This study compared commercial composite resin blocks with one ceramic block for use in computer-aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Four composite resins, one composite ceramic, and one feldspar-ceramic block were investigated. Flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), and Vickers hardness (VH) were determined under three conditions: dry storage; immersion in water at 37°C for 7 days; and immersion in water at 37°C for 7 days followed by 10,000 thermocycles. After dry storage, FS ranged from 127 to 242 MPa, FM from 9.6 to 51.5 GPa, and VH from 64 to 455. Two-way ANOVA was performed for FS, FM and VH followed by Tukey's multiple comparison (α<0.05). Results demonstrated that the materials degraded after water immersion and thermocycling, but their properties were within the acceptable range for fabrication of single restorations according to the ISO standard for ceramics (ISO 6872:2008).

ObjectivesThis study evaluated color differences (ΔEs) and translucency parameter changes (ΔTPs) of various computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) blocks after immersion in coffee.Materials and MethodsEight CAD/CAM blocks and four restorative composite resins were evaluated. The CIE L*a*b* values of 2.0 mm thick disk-shaped specimens were measured using the spectrophotometer on white and black backgrounds (n = 6). The ΔEs and ΔTPs of one day, one week, and one month immersion in coffee or water were calculated. The values of each material were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons (α = 0.05). The ΔEs after prophylaxis paste polishing of 1 month coffee immersion specimens, water sorption and solubility were also evaluated.ResultsAfter one month in coffee, ΔEs of CAD/CAM composite resin blocks and restorative composites ranged from 1.6 to 3.7 and from 2.1 to 7.9, respectively, and ΔTPs decreased. The ANOVA of ΔEs and ΔTPs revealed significant differences in two main factors, immersion periods and media, and their interaction except for ΔEs of TEL (Telio CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent). The ΔEs significantly decreased after prophylaxis polishing except GRA (Gradia Block, GC). There was no significant correlation between ΔEs and water sorption or solubility in water.ConclusionsThe ΔEs of CAD/CAM blocks after immersion in coffee varied among products and were comparable to those of restorative composite resins. The discoloration of CAD/CAM composite resin blocks could be effectively removed with prophylaxis paste polishing, while that of some restorative composites could not be removed.

This study investigated the surface roughness and gloss of composite resin CAD/CAM blocks after toothbrushing. Five composite resin blocks (Block HC, Cerasmart, Gradia Block, KZR-CAD Hybrid Resin Block, and Lava Ultimate), one hybrid ceramic (Vita Enamic), one feldspar ceramic (Vitablocs Mark II), one PMMA block (Telio CAD), and one conventional composite resin (Filtek Z350 XT) were evaluated. Surface roughness (Ra) and gloss were determined for each group of materials (n=6) after silicon carbide paper (P4000) grinding, 10k, 20k, and 40k toothbrushing cycles. One-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant differences in the Ra and gloss of each material except for the Ra of GRA. After 40k toothbrushing cycles, the Ra of BLO and TEL showed significant increases, while CER, KZR, ULT, and Z350 showed significant decreases. GRA, ENA, and VIT maintained their Ra. All of the materials tested, except CER, demonstrated significant decreases in gloss after 40k toothbrushing cycles.

The aim of the study was to investigate two-and three-body wear of CAD/CAM blocks. Four composite resins, one hybrid ceramic and one feldspar ceramic block material were examined. Six specimens each were tested in a ball-on-disc wear device fitted with a zirconia ball (50 N load, 1.2 Hz, 50 k cycles) in water for two-body and in poppy seed slurry for three-body wear evaluation. Volume loss after each 10 k cycle was quantified using a digital CCD microscope. Statistical analysis: ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons (α=0.05). Two-body wear for composite resin blocks was small, hybrid ceramic and ceramic blocks showed larger volume loss. Threebody wear was very low for all materials. All CAD/CAM block materials investigated displayed low wear compared to previous data for direct posterior composites carrying out the same wear test. The block materials are considered suitable for fabrication of single full crown restorations on premolar teeth.