Resin composite layering on discolored substrates ensures masking ability for monolithic ceramics.

OBJECTIVE: the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of resin composite layering on discolored substrates to obtain masking ability with monolithic ceramics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups (n = 8) of computer-aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) monolithic ceramics, shade A1, with thicknesses of 1.0 and 1.5 mm, were tested: feldspathic (FC), leucite-reinforced (LC), lithium disilicate-reinforced (LD), and translucent zirconia (5YSZ). Five substrates were used: A1 (used as reference), A3.5, C4, and coppery and silvery metals. The substrates were separated as non-layered or layered (with flowable opaque resin composite (FL), white opaque restorative resin composite (WD), and A1-shaded opaque restorative resin composite (A1D)). Resin composite layers of 0.5 and 1.0 mm were tested. The try-in paste, shade A1, was used as a luting agent. Translucency parameter (TP00 ) was assessed for the ceramics. Color differences (∆E00 ) were assessed for the restorative ceramics and resin composite layers over discolored substrates with the CIEDE2000 formula. The results were compared statistically, and descriptively with acceptability (AT, 1.77) and perceptibility (PT, 0.81) thresholds. RESULTS: Feldspathic showed the highest TP00 (for both ceramic thicknesses) and LD the lowest (for 1.5 mm of ceramic thickness) (P < 0.001). For substrate A3.5, layering with 1.0 mm of A1D or WD ensured ∆E00 below PT for all ceramics tested (P < 0.001). The use of 0.5 mm of FL or 1.0 mm of A1D associated with ceramics LC, LD, and 5YSZ ensured ∆E00 below AT for substrates C4 and coppery metal (P < 0.001). Silvery background layered with 0.5 mm of FL presented ∆E00 below AT for all ceramics and ∆E00 below PT for lithium disilicate of 1.0 mm of thickness (∆E00 = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: Layering severely discolored substrates with selected opaque resin composites ensures masking ability for restoration with CAD/CAM monolithic ceramics. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Severely discolored substrates are predictably restored with monolithic CAD/CAM ceramics by performing a previous layering of the substrate with opaque resin composite.