The influence of the surface treatment and saliva on the color of two porcelains.

Abstract

The color of an object is a psychophysical phenomenon. Regarding its physical aspect, the amount of light reflected from the surface of an object is taken into consideration many times. Two brands of porcelain were used to make 10 specimens that were submitted to the following treatments: glaze, grinding, polishing and overglaze. All samples were analyzed with or without saliva. The final color differences of the ceramic were evaluated using a spectrophotometer, and reflectance curves were obtained. Results showed that there were no differences between the brands of porcelain. Saliva did not interfere with the color of the porcelain, but re-established the original one, after the grinding process had altered it. The polishing also contributed to re-established the original color. The overglaze altered the original color, with or without saliva.