Effect of Surface Conditioning methods on Resin Cement Tag Formation at The Porcelain Surface Between Composite and Porcelain Interface: A Quantitative SEM-Based Analysis

Abstract

Background: Dental porcelain restorations are widely used for their esthetics and biocompatibility but are prone to chipping. Composite resin repair offers a conservative alternative; however, the success of such repairs depends on optimal bonding at the porcelain–composite interface.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of different surface conditioning methods on resin cement tag formation at the porcelain surface between composite and porcelain interface using quantitative scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis.

Methods: This in-vitro comparative study was conducted at the Department of Prosthodontics, Bangladesh Medical University, from January to June 2025. Forty-eight porcelain–composite specimen pairs were divided into three groups (n=16): Group 1 – no conditioning, Group 2 – silane treatment, and Group 3 – phosphoric acid etching followed by silane. Specimens were bonded using Panavia V5 resin cement, cured, stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 7 days, sectioned, and examined under SEM (1000×) for resin tag formation. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results: Resin tag formation differed significantly among groups (p < 0.001). Group 1 showed minimal tag formation (mean rank = 9.44), Group 2 demonstrated moderate improvement (24.69), and Group 3 exhibited the highest tag density and uniformity (39.38). Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences between all groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Combined surface conditioning with phosphoric acid etching and silane application produced the most effective micromechanical and chemical bonding at the porcelain–composite interface. This dual treatment enhances resin tag formation and is recommended for achieving durable and esthetic porcelain repairs.