Dental veneers shifting color

Will Your Veneers Last? Unveiling the Secrets to Long-Lasting Color

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Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how the choice of ceramic and cement impacts the long-term color stability of your dental restorations."


All-ceramic restorations are a popular choice for achieving a beautiful, natural-looking smile. Unlike older metal-ceramic systems, they offer excellent aesthetics and color stability, closely mimicking the appearance of natural teeth. However, maintaining the initial shade of these restorations over time can be a challenge.

The long-term color of ceramic restorations is influenced by several factors, including the ceramic material itself, the thickness of the restoration, the shade and opacity of the underlying tooth structure, and the type of resin cement used to bond the restoration in place. Resin cements, in particular, play a crucial role, as they can mask underlying discoloration and affect the final color.

This article explores how different ceramic systems (feldspathic and lithium disilicate) and resin cements affect the color stability of dental restorations over time, shedding light on the factors that contribute to lasting aesthetics.

The Science Behind Color Changes: What the Research Reveals

Dental veneers shifting color

A recent study published in the Brazilian Dental Journal investigated the color stability of two common dental ceramics – feldspathic porcelain and lithium disilicate – when cemented with different resin cements. Researchers assessed color changes (ΔΕ00) by measuring the L, a, b, c, and h values of transmitted light through the samples, both immediately after cementation and after six months of storage in controlled humidity.

The study revealed some interesting insights:

  • Ceramic Matters: The type of ceramic used significantly impacted color stability. Feldspathic ceramic showed greater color changes (higher ΔΕ00 values) compared to lithium disilicate, regardless of the resin cement used.
  • Cement's Subtle Role: While the type of cement didn't have a statistically significant impact on overall color stability in this study, both cements exhibited similar degradation behavior over time.
  • Feldspathic Sensitivity: Feldspathic ceramic experienced more significant variations in individual color coordinates (L, a, b, c, and h) after aging, indicating a greater susceptibility to color changes.
These findings highlight the importance of ceramic selection when aiming for long-lasting aesthetic results. While resin cements inevitably undergo some degree of degradation, the inherent properties of the ceramic material itself play a dominant role in determining overall color stability.

Protecting Your Investment: Key Takeaways for a Lasting Smile

Choosing the right materials is crucial for ensuring the longevity and aesthetics of your ceramic restorations. Lithium disilicate appears to offer superior color stability compared to feldspathic porcelain, potentially making it a better choice for patients particularly concerned about maintaining a consistent shade over time.

While this study suggests that the specific resin cements tested had a less significant impact on color stability than the ceramic itself, proper cementation techniques and the use of high-quality materials remain essential. Factors like complete polymerization of the cement and protection from external staining agents can further contribute to long-term success.

Ultimately, maintaining the brilliance of your ceramic restorations requires a collaborative effort between you and your dentist. Open communication about your aesthetic goals and a thorough understanding of the materials being used are key to achieving a smile that lasts.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/0103-644020170, Alternate LINK

Title: Influence Of Resin Cements On Color Stability Of Different Ceramic Systems

Subject: General Dentistry

Journal: Brazilian Dental Journal

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Renata Borges Rodrigues, Erick De Lima, Marina Guimarães Roscoe, Carlos José Soares, Paulo Francisco Cesar, Veridiana Resende Novais

Published: 2017-04-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

How does the choice of ceramic material affect the long-term color of dental veneers?

The type of ceramic material significantly impacts the color stability of dental restorations. A study showed that feldspathic ceramic exhibited greater color changes than lithium disilicate, suggesting lithium disilicate offers better long-term shade maintenance. So, ceramic material matters most for color stability.

2

Do resin cements influence the color stability of ceramic dental restorations?

While the study indicated that the type of resin cement didn't have a statistically significant impact on overall color stability, both resin cements tested showed similar degradation behavior over time. This suggests that while resin cements do degrade, the ceramic material plays a more dominant role in determining overall color stability. It's important to note that other factors beyond what this investigation looked at also could be relevant.

3

What do L*, a*, b*, c*, and h* values mean in the context of dental ceramic color stability?

L*, a*, b*, c*, and h* are color coordinates used to measure and quantify color changes in materials. In the context of dental ceramics, these values are measured to assess the color stability of restorations like veneers over time. Changes in these coordinates indicate shifts in color, with the ΔE00 value representing the overall color difference. A higher ΔE00 value means a more noticeable color change.

4

Between lithium disilicate and feldspathic ceramic, which material is more likely to maintain its color over time?

Lithium disilicate is generally considered more color-stable than feldspathic ceramic due to its inherent material properties. The research indicated feldspathic ceramic is more prone to color changes. For those prioritizing long-term aesthetics and consistent shade, lithium disilicate would be the better choice. However, the selection depends on the specifics of each situation, balancing with other factors such as desired translucency and strength.

5

What are the key implications of the research on ceramic and resin cement for people considering veneers?

The findings imply that when selecting materials for dental restorations, the ceramic material chosen is a critical factor for long-term color stability. While resin cement degradation is inevitable, choosing a ceramic like lithium disilicate can help maintain the initial shade longer. Further research may be needed to determine which resin cement has the best potential to offer long term stability, and how surface treatments or polishing of restorations can reduce color change.

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