Is there clinical evidence for successful bonding of dental oxide ceramic restorations?

This summary is based on the article published in Dental Materials: Bonding to oxide ceramics—Laboratory testing versus clinical outcome (January 2015)

Matthias Kern

Context

• A large number of articles dealing with bonding to zirconia and other oxide ceramics suggests that bonding to these ceramics would be an unsolved problem in dentistry.
• Most original laboratory research reports on bonding to zirconia ceramics start in their introduction with a statement pointing more or less out that achieving a reliable and predictable bond to this ceramic would be a major problem in dentistry or at least a limitation when restorations with limited or no mechanical retention such as occlusal veneers, partial coverage restorations or resin bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) are utilized. ^{(4, 8)}
• The article summarizes published clinical trials on bonded oxide ceramic restorations and correlates their results with that of laboratory bond strength testing using the same bonding methods as in the clinical trials.

Purpose of the Review

To present the best available clinical evidence for successful bonding of dental oxide ceramic restorations.

Key Findings

• Clinical data provide strong evidence that air-abrasion at a moderate pressure in combination with using phosphate monomer containing primers and/or luting resins provide long-term durable bonding to glass-infiltrated alumina and zirconia ceramic under the humid and stressful oral conditions.
• As simple and clinically reliable bonding methods to oxide ceramics exist, the rationale for development of alternative bonding methods might be reconsidered especially when these methods are more time consuming or require rather complicated and/or technique sensitive procedures.

References

List of references included in the review (PDF)