Effect of finishing/polishing techniques and low temperature degradation on the surface topography, phase transformation and flexural strength of ultra-translucent ZrO ceramic.

Objective: To investigate the effect of different surface finishing and polishing regimes and low temperature degradation on flexural strength, phase transformation and surface topography of ultra-translucent ZrO ceramic.

Methods: 300 (n=15/group) of conventional zirconia (Z: Ice Zirkon Transluzent) and ultra-translucent zirconia (UT: Prettau Anterior) bar-specimens were made and divided according to the "Finishing/Polishing" - (C - Control, B - diamond rubber polishers, P - adjusting with burs, PB - adjusting with burs+diamond polishers, PG - adjusting with burs+glaze), "Low temperature Degradation (LTD)" (with or without a treatment at 127°C, 1.7bar/24h).