Color Stability of 3D Printed Ceramics Across Various Beverages

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the color differences (ΔE) of three 3D-printed ceramic resins when exposed to various beverages over four weeks.
Methods: Discs (10 mm x 2 mm) were 3D printed with three systems: CC (SprintRay Ceramic Crown), OnX (SprintRay OnX Tough 2), and PC (Formlabs Permanent Crown), along with PMMA discs as a control group. All discs were submerged in four beverages (water, coffee, Gatorade, and vodka) at 37°C in an oven for four weeks. Ninety-six discs were fabricated, with six disks per beverage group (4 groups of resins × 4 beverages). Color measurements (L*, a*, and b*) were taken before and after submersion using a spectrophotometer (Vita Easyshade V). The color differences (ΔE) were calculated using the CIEDE2000 formula, and statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA with Tukey’s multiple comparisons test (α < 0.05).
Results: The color change (ΔE) values varied significantly across materials and beverages. Groups CC aged with Gatorade and OnX aged with Vodka showed statistical differences from other groups under different beverages. Coffee and water did not seem to alter the 3D printed resins' color stability.
Conclusions: The study showed that 3D printed resins demonstrate diverse color differences depending on the material and beverage. Acidic and alcoholic beverages such as Gatorade and vodka used in this study seem to affect the color stability of some 3D-printed resins deleteriously. Understanding the susceptibility of these materials to color changes in common beverages provides valuable insight into their limitations and potential for use in restorative dentistry.