The Effect of Different Beverages on the Color Stability of Nanocomposite 3D-Printed Denture Base Resins

Abstract

Background: Nanocomposite resins have been widely used in modern denture manufacturing. However, their long-term color stability is a concern for both dental professionals and patients. Purpose: to evaluate the effect of different beverages on the color stability of 3D-printed denture base resins modified with zirconium dioxide nanoparticles (ZrO2NPs). Methods: A total of 440 specimens were fabricated and distributed into 11 groups (n = 40/group). The control group of heat polymerized (PMMA) and five groups of two different 3D-printed resins (NextDent and ASIGA) as experimental groups with various concentrations of ZrO2NPs added to the 3D-printed resins (0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt%) in addition to one unmodified group per resin. Specimens per group are sorted into four subgroups (n = 10) according to tested beverages, as follows: coffee, tea, cola, and mineral water. Before immersion, all the specimens were exposed to 5000 thermal cycles. Color changes (ΔE00) were assessed prior (T0) and following immersion for 6 days (T1) and 12 days (T2) using a spectrophotometer. Color difference values were calculated by using CIEDE2000 color difference. Data was analyzed by ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test with a significant level of less than 0.05. Results: Tea produced the highest color change for both NextDent and ASIGA materials, whereas water caused the least color change on PMMA at T2. Increasing the immersion time resulted in more color changes, with tea and coffee showing significant differences. PMMA had considerably less color change than 3D-printed resins. The color change of 3D-printed increased after adding ZrO2NPs. Conclusions: Beverage type and immersion time have an impact on the color stability of unmodified and ZrO2NP-modified denture base resins with significant change after immersion in tea and coffee.