Influence of time and hydration (ageing) on flexural strength of Yttrium stabilized Zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) fabricated with different CAD-CAM Systems

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of time and hydration (ageing) on flexural strength of yttrium-stabilized zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) zirconia fabricated from three different materials. METHODS: This in-vitro study was performed from June to September 2019. Y-TZP bars, measuring 2 x 3 x 20 mm were prepared and sintered from three different materials, Group-1: LAVA™ Zirconia (3M ESPE, US) (control) Group-2: Vita In-Ceram YZ (VITA, Germany) and Group-3: Aadva™ Zirconia (Zr) (GC Advanced technologies Inc.). 30 zirconia bars per group were prepared using sectioning of blocks with isomet saw. Followed by sintering in furnaces for recommended temperature cycles. One side of bars were polished and beveled for flexural testing. Groups of specimens were divided into subgroups of 3 (n=10) based on the ageing (distilled water in the incubator at 37ºC) durations (48 Hrs and two and half years). Ten specimens in each material groups were not aged (controls). Samples were exposed to a static force in a three-point bend test using a universal instron-testing machine until fracture. Scanning electron microscopic assessment was performed for fractured specimens for ageing. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS: The mean flexural strength at baseline for Group-1: LAVA™ Zirconia, group (632.7 ± 136.5 MPa) 2: Vita In-Ceram YZ (1036.3 ± 229.6 MPa), and Group-3: Aadva™ Zirconia (1171.3 ± 266.3 MPa) were significantly different. Group-2 and Group-3 specimens showed higher strength compared to Group-1 specimens, irrespective of the ageing duration (p<0.05). Analysis of pooled data for flexural strength for materials by aging period (baseline, after 48 hours and after 2 and ½ years) showed that there was significant reduction of strength with increasing duration (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Y-TZP showed variations in flexural strength depending on the material type. Ageing duration exhibited significant influence on the flexural strength of Y-TZP when comparing no ageing to two and half years. Vita In-Ceram YZ and Aadva Zirconia (Zr) showed higher and clinically acceptable flexural strength outcomes.