Effect of MDP-Based Primers on the Luting Agent Bond to Y-TZP Ceramic and to Dentin

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of multimode MDP-based primers and different application protocols on the bond strength of a representative resin cement to an yttrium stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The occlusal dentin from 60 human molars was exposed. The teeth and zirconia cylinders (N = 60) (3 mm of diameter; 4 mm of height) were divided into six groups (n = 10) according to the ceramic surface conditioning: (1) air abraded with SiO(2) particles; (2) Z-Prime Plus; (3) air abraded with SiO(2) particles + Z-Prime Plus; (4) air abraded with SiO(2) particles + All-Bond Universal; (5) air abraded with SiO(2) particles + ScotchBond Universal Adhesive; and (6) untreated zirconia. The luting agent (Duo-Link cement) was applied on the treated dentin surface. Specimens were stored in water (37°C, 24 h) and tested in shear bond strength. Data were statistically analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and Post hoc Tukey tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Significant effects of ceramic conditioning were found (p < 0.0001). The specimens sandblasted with silica particles followed by the application of Z-Prime Plus or All-Bond Universal presented greater bond strength values. For the untreated zirconia, several specimens failed prematurely prior to testing. CONCLUSIONS: Sandblasting with silica particles combined with Z-Prime Plus increased the bond strength.