Correlation of surface texture with the stainability of ceramics

Stainability is an important factor in the long-term clinical success of ceramic restorations. Contour adjustments on restoration surfaces cause differences in ceramic texture that may be affected differently by the staining agent.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface texture obtained by different surface treatments relevant to the stainability of heat-pressed leucite-reinforced ceramic disk-shaped specimens.

Sixty-six ceramic disks (IPS Empress Esthetic) (15 × 2 mm) were prepared, glazed, and then assigned to 6 groups. All disks were abraded with a diamond rotary cutting instrument except group GG (control), which was not subjected to any procedure. Group R (rotary diamond cutting instrument) was left untreated after abrasion. Group PB was polished with an abrasive stone, a round polishing brush, and paste with felt wheels. Group PU was polished with 1.0- to 0.5-μm polishing pastes with a goat-hair brush. Group PS was polished with abrasive stone, silicon carbide polishers, and polishing paste with polishing disks. Group GR was reglazed. Surface roughness was measured with a profilometer and evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. A spectrophotometer was used before and after 12 days of immersion in a coffee solution to assess color difference. Data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA, the Tukey honestly significant difference test, and the Pearson rank correlation tests (α=.05).

Ra values of groups from highest to lowest were, in order, R, PB, PU, PS, GR, and GG (P<.01). Scanning electron microscope images and Ra values were compatible. The color difference (ΔE) values of groups from highest to lowest were, in order, R, PB, PU, PS, GR, and GG. A positive significant relationship of 65.6% between the Ra and ΔE values was found (P<.01).

Ceramic staining may be related to surface texture. The use of appropriate polishing materials with compatible porcelain may reduce stainability.