OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the color masking ability of Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture(CAD/CAM) machining ceramic Vita Mark II, this ability was affected by thickness and shade.

METHODSEach of 5 specimens of 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm Vita Mark II A3C/18 and A2C/18 were prepared and the color change was measured after the substrate simulating stained teeth was covered with the specimen.

RESULTSStatistically significant differences (P < 0.01) were recorded in the substrates covered with different thickness and shade of Vita Mark II. The color changes (delta E) were 15.181, 17.691, 19.667 and 15.653, 16.880, 18.002 after the substrates were covered with 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm Vita Mark II A3C/18 and A2C/18.

CONCLUSIONAs a dental material, CAD/CAM Vita Mark II has high quality to mask the underlying color. Being a veneer, the masking ability with A2C/18 is better than that with A3C/18, but being an inlay, the result is reverse.