Color Stability and Surface Roughness of CAD/CAM Hybrid Ceramics and Resin Composites After Simulated Toothbrushing in Coffee: An In Vitro Study

The long-term esthetic performance of indirect restorations is closely related to the color stability and surface integrity of the restorative materials used. With the increasing use of CAD/CAM technologies, a wide range of ceramic- and resin-based materials have been developed for indirect restorative applications. These include feldspathic ceramics (VITA Mark II, VITA Zahnfabrik), hybrid ceramics (VITA Enamic, VITA Zahnfabrik), resin nanoceramic CAD/CAM blocks (Lava Ultimate, 3M), and indirect microhybrid resin composites (GC Posterior, GC Corporation). However, these materials are continuously exposed to chemical and mechanical challenges in the oral environment, such as staining from beverages and daily toothbrushing, which may compromise their optical and surface properties over time. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the color change (ΔE) and surface roughness (Ra) of these materials after repeated coffee immersion and simulated toothbrushing. A total of 240 disk-shaped specimens were fabricated and subjected to three aging cycles consisting of storage in coffee or distilled water, followed by simulated toothbrushing with or without toothpaste. The color parameters were measured using a spectrophotometer according to the CIE Lab* system, surface roughness was assessed using a contact profilometer, and surface topography was qualitatively analyzed by atomic force microscopy. The results demonstrated that coffee immersion significantly increased both color change and surface roughness for all tested materials, with more pronounced effects observed in resin-based materials. Ceramic-based CAD/CAM materials (VITA Mark II and VITA Enamic) showed greater resistance to discoloration and surface degradation, whereas the resin nanoceramic material (Lava Ultimate) and the microhybrid resin composite (GC Posterior) exhibited clinically perceptible color changes and higher roughness values, particularly after toothbrushing with toothpaste.