PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to colorimetrically evaluate the masking effect of different opacity of ingots on the final shade of IPS Empress Esthetic(R) laminate veneer restorations using the CIE L*a*b* system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six porcelain disks of IPS Empress Esthetic(R) system (translucency: E 01, E 03, E 0C-1, E TC-1, E TC-2, E TC-3) were fabricated with 7 mm in diameter and 0.6 mm in thickness. Six extracted human incisors (shade: A1, A3, A4, B2, B3, C3) were used as the abutment specimens. The incisors were prepared using a diamond wheel and made with a flat labial surface on the middle 1/3. For each combination of different shades of abutments and copings, the change in color was measured with a colorimeter. CIE L*a*b* coordinates were recorded for each specimen. Color differences (DeltaE) were calculated. Descriptive statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: DeltaE values were significantly affected by coping translucency and abutment shade (P<.05). The color differences (DeltaE) of laminate veneers among abutments with A3, B3, C3, and A4 shade were mostly below 2.7 which was within the clinically acceptable range, while color differences between A4 and B2, A3 and B2, and A1 and A4 showed more than 2.7. CONCLUSION: The final color of IPS Empress Esthetic(R) laminate veneers were significantly influenced by translucency of the coping and shade of abutment teeth. The large value difference of abutment teeth limited the masking ability by laminate veneers.