Wear resistance of nanofilled composite resin and feldspathic ceramic artificial teeth.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The wear resistance of nanofilled composite resin and feldspathic ceramic artificial teeth may vary according to the material type and physical characteristics of the antagonist.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the wear resistance of nanofilled composite resin and feldspathic ceramic artificial teeth after simulated mastication against steatite, zirconia, and alumina antagonists.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study evaluated 6 groups of artificial teeth: 3 groups of 8 nanofilled composite resin teeth (Condyloform II NFC) and 3 groups of 8 feldspathic ceramic teeth (Bonartic CT). Three sets of 16 steatite, 16 zirconia, and 16 alumina cusp-shaped antagonist surfaces were fabricated and used to test wear resistance. Each group was loaded for 600,000 cycles. The wear resistance was analyzed by measuring vertical and volume substance lost (microm and mm(3), respectively), determined with a laser scanner. Data were statistically analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and Games-Howell test (alpha=.05).

RESULTS

The influence of the materials tested and antagonists was statistically significant. The composite resin teeth showed significantly higher vertical and volume substance loss than ceramic teeth opposing steatite cusps (P<.001; P=.04, respectively), while composite resin teeth opposing alumina and zirconia cusps demonstrated less wear than ceramic teeth. However, the latter differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The wear behavior of nanofilled composite resin and feldspathic ceramic teeth varies according to the type of antagonistic material. However, alumina and zirconia ceramics caused less wear in antagonists than steatite ceramic.