Effect of different manufacturing techniques on color in zirconia-based all ceramics

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of different veneering techniques on the color, translucency, of zirconia-based systems. Materials and Methods: Specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 12): layering (L), pressing (P), and computed aided design (CAD)-on (CO). Group L was veneered with nano-fluorapatite veneering ceramic. Group P was heat pressed with fluorapatite glass-ceramic ingots. Group CO the veneering ceramics were designed with and milled from lithium disilicate glass-ceramic blocks in CAD/computed aided manufacturing unit. Color parameters (L* a* b*) were measured with a spectrophotometer and color difference (ΔE), and translucency parameter (TP) properties were calculated. The results were analyzed with one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05). Results: There were significant differences between the ΔE of the groups (P < 0.05). The highest value was observed in the L group (ΔE = 4.17 ± 0.98); the lowest value was observed in the P group (ΔE = 2.08 ± 0.54). There were significant differences between the TP values of the groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Optical properties of the zirconia-based systems are greatly affected by the fabrication techniques.