Purpose: This study compared the optical properties of pre-shaded zirconia processed by dual-heating microwave sintering versus conventional sintering and evaluated its clinical applicability. Methods: Pre-shaded zirconia blocks were milled into 10.0×10.0×1.5-mm specimens and divided into the conventional sintering (CS) and microwave sintering (MS) groups. Sintering was performed at 1,530℃ as per the manufacturer instructions. Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) L*, a*, b* values were measured using a spectrophotometer to calculate color difference (ΔE*) and translucency. Statistical significance was analyzed using an independent-samples t-test (α=0.05). Results: Sintering methods showed statistically significant differences in CIE L*, a*, b* values (p<0.001). The MS group exhibited decreased lightness (L*) and redness (a*), and increased yellowness (b*), alongside higher translucency (all p<0.001). The mean color differences did not reach the visual perceptibility threshold (ΔE≤1.6), and despite minor deviations in maximum values, all color differences reached the clinical acceptability threshold (ΔE≤3.7). Conclusion: This in vitro study revealed that dual-heating microwave sintering provided clinically acceptable color stability alongside enhanced translucency. However, considering study limitations, further investigations evaluating anatomical restoration designs and clinical settings are warranted to fully establish its efficacy as an alternative to conventional sintering.
목차
Abstract INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS 1. 시편 제작 2. 소결 방법 3. 색측정 4. 통계분석 RESULTS 1. 색상변화 및 반투명도 2. 소결 방법에 따른 색차 DISCUSSION CONCLUSIONS FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CONFLICT OF INTEREST ORCID REFERENCES