Objective: This pilot study evaluated the metal-ceramic bond strengths achieved between two ceramic alloys and LF-3 ceramic (Chemichl, Vaduz, Liechtenstein; sold as SNF PressCeram® in Canada) which is available in a post-sintered ingot form and a pre-sintered conventional ceramic powder. Methods: Four groups were tested: Group 1 - Pressed ceramic on palladium-based alloy (PX Extrapall 2, PX Dental, Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), Group 2 - Conventional ceramic on the palladium-based alloy, Group 3 - Pressed ceramic on high gold alloy (PX Premium Ideal, PX Dental), Group 4 - Conventional ceramic on the high gold alloy. Each group consisted of ten specimens. According to the ISO 9693 three-point bending test guidelines, the force to failure was applied using a Zwicki equipped with a 200 N load cell at a crosshead speed of 1.5 mm/min. Results: The mean debonding/crack initiation strengths with standard deviations for both pressed ceramic groups (Group 1 = 39.08 ± 9.20 MPa, Group 3 = 35.26 ± 6.79 MPa) were significantly higher than those for both conventional ceramic groups (Group 2 = 24.18 ± 8.56 MPa, Group 4 = 24.07 ± 6.73 MPa). Two-way ANOVA revealed that there were no interactions between the method of ceramic application and the type of metal, but the method of ceramic application had a significant effect (p < 0.0001) on the debonding/crack initiation strength. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a potentially higher survival of the metal-ceramic interface for the pressed ceramic than the conventional ceramic early in the force application. Examination of the tested specimens under 80x magnification confirmed that cracks had formed at the ends of the metal-ceramic interface. Conclusion: These preliminary data show that the pressed ceramic-metal system satisfied the ISO bond strength criteria. Funded in part by Swiss NF Metals, Inc.

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