Introduction: The Y-TZP zirconia used for prosthetic infrastructure, in some clinical situations, can be exposed to the oral environment. In these situations, a polished surface without changes is extremely important. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the mean roughness (Ra) and Vickers hardness of Y-TZP zirconia (Lava™) after simulating ten years of brushing. Material and method: Thirty-six Y-TZP bar-shaped specimens (20mm X 4mm X 1.2mm) were divided into three groups: storage in distilled water (DW, n=12, control); brushing with distilled water (BDW, n=12) and brushing with distilled water and fluoride toothpaste (BFT, n=12). Brushing was performed using a brushing machine with a soft-bristled toothbrush, simulating 10 years of brushing (878.400 cycles, 100gf). The mean roughness (Ra in μm) and Vickers hardness (VHN) of all specimens were measured twice: before and after the experimental treatment, in profilometer and microhardness tester (500gf, 30 seconds), respectively. Data were analyzed using the two-way ANOVA test (α = 0.05). Result: The interaction between groups was not significant for roughness (p = 0.701) nor for hardness (p = 0.928). The final averages for Ra (μm) were equal to: DW - 0.63; BDW - 0.64; and, BFT - 0.68. The final averages for Vickers hardness (VHN) were: DW - 1301.16; BDW - 1316.60; and, BFT - 1299.58. Conclusion: It was concluded that the brushing with distilled or fluoridated toothpaste was not able to change the roughness and hardness of Y-TZP zirconia used in this study.

This study evaluated microstructural and crystallographic phase changes after grinding (G) and regeneration firing/anneling (R) of Y-TZP ceramics. Thirty five bars (LavaTM and Ice Zirkon) were divided: Y-TZP pre-sintered, control (C), regeneration firing (R), dry grinding (DG), dry grinding+regeneration firing (DGR), wet grinding (WG) and wet grinding+regeneration firing (WGR). Grinding was conducted using a diamond bur and annealing at 1,000°C. The microstructure was analyzed by SEM and the crystalline phases by X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD showed that pre-sintered specimens contained tetragonal and monoclinic phases, while groups C and R showed tetragonal, cubic and monoclinic phases. After grinding, the cubic phase was eliminated in all groups. Annealing (DGR and WGR) resulted in only tetragonal phase. SEM showed semi-circular cracks after grinding and homogenization of particles after annealing. After grinding, surfaces show tetragonal and monoclinic phases and R can be assumed to be necessary prior to porcelain layering when grinding is performed.

Descriptors: Caregivers; dental care for aged; education; homes for the aged; old age assistance