In vitro color stability of provisional crown and bridge restoration materials

Discoloration of provisional restorations can be an esthetic problem, especially when the treatment plan requires long-term provisionalization. In this study, therefore, we examined the effects of staining solution on the color stability of these provisional crown and bridge restoration materials: Structur, Temdent, and Tab 2000. Treatment solutions were namely carrot juice, tea, cola, light cola, and distilled water. Thirty samples were prepared for each type of provisional material, such that a total of 90 samples were prepared. The color value of each sample was measured with a colorimeter at baseline and after one day, one week, two weeks, and four weeks of immersion in various treatment solutions. Results were determined using the CIELAB system. Color change data were calculated and subjected to two-way analysis of variance. To examine significant interactions, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons test were performed to identify differences between the solutions (p <= 0.05). After four weeks of treatment, color difference values were found to range from 0.20 to 3.99 Delta E* units. The highest color difference values were obtained in carrot juice, cola, and tea with Structur samples after four weeks, where these values were categorized as "noticeable" and "unacceptable" color change values. Based on the results of this study, we do not recommend amine-containing Structur to be used as a provisional crown and bridge restorative material for treatments of a longer duration.