Masking Ability of Prosthetic Substrates by a Conventional Resin Luting Agent and the Effect of the Core on the Final Color of Lithium Disilicate Crowns.

INTRODUCTION: Thin all-ceramic restorations enhance esthetics but are less predictable, especially with dark substrates, where opaque resin luting agents may be needed, though not always available. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of a resin luting agent on the final color of lithium disilicate crowns and masking of two prosthetic substrates (esthetic and metallic). METHODS: Eighty prostheses with ceramic crowns were simulated from bovine roots. The specimens were randomized, according to the intraradicular retainer used, and divided into 2 groups (n=40): metallic (cast post and core) and esthetic (glass fiber post with composite resin core). The crowns were attached to their cores and the first CIELAB scale was measured with a spectrophotometer. The second color measurement was performed after cementation with a dual resin luting agent. The results were submitted to color variation calculation and statistical analysis. RESULTS: Coordinate * L and * b values increased significantly (p⟨0.05) after cementation for both groups and there was no statistical difference between the groups for the DeltaE00 value (p=0.242). CONCLUSIONS: Resin luting agent positively impacted the final crown color and aided in masking both substrates. The effect of the substrate was attenuated on the final color of ceramic crowns.