Comparative color and surface parameters of current esthetic restorative CAD/CAM materials

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to derive and compare the inherent color (hue angle, chroma), translucency (TP(SCI)), surface gloss (ΔE(*)(SCE-SCI)), and surface roughness (R(a)) amongst selected shades and brands of three hybrid CAD/CAM blocks [GC Cerasmart (CS); Lava Ultimate (LU); Vita Enamic (VE)]. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens (N = 225) were prepared into square-shaped (12 × 12 mm(2)) with different thicknesses and shades. The measurements of color, translucency, and surface gloss were performed by a reflection spectrophotometer. The surface roughness and surface topography were assessed by white light interferometry. RESULTS: Results revealed that hue and chroma values were influenced by the material type, material shade, and material thickness (P < .001). The order of hue angle amongst the materials was LU > CS > VE, whereas the order of chroma was VE > CS > LU. TP(SCI) results demonstrated a significant difference in terms of material types and material thicknesses (P ≤ .001). TP(SCI) values of the tested materials were ordered as LU > CS > VE. ΔE(*)(SCE-SCI) and R(a) results were significantly varied amongst the materials (P < .001) and amongst the shades (P < .05). The order of ΔE(*)(SCE-SCI) amongst the materials were as follows LU > VE ≥ CS, whereas the order of R(a) was CS ≥ VE > LU. CONCLUSION: Nano-ceramic and polymer-infiltrated-feldspathic ceramic-network CAD/CAM materials exhibited different optical, inherent color and surface parameters.