Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated that there are some influences of different post and core materials on the aesthetic effect of IPS-EmpressⅡceramic system.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the color of IPS-EmpressⅡ ceramic system among four kinds of post and core materials and to provide guidance for the clinical use.
METHODS: An intact central incisor was selected from upper jaw. The post path, four kinds of post and core materials, and a crown with IPS-EmpressⅡ ceramic were prepared. There were four groups according to the material: Ni-Cr alloy, golden alloy, ceramic post-and-core, and resin core with fiber-post groups. The CM-700d spectrophotometric tester was used to test the color parameter for the four groups.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There were significant difference of the L*a*b* value in four groups with different post-and-core. The △E value in the Ni-Cr alloy group was larger than in the golden alloy group, beyond the level that could be accepted in clinic (△E > 2). The △E value in the all ceramic post-and-core group was larger than in the resin core with fiber-post group, accepted in clinic, but the color difference could not be identified by the naked eye (△E < 1.5). In combination with IPS-EmpressⅡ crown, resin core with fiber post was suitable for routine use, all ceramic post-and-core could be recommended, but Ni-Cr alloy and golden alloy post-and-core could not be recommended for clinical practice.