Bond strength and durability of universal adhesive agents with lithium disilicate ceramics: A shear bond strength study

The aim was to assess the shear bond strength (SBS) of lithium disilicate (LD) ceramic to resin composite with different universal adhesives, duration of ageing and silane. One hundred and twenty LD ceramic discs were processed, fired and etched (HF acid 5%) for 20 s (sec). All specimens were divided into 12 groups (n = 10), based on different combinations of, 3 different universal adhesives [Scotchbond (SB) Universal Adhesive, All-Bond (AB) Universal, and Futurabond U (FU)], silane and different duration of ageing [24 h and 3 months]. Composite resin cylinders (Tetric ceram) (3mm × 2 mm) were formed using bonding jig on ceramic and were light-cured. The specimens in groups 1–6 and 7–12 were stored in distilled water (37 °C) for 24 h and 3 months (thermocycling -5000 cycles 5–55 °C/30 s dwell time) before being subjected to bond strength testing respectively. Using universal testing machine shear bond test was performed at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Failure modes and fracture patterns were assessed using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. Analysis of variance was performed to analyze data. SBS was significantly higher with silane than without silane (p < 0.01), regardless of the type of adhesive or storage duration. Specimens tested at 24 h storage showed significantly higher (p < 0.01) SBS than specimens tested after 3-months. A comparison among different universal adhesives showed significantly distinct bond strength (p < 0.01). Optimal bonds to LD were achieved by application of silane. While ageing through storage had a negative impact on the SBS, it varied among different adhesives.