Masking ability of computer-aided design and manufacturing bleach shade ceramics with different thicknesses on titanium abutments.

Abstract

Background: Titanium abutments are the gold standard of implant treatments. However, they may not create sufficient color matching to the natural teeth due to the gray color showing through under the ceramic crown. The present study aimed to determine the masking ability of computer-aided design and manufacturing () bleach shade ceramics in different thicknesses on titanium abutments.

Materials and methods: In this laboratory study, a total of 90 specimens of bleach shade ceramics Celtra Duo (CD), Vita Suprinity (VS), and zirconia Luxen were prepared in thicknesses of 1, 1.5, and 2 mm (n = 10). Background specimens of G-aenial composite in A3 color and titanium were used. The ceramic specimens were placed on titanium and composite backgrounds and L*a*b* color parameters and color difference (ΔE) were measured with the VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using three-way and one-way analysis of variance tests. Pairwise comparisons of groups were also performed with Tukey's test. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant and ΔE <2.7 was considered clinically acceptable criteria.

Results: The effects of thickness, ceramic type, and their interaction effects on the ΔE were statistically significant (all three: P <0.001). The difference in ΔE values of bleach shade ceramics on titanium and composite backgrounds was estimated to be statistically significant in the thicknesses of 1 mm (P = 0.01), 1.5 mm (P < 0.001), and 2 mm (P = 0.001). Zirconia had a better performance for masking ability in thicknesses of 1.5 mm (P < 0.001) and 1 mm (P = 0.01), while VS ceramic showed the best masking ability in thicknesses of 2 mm (P = 0.001). The masking ability of ceramics was improved by increasing the thickness.

Conclusion: Except for VS ceramic in thickness of 1 mm, the rest of the bleach shade ceramics in all three thicknesses of 1, 1.5, and 2 mm have adequate ability to mask the titanium background and their use in line with the masking ability of titanium background has brought acceptable esthetic results.