Effects of ultraviolet weathering aging on the color stability and biocompatibility of various computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing glass-ceramic materials.

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed the changes in color stability and biocompatibility of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) glass-ceramics after ultraviolet weathering (UW) aging.

METHODS

A total of 300 plate-shaped specimens (12.0 × 14.0 × 1.5 mm) were prepared using a leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic (IPS Empress CAD; E), a lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD; M), and two zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (Celtra Duo; C, Vita Suprinity; V) glass-ceramics. Specimens were divided into three groups (n = 25, each), subjected to water storage at 37 °C for 24 h (control group), or UW aging at 150 kJ/m (first-aged group) or 300 kJ/m (second-aged group). The color stability, mechanical and surface properties, and biocompatibility of the CAD-CAM glass-ceramics were investigated experimentally, followed by statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The brightness and redness or greenness were reduced in all groups after aging. After the first aging, V exhibited the largest color change and E exhibited the smallest color change. After the second aging, E exhibited the highest nanoindentation hardness and Young's modulus. The surface roughness was the highest for V after the first aging. Furthermore, the hydrophilicity of the materials increased after aging process. The cell proliferation/viability of human gingival fibroblasts was the highest in E before and after aging. Almost all cells survived for all groups based on a live/dead assay.

CONCLUSIONS

Leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic exhibit the highest color stability and biocompatibility after aging. The color stability and biocompatibility of CAD-CAM glass-ceramics depend on the aging process and material type.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Various CAD-CAM glass-ceramics exhibit adequate color stability after UW aging. The leucite-reinforced glass-ceramics exhibit the highest color stability, cell proliferation, and viability after aging. The color stability, mechanical and surface properties, and biocompatibility of the glass-ceramics depend on the aging process and material type.