Investigating the effect of different surface treatments on vickers hardness and flexural strength of zirconium and lithium disilicate ceramics

Aim: The aim of this study was investigate the effect of different surface treatments on Vickers hardness and flexural strength of aesthetic materials such as zirconia and lithium disilicate ceramics which were used in fixed prosthodontics. Material and Method: In this study, 50 zirconia and 50 lithium disilicate ceramic specimens (25x4x2 mm) were used. After identifying one group as the control group, the grinding, sandblasting, CoJet, Er:YAG laser were applied on the surface of specimens from each group (n=10). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images were taken from one specimen of each group. After applying Vickers hardness test to the specimens, flexural strength test was performed. Obtained datas were statistically analysed with two way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple comparisons tests. Results: The results of two way analysis of variance showed that, there were statistically significant differences were found between surface treatment groups in terms of Vickers hardness of zirconia and lithium disilicate ceramics (p<0.001), but there were no statistically significant differences were found between surface treatment groups in terms of flexural strength (p>0.05). Conclusion: As a result of this study it can be concluded that surface treatments could affect the hardness of ceramic materials, therefore zirconia found to be more harder and durable than lithium disilicate ceramics.