OBJECTIVETo investigate the shear bond strength between veneering ceramic and zirconia core in different all-ceramic systems.

METHODSTwenty disk-shaped specimens with 8 mm in diameter and 3 mm in height for each zirconia system (Lava, Cercon, IPS e.max ZirCAD, Procera) were fabricated respectively and divided into four groups: Lava group, Cercon group, IPS e.max ZirCAD group, Procera group. For each group, 10 specimens were sintered with 1 mm corresponding veneering ceramic, while the other were sintered with 2 mm corresponding veneering ceramic respectively. The shear bond strength and fracture mode of specimens were observed and determined.

RESULTSThe values of shear bond strength for Lava, Cercon, IPS e.max ZirCAD and Procera were (13.82 +/- 3.71), (13.24 +/- 2.09), (6.37 +/- 4.15), (5.19 +/- 5.31) MPa in the group of 1 mm thicked veneering ceramics, respectively, while the values in the group of 2mm thicked veneering ceramics were (38.77 +/- 1.69), (21.67 +/- 3.34), (12.70 +/- 4.24), (9.94 +/- 6.67) MPa. The values of Lava and Cercon groups were significantly higher than that of IPS e.max ZirCAD and Procera groups (P < 0.05). And the values of 2 mm thicked veneering ceramic group were significantly higher than that in 1 mm thicked groups (P < 0.05). Adhesive fracture between core and veneering ceramics were observed in the fracture modes of most specimens.

CONCLUSIONThe shear bond strength of veneering ceramic to the zirconia framework are different from the zirconia system we chose, and the thickness of veneering ceramic has a great impact on its shear bond strength.