Effect of different coloring liquids on the flexural strength of multilayered zirconia

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of two coloring liquids (aqueous and acid-based coloring liquids) and the position of multilayered zirconia on the flexural strength of multilayered zirconia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The multilayered zirconia specimens were divided into upper and lower positions. The specimens were divided into three subgroups (n=10): non-shaded, acid-based coloring liquid, and aqueous coloring liquid. The specimens were cut using a milling machine and were immersed in either a acid-based coloring liquid or aqueous coloring liquid 2 times for 5 seconds. The specimens were sintered in a sintering furnace according to the manufacturer's introduction. The flexural strength of the specimen was measured using a universal testing machine and the surface of the specimen was observed using a field emission scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The flexural strength of multilayered zirconia was 400 – 500 MPa. There was no statistically significant difference among all groups (P>.05).The flexural strength of the multilayered zirconia was not influenced by the kind of coloring liquid used (P>.05). The flexural strength of the multilayered zirconia colored with the coloring liquids was not influenced by its position (P>.05). CONCLUSION: The different coloring liquid application did not affect the flexural strength of multilayered zirconia of all positions.