Silane Coupling Agent — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: C — To create a chemical bond between the ceramic (inorganic) and the resin cement (organic)
Silane coupling agents (e.g., 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane) are bifunctional molecules that create a chemical bond between the silica-based (glass) ceramic and the organic resin cement. One end bonds to the silica in the ceramic (after HF acid etching creates microporosities) via siloxane bonds, and the other end co-polymerises with the methacrylate resin. Silane treatment is essential for glass-ceramic bonding (e.g., lithium disilicate, feldspathic, leucite-reinforced) but does not work on polycrystalline ceramics (zirconia, alumina).
Reference: Anusavice – Phillips' Science of Dental Materials, 13th ed., 2022