The fluorescence and physical properties of thulium-doped zirconia were investigated. A standard grade of zirconia (TZ-3Y-E) and two translucent dental zirconia materials (Zpex and Zpex Smile) were examined. The specimens were prepared by addition of 0-1.5 wt% Tm2O3 and then sintering. When exposed to UV light, the Tm2O3-doped zirconia exhibited blue fluorescence with a peak wavelength of 460 nm. The fluorescence intensity of Zpex and Zpex Smile was higher than that of TZ-3Y-E, with Zpex being more intense than Zpex Smile. Zpex exhibited maximum fluorescence intensity when doped with 0.8 wt% Tm2O3. XRD analysis revealed that TZ-3Y-E and Zpex contained primarily tetragonal zirconia, while Zpex Smile contained largely cubic phase zirconia. There were no changes observed in the microstructure or physical properties of the zirconia specimens when doped with Tm2O3.
Keywords: CAD/CAM; Fluorescence; Monolithic fixed dental prosthesis; Thulium; Zirconia.