Resistance of CAD/CAM material surfaces to aging: a comparison of translucency, gloss, and roughness

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of artificial aging on the surface properties of CAD/CAM restorative materials by assessing changes in translucency, gloss, and surface roughness.

Three CAD/CAM materials were tested: Cerasmart, Vita Enamic, and Initial LRF. Specimens were prepared and polished using three different finishing and polishing systems: Optiglaze Color, OptraFine Polishing System, and Vita Enamic Polishing Set Clinical. Surface roughness was measured using a non-contact laser profilometer. Translucency was evaluated with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and gloss was determined using a glossmeter. The specimens were stored in 0.02-N citric acid solution for seven days and subjected to a toothbrush abrasion procedure. All surface parameter measurements were repeated after aging.

Before aging, the OptraFine Polishing System provided the smoothest surfaces for Cerasmart and Vita Enamic, while Optiglaze Color resulted in the smoothest surfaces for Initial LRF. After aging, a significant decrease in light transmittance was observed in all materials regardless of the finishing and polishing method used (p<0.014 for Cerasmart, p = 0.001 for Vita Enamic/Initial LRF before aging; p<0.001 for Cerasmart/Vita Enamic, p = 0.003 for Initial LRF after aging). Statistically significant differences in surface roughness (Ra, Rz, and Sa values) were found among the polishing methods for all materials (p<0.001). Optiglaze Color consistently resulted in the highest gloss values across all materials.

Aging had a significant impact on the surface properties of CAD/CAM materials, with variations depending on the material type and polishing system used. Light transmission decreased significantly in all materials after aging. The choice of finishing and polishing technique plays a critical role in maintaining the aesthetic properties of CAD/CAM materials over time.