Elemental release and surface changes of fluorapatite–leucite porcelain upon immersion in acidic agents

Background/purposeThe potential erosive effects of acidic foods, sour fruits, and drinks on enamel have been extensively investigated. However, their effects on fluorapatite–leucite porcelain restorations have not been widely examined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ion leaching and surface roughness of porcelain immersed in acidic agents.Materials and methodsOne-hundred and forty-five discs (12.0 mm in diameter and 2.0 mm thick) were made from fluorapatite–leucite porcelain (IPS d.SIGN). Baseline data of the elemental compositions of all storage agents and the surface roughness of specimens were recorded. Four groups of discs were then immersed in acidic agents (citrate buffer solution, pineapple juice, and green mango juice) and deionized water (the control) at 37°C for 168 h. One group was immersed in 4% acetic acid at 80°C for 168 h. After immersion, the ion leaching from solutions of all specimens for each acidic agent was measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The surface roughness was evaluated under a profilometer. Surface characteristics of specimens were examined under a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed using one-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s multiple comparisons (α = 0.05).ResultsFluorapatite–leucite porcelain discs exhibited significant leaching of various ions to varying degrees and increased in roughness after being immersed in acidic agents (P < 0.05). SEM photomicrographs also indicated destruction of the surface of the porcelain discs.ConclusionAcidic agents used in this study affected the elemental dissolution of fluorapatite–leucite porcelain discs. This should be considered when restoring affected teeth with fluorapatite–leucite porcelain.