Adrian Cândea

Background/Objectives: Tooth discoloration can influence the esthetic outcome of restorative treatments. Recently, 3D-printed ceramic-filled hybrid materials have been introduced for dental restorations using digital workflows. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of 3D-printed ceramic-filled hybrid veneers on the final color of discolored teeth using spectrophotometric measurements. Methods: Twenty-five extracted human anterior teeth without caries or restorations were prepared for veneer restorations using standardized reduction protocols. Artificial discoloration was induced by applying light-cured color coatings to the buccal surfaces of the specimens. The prepared teeth were digitally scanned, and veneers with a thickness of 1 mm were designed and fabricated using a 3D printing system and a ceramic-filled hybrid material. Color measurements were performed with a spectrophotometer and recorded in the Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage L*a*b* (CIELAB) color system. Measurements were obtained at four stages: after creation of discoloration, after two weeks of immersion in physiological saline solution, after veneer placement using neutral try-in gel, and after two months of immersion following veneer placement. Color differences were calculated using three color difference formulas (ΔE*ab, ΔE94, and ΔE00). Results: The placement of the 3D-printed veneers produced substantial modifications in the optical characteristics of the discolored substrates, reflected by reduced chroma values and significant color differences between the baseline and veneer stages. After two months of immersion, only minor variations in color coordinates were observed. The calculated color differences between the veneer stage and the post-immersion stage remained low across all evaluated color difference formulas, indicating good short-term color stability of the veneered specimens. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this pilot in vitro study, 3D-printed ceramic-filled hybrid veneers demonstrated the ability to effectively modify the color of discolored substrates while maintaining relatively stable optical properties after two months of immersion. These restorations may represent a promising and cost-effective option for the esthetic management of discolored teeth.

Caries control is essential for the long-term success of dental restorations, and the frequent use of mouthwashes may influence the esthetic properties of restorative materials. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of several commercially available mouthwashes on the color stability of resin-based CAD/CAM restorative materials. Three CAD/CAM materials were investigated: a hybrid ceramic (Cerasmart), a polymer-infiltrated ceramic (Vita Enamic), and a reinforced composite (Brilliant Crios). Rectangular specimens were immersed in Eludril Classic, Listerine Total Care, Listerine Advanced White, and distilled water (control). Color measurements were performed at baseline and after immersion periods up to 24 h using a digital spectrophotometer, and color differences (ΔE₀₀) were calculated. Statistical analysis revealed that both mouthwash type and immersion time had a statistically significant effect on color change (p ≤ 0.05). All tested materials exhibited ΔE₀₀ values exceeding the clinically acceptable threshold. These findings suggest that prolonged mouthwash use may compromise the esthetic longevity of resin-based CAD/CAM restorations. The null hypothesis was that prolonged use of mouthwash does not influence the color of resin-based CAD/CAM materials especially for those containing alcohol.

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) facial scanning is an objective, non-invasive method for quantifying facial soft-tissue changes following complete denture (CD) rehabilitation. Reliable quantification of these changes in completely edentulous patients can support more predictable aesthetic and functional outcomes. Methods: This prospective before–after observational study included 30 completely edentulous patients (12 men, 18 women; age 48–87 years; mean ± SD: 67.8 ± 9.2 years) who received new maxillary and mandibular CDs. Structured-light 3D facial scans were obtained at baseline (edentulous, without dentures) and post-rehabilitation with dentures in place, in relaxed posture (RP) and maximal intercuspation (MI). Sixty-five validated anthropometric landmarks were analyzed. Primary outcomes were lower facial height (Sn-Gn), nasolabial angle (Cm-Sn-Ls), lower facial convexity (Ls-Li-Pg), mouth width (Ch-Ch), and upper vermilion height (Ls-Sto). Pre–post changes were assessed using paired-sample tests (p < 0.05). Results: Thirty-four of 65 parameters (52.3%) demonstrated significant post-treatment changes (p < 0.05), mainly in the perioral and lower facial regions. The reported parameters were selected due to their clinical relevance in evaluating perioral support and facial profile changes after complete denture treatment. In RP, upper lip thickness increased from 3.69 ± 0.97 mm to 4.96 ± 1.11 mm (Δ = +1.27 mm; p < 0.0001) and lower lip thickness from 6.18 ± 2.69 mm to 7.36 ± 1.52 mm (Δ = +1.18 mm; p = 0.0408). The nasolabial angle decreased from 116.08 ± 9.17° to 108.06 ± 9.56° (Δ = −8.02°; p = 0.0016). In MI, mouth width increased from 55.72 ± 3.43 mm to 57.97 ± 3.13 mm (Δ = +2.25 mm; p = 0.0102). Conclusions: Complete denture rehabilitation produces measurable, clinically relevant improvements in facial soft-tissue morphology in completely edentulous patients, particularly affecting lip support, mouth width, and the nasolabial profile. Structured-light 3D facial scanning provides a reproducible approach to objective outcome assessment and may support individualized denture design.