Effect of four pretreatment techniques on porcelain-to-metal bond strength.

Porcelain bond strengths of three base metal alloys with different metal pretreatment techniques were studied. Statistically significant differences were found in bond strengths achieved between the different metals but not with the different pretreatments. Each metal displayed considerable variation in bond strength with each of the pretreatment techniques. Collectively, the base metal alloys evaluated displayed a disturbing tendency for adhesive failure through the porcelain-metal interface, although this was not universal. Manufacturers and ceramists should develop a specific regime for porcelain bonding for each alloy used. Standardized testing should demonstrate adequate bond strengths with cohesive failure through the body of the porcelains.