Color Stability of Pediatric Prefabricated Crowns Exposed to Childhood Beverages

Purpose: To evaluate changes in color stability and translucency for different zirconia crowns (ZRCs) following immersion in common childhood beverages. Methods: Twenty-four maxillary right central incisor ZRCs were obtained from NuSmile® Sprig, and Kinder Krowns® and randomly divided into four groups. Crowns were evaluated initially at baseline (control) with a spectrophotometer and immersed in Minute Maid® apple juice, Tum-E Yummies®, Gatorade®, and Kool-Aid® for 21 days to determine color and translucency. Mean and standard deviations were calculated for CIEDE2000 color differences (ΔE₀₀), translucency parameter (TP₀₀), and difference in translucency parameter (TP₀₀). Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and the Holm-Sidak post hoc test (P<0.05). Results were interpreted using visual color difference thresholds in dentistry (perceptibility threshold [PT] equals 0.8 for the 50:50, and acceptability threshold [AT] equals AT 1.8 50:50). Likewise, TP₀₀ values were interpreted using visual translucency difference thresholds (translucency perceptibility threshold TPT equals 0.6 for 50:50 and translucency acceptability threshold TAT equals 2.6 for 50:50). Results: Color changes for NuSmile® and Kinder Krowns® were seen at the initial time interval when exposed to Kool-Aid® or in apple juice. Sprig had its greatest change when exposed to Kool-Aid®. The greatest difference in translucency occurred with Sprig in Kool-Aid® and apple juice. All crowns experienced changes in color and translucency, exceeding the PT in at least one staining solution, but none exceeded the acceptability thresholds. Conclusion: Only slighty perceived differences in color and translucency after exposure to common childhood beverages may be observed in prefabricated pediatric zirconia crowns.