Effect of acid etching on the flexural strength of a feldspathic porcelain and a castable glass ceramic.

This project studied the effect of altering surface topography by chemical etching on the strength of a feldspathic porcelain and castable glass ceramic. Fifty specimens of each ceramic material were subjected to five different etch times (in groups of 10). A silane coupling agent and composite resin cement were applied. Specimens were then subjected to a three-point flexural strength test. Representative specimens were examined under scanning electron microscope to elucidate more information on the effect and the depth of etch. There was no significant difference in the mean flexural strengths between the etched and nonetched groups and no significant difference between the different etching times for either material. Photomicrographs revealed dissimilar etch depths and selective dissolution of the phases. It appears that chemical etching can improve the retention of ceramic laminate veneers without significant loss of strength.