Production and characterization of coloring solutions for dental zirconia frameworks

Color can be described as a physical phenomenon caused by a light source that is perceived by human eye. In other words, color comes into existence when light meets an object physically and this is perceived psychophysically by an observer. The coloring is performed by immersing the zirconia blocks in the color solution for a certain time. The ultimate challenge experienced in coloring processes for dental prosthesis laboratories is the distinction in color when various trademark zirconia blocks are employed even though the coloring process is carried out by a single trademark color solutions. The reason for this color difference is explained by the values such as mineralogy, porosity and density of different trademarked zirconia blocks. In this thesis, the main goal is to produce color solutions that will be developed exslusively for a trademark zirconia blocks and will be used only for those blocks. In summary, different metal salts were dissolved in pure water, organic solvent-1 and organic solvent-2 and color solutions were produced. The pellets, specially prepared for each product group, the samples produced in the form of single crown and bridge were colored via dipping method in color solutions. Color properties of the colored zirconia samples were determined by a spectrophotometer (CIE L* a* b*). Crystallographic analyses of zirconia blocks were carried out by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Microstructure features were characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) based analytical (energy scattering X-ray (EDX)) techniques. According to the color results of the zirconia samples, which were visually analyzed by a specialist dental technician, the color solutions were successfully produced in accordance with the Ivoclar Vivadent IPS e.max Ceramic Dentin A-D color scale. Keywords: Zirconia support, color solution, spectrophotometer, visual analysis, characterization.