Effect of Surface Preparation with Nd:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG Lasers on the Repair Bond Strength of Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramic to a Silorane-based Composite Resin

Background. This study was undertaken to evaluate the repair bond strength of lithium disilicate glass ceramic to a silorane-based composite resin after surface preparation with Nd:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers. Methods. A total of 102 lithium disilicate glass ceramic samples (IPS e.max Press), measuring 5 mm in diameter and 4 mm in thickness, were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=17): group 1, no surface preparation (control); group 2, acid etching with 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (HF); group 3, surface preparation with 4.5-W Nd:YAG laser; group 4, surface preparation with 6-W Nd:YAG laser; group 5, surface preparation with 1.5-W Er,Cr:YSGG laser; and group 6, surface preparation with 6-W Er,Cr:YSGG laser. After preparation of surfaces and application of silane, all the samples were repaired with the use of a silorane-based composite resin, followed by storage in distilled water at a temperature of 37°C for 24 hours and thermocycling. Finally, the samples were subjected to a shearing bond strength test; the fracture modes were determined under a stereomicroscope. Results. There were significant differences between the HF group and the other groups (P=0.000). Two-by-two comparisons of the other groups revealed no significant differences (P>0.05). Conclusion. Use of HF proved the most effective surface preparation technique to increase the repair bond strength between lithium disilicate glass ceramic and silorane-based composite resin; compared to the control group.