The bond strength of acid-resistant ceramics, such as yttria partially stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP), to resin cements could be improved by surface sandblasting with particles. However, there is not a standard protocol for sandblasting, which may compromise Y-TZP mechanical behavior. The objective of this study was to search, trough a literature review, which sandblasting protocols have been used and which one results in higher bond strength values of Y-TZP to resin cement and less degradation of the mechanical properties of Y-TZP. The research involved articles published from 2003 to 2013 using Medline/Pubmed online database and the keywords: zirconia, bond strength, sandblasting, and mechanical strength. Twenty five articles that were within the study inclusion criteria were selected. The particle size most frequently used was 50 µm for aluminum oxide and 30 µm for silica-modified aluminum oxide. According to the literature, the particle size and sandblasting time have no influence on the bond strength values. On the other hand, the larger particle size and the particle type (aluminum oxide) negatively affected the Y-TZP mechanical strength. There are disagreements regarding the effects of sandblasting pressure on the bond and Y-TZP mechanical strength. The use of extremely low pressures may decrease the bond strength values. The distance from the tip of the sandblasting device and the ceramic surface, and the sandblasting time, varied from 7 to 30 mm and 5 to 90 s, respectively. It can be concluded that some of the sandblasting parameters are not yet clearly defined. Even though, the results of studies seem to confirm the recommendation of using small particles and low sandblasting pressures to achieve superior bond strength without decreasing the material mechanical strength.
ceramics; air abrasion, dental
