Atomic force microscopy investigation of lithium disilicate glass ceramic after various surface treatments

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of various surface treatments on the surface roughness of a lithium disilicate glass ceramic. A total of 25 discs of lithium disilicate glass ceramic were prepared. Specimens were divided into five groups: (1) no treatment, (2) air abrasion, (3) acid etching, (4) Nd:YAG laser irradiation and (5) Er:YAG laser irradiation. Digital images from the surfaces were obtained by means of an atomic force microscope in tapping mode. Surface roughness was measured in 10 × 10 µm boxes. Surface roughness data were analysed by one way analysis of variance. The air abrasion group (550±212 nm) had a significantly higher mean surface roughness value than the other groups. The acid etching group (392±157 nm) had a significantly higher mean roughness value than the control group (228±105 nm). Surface roughness of lithium disilicate glass ceramic was not increased by any of the laser irradiation treatments.