Light transmittance by a multi-coloured zirconia material

Full-contour zirconia restorations are gaining in popularity. Highly translucent zirconia materials and multi-coloured zirconia blocks might help to overcome the aesthetic drawbacks of traditional zirconia. This study evaluated the transmittance of visible light (400-700 nm) through the four different layers (Enamel Layer EL, Transition Layer 1 TL1, Transition Layer 2 TL2, Body Layer BL) of a multi-coloured zirconia block (KATANA(TM) Zirconia Multi-Layered Disc (ML)) using a spectrophotometer. Forty specimens (thickness of 1 +/- 0.05 mm) from each layer were examined and statistically evaluated at a confidence-level of 5%. Light transmittance was expressed as a percentage of the through-passing light. The following mean values (SD) were found: EL 32.8% (1.5), TL1 31.2% (1.3), TL2 25.4% (1.3) and BL 21.7% (1.1). Significant differences were found between all groups (ANOVA, Student-Newman-Keuls). This multi-coloured zirconia block showed four layers with different light transmittance capabilities. It might therefore be useful for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of full-contour zirconia restorations made from this material.