Wear pattern-associated color stability of prefabricated composite veneers versus ceramic veneers

To evaluate the effect of different surface wear patterns on the discoloration tendency of two different prefabricated composite veneers and lithium disilicate ceramic veneers.

Discoloration tendency of two prefabricated composite resin veneers (Visalys Veneer Chairside (VIS) and Componeer (COM)) were compared to lithium disilicate veneers (IPS) in vitro. For each material, n = 60 samples were allocated to different test groups, and therefore each n = 10 specimens per group went through different wear tests. Mechanical abrasion tests were conducted using a toothbrush simulator, while erosive effects were carried out by citric acid (pH 1.57). A combination of abrasion and erosion tests was conducted as well. Four groups of wear tests were implemented: (1) abrasion, (2) abrasion followed by erosion, (3) erosion, and (4) erosion followed by abrasion. Another group was stored in distilled water as the control and one group was stained without a prior wear test. The staining solution was made from a coffee-tobacco brew. Specimens were stored in the coffee-tobacco solution for 21 days. Color measurements were performed with VITA Easyshade. To evaluate intramaterial discoloration, one half of every specimen was protected with foil. After storage in the staining solution, the first measurement was carried out on the 'protected' (untreated) surface, followed by a second measurement on the 'processed' (treated) discolored surface. Euclidean distance (ΔE) of discoloration was calculated according to the CIE-L*C*h* system. Data were analyzed with ANOVA followed by Games-Howell post hoc test and paired t-test (α = 0.05).

Highest changes in ΔE were found in COM after 'abrasion' (ΔE -2.55) and 'erosion followed by abrasion' (ΔE -1.41). The discoloration tendency of VIS was affected by all wear tests, but changes were below the perceptive threshold (ΔE -0.19-0.32). Only abrasion followed by erosion affected the discoloration of IPS significantly, but findings were below the perceptive threshold, as well (ΔE -0.09).

Prefabricated composite resin veneers revealed a low level of discoloration tendency after different wear tests. Nevertheless, in most cases the lowest discoloration tendency was found in specimens made from lithium disilicate.