Effects of sputtered metal oxide films on the ceramic-to-metal bond.

The application of a thin oxide film is seen as a method of improving the ceramic-to-metal bond. Using sputter coating to form oxide films allows control of its thickness. The thickness of the oxide layer can also be controlled by sputter coating. Films produced by sputtering, in themselves, have superior bond strengths in that the high-energy levels that are used in the technique drive the coating material into the atomic lattice of the substrate material (dental gold). Remaining to be determined are optimum film thickness and the oxide to be used. However, the present study opens a field of study showing promise of improving porcelain-to-metal bonding in dental restoration.