Effect of hydrothermal aging on the optical properties of precolored dental monolithic zirconia ceramics

Abstract

Statement of problemThe long-term color stability of precolored monolithic zirconia has not been thoroughly investigated. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of hydrothermal aging on the optical properties, phase transformation, and surface topography of precolored monolithic zirconia ceramics. Material and methodsPrecolored monolithic zirconia specimens (17.0×17.0×1.5 mm, n=50) and lithium disilicate glass-ceramic specimens (16.0×16.0×1.5 mm, n=50) were artificially aged in an autoclave at 134°C under 0.2 MPa for 0, 1, 3, 5, or 10 hours (n=10). CIELab color parameters were obtained from spectral measurements. The translucency parameter (TP) and CIEDE2000 color differences (ΔE00) were calculated. The microstructural and surface properties were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and pairwise comparison (α=.05). ResultsSignificant interactions were found between aging time and ceramic material on L*, a*, b*, and TP (P<.001) as follows: b* partial eta squared [ηp2]=0.689; L* ηp2=0.186; a* ηp2=0.176; and TP ηp2=0.137. The b* values significantly decreased after aging for zirconia (P<.001), whereas TP increased after aging for zirconia (P<.014) except at 10 hours (P=.389) and for lithium disilicate (P<.001). The ΔE00 values relative to baseline ranged from 2.03 to 2.52 for aged zirconia and from 0.07 to 0.23 for aged lithium disilicate. XRD analysis revealed that hydrothermal aging promoted an increase in m-phase contents. AFM and SEM demonstrated surface alterations after aging. ConclusionsOptical properties and microstructures of precolored monolithic zirconia ceramics were affected by hydrothermal aging, and translucency increased slightly with aging time.