Zirconia ceramics, their contrast ratio and grain size depending on sintering parameters.

This study investigated the contrast ratio and grain size depending on sintering parameters of twelve different zirconia materials and compared with glass-ceramic (N=156, n=12 per group). Contrast ratio of all ceramics was measured using a spectrophotometer according to ISO 2471: 2008. Grain sizes of zirconia were determined by SEM. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Scheffé-test, Kruskal-Wallis-H-test and Spearman correlation (p<0.05). The area under the sintering curve up 25°C (AUC25) and 1200°C (AUC1200) of zirconia was calculated. Glass-ceramic showed significantly lowest contrast ratio compared to zirconia. Final sintering temperature and AUC1200 influenced contrast ratio. Grain size was affected by final sintering temperature, sintering duration and AUC. Contrast ratio and grain size showed an association.