Chromatic stability of light-activated resin and heat-cure acrylic resin submitted to accelerated aging

Statement of the problemSeveral denture base resins providing easier/or faster processing have recently been introduced. Even though these materials have improved physical properties, their color stability is also of vital interest.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine quantitatively the effect of different colorant solutions on the color stability of Eclipse (visible-light-activated resin) in comparison to Lucitone-199 (heat-cure acrylic resin).Materials and methodsTwenty one specimens from two tested materials, Eclipse (visible-light-activated resin) and Lucitone-199 (heat-cure acrylic resin) were prepared and stored for 24 h at 37 °C in distilled water. In a dimmed atmosphere, seven specimens of each tested material were stored in different colorant solutions (strawberry, coffee, and tea). Using a computer-controlled spectrophotometer, color measurements among the specimens were done before and after 252, 504, and 1008 h of immersion in the colorant solutions. Data were statistically analyzed.ResultsRanova test showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the color change mean values for Eclipse and Lucitone-199 at 252, 504, and 1008 h of accelerated aging. While paired t-test showed no significant difference of means in the color changes between the measuring intervals of each colorant solution with Eclipse. Lucitone-199 showed significant differences especially with coffee and tea colorant solutions.ConclusionsEclipse denture base material is significantly more color stable than the Lucitone-199. Tea has the highest discoloration effect on Eclipse, but within the acceptable clinical levels. On the other hand, coffee has more discoloration effect on Lucitone-199, while, the least staining effect was caused by strawberry colorant solution on both Eclipse and Lucitone-199.