Assessment of relative translucency and resultant color of contemporary resin‑matrix ceramics indicated for laminate veneers and full crowns

Abstract

Background and Aims: Evaluation of the optical properties of restorative materials is an important parameter for identifying clinical success. The aim of this study was to compare the translucency of contemporary resin‑matrix ceramics (RMCs) and to evaluate the effect of cement shade on the final color of RMCs indicated for laminate veneers and full crowns. Materials and Methods: A hundred A2 shade RMC specimens were fabricated by using Mazic Duro (MD), CAMouflage NOW (CN), KZR‑CAD HR2 (KZR), Grandio Block (GB), and Brilliant Crios (BC) at 0.7‑mm and 1.5‑mm thicknesses (n = 10). A2 shade composite resin was used for the foundation structure. Twenty resin‑cement specimens were prepared from A2 and translucent shades at 0.1‑mm thickness. Interchangeably, the foundation‑cement‑resin matrix ceramic assemblies were created with optical gel. The color coordinates were recorded using a spectrophotometer. After calculating translucency parameter (TP00) and color difference (ΔE₀₀) values, data were analyzed statistically (P = 0.05). Results: TP₀₀ values were influenced by RMC type and thickness. TP₀₀ values of RMCs can be listed in descending order as MD>GB = CN>BC=KZR. ΔE00 values were significantly influenced by all parameters and their interactions. MD exhibited higher ΔE₀₀ values among tested RMCs. The effect of A2 cement was not perceived visually while TR cement demonstrated visually perceptible but clinically acceptable values for both laminate veneers and full crowns. As the material thickness decreased, the TP₀₀ and ΔE₀₀ values increased in all RMCs. Conclusions: Clinicians should carefully prefer cement shade and RMC material by contemplating their impact on the optical properties particularly when the restoration is thin.