The Effects of Porcelain Polishing Techniques on the Color and Surface Texture of Different Porcelain Systems

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different porcelain polishing techniques on the color change and surface roughness of feldspathic porcelains and lithium disilicate glass-ceramic system. 80 porcelain specimens were divided into two subgroups, each subgroup was divided into 4 groups of 10 specimens. Surfaces were polished with different ceramic polishers. VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer was used to measure color differences. Surface roughness was evaluated using a profilometer. The color change and surface roughness of porcelains were statistically analyzed by Two-way ANOVA followed by a Tukey HSD test (α = 05). There were relationships between the porcelain systems and polishing techniques (p < 0.01) but no significant differences between porcelain systems for surface Ra values (p > 0.05). For ∆E values, there was relationship between the porcelain systems and polishing techniques (p < 0.01) but no significant differences between porcelain systems (p > 0.05). Chairside porcelain polishing systems were not able to provide a porcelain surface as smooth as the glazed surface for the IPS empress and Ceramco 3 porcelains.