Color Changes of a Polyolefin Thermoplastic Resin Used for Flexible Partial Dentures

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the color changes of samples of a flexible resin used as base of removable dentures in contact with coloring agents found in the diet. Twelve samples of iFlex™ by TCS® were placed in three solutions – coffee, curry and Coca-cola®. Color measurements were performed using the PCE-CSM 5 colorimeter programmed in the CIE system (L* a* b*), before the immersion, after 24 h and 10 days. Color difference (ΔE*) was evaluated and the NBS values determined. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM® SPSS® Statistics program. After 1 day, there was statistically significant color differences in coffee and curry groups. On the 10th day, there was no clinical perception regarding the color change of the samples immerged in coffee and coca-cola but in the curry group the differences were marked. The flexible resin tested does not exhibit color stability when immersed in some coloring substances, which is a critical factor for the maintenance of the prostheses appearance and durability.