Color stability of dental reinforced CAD/CAM hybrid composite blocks compared to regular blocks

Abstract

This study compares the color stability of dental reinforced computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) hybrid composite blocks to that of regular blocks. One hundred fifty disc-type specimens (n = 15) were prepared from five sets of hybrid composite blocks (Cerasmart-200/Cerasmart-300, KZR-CAD HR/KZR-CAD HR3, Estelite Block/ Estelite-P Block, Avencia Block/Avencia-P Block, Mazic Duro/Duro Ace). The specimen color and translucency parameter (TP) were assessed using a spectrophotometer before and after immersion in staining solutions (water, 10% ethanol, simulated red wine). Changes in color (Delta E) and translucency (Delta TP) of specimens were calculated. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.05). Microstructural features of the hybrid composite blocks were also examined using FE-SEM. Immersion in deionized water or 10% ethanol made no significant color or translucency changes (except for Avencia-P Block); however, the simulated red wine caused significant changes to the color and translucency of almost all specimens, especially after 4 weeks of immersion. The reinforced hybrid blocks (except for Estelite-P Block and Duro Ace) showed lower color stability than corresponding regular blocks. Avencia-P Block showed significantly reduced color stability compared to Avencia Block. Even in deionized water and 10% ethanol, Avencia-P Block showed perceptible Delta E and decreased translucency. Estelite Block/ Estelite-P Block and Mazic Duro/Duro Ace showed better color stability than the other materials tested.