Synthesis of glass-ceramics for dental applications

Objectives: Objectives: Glass-ceramics used in dentistry must possess superior chemical, physical and mechanical properties. Outside dentistry it has been reported that glass-ceramics based on the feldspathoid minerals in the system SiO₂-Al₂O₃-Na₂O-CaO-K₂O led to the development of crystalline phases such as Leucite, Nepheline, Kalsilite, Albite and/or Anorthite. Glass-ceramics in this phase field are reported to have good mechanical properties which are suitable to be used for dental applications. The aims of the study were to explore the potential of synthesizing dental glass-ceramics based on the chemical composition of nepheline (NaAlSiO₄) and kalsilite (KAlSiO₄).
Methods: Methods: Novel glasses based on multicomponent sodium potassium calcium aluminosilicate system were synthesized using melt-quench methods. Glasses were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and dilatometry. Experimental glass powders were heat treated to produce glass-ceramics. The crystalline phases and microstructures of the glass-ceramics were analysed using X-ray diffraction, solid state nuclear magnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the glass-ceramics were evaluated using the biaxial flexural strength test.
Results: Results: Preliminary results showed glass-ceramics containing fine crystalline structures with desirable mechanical properties based on this multicomponent system, which has the potential to be used in dentistry.
Conclusions: Conclusion: The final glass-ceramic obtained from the new glass system designed in this study may have the potential to be developed and used as a glass-ceramics material for dental application.