and bursting pressure measured immediately after anastomosis demonstrated no significant difference between the two groups. It was concluded that this diode laser contact method may be clinically useful for microvascular surgery.

PMID: 2716461 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]