Synthesis and Characterization of Zirconia Reinforced Mica Glass Ceramicsfor Dental Restorations

Abstract

Dental ceramics are popularindirect restorative materials as crowns, veneers and bridges due to their esthetics, chemical durability and ease of fabrication. Mica basedglass-ceramics(SiO2-Al2O3-MgO-K2O-B2O3-F) are known for dental applications due to their machinability, bioactivity and resemblance to tooth color. The mica glass-Zirconiamixtures with varying amounts of YSZ (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt. %) were ball milled, compacted and sintered. Phase assemblagewas carried out using X-ray Diffraction and microstructural characterization with Scanning Electron Microscopy. Mechanical properties such as Vickers hardness, Elastic Modulus, Indentation Fracture Toughness were evaluated. Microscopic analysis of two body wear were assessedagainst a steatite antagonist in a chewing simulator. Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, Transmittance value andCytocompatibility on human gingival and murine fibroblast cell lines were compared withthe commercially available dental ceramic systems.Finite element analysis with shear bond strength tests were performedfor predictingfailure modes as a veneer in bi-layered all-ceramic restorations.