Influence of Surface Treatment on the Physical Properties and Biofilm Formation of Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Ceramics: In Vitro Trial.

This article investigates the influence of surface treatments—polishing with diamond-impregnated rubber cups, glazing, or no treatment—on the physical properties and biofilm formation of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) ceramics compared to lithium disilicate (LD) ceramics after artificial aging. The study found that polishing produced lower surface roughness and fewer morphological irregularities than glazing or no treatment, with both polishing and glazing reducing bacterial adhesion and increasing flexural strength relative to untreated surfaces. Contact angle measurements indicated that polished and glazed surfaces were more hydrophilic, correlating with reduced biofilm formation. Overall, ZLS ceramics (both fully crystallized Celtra Duo and partially crystallized Vita Suprinity) exhibited similar behavior to LD ceramics, supporting their suitability for indirect dental restorations. The findings emphasize the importance of surface finishing to optimize mechanical performance and biocompatibility of CAD/CAM ceramic restorations.