Influence of experimental staining on the color stability of indirect computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing dental provisional materials.

OBJECTIVE: This study presents a comparative analysis of the color stability of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-fabricated provisional restorations with those of conventional restorations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different provisional restorative materials (Systemp C&B, 3M Protemp 4, and Telio CAD) were inspected for their color stability using four solutions (Pepsi, coffee, tea, and distilled water). All samples used were fabricated using A1 shade by following the manufacturer's instructions. Color assessment was performed using CIELAB system and a colorimeter. After baseline color measurement, color assessments were done weekly after immersion in specified solutions. Triplicate readings were taken for every sample and the mean value of the color coordinates (L*), (a*), and (b*) were recorded at baseline, week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4. The data within different groups were compared statistically using analysis of variance (α = 0.05).
RESULTS: Overall, the highest color stability was found in CAD/CAM material, followed by Protemp and SystempC&B. It was also observed that the maximum color variation was observed in case of coffee, followed by tea and Pepsi.
CONCLUSIONS: CAD/CAM provisional material (Telio CAD) showed better color stability compared to conventional materials (Protemp 3M ESPE and SystempC&B Ivoclar Vivadent). CAD/CAM provisional materials are recommended for long-term temporization procedures. This is attributed to the prepolymerization, higher monomer conversion, and minimal preparation errors in CAD/CAM materials.

INTRODUCTION

In contemporary dental practice, provisional indirect restorations represent an important treatment step and serve as protective shields for teeth against thermal, mechanical, and physical stresses. With the advances in technologies and the ease of implementing computers into dentistry, novel methods of provisional restorations are being introduced. However, there are no long-term studies or results regarding these new materials; hence, their advantages and disadvantages compared to the traditional provisional restorations need to be reviewed. Due to the major mainstream demand of highly esthetic restorations, provisional restorations are essential and could be used as an early reflection of the final restoration. However, it is necessary to determine the optimal esthetic material for use in durable provisional restorations, for instance, in full-mouth prosthetic rehabilitations expected to function for extended time periods.[1234] The existing materials for constructing provisional restorations contain autopolymerizing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene methacrylate, polyvinyl methacrylate, urethane methacrylate, bis-acryl, and microfilled resin, which can be photopolymerized, chemical polymerized, or dual cured.[56] PMMA-based resins are less prone to discoloration as compared to other provisional resins, including bis-acryls. However, some studies have reported similar color stability for bis-acryl and PMMA.[7891011]

According to the CIELAB system recommended by the American Dental Association, all natural colors can be derived from a combination of three basic colors: red, blue, and green.[121314] Photometric and colorimetric instruments can be used to determine color, showing it in terms of three-coordinate system (L*, a*, and b*), which indicates a sample's color inside the CIELAB color space. Brightness is indicated by L* coordinate in color space coordinates, a* value indicates the red or green chroma, and the value of b* indicates the yellow or blue chroma. The variation in the values of these coordinates can be used to determine the color variation (△E) of two objects. There are various thresholds of color difference values above which the color difference is perceptible and in other cases acceptable to the human eye. However, a benchmark (△E) value of 4.2 or less is supposed to be visually invisible as well as clinically acceptable.[141516171819]

Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) provisional indirect restorations offer the advantages of improved accuracy of fit, superior contour, and exacting occlusion. A critical factor in the success of esthetic zone provisional crowns and fixed partial dentures is their color stability and resistance to stain. It is hypothesized that the color stability of novel CAD/CAM provisional restorations is comparable to conventionally fabricated provisionals. To our knowledge, studies assessing the color stability of novel CAD/CAM-fabricated materials to conventional materials are limited. The objective of this in vitro study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the color stability of CAD/CAM-fabricated provisional restorations with those of conventionally fabricated provisional restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four solutions such as Pepsi (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), coffee, tea, and distilled water were used to test the color stability of three provisional restorative materials (PMMA [Systemp C&B], bis-acryl [Protemp 4], and PMMA [Telio CAD]) [Table 1]. All the provisional materials used had A1 shade. Initially, a wax block of 2 mm × 5 mm × 5 mm was made, and silicon putty mold was fabricated around it. Forty rectangular samples were made for each material using a silicon mold with injection molding. For materials, Systemp C&B or Protemp 4 was injected into the mold and the excess was removed from the top. Both materials were allowed to self-cure for 5 min followed by light curing (Bluephase®, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) at a light intensity of 1000 mW/cm2 for 10 s for each surface. For CAD/CAM specimens, each specimen was fabricated according to the manufacturer's instructions. The block was scanned by means of CEREC inEos system (Sirona, Bensheim, Germany). To achieve a thin and smooth surface of the powder, the scan spray (Vita Zahnfabrik, Germany) was applied to the block by means of a propellant. CEREC 3D v3.60 software was used for the designing of CAD/CAM specimens. The CAD/CAM specimens were milled using default milling burs (1.2 mm cylinder bur, step bur). After the milling, the specimens were inspected for the existence of any flaws or cracks. After fabrication, all specimens were finished with silicon carbide grinding papers (No. 120, 200, and 800), polished with diamond polishing paste, and this was followed by washing with distilled water. The three provisional materials were divided into four subgroups each, resulting in a total of 12 groups (n = 10). The color of all the specimens was studied with Color-Eye® 7000A spectrophotometer [Figure 1] using CIELAB before (control) and after solution immersion.

Table 1

Materials used

Figure 1

Spectrophotometer

Tea was prepared by immersing two tea bags into 300 ml of boiling water for 5 min. Five grams of coffee was mixed in 300 ml of boiling water and filtered after 1 min. Pepsi and distilled water were used as pure solutions. All solutions were refreshed every day. Specimens were immersed in standard concentrations of tea, coffee, Pepsi, and distilled water for 28 days [Table 2]. The solutions were refreshed every 2 days. After 7 days of immersing, specimens were rinsed with water, brushed with a soft tooth brush (GlaxoSmithKline, United Kingdom), and dried with absorbent paper towels after which the second color assessment was performed. Before each test run, the instrument was calibrated as per the manufacturer's instructions. Triplet readings were taken for each sample, and the mean values of L*, a*, and b* were recorded. After baseline readings were taken, specimens were stored in the solutions for 1 week at 37°C. The solutions were changed every 3 days and stirred once a day manually. Before the second measurements, all the specimens were washed using distilled water and paper dried. This sequence of activities was repeated every week for 4 weeks. The color difference (△E) was calculated using the given equation:

Table 2

Composition of solutions

The obtained data were statistically analyzed using three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α = 0.05). Study groups were compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests (at α = 0.05) using a statistical software (SPSS v10; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

RESULTS

Assessment for color change (ΔE) was done every week for 4 weeks (28 days). The maximum color change when specimens were soaked in distilled water and coffee was observed at 4 weeks in Protemp [Tables 3 and 4]. The maximum color change when samples were immersed in Pepsi and tea was observed for Systemp C&B at 4 weeks [Tables 5, 6 and Figure 2]. Telio CAD (CAD/CAM) provisional material at 4 weeks showed the least color change among all the study groups when immersed in different solutions [Figure 3]. At 1-week interval, for Pepsi and water immersion solutions, least color change was observed for Protemp provisional material. However, Telio CAD showed minimum color change at 1-week interval in coffee and tea [Tables 3–6 and Figures 2 and 3].

Table 3

Mean △E (standard deviation) at different time intervals

Table 4

Mean △E (standard deviation) at different time intervals when immersed in coffee

Table 5

Mean △E (standard deviation) at different time intervals when immersed in tea

Table 6

Mean △E (standard deviation) at 4 weeks when immersed in Pepsi

Figure 2

Mean color change values (ΔE) of SystempC&B during 4 weeks

Figure 3

Mean color change values (ΔE) of Telio CAD during 4 weeks

Irrespective of the immersion solutions, Systemp C&B showed highest color change (3.068 ± 0.15) and CAD/CAM provisional material showed least color change (2.312 ± 0.15) [Figures 3 and 4]. Color change was significantly lower in CAD/CAM material; however, color change was comparable among samples of Systemp C&B and Protemp (P = 0.29). For immersion solutions, the highest-to-lowest color change was observed due to coffee, tea, Pepsi, and distilled water. There was significant difference in color stability of samples based on staining immersion solutions (P < 0.01). The influence of duration of immersion had a significant effect on the color stability of provisional crown and bridge materials (P < 0.01). The mean change in color (ΔE) was shown at 1-week immersion (2.248 ± 0.042) and the maximum was observed at 4 weeks (4.066 ± 0.043) with a linear relationship.

Figure 4

Mean color change values (ΔE) of ProtempC&B during 4 weeks

Data analysis revealed that the highest color stability was found in CAD/CAM material, followed by Protemp and Systemp C&B. It was also observed that the maximum color variation was recorded in case of coffee followed by tea and Pepsi.

DISCUSSION

This study compared the color stability of CAD/CAM-fabricated provisional materials with those of conventional, manually fabricated provisional materials. It was hypothesized that the color stability of novel CAD/CAM provisional restorations is comparable to conventionally fabricated provisionals. In the present study, color stability was significantly higher for CAD/CAM provisional material as compared to other conventional provisional materials (Systemp C&B and Protemp); therefore, the hypothesis was rejected. PMMA-based CAD/CAM blocks are prepolymerized under optimized parameters, allowing for maximum monomer-to-polymer conversion. This intern improves the overall mechanical properties of the provisional restorative material as compared to conventional, manually fabricated materials. Therefore, CAD/CAM provisionals can be of clinical use in cases where long-term provisional is required due to better strength and color stability.[202122] As tooth-colored dental restorations frequently come in contact with saliva, soft drinks, and food stains, it is essential to evaluate their color stability. Intrinsic color stability as well as staining resistance for an extended period of time are required to confirm restorations imperceptibility. Although long-term tests are required for clinical studies to attain results, yet, numerous short-term laboratory scale tests have been conducted in a short time to assess the discoloration, simulating oral aging environment.[23] In this in vitro study, the color of CAD/CAM and conventional provisional materials was recorded after various immersion times, at baseline and weekly up to 4 weeks. The CIELAB system for evaluating chromacity was selected to measure color variations due to its suitability for minor color variations. Measurements taken by the use of spectrophotometers and colorimeters have been used to assess color variation in various dental restoration specimens.[8] When evaluating reflective surfaces, the obtained color is affected by both the actual colors of the specimen's surface and the measuring parameters. In the current study, a typical illuminant against a white background was used. In addition, as it is established from the previous reports that the smoothness and thickness of the specimen surface affect color stability of materials,[24] in this study, the thickness of provisional restorative material was standardized to 2 mm.

Various thresholds of color difference values (ΔE 1–3.7) are reported previously, which are considered perceptible to the naked eye.[25] In the present study, specimens showed ΔE values with water immersion to be under the perceptible changes, i.e. ΔE value of 2.7, indicating acceptable color stability for the tested provisional materials in controlled conditions. However, with the exception of CAD/CAM provisionals, at 3- and 4-week staining solution immersion, conventional provisional materials showed significant changes in color with ΔE values of 3.4–6.2 at 3 weeks and 3.7–7 at 4 weeks. Both SystempC&B and Protemp showed clinically unacceptable color changes; however, these findings have been described previously by other researchers.[1026] In the present study, Protemp showed highest color changes compared to other specimens. Protemp is a bis-acryl-based material and higher uptake of stains from immersion solutions with greater color changes have been reported for it in previous studies.[1027] Color stability in PMMA provisional materials is influenced by multiple factors, including pigment stability, initiator system, monomer-to-polymer conversion ratio, water sorption, and distribution of monomer particles.[26] Conventional PMMA provisionals in the present study (Systemp C&B) showed significantly higher color change as compared to PMMA-based CAD/CAM provisionals. This could be attributed to the optimal condition during which polymerization of CAD/CAM materials takes place, therefore resulting in improved monomer-to-polymer conversion rate in addition to low polymerization shrinkages.[28] In addition, preparation errors are more pronounced in conventionally fabricated PMMA provisionals as compared to CAD/CAM provisionals, hence resulting in a compromised color stability. Interestingly, the highest color change was shown by coffee, followed by tea and Pepsi in the present study. Ergün et al.[29] in a similar previous study had shown strong discoloration of provisional materials due to coffee; this was attributed to the smaller molecular size along with water absorption characteristic of the tested materials.

Therefore, in light of the observations in the present study, the authors recommend the clinical use of CAD/CAM provisionals for improved esthetic success due to enhanced color stability.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this study, CAD/CAM provisional material (Telio CAD) showed better color stability compared to Protemp 3M ESPE and Systemp C&B Ivoclar Vivadent and is recommended for long-term provisional restorations. This is attributed to the prepolymerization, higher monomer conversion, and minimal preparation errors in CAD/CAM materials.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.