Wear behavior of ceramic, composite, and ceramic/composite interfaces

Objective. This study has aimed to evaluate the effects of toothbrushing on the wear behavior of two composites, three ceramic materials, and ceramic/composite interfaces. Material and Methods. Nanofilled (Filtek Ultimate), and nanohybrid composites (Spectra ST HV) were used for the repair of a hybrid ceramic (Vita Enamic), resin nanoceramic (Katana Avencia), and zirconia block (Katana Zirconia). Composites, ceramics, and ceramic/composite interfaces were examined before and after a period of one-month and one-year of toothbrush abrasion testing using non-contact optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni correction. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results. No difference was found between the surface roughness of the Vita Enamic, Katana Avencia, Filtek Ultimate, and Spectra surfaces after one month and one year of toothbrushing. Sa values in Katana Zirconia material were found to be significantly lower than those in the control group after one year of brushing. The surface roughness of the repair interfaces formed by repairing hybrid ceramic and resin nanoceramic CAD/CAM materials with nanofilled and nanohybrid composite materials was found to be similar after different brushing times. Conclusion. Vita Enamic, Katana Avencia, Filtek Ultimate, and Spectra materials can be preferred in clinical repair applications, since they exhibit similar wear behavior after brushing at different times. For the zirconia material, the repair interface had similar surface roughness as the ceramic and composite surfaces after one year of brushing. Periodic recalls and re-polishing may thus be necessary when these products are used clinically.