Color stability of heat polymerized complete dentures and 3D printed CAD/CAM dentures: a cross-over clinical study

Background/aim Color stability of complete dentures is one of the most significant aspects that affect the success of complete dentures (CD) and improve the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, the present clinical crossover research targeted to assess and compare the color stability of conventional heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) CDs and three-dimensional (3D)-printed dentures and their effect on the ‘oral health-related quality of life’ (OHRQoL). Patients and methods Twenty completely edentulous patients aged from 45 to 75 received two sets of CDs. The first denture set was polymethyl methacrylate CD (group I), and the patients were instructed to use it for 3 months. Then after 3 months, the patients were instructed to wear the 3D-printed CD set (group II) and use it for another 3 months. The color change of the CD’s base was evaluated at denture insertion after 1 and 3 months using a spectrophotometer. The ‘OHRQoL ’ was used to assess patient satisfaction at the end of the treatment of every denture set. Statistical analysis was accomplished through an independent t test and one-way analysis of variance. Results Regarding the color change of the CD denture base at denture insertion, there was an insignificant distinction between group I and group II (P>0.05). While after 1 and 3 months, group I showed a significant increase in the color change when compared with group II (P<0.05). When comparing the color change in each group during the different follow-up periods, the color change was significantly increased in both groups (P<0.05). In terms of ‘OHRQoL,’ there was a significant distinction between group I and group II (P<0.05). Group II (18.89) scored less than group I (43.42). Conclusion 3D-printed CDs exhibit good color stability when compared with conventional CDs. The OHRQoL revealed that 3D-printed CDs have more patient satisfaction than conventional CDs.