Color stability of provisional restorative materials with different fabrication methods.

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Provisional restorative materials are crucial for temporary tooth protection and aesthetics.
• Evaluating the long-term color stability of different fabrication methods is essential for clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the color stability of provisional restorative materials fabricated using 3D printing, dental milling, and conventional techniques.
• To assess the impact of staining solutions (coffee and black tea) on material discoloration over 12 weeks.

Main Methods:

• Tested two 3D-printing resins, two milled blocks (PMMA), and two conventional materials.
• Performed water sorption/solubility tests per ISO 4049.
• Assessed color stability (ΔE) after 12 weeks of immersion in coffee and black tea.
• Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD (P<.05).

Main Results:

• 3D-printed materials (VeroGlaze) and conventional materials (Alike) showed high water sorption; Luxatemp had the lowest.
• Conventional materials displayed variable color changes (ΔE) based on staining solution.
• PMMA milled blocks showed low ΔE initially, increasing significantly after 8 weeks.
• 3D-printed materials exhibited high ΔE or significant increases in discoloration over time.

Conclusions:

• Discoloration increased over time for all tested materials.
• Visually perceptible color differences (ΔE) were observed regardless of material type or staining solution.
• PMMA milled and 3D-printed provisional materials demonstrated accelerated discoloration after 8 weeks.