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In Vitro Comparison of Gingival Epithesis Materials: Color Stability, Surface Properties, and Microbial Adhesion
Ellen Pick1, Andrea Gubler1, Thomas Attin1
1Clinic of Conservative and Preventive Dentistry, Center for Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
Dentistry Journal
|March 27, 2026
Summary
Nylon (Valplast®) showed the most discoloration, while silicone (Gingivamoll®) had increased roughness after staining. These dental materials exhibited changes in color and surface properties, but microbial adhesion remained consistent across all tested materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Dental Prosthetics
Background:
- Gingival epithesis materials are crucial for restoring aesthetics and function.
- Evaluating the long-term stability of these materials under oral conditions is essential.
- This study investigates four common materials: silicone (Gingivamoll®), nylon (Valplast®), PETG-based polymer (Eldy Plus®), and PMMA (Palapress®).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the color stability, surface properties, and microbial adhesion of four gingival epithesis materials after artificial staining.
- To assess the impact of common staining agents (coffee, curry, tea, alcohol) on material characteristics.
- To provide data for selecting durable and aesthetically stable gingival epithesis materials.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using standardized specimens of four gingival epithesis materials.
- Materials subjected to 15 or 30 staining cycles using coffee, curry, tea, and 40% alcohol.
- Color (CIELAB, ΔE00), gloss (G), surface roughness (Ra), and surface morphology (SEM) were measured.
- Microbial adhesion assessed using a six-species biofilm model (log CFU).
Main Results:
- All materials exhibited clinically significant discoloration (ΔE00 > 2).
- Nylon (Valplast®) showed the highest color change; silicone (Gingivamoll®) displayed the lowest gloss and highest roughness.
- Surface roughness significantly increased over time for all materials.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed distinct surface alterations: coatings on hard materials and nodular agglomerates on silicone.
- No significant differences in microbial adhesion (biofilm CFU) were found between materials or over time.
Conclusions:
- Staining significantly impacts the color and surface properties of gingival epithesis materials in a material-dependent manner.
- Nylon (Valplast®) is most susceptible to discoloration, while silicone (Gingivamoll®) shows surface degradation.
- Hard materials developed surface coatings, contrasting with silicone's nodular changes.
- Microbial adhesion results are preliminary and require further investigation to inform future studies.
