Instrumental Color Evaluation of Ceramic Materials by Using Two Dental Spectrophotometers

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the precision of two dental spectrophotometers in evaluating the color parameters of ceramic materials and to assess the accuracy of a dental spectrophotometer (Shade Pilot, Degudent) for analyzing color parameters of lithium-disilicate ceramic materials. Methods: The CIE L*a*b* color parameters, chroma and hue angle of 6 groups of lithium-disilicate ceramic ingots were recorded: MO0, HO0, LTA1, HTA1, LTBL1, HTBL. The measurements were performed in a viewing-booth under a D65 illuminant. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the precision and differences between the two color-measuring devices. Results: Significant differences were found between all color parameters recorded (p<0.001). The difference varied depending on the type of ceramic ingot assessed. The HO0 ingot showed the highest color difference (ΔE=19.18), while the smallest color difference was found for the MO0 ingot (ΔE=5.62). Conclusions: Color parameters of ceramic materials can be recorded with both color-measuring devices, the VEA showing the highest precision.