Effects of chemical disinfectants on surface characteristics and color of three fixed prosthodontic crown materials

Abstract

Statement of problem. Dental restorations should reproduce similar optical effects as natural tooth structure to achieve a good color match. Mismatch can result in unsatisfactory shade matching. Purpose. This study determined whether chemical disinfectants affected the surface texture and color of 3 fixed prosthodontic materials. Material and methods. Five chemical disinfectants (Clorox, Banicide, Cidex-7, Biocide, and Multicide) in combination with 3 restorative materials (Dicor, Vita VMK ceramometal porcelain, Midas ADA type III noble casting alloy) were evaluated at 4 different times of immersion (10 minutes, 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 7 days). Changes from baseline for surface roughness and color were evaluated. Surface roughness data were recorded with a surface analyzer and color data in CIE L*a*b* color space were measured with a colorimeter. Data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance and single factor analysis of variance. Results. There were no statistical differences in surface roughness among disinfectants and restorative materials. However, there were statistical differences of changes in color, increase in ΔE and decrease in ΔL, among disinfectants and the noble casting alloy. Conclusion. Only 2 of the 3 materials evaluated, Dicor and Vita VMK ceramometal porcelain, can be used with all 5 disinfectants up to 7 days of immersion. Three chemical disinfectants (Biocide, Clorox, and Multicide) caused clinically significant color changes with the noble casting alloy after 7 days of immersion. (J Prosthet Dent 1999;82:600-7.)