Evaluation Of The Mechanical Properties And Color Stainability Of Different Pressed Lithium-X-Silicate Ceramics

Lithium-X-silicate glass ceramics are widely used in prosthetic dentistry for their esthetic and mechanical properties, yet surface treatments during clinical procedures may alter these characteristics and affect restoration longevity. This study evaluated the effects of different surface treatments on the optical (color stability) and mechanical (flexural strength and surface hardness) properties of three pressed lithium-X-silicate ceramics: IPS e.max Press, Celtra Press, and HS10PC. A total of 132 specimens were prepared (22 bars and 22 discs per material) and divided into glazed and ground–polished subgroups (n=11). Color was measured with a spectrophotometer before and after 14-day coffee immersion, and color change (ΔE2000) was calculated. Vickers hardness and flexural strength were assessed, and surface morphology was examined with SEM. The results showed that surface treatment significantly affected color change and hardness (p