The metameric effect of monolithic zirconias with varying yttrium ratios.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the metameric disparities among monolithic zirconia materials with differing yttrium compositions across various lighting conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six square-shaped zirconia samples measuring 10 × 10 × 0.5 mm were prepared from monolithic zirconia materials with three different yttrium contents. A 0.2 mm thick layer of polymerized dual-polymerizable self-adhesive resin cement was created using a silicone mold with the same dimensions as the prepared zirconia specimens. To evaluate metamerism, color measurements were conducted using a spectrophotometer device on a neutral gray background in a color measurement cabinet that offers four different illumination environments. All samples underwent aging by subjecting them to 10000 thermal cycles using a thermal cycle tester. Following thermal aging, color measurements were taken once more, and the data were recorded using the CIE L, a, b color system. Two-way ANOVA and Post-hoc Bonferroni tests were employed to analyze the data.

RESULTS

It was observed that there was no statistical difference among the color measurements made in different illumination environments of the monolithic zirconia ceramics used to evaluate metamerism ( > .05). This observation remained consistent both before and after thermal aging. After thermal aging, the color of monolithic zirconia materials exhibited a tendency towards red and yellow hues, accompanied by a decrease in brightness levels.

CONCLUSION

It can be stated that different illumination conditions did not affect the metamerism of monolithic zirconia materials, but there was a color change in monolithic zirconia materials after a thermal aging period equivalent to one year.