Effect of Thickness on Color Stability of Gingiva-Colored Composite Resins Applied to 3D-Printed Resin

Light-curing gingiva-colored composite resins (GCCs) are widely used for their esthetics and versatility, although they remain susceptible to discoloration. This in vitro study evaluated the effect of GCC thickness on color stability under different staining solutions and immersion times. Four hundred specimens were fabricated with a 3D-printed resin (P Pro; Institut Straumann AG), incorporating circular intaglio areas of varying thicknesses (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mm), into which paste (Nexco; Ivoclar AG) or flowable (Gradia Gum; GC Corp) GCCs were applied. After artificial aging in water at 55 °C for 5 days, specimens were immersed in coffee, black tea, red wine, or distilled water (control). Color differences (ΔE₀₀) were assessed using digital photocolorimetry (eLAB protocol) and the CIEDE2000 formula at 2.5, 5, and 7 days. Data for each consistency were analyzed with 3-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey HSD (α = 0.05). Thicker GCCs (0.6-1.0 mm) showed significantly greater discoloration (p < 0.05). Flowable GCCs were more prone to color changes induced by coffee (p < 0.05), whereas paste GCCs exhibited more discoloration with black tea (p < 0.05). Extended immersion time increased color change, particularly in flowable GCCs. Overall, GCC thickness, immersion duration, and material consistency influenced long-term color stability.