Physical and mechanical characteristics of conventional dental porcelain: effects of exposure environments

This study investigates the effects of exposure environments on the physical and mechanical properties of conventional dental porcelain. Dental ceramic disc samples of 5 mm diameter and 2 mm thick were fabricated and then subjected to soaking for four weeks in three different types of wet media namely, distilled water, soft drink (Cola) and rice vinegar. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed to characterize the physical properties, while the compression test evaluated the mechanical properties. It was observed that both the acidic environments (i.e. Cola and rice vinegar) deteriorated structural integrity and thus accordingly decreased the fracture strength of the tested dental porcelain. However, Cola being relatively more acidic had greater effects in compared to rice vinegar. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.