The Effect of Polishing, Glazing, and Aging on Optical Characteristics of Multi-Layered Dental Zirconia with Different Degrees of Translucency.

(1) Background: Considering that the appearance of a dental material is an important factor that contributes to the success of prosthetic restorations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the optical properties and color changes among the layers of three commercial zirconias, to compare the aspect of the polished and glazed surfaces before and after aging and to evaluate the effects of hydrothermal degradation on their aesthetics. (2) Methods: Forty-eight plate-shaped samples were sectioned from presintered blocks of each multilayer translucent zirconia with different Yttrium content: Ceramill Zolid fx ML (5 mol%) = CeZ, STML (4 mol%) = STM, IPS e.maxZirCAD CEREC/in Lab MT Multi (4 mol% + 5 mol%) = IPZ. The samples were sintered according to the recommendation of each manufacturer, and half (24) of them were polished and the other half (24) glazed on one of the surfaces. Each type was equally divided into one control and one aging group, and, for each material, this resulted in four groups (n = 12): polished-control, polished-autoclaved glazed-control, and glazed-autoclaved. The artificial aging was carried out with an autoclave and distilled water at 134 °C, 0.2 MPa for 1 h, and for optical parameters (TP, CR, OP) and color change (ΔE*) measurements on a black and white background in a CIE L*a*b* color system, a spectrophotometer was used. The specimens were evaluated in incisal, cervical, and medium areas on polished and glazed samples before and after the aging stage. Statistical analysis was achieved with a two-way ANOVA test, the unpaired t-test, and the paired t-test. (3) Results: Before and after aging, the mean TP values for polished samples were higher than the glazed ones. After aging, the mean TP values increased for all groups (except polished CeZ), and significant differences were reported for polished STM, IPZ. After LTD, the opalescence registered an increase for almost all groups (except polished CeZ, polished and glazed IPZ-medium area), and significant differences were reported for almost all groups (except STM-incisal, IPZ-cervical, medium areas). The levels of color change were between extremely slight to perceivable. (4) Conclusions: Optical properties of the selected multilayer zirconia were influenced by polishing and glazing as surface treatment and affected by artificial aging (CeZ the least); perceivable color changes for polished STM, IPZ were detected.

Masking Abilities of Dental Cad/Cam Resin Composite Materials Related to Substrate and Luting Material.

An outstanding treatment challenge related to aesthetic monolithic materials is to mask discolored substrates in aesthetic areas. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the substrate masking ability of different resin composite materials and the influence of their association with luting agents and substrates. Five types of 2M2 HT (high translucency) resin composite materials were selected: Vita Enamic [E] and four types of nanoparticle-filled composites Lava Ultimate [L], Cerasmart [C], Shofu HC [S], and Hyramic [H]. Resin composite Vita VM LC with different shades was used for the substrates: 2M2, 3M2, and CP2. Variolink Esthetic Try-inpastes neutral, light+, and warm+ colors were chosen to simulate the luting agent color. Optical parameters (TP (translucency), CR (contrast ratio), and OP (opalesce)) and color differences ΔE (chromatic difference) were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the comparisons between the groups and establish correlations. TP average values for all materials were in the range of 21.49-24.53. OP average values were in the rage of 6.31-7.85. OP is moderate positive correlated to TP and CR is negative and strong correlated to TP. Related to materials, average color changes decrease as following: E > H > C > L > S. Referring to the tryin material, warm colors induce marked color changes of the restoration. The differences of the color changes determined by all studied substrates are significant. For the final aesthetic aspect of the restoration, it is essential to consider the underlying dental structure, luting agent, and restoration material as a whole unit. The masking ability of the investigated resin matrix ceramic materials materials shows differences, the best behavior demonstrated Shofu HC and Lava Ultimate. Marked color changes are related to high chroma substrates. For substrates with a darker color, the association with warm try-in pastes lead to marked color changes, but with neutral and light try-in pastes at most perceivable.

Optical Properties and Color Stability of Dental PEEK Related to Artificial Ageing and Staining.

Considering that the processes of PEEK discoloration caused by either intrinsic or extrinsic factors require elucidation, the aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of the combined action of ageing and immersing solutions on the optical properties and color stability of PEEK material, related to surface processing (polishing or glazing). (2) Methods: This study aims to determine the influence of different ageing and staining protocols on optical properties, color changes, and surface roughness of a reinforced PEEK material (bioHPP, Bredent, Senden, Germany). For ageing, specimens were submitted to 5000 cycles in a 55 °C bath and a 5 °C bath filled with distilled water. For staining, thermal cycling was performed in a hot coffee bath (55 °C) and a bath filled with distilled water (37 °C) and in a cold juice bath (5 °C) and a bath filled with distilled water (37 °C). Translucency (TP) and opalescence (OP) parameters were determined, the total color change value (ΔΕ*) was calculated, specimens' surface roughness was analyzed, and statistical analyses were performed. (3) Results: The mean TP values of the studied samples were in the interval of 1.25-3.60, which is lower than those reported for natural teeth or other aesthetic restoration materials. The OP values of PEEK were registered in the range of 0.27-0.75, being also lower than those of natural teeth or other aesthetic restoration materials. OP has a very strong positive relationship with TP. The mean registered Ra values for all subgroups were below 0.13 µm. Artificial ageing and staining in hot coffee proved to increase the roughness values. (4) Conclusions: The glazing of PEEK has a favorable effect on surface roughness and opalescence, irrespective of the artificial ageing or staining protocols. Artificial ageing damages the color stability and roughness of PEEK, regardless of surface processing, and decreases the translucency and opalescence of glazed surfaces. Immersion in hot coffee leads to perceivable discolorations.

Surface Characterisation of Dental Resin Composites Related to Conditioning and Finishing.

Due to the little information related to surface processing and conditioning of resin matrix ceramic materials previous glazing, the main purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of different surface treatments on the surface morphology of different resin composite materials. Five types of resin composite CAD-CAM materials: a resin composite ceramic Vita Enamic (E) and four types of nanoparticle-filled resins, like Lava Ultimate (L), Cerasmart (C), Shofu HC (S), Hyramic (H) were taken into consideration. Specimens received the following surface treatment protocols: conventional polishing [p], polishing and glazing [pg], conditioning with CoJet [c], conditioning with CoJet and glazing [cg], sandblasting [s], sandblasting and glazing [sg], etching [e], etching and glazing [eg]. Surface roughness was analyzed for all samples and nanosurface topographic characterization was made by Atomic Force Microscopy. The highest roughness was registered for sandblasted surfaces [s], followed by tribochemical silica airborne particle abrasion [c], and etching [e]. A very strong correlated conditioning behavior of resin nanoceramic materials, like L, C and S samples was found. The microroughness decreased thus [s] > [c] > [e]. These are moderate correlated with H, and are moderate negative correlated to E, where e is more efficient. Three-dimensional images indicated visible grain boundaries after conditioning, for all materials. After polishing and glazing, surfaces became smoother. For all tested conditioning and finishing methods, surface roughness values were within clinically acceptable limits. Finishing by polishing was proved to be a good choice for all materials taken into consideration, polishing and glazing likewise, excepting Hyramic. For Enamic and Shofu HC sandblasting or tribochemical conditioning and glazing and for Hyramic polishing and glazing are not the best options, related to nanoroughness values. Referring to the nanosurface topography, for Enamic, Cerasmart and Hyramic, glazing would be the method of choice, associated with the adequate conditioning method for each material.

In Vitro Study of Comparative Evaluation of Marginal and Internal Fit between Heat-Pressed and CAD-CAM Monolithic Glass-Ceramic Restorations after Thermal Aging.

The accuracy of newly developed ceramic materials is still being studied. Marginal and internal adaptation are known factors that have an essential impact on the long term success of dental restorations. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the marginal and internal fit of heat-pressed and milled monolithic glass-ceramic restorations based on their ceramic type, processing technique, and in vitro thermocycling. Thirty-two crowns were studied and divided into four groups (n = 8), according to the ceramic material (feldspathic glass-ceramic (F) and zirconia reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic (ZLS)) and to their technological obtaining processes (milling (M) and heat-pressing (P)). A typodont preparation was scanned with a D2000 3D scanner to obtain identical 32 resin 3D-printed abutment teeth. Marginal and internal gaps were measured using the silicone replica technique under 40× magnification. The crowns were further cemented and thermally aged for 10,000 cycles After cementation and thermocycling of the samples, marginal and internal gaps were assessed using micro-CT (micro-computed tomography)) analysis. Data were statistically analyzed using statistical tests. Significant differences were found before and after cementation and thermocycling among the tested materials (p < 0.05). Related to technological processing, significant differences were seen in the marginal area between FP and FM (p < 0.05) Significant differences were also found in the axial and occlusal areas between the ZLSP and ZLSM. Thermocycling and cementation did not have a significant effect on the tested materials (p < 0.05). The technological processes influenced the marginal and internal fit of the crowns in favor of the CAD/CAM (computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing)technologies. Thermal aging had little effect on marginal adaptability; it increased the values for all the tested samples in a small way, but the values remained in their clinically acceptable range for all of the crowns.

Surface Characterization and Optical Properties of Reinforced Dental Glass-Ceramics Related to Artificial Aging.

The development of various dental glass-ceramic materials and the evolution of novel processing technologies lead to an essential change in the clinical and technical workflow. The long-term success of a dental restoration treatment is defined by its durability, which is directly influenced by the oral environment. This study's purpose was to evaluate the artificial aging behavior of nanostructured, respective microstructured ceramics related to surface topography, roughness, and optical properties. Six monolithic restoration materials were selected: milled lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LDS-M) MT (medium translucency), hot-pressed lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LDS-P) MT and HT (high translucency), milled zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic (ZLS-M) MT and hot-pressed zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic (ZLS-P) MT and HT, resulting n = 96 surfaces. All the samples were artificially aged by thermal cycling, and all investigations were made before and after thermal cycling. In terms of optical properties, differences recorded between ZLS and LDS ceramics are not significant. Thermal cycling increases the translucency of ZLS and LDS glass-ceramic materials significantly, with the most harmful effect on the pressed and polished samples. Micro- and nano roughness are significantly influenced by in vitro aging and a negative correlation was recorded. Glazed samples are characterized by significant rougher surfaces for all types of materials. On nanolevel, ZLS materials are significantly smoothed by thermal cycling.

Surface Quality Evaluation of Removable Thermoplastic Dental Appliances Related to Staining Beverages and Cleaning Agents.

(1) Background: Thermoplastic materials are not inert and subject to changes in the oral environment, which affect their surface quality. Color stability and topographic characteristics of clear thermoplastic appliances are critical considerations. The study aimed to evaluate the optical changes and surface topography of different thermoplastic materials related to staining beverages and cleaning agents. (2) Methods: Thermoplastic polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) material specimens were selected for the study: S (Duran, Scheu-Dental GmbH, Iserlohn, Germany), D (Biolon, Dreve Dentamid GmbH, Unna, Germany), and B (Crystal, Bio Art Dental Equipment, Sao Carlos, Brazil). Four different media were involved for immersion: coffee (C) and black tea (T) at 55 °C, Coca-Cola (K) at 5 °C, and distilled water (W) at 22 °C. As for cleaning, chemical options and mechanical brushing were selected (P-powder, T-tablets, and X-brushing). Color changes, and mean surface roughness were measured at 24 h, 48 h, and after 7 days. Statistical analysis was performed. After the testing period, atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses and SEM images were registered in order to characterize the surface topography. (3) Results: Quantitative color change evaluations revealed a slight change in color after 24 h and an extremely marked change after 48 h, respective 7 days. Mean roughness values are kept below the clinically acceptable limit of 0.20 µm for all samples. Related to mean nanoroughness values Sa, and 3D evaluations of the surface quality, Biolon samples have demonstrated the most constant behavior, while Crystal samples are visibly influenced by water immersion. Related to the cleaning method, the topography of Duran samples was influenced by mechanical brushing. (4) Conclusions: Nanoscale investigations provided high accuracy and more realistic surface quality examinations of the examined samples compared to profilometry. Both SEM and AFM should be used for a more detailed description of the surface topography.

Effect of Thermocycling, Surface Treatments and Microstructure on the Optical Properties and Roughness of CAD-CAM and Heat-Pressed Glass Ceramics.

Dental ceramic restorations are widely spread nowadays due to their aesthetics and biocompatibility. In time, the colour and structure of these ceramic materials can be altered by aging processes. How does artificial aging affect the optical and surface roughness of ceramics? This study aims to assess the effect of thermocycling, surface treatments and microstructure upon translucency, opalescence and surface roughness on CAD-CAM and heat-pressed glass-ceramic. Forty-eight samples (1.5 mm thickness) were fabricated from six types of A2 MT ceramic: heat-pressed and milled glass-ceramic (feldspathic, lithium disilicate and zirconia reinforced lithium silicate). The samples were obtained respecting the manufacturer's instructions. The resulted surfaces (n = 96) were half glazed and half polished. The samples were subjected to thermocycling (10,000 cycles) and roughness values (Ra and Rz), colour coordinates (L*, a*, b*) and microstructural analyses were assessed before and after thermocycling. Translucency (TP) and opalescence (OP) were calculated. Values were statistically analysed using ANOVA test (one way). TP and OP values were significantly different between heat-pressed and milled ceramics before and also after thermocycling (p < 0.001). Surface treatments (glazing and polishing) had a significant effect on TP and OP and surface roughness (p < 0.05). The heat-pressed and milled zirconia reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic experienced a loss in TP and OP. Ra and Rz increased for the glazed samples, TP and OP decreased for all the samples after thermocycling. Microstructural analyse revealed that glazed surfaces were more affected by the thermocycling and especially for the zirconia reinforced lithium silicate ceramic. Optical properties and surface roughness of the chosen ceramic materials were affected by thermocycling, surface treatments and microstructural differences. The least affected of the ceramics was the lithium disilicate ceramic heat-pressed polished and glazed.