Bonding to alumina ceramic in restorative dentistry: clinical results over up to 5 years

Objectives: The purpose of this clinical pilot study was to evaluate the resin bond to alumina ceramic in vivo when using a bonding method which had been shown to be successful in laboratory testing. Methods: Seventeen resin-bonded all-ceramic bridges and splints fabricated from a glass-infiltrated alumina ceramic were tribochemically silica coated and resin bonded to their abutment teeth. The patients were recalled every 6 months to evaluate the restorations with regard to function and possible failures. Results: Over a mean observation time of 3.8 ± 1.6 years some ceramic fractures occurred. However, the resin bond between the teeth and the alumina ceramic always remained stable. Conclusions: Silica coating of alumina ceramic resulted in a durable resin bond over up to 5 years.