Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of artificial aging on the surface properties of CAD/CAM restorative materials by assessing changes in translucency, gloss, and surface roughness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three CAD/CAM materials were tested: Cerasmart, Vita Enamic, and Initial LRF. Specimens were prepared and polished using three different finishing and polishing systems: Optiglaze Color, OptraFine Polishing System, and Vita Enamic Polishing Set Clinical. Surface roughness was measured using a non-contact laser profilometer. Translucency was evaluated with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and gloss was determined using a glossmeter. The specimens were stored in 0.02-N citric acid solution for seven days and subjected to a toothbrush abrasion procedure. All surface parameter measurements were repeated after aging. RESULTS: Before aging, the OptraFine Polishing System provided the smoothest surfaces for Cerasmart and Vita Enamic, while Optiglaze Color resulted in the smoothest surfaces for Initial LRF. After aging, a significant decrease in light transmittance was observed in all materials regardless of the finishing and polishing method used (p<0.014 for Cerasmart, p = 0.001 for Vita Enamic/Initial LRF before aging; p<0.001 for Cerasmart/Vita Enamic, p = 0.003 for Initial LRF after aging). Statistically significant differences in surface roughness (Ra, Rz, and Sa values) were found among the polishing methods for all materials (p<0.001). Optiglaze Color consistently resulted in the highest gloss values across all materials. CONCLUSION: Aging had a significant impact on the surface properties of CAD/CAM materials, with variations depending on the material type and polishing system used. Light transmission decreased significantly in all materials after aging. The choice of finishing and polishing technique plays a critical role in maintaining the aesthetic properties of CAD/CAM materials over time.