The Effect of Aging on Artificial Saliva at Different pH Values on the Color Stability of New Generation Denture Base Materials.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: New-generation denture base materials are used successfully in denture fabrication; however, the effect of saliva pH change on the color stability of materials is unknown.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study is to evaluate the color stability of new-generation denture base materials after immersion in artificial saliva with different pH values (3,7,14).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Disc-shaped samples (Ø 10 mm x 2 mm) were prepared from three different denture base materials (1 pre-polymerized polymethylmethacrylate [PMMA], 1 graphene-reinforced PMMA, and heat-cure polymethyl methacrylate resin) (n=10). After polishing, color coordinates were measured using a PCE-CSM 5 colorimeter programmed in the CIE system (L* a* b*). The samples were kept in artificial saliva at different pH values and 37°C for 21 days. At the end of 21 days, color coordinates were measured again. The suitability of the measurements for a normal distribution was examined with the Kolmogro-Smirnov test. Whether color measurements obtained at different pH levels differed according to groups was examined with the Kruskal-Wallis test. The correlation between the CIEDE2000 and CIELab color difference formulas was examined by correlation analysis.

RESULTS: The highest color difference occurred in heat-cure samples at pH 3 (p<0.001). The color difference at different pH values was least observed in pre-polymerized PMMA samples. Significant color differences occurred in the graphene-reinforced pre-polymerized PMMA group at pH 7 (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that color differences occurred in all groups. Dentures made of new-generation CAD/CAM PMMA, which are less exposed to color differences, can be recommended for elderly patients with systemic diseases who are frequently exposed to pH changes in the oral cavity.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Color differences on denture surfaces over time negatively affect aesthetics. Since pH changes cause changes on the prosthesis surface, it may be recommended for these patients to fabricate dentures from new-generation CAD/CAM PMMA resins, which are less deformable.