Effect of Anodic Oxidation of Titanium Substrate on the Shade of Lithium Disilicate Ceramic With Different Thicknesses (In Vitro Study)

Abstract

BACKGROUND:The color of the titanium abutment can affect the color of the final restoration. Several methods, such as anodic oxidation which changes the gray color of implant abutment to yellow have been attempted to mask the abutment's unaesthetic gray color. However, it's uncertain if an anodized titanium abutment can keep transparent ceramic restorations from discoloring. As a result, more research is required. AIM OF THE STUDY: the purpose of this laboratory study was to evaluate the effect of anodic oxidation of titanium on the shade of lithium disilicate ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty grade V titanium backgrounds (n=20) were fabricated and divided into two groups: group 1 was anodized to yellow color and group 2 was left untreated. Each group was subdivided into 2 subgroups (n=10) according to the thickness of the lithium disilicate cemented over it: subgroup A with 1 mm thick lithium disilicate and subgroup B with 2 mm thick lithium disilicate. Each titanium background was cemented to its corresponding lithium disilicate block using translucent resin cement. For the control group, 4 mm thickness lithium disilicate specimens was fabricated. Color evaluation and differences (ΔE) were calculated for the specimens using a spectrophotometer. RESULTS: In both the anodized and unanodized groups ,there was a significant difference in the color of ceramic specimen (p < 0.05). At 1mm thickness of the lithium disilicate, the color difference between the anodized and unanodized groups was (6.84 ± 0.14) and (8.79 ± 0.52), respectively, while at 2mm thickness, it was (2.38 ± 0.24) and (2.57 ± 0.09). CONCLUSION: The titanium anodization process has a positive effect on the color of the ceramic specimen, which can help achieve an esthetic ceramic restoration over dental implants.