Effect of surface treatment on wear of latest generation vitreous and polycrystalline ceramics

Zirconia is a commonly used biomaterial for dental restorations that offers effective mechanical and aesthetic properties, making it a viable choice for both anterior and posterior rehabilitations. The study focuses on the comparative analysis of enamel wear induced by various surface treatments of zirconia, including unshaded, preshaded, manually shaded, and stained specimens. Findings reveal significant differences in enamel wear, with unshaded and preshaded zirconia demonstrating the least wear compared to manually treated specimens, which exhibited higher roughness values. Additionally, the research highlights that while polished zirconia surfaces result in lower enamel wear than glazed ones, the interaction between surface treatment and mechanical stress is critical, particularly in posterior restorations. The results suggest that for anterior restorations, surface treatment may be less critical, whereas, for posterior applications, polishing is recommended to minimize enamel wear.