Color Stability Determination of CAD/CAM Milled and 3D Printed Acrylic Resins for Denture Bases: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to review the available literature on the different methods for color stability determination of CAD/CAM milled and 3D printed resins for denture bases. The methodology included applying a search strategy, defining inclusion and exclusion criteria and selecting studies to summarize the results. Searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were performed independently by three reviewers to gather the literature published between 1998 and 2022. A total of 186 titles were obtained from the electronic database, and the application of exclusion criteria resulted in the identification of 66 articles pertaining to the different methods for color stability determination of CAD/CAM acrylic resins for denture bases. Color change in dental materials is clinically very important for the dental operator, as it determines the clinical serviceability of the material. Discoloration of the denture bases can be evaluated with various instruments and methods. Dental resins may undergo color changes over time due to intrinsic and/or extrinsic factors. The extrinsic factors are considered the more frequent causes of color changes. According to a number of studies, CAD/CAM fabricated acrylics have achieved better color stability than the conventional PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) resins.