Effect of the amount of thickness reduction on color and translucency of dental monolithic zirconia ceramics

PURPOSE. This study investigated the effect of amount of thickness reduction on color and translucency of dental monolithic zirconia ceramics. MATERIALS AND METHODS. One-hundred sixty-five monolithic zirconia specimens (16.3 mm x 16.3 mm x 2.0 mm) were divided into 5 groups (Group I to V) according to the number of A2-coloring liquid applications. Each group was then divided into 11 subgroups by reducing the thickness up to 1.0 mm in 0.1-mm increments (Subgroup 0 to 10, n=3). Colors and spectral distributions were measured according to CIELAB on a reflection spectrophotometer. All measurements were performed on five different areas of each specimen. Color difference (Delta E*(ab)) and translucency parameter (TP) were calculated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and multiple comparison Scheffe test (alpha=.05). RESULTS. There were significant differences in CIE L* between Subgroup 0 and other subgroups in all groups. CIE a* increased (0.52<0.73), while CIE b* decreased (0.00<0.74) in all groups with increasing thickness reduction. Perceptible color differences (Delta E*(ab)>3.7) were obtained between Subgroup 0 and other subgroups. TP values generally increased as the thickness reduction increased in all groups (R-2>0.89, P<.001). CONCLUSION. Increasing thickness reduction reduces lightness and increases a reddish, bluish appearance, and translucency of monolithic zirconia ceramics.