A Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Surface Modification Techniques on Zirconia Substrates and their Effect on Adherence to Dual Cure Resin Cement: An In-Vitro Study

Dr Anupama Hanumant More, Dr. Pronob Sanyal

Abstract: Background: Zirconia-based ceramics have gained prominence in restorative dentistry due to their superior mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, achieving reliable adhesion between zirconia and resin cements remains challenging due to zirconia's chemically inert surface. Objective: To comparatively evaluate the effects of various surface modification techniques on monolithic zirconia substrates and examine their influence on bond strength with dual-cure resin cement. Methods: One hundred Y-TZP ceramic specimens (15?10?3 mm) were randomly divided into five groups (n=20): Group A (control, no treatment), Group B (50 ?m alumina air abrasion + 9% HF etching + MDP primer), Group C (glass bead air abrasion + 9% HF etching + MDP primer), Group D (4% acetic acid etching), and Group E (glass infiltration). Surface roughness was measured using profilometry, and tensile bond strength was evaluated using a universal testing machine. Surface morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Group C demonstrated the highest tensile bond strength (7.12 ? 0.69 MPa), followed by Group B (4.75 ? 0.53 MPa) and Group E (3.59 ? 1.16 MPa). Surface roughness was significantly higher in Groups B (4.95 ? 0.65 ?m), C (4.61 ? 0.16 ?m), and E (4.58 ? 0.67 ?m) compared to controls. Group D showed minimal improvement over the control group. Conclusion: Glass bead air abrasion combined with HF etching and MDP primer application provided the most effective surface treatment for enhancing zirconia-resin bonding. The combination of mechanical and chemical surface modifications proved superior to individual treatments.

Keywords: Zirconia, surface modification, resin cement, bond strength, air abrasion, glass infiltration

How to Cite?: Dr Anupama Hanumant More, Dr. Pronob Sanyal, "A Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Surface Modification Techniques on Zirconia Substrates and their Effect on Adherence to Dual Cure Resin Cement: An In-Vitro Study", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 55-59, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25731105013, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25731105013