Evaluation of the Effect of Sandblasting (120 μm) on Shear Bond Strength between Ceramic Veneer and Zirconia Core

Background and Aim: Due to the importance of the bond strength between zirconia core (ZC) and porcelain veneer (PV) as well as the paradox about the functionality of sandblasting on the solidity between those layers, this research aimed to evaluate the effect of sandblasting on the shear bond strength (SBS) between ZC and PV. Materials and Methods: After preparing 20 zirconia discs (7 mm × 3 mm) in this experimental study, they were randomly divided into two groups of case and control. In the case group, sandblasting with 120-μm aluminum oxide particles (Al2O3) was performed under 3.5-bar pressure at 10 mm distance from the zirconia surface for 15 seconds. Next, all the samples were cleaned with ultrasonic and 96% isopropyl alcohol for 3 minutes as well as steam cleaning for 10 seconds. Then, the samples were veneered with porcelain (3 mm × 5 mm). SBS was assessed using a universal testing machine. After data collection, the mean and standard deviation (SD) were calculated and analyzed using T-test. Results: The SBS between ZC and PV was 62.56±8.35 MPa in the case group (after sandblasting) and 94.62±7.69 MPa in the control group. The SBS showed a significant statistical difference between the two groups (P=0.001). Conclusion: The result of this research indicated that sandblasting reduces the SBS between ZC and PV. Considering the limitations and the methodology of the study, the hypothesis regarding the positive impact of sandblasting on SBS was not proven.