INTRODUCTION: The increasing demand for esthetics stimulated research in metal-free, tooth-colored restorations.
OBJECTIVES: The study compares the biaxial flexural strength, surface roughness and color stability of CAD/CAM nano ceramic optimized composite resin Lava Ultimate material (3M ESPE), pressable ceramic IPS e-max (ivoclar vivadent) and feldspathic porcelain VM7(VITA)
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety specimens were used, divided into three groups 30 specimens each: first group of Lava Ultimate discs, second group of E-max Press discs and third group of VM7 discs: each group was divided into three subgroups ten specimens each: 10 specimens were subjected to biaxial flexural strength test using universal testing machine, 10 to surface roughness test using profilometer and 10 for color stability test using spectrophotometer.
RESULTS: On comparing the biaxial flexural strength test there was no significant difference between Lava ultimate group and E-max press, while there was a significant increase in strength in Lava ultimate and E-max press group than the VM7.
As for the surface roughness test there was no significant difference between Lava ultimate and E-max press, while there was a significant increase in roughness in VM7 group than Lava ultimate and E-max press groups.
The Color difference in the three groups showed a significant increase in ΔE in Lava ultimate than E-max press. Also, there was a significant decrease in ΔE in VM7 group than Lava ultimate and E-max press groups.
CONCLUSIONS: The E-max press and the Lava Ultimate showed significantly higher biaxial flexural strength values and significantly lower surface roughness compared to VM7. Lava Ultimate has the least color stability due to its composite matrix although it could be repolished. VM7 is the most color stable so it could be used as veneers although it is the weakest ceramic in the study.