Color Stability of Milled Versus Printed High-Density Polymers Provisional Restorations

Abstract

Statement of the problem:Provisional dental restorations play a vital role in dental treatments, but their color stability can be a concern when used for extended periods. Different materials and staining conditions can affect their color performance, necessitating a comprehensive comparative study.

Purpose of the study:This research aimed to compare the color stability of four provisional dental materials, when exposed to different staining solutions. Materials and methods:Two 3D printed (M1-Temporary CB Resin and M3-DENTCA), CAD/CAM milled (M2-TELIO CAD) and a traditional (M0-Protemp TM Plus Temporization Material) provisional materials were selected. The study assessed how these materials interacted with staining solutions (S0-distilled water, S2-tea, and S3-coffee) over 30 days. Each material and staining solution were prepared following the manufacturers instruction.

The study involved a sample size calculation using nQuery Advance based on data from a pilot study. This led to a minimum sample size of 360 (30 per group) to achieve a maximum type II error of 20%. Color measurements were conducted for each sample after being submersed in the staining solutions using VITA Easyshade V at various time intervals (T0-baseline, T1- 3day, T2-14 days, and T3-30 days). Color differences (∆E) were calculated in the CIELAB color space, with an ∆E ≥ 3.7 indicating a clinically perceptible color difference.

Results:A three-way repeated measures ANOVA investigated delta E variations across time, materials, and staining conditions, uncovering significant interactions among material and staining, time and staining, as well as time and material factors. Based on the statistical analysis M3-DENTCA and M1-Temporary CB Resin showed the highest color change in all staining solutions, while M2-PMMA displayed the most stable color properties. S0-Distilled water induced the least color change. M2- TELIO CAD consistently maintained stable color properties over time and staining conditions.

Conclusion:The study highlights the importance of material selection for provisional restorations and the impact of staining solutions on color stability. M2-TELIO CAD demonstrated the most favorable color performance, while 3D-printed materials exhibited higher color changes.