Investigating the color changes on resin-based CAD/CAM Blocks

The improvement of the optical properties of new generation dental ceramics enables more esthetic and durable restorations. This study aimed to investigate the color changes, caused by exposure to different beverages on composite, hybrid ceramic, and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) CAD/CAM blocks.

CAD/CAM blocks 40 samples (1.5 × 7 × 12 mm) were obtained from each material under water cooling. Following the polishing process and the initial color measurement, the prepared samples were exposed to red wine, coffee, cola, energy drink, and distilled water. Color changes were measured by spectrophotometer at the end of the 1st, 7th, and 30th days. To analyze the color change results, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed.

In all restorative material groups, the most prominent color changes were observed on the red wine-exposed samples, then the coffee-exposed ones. No significant discoloration was observed on the samples exposed to cola and energy drink, compared to the control group (P > .05). Among the samples exposed to red wine and coffee, the highest discoloration values were observed in composite CAD/CAM material.

At the end of the 30th day, all materials exposed to wine and coffee showed color change above the clinically acceptable value (ΔE₀₀ :2.25).

Hybrid ceramic and ZLS CAD/CAM blocks recently used more often by clinicians have shown similar color changes. The results of our study indicate the necessity of choosing esthetic materials according to the dietary habits of individuals.