Colour prediction for restoring discoloured teeth using zirconia veneers
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Updated: Sep 19, 2025

Quasistatic Mechanical Testing for Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing Occlusal Veneers Cemented to Milled Dentin Analog Material
Published on: December 20, 2024
Yanlin Xia1, Jiakang Zhu1, Wenxiang Wang1
1State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, PR China.
Objectives:
This study aimed to derive predictive formulas for the final colour of restorations for discoloured teeth using zirconia veneers.
Methods:
Coping thickness and translucency of zirconia, background colour, and luting cement shade were assessed. Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, paired t-tests, independent t-tests, Tukey's test, and Automatic linear modeling (p < 0.05) were employed to develop a clinically practical method for predicting the colour difference (ΔE) between sample combinations (SCs) and the shade guides. ΔE values were evaluated against perceptibility (PT = 2.6) and acceptability (AT = 5.5) thresholds.
Results:
Most discoloured teeth could be restored for A2 or A3 target shade. Using 1.5 mm CAD-CAM zirconia ceramic can achieve PT when the background colour is ND5, ND7, ND8. ΔE between the 1.5 mm LT SCs and the A2 shade guide is mostly within the AT range. ΔE between SCs and A2 shade guide showed a positive association with ND9 and negative associations with ND4, ND5, 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, LT, and BL (p < 0.001). ΔE between SCs and A3 shade guide correlated positively with ND4, ND5, and ND9 but negatively with 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, and LT (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Each factor differentially influenced the final colour, with background colour being the most significant, followed by coping thickness. Two formulas can be used to predict ΔE between the restoration for discoloured teeth using zirconia veneers and the target shade (A2 or A3).
Clinical Significance:
The proposed formulas facilitate colour prediction in zirconia veneers for discoloured teeth, enhancing clinical aesthetic outcomes.
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