Abstract
The layering technique which forms layered ceramics on heat-pressed dentin ingot is utilized to produce esthetic colors for all ceramic crowns. While the color of ceramic crowns has been determined based on the experience of individual dental technicians, an objective method was developed for the colordetermination using computer color matching (CCM). The purpose of the present study was to utilize a CCM system based on the CIBA-Q method for an all ceramic crown, IPS-Empress®, and evaluate the color reproducibility. Five characteristic colors for IPS-Empress® were set, and the ceramic samples composed of layering ceramic on dentin ingot were made according to the formulations prescribed by the CCM program. The colors of the ceramic samples were compared with the respective target ones. The results were as follows:
1. Reflectance curves of CCM samples were very similar to that of the target ones.
2. dL*was higher than dC*. Both coordinates tended to be small in case of low translucency target.
3. dE between targets and CCM samples were under 2. In conclusion, the CCM system will be a great tool to reproduce esthetic colors for layered ceramics.
