Surface treatment, liquid, and aging effects on color and surface properties of monolithic ceramics.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of surface treatments, liquids, and aging on color, translucency, and surface properties of monolithic ceramics.

Materials and methods: Lithium disilicate (LDS) and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) ceramics (n = 135 each) were cut and divided into three groups [crystallization+glaze (single stage), crystallization-glaze (two stages), and crystallization-polish (two stages)]. One sample from each group was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Remaining samples were divided into four subgroups (distilled water, coffee, grape juice, and smoothie) (n = 11 each), stored for 12 d in the respective liquids, and thermally aged. One sample from each subgroup was analyzed using SEM. The color, gloss, and roughness values of the samples were analyzed after surface treatment (initial) and storage under different liquids+aging conditions. The initial data and both the aged data and data change values were analyzed using robust two- and three-way analyses of variance.

Results: The glazed groups exhibited smoother surfaces. Ceramic type and ceramic-surface treatment interactions affected the initial translucency parameter (TP) (P < .001) and the initial and aged roughness values (P ≤ .001). Surface treatment type affected the color change (P < .001), and ceramic type affected the aged TP values (P < .001). Type of ceramic, surface treatment, and their interactions affected both the initial and aged gloss (P ≤ .001) and TP change values (P ≤ .015). Surface treatment type and ceramic-surface treatment interactions affected the gloss change values (P ≤ .001).

Conclusion: Although both ceramics and all surface treatments are clinically applicable, crystallization-glaze is recommended. When gloss and smoothness are important or when translucency is important, ZLS or LDS may be preferred, respectively.