Evaluation of the Effect of Various Beverages and Food Materials on the Color Stability of Provisional Materials: An In Vitro Study

Aim This study aims to evaluate the color stability of four provisional materials: polymethyl methacrylate (DPI (R) Self-Cure), 10-ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (Oratemp (R) C&B), bis-acryl composite resin (Systemp (R) C&B, Ivoclar Vivadent), and bis-acryl composite (Systemp (R) C&B, Ivoclar Vivadent) combined with light-cure composite (Fusion Flo (R) LC). Materials and methods A total of 40 specimens were meticulously crafted from modeling wax into discs, each precisely 2 mm thick and 20 mm in diameter. Four provisional materials were packed into molds, yielding 10 specimens for each material group. After mixing and polymerization, the specimens were trimmed and polished. Reflectance spectrophotometers were used for initial color assessments based on the CIELAB color space system. Staining solutions, including coffee, Tata Green Tea, Pepsi, and turmeric, were prepared to mimic dietary agents. Artificial saliva, replicating oral conditions, was formulated and sterilized. The specimens were then immersed in various solutions for 15 days at 37 degrees C. Color measurements were taken on days 2 and 15 using the same spectrophotometer, calculating color differences ( Delta E) from changes in L*, a*, and b* values. Results DPI Self-Cure (polymethyl methacrylate) was found to be the most color-stable temporary restorative material, followed by Vivadent (bis-acryl composite resin), Oratemp (10-ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate), and Fusion Flo (light-cure composite). Fusion Flo exhibited the highest color change by the 15th day. Coffee and green tea demonstrated the greatest potential for causing color changes in the provisional restorative materials. Conclusion DPI Self-Cure exhibited the highest color stability among the provisional materials, with Vivadent and Oratemp following closely behind. Green tea and coffee were the most potent staining agents, while Pepsi and turmeric induced lesser color changes.