Effect of Storage Time of a Ceramic Primer on Microshear Bond Strength to Zirconia

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effect of shelf life of a ceramic primer containing 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) monomer on microshear bond strength of zirconia ceramic to composite resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four sintered zirconia samples (1.5×5×7 mm) were pretreated with Clearfil Ceramic Primer (CCP) at baseline and after one, two and six months of storage at 6°C. Composite cylinders were fabricated using Tygon tubes (1 mm height, 0.7 mm diameter) and placed on treated zirconia blocks, light-cured and subjected to microshear bond strength test. Mode of failure was determined under a stereomicroscope. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed at each storage time point. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test. RESULTS: Significant differences were noted in microshear bond strength after six months of storage compared to baseline (P<0.05). Significant differences were noted in FTIR spectra at the four time points (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of one-component ceramic primer in bonding to zirconia was significantly affected by the storage of this material in a time-dependent manner. Visible new peaks and changes in FTIR spectra over time indicated alterations in the composition of ceramic primer affecting its shelf life.