Influence of Implant Abutment Materials on the Final Color of an Anterior Implant-Supported Restoration – an In-vitro study

Background : Simulation of natural aesthetic appearance is crucial during construction of anterior implant-supported restoration. Various tooth colored materials were introduced for construction of implant abutments. These include zirconia and PEEK. However, accurate color reproduction during construction of anterior implant-supported restoration still poses a challenge. Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of two implant abutment materials on the final color of an anterior implant-supported restoration. Materials and methods: Twelve square shaped disc specimens (11mmX 11mm X 2mm) were constructed and divided into two equal groups according to abutment material (n=6) : Group (Z) : low translucent zirconia , Group (P) : PEEK . Twelve lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD) square shaped disc specimens were constructed to represent implant-supported restorations. Implant supported restoration specimens were positioned over the implant abutment specimens. Final color of the implant supported restoration-implant abutment assembly was measured using a spectrophotometer. Results were tabulated and statistically analyzed .Results : PEEK abutment showed statistically significantly lower mean ΔE2000 than Zirconia abutment (P-value = 0.001, Effect size = 0.439). The mean color difference for lithium disilicate on both PEEK abutment (1.45) and zirconia abutment (1.69) were lower than clinically perceptible level.Conclusion : Within the limitations of the current study , Implant abutment material has a great influence on color reproduction of the final restoration. PEEK implant abutment material can provides better final color reproduction than Zirconia implant abutment material.