The efficiency of ErCr:YSGG laser on the debonding of different thicknesses of ceramic veneers

Aims

To verify the efficacy of Er,Cr:YSGG laser for debonding of lithium disilicate (LD) reinforced glass ceramic veneers of different thicknesses.

Methods

Forty bovine teeth were prepared and randomly divided into four groups (n=10/group) according to the ceramic disc thickness: C0.5 (Control group) and L0.5 (Laser irradiated group) in which LD discs had a thickness of 0.5mm and 5mm diameter; C1 and L1 in which LD discs had a thickness of 1mm and 5mm diameter. The lithium disilcate discs (IPS E.max^®, shade HTA2) were fabricated following the manufacturer’s recommendations and cemented to the prepared tooth surface. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser was applied to the laser groups at 2.5W and 25Hz for 60seconds. Universal testing machine was used to evaluate the shear bond strength for all samples at a cross head speed of 1mm/min in an inciso-gingival direction parallel to the sample surface. After debonding, the samples were examined under stereoscope to evaluate the mode of failure according to the adhesive remnant index (ARI).

Results

Laser irradiation significantly diminishes the shear bond strength from 10.868 MPa to 3.778 MPa for C0.5 and L0.5 groups respectively (p=0.00) and from 14.711 MPa to 4.992 MPa for C1 and L1 groups respectively (p=0.00). The shear bond strength required for debonding increased with increasing thickness of discs, but without significant difference (p=0.110). Higher ARI scores were seen in the laser groups (more cement remaining adhered to the tooth) when compared to the control groups.

Conclusions

The Er,Cr:YSGG laser could be an effective and useful tool in debonding of lithium disilicate ceramic veneers as it decreases the shear bond strength required for veneer debonding.

Dental veneers; Ceramics; Lasers; Shear strength