IN VITRO COMPARATIVE STUDY ON COLOR STAINABILITY OF 3D-PRINTED AND MILLED CERAMIC MATERIALS EXPOSED TO DIFFERENT BEVERAGES

Abstract

Statement of Problem: Hybrid nanoceramic materials are now specifically designed to be used in 3D-printing technologies. To date, no publications have been found regarding the color stainability of these materials. Researchers are therefore keen to investigate the material's tendency for discoloration. Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to measure and compare the color stainability of a 3D-printed hybrid nanoceramic and two milled ceramic materials after exposure to different routinely consumed beverages. Materials and Methods: 150 specimens were prepared from three materials: (Vitablocs Mark II; VITA Zahnfabrik), (Enamic; VITA Zahnfabrik), and (SprintRay Ceramic Crown; SprintRay Inc.). They were divided into three groups of 50 each. Specimens measured 12 mm x 14 mm x 1 mm ± 0.1 mm in dimensions. Mark II and Enamic were sliced using IsoMetTM, while SprintRay Ceramic Crown specimens were designed with Meshmixer software and printed using a digital light processing (DLP) 3D-printer. Post-printing, ethanol removed uncured resin, and specimens underwent a final curing process. All specimens were polished according to their material type and the manufacturer's recommendations. After being immersed for 24 hours in distilled water at 37°C, their color was measured using a spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade V, VITA Zahnfabrik). Then they were immersed in various beverages (red wine, coffee, tea, coke, and distill water) for 24 hours, with color values recorded at intervals up to day 28.

Results: The results revealed that the types of material, the types of beverages, and the time significantly affected the color change ΔE00 (p<0.05). SprintRay was the most discolored material in comparison to Mark II, but it's not a statistically significant difference (Least Sq Means 5.99 and 5.61, respectively). Enamic was the most stable material in comparison to Mark II, but again, it's not a statistically significant difference (least Sq Means 4.99 and 5.61, respectively). Red wine appears to be the most discolored beverage among all groups. Also, the ΔE00 was revealed to be affected in the first week (Least Sq Mean 7.93) in comparison to 28 days (Least Sq Mean 2.89). Conclusion: The color stainability of the 3D-printed hybrid nanoceramic was similar to that of Vitablocs Mark II. No significant difference was observed between VITA Enamic and Vitablocs Mark II. Discoloration peaked in the first week, with red wine causing the most discoloration.