Influence of surface treatment of contaminated lithium disilicate and leucite glass ceramics on surface free energy and bond strength of universal adhesives

This study investigates the influence of surface treatment of contaminated lithium disilicate and leucite glass ceramic restorations on the bonding efficacy of universal adhesives. Lithium disilicate and leucite glass ceramics were contaminated with saliva, and then cleaned using distilled water (SC), or 37% phosphoric acid (TE), or hydrofluoric acid (CE). Specimens without contamination served as controls. The surface free energy was determined by measuring the contact angles formed when the three test liquids were placed on the specimens. Bond strengths of the universal adhesives were also measured. Saliva contamination and surface treatment of ceramic surfaces significantly influenced the surface free energy. The bond strengths of universal adhesives were also affected by surface treatment and the choice of adhesive materials. Our data suggest that saliva contamination of lithum disilicate and leucite glass ceramics significantly impaired the bonding of the universal adhesives, and reduced the surface free energy of the ceramics.