Production and characterization of zinc oxide doped lithium silicate glass-ceramic blocks for dental applications

The aim of this study is to produce lithium disilicate based glass-ceramics developed in Li2O-SiO2–Al2O3–K2O–P2O5 system to be used in dental applications; phase formation, dilatometric properties, microstructure, biaksiyal flexural strength, opacity, chemical solubility and antimicrobial activity were investigated depending on the ZnO content. Glass ceramics are multi-phase materials produced as a result of controlled crystallization of glasses with appropriate composition, showing higher mechanical strength and better thermal properties compared to glasses. In dental applications, lithium silicate glass ceramics, zirconia full ceramics or metal frame supported ceramics with the advantage of high mechanical strength, leucite-based feldspar glass-ceramics provide the aesthetic benefits as important because of its advantages are preferred. One of the aims of this study is to investigate the lithium silicate based glass-ceramic production that can be used in the dental sector, as well as the effect of ZnO additive on the properties of lithium disilicate glass ceramics which there are very few studies in the literature.In this context, frit was created primarily (LDS). LDS2Z and LDS4Z glasses were obtained by adding 2-4% ZnO to the resulting frit and pouring it into graphite molds from high temperature. With the partial crystallization and final crystallization heat treatments applied to these glasses; The change of properties such as phase formation, dilatometric properties, microstructure, flexural strength, opacity, chemical solubility and antimicrobial activity were investigated. As a result of the study, that it meets all the desired mechanical requirements in 3-unit dental bridge restorations. It has been observed that ZnO additive increases, antimicrobial activity and opacity in lithium silicate glass ceramics, while decreasing the mechanical strength, chemical solubility and thermal expansion coefficient.