Effects of accelerated artificial aging on the translucency and color stability of monolithic ceramics with different surface treatments

Abstract Statement of problem Different surface finishing procedures can be applied to monolithic restorations. However, information is limited regarding the long-term performance of these procedures. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of aging on the translucency and color stability of monolithic ceramics with different surface finishing procedures. Material and methods Disk-shaped (14×1.5 mm) specimens of monolithic zirconia (Zirkonzahn Prettau [ZZ]) and lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (IPS e.max Press [IPS]) were fabricated. The specimens were divided into 3 subgroups according to the surface treatments (n=9, G: glazing, R: rubber polishing system, and P: rubber polishing system followed by polishing paste). Color measurements were made by using a spectrophotometer before and after an ultraviolet aging process. L*, a*, and b* parameters were recorded. ΔE and translucency parameter (TP) values were calculated. One specimen from each subgroup was examined by scanning electron microscopy (×30 000). The data were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and post hoc tests (α=.05). Results ΔE values of group ZZ (5.03) exceeded the clinically acceptable level (3.5); however, the color change was not clinically perceptible for IPS (0.41). The ΔE value of the subgroup P was found to be higher than that of the others for ZZ ( P P Conclusions Lithium disilicate ceramic was found to be more esthetic than monolithic zirconia ceramic in terms of color stability and translucency.