OBJECTIVETo analyze the color parameters and translucency of four frequently-used veneer materials.

METHODSForty disc specimens[(1.00±0.01) mm in thickness, 10 mm in diameter] were fabricated according to the manufacturer's instructions with IPS Empress(®) CAD[A2, high translucency (HT)], IPS e.max(®) Press(A2, HT), IPS e.max(®) CAD (A2, HT) and VITABLOCS(®) Mark II (A2) respectively and were divided into Groups A, B, C, D. All of the specimens were ground and polished on a grinding machine. Then color parameters (L*, a*, b*) and transmittance (τ) were measured using spectrocolorimeter and transmissivity testing device. The color parameters of the specimens were compared to the color parameters of A2 shade of Ivoclar Vivadent A-D shade guide. The data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and mean values were compared by the Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

RESULTSThere was no statistical difference between the color parameters L*, a*, b* and C*ab of Group A and Group D (P > 0.05). But the color parameters of those two ceramic materials were statistically different from the color parameters of Group B and Group C (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between color parameters b* and C*ab of Group B and Group C(P > 0.05). However, the color parameters L* and a* of the two materials were statistically different(P < 0.05). The color differences (ΔE) between Group A, B, C, D and standard A2 were 6.05±0.12, 5.11±0.27, 3.73±0.27, 6.30±0.38 respectively. The transmittances of Group A, B, C, D were (29.69±0.31)%, (25.83±0.36) %, (28.92±0.47)% and (26.94±0.33)% respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe color parameters of these four materials are different. Their transmittance are relatively high but statistically different. The color difference (ΔE) between IPS e.max(®) CAD (A2, HT) and standard A2 is lowest among all the groups.