In vitro human enamel wear by a hydrated high-alkali porcelain.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the hydration of a high-alkali dental porcelain (Ducera LFC) and its relative abrasive wear against human enamel. The hypothesis is that the composition of the porcelain (LFC) will form a softer, hydrated layer in artificial saliva, which will reduce wear against enamel relative to other dental porcelains.

Method And Materials: The first experiment was to estimate the thickness of the hydrated layer formed on LFC by storage in artificial saliva using microindentation hardness.