Effect of speed sintering and aging on the translucency of high-translucent zirconia.

Objectives: This work aimed to evaluate the effect of speed sintering and low-temperature degradation on the translucency of high-translucent zirconia.

Methods: The ST and TT specimens were randomly divided into two groups depending on the sintering process: conventional sintering and speed sintering. The sintered specimens were divided into three subgroups according to the aging time: aged for 0, 5, and 20 h. Chromatic parameters (L*, a*, and b* values) were measured by Shade Eye NCC computer colorimeter in a dark environment under black and white background, and the translucency parameter (TP) was used to evaluate the translucency of zirconia.

Results: Speed sintering may decrease the TP of ST and increase the TP of TT. As for the effect of low-temperature degradation on the translucency of zirconia, the TP of ST decreased with the extension of aging time, and no significant difference was found in rapid sintering ST. Although the TP of TT decreased, no statistical difference was observed.

Conclusions: Speed sintering may decrease the translucency of high-strength zirconia and increase the translucency of high-translucent zirconia. Low-temperature degradation had no effect on the translucency of high-translucent zirconia. Speed sintering can be recommended for high-translucent zirconia in terms of translucency.