Abstract
Lithium disilicate glass-ceramics, evolving from IPS Empress 2 (IVOCLAR VIVADENT) toe.max CAD (IVOCLAR VIVADENT), have been widely utilized for esthetic all-ceramic restorations.Effective bonding of these ceramics necessitates hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching, typically followed bysilane application. As ceramic strength is influenced by surface defects, HF etching, while crucial foradhesion, could potentially compromise the material's mechanical integrity. This study investigatedthe effect of HF acid etching duration on a lithium disilicate core material's surface characteristicsand flexural strength. Specimens were subjected to varying HF etching times. Within the limitationsof this study, HF acid treatment, applied for durations clinically relevant for bonding, did notsignificantly alter the flexural strength of the lithium disilicate material.
