Air-Polishing Powders’ Effect on the Color of CAD/CAM Restorative Materials

Air-polishing powders are used to remove stains from the enamel and various restorative materials, but their effect on the discoloration of CAD/CAM blocks remains scarce. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of various air-polishing powders on the color changes in different CAD/CAM blocks to predict the esthetic outcomes. Specimens were prepared from CAD/CAM blocks (Vita Mark II, Paradigm MZ100, Lava Ultimate, Cerasmart, Vita Enamic) and divided into five groups (n = 10) according to the air-polishing powder: sodium bicarbonate; aluminum trihydroxide; calcium carbonate; glycine; and erythritol. Color parameters were measured with a spectrophotometer before and after air-polishing. The color difference was calculated with the ΔE₀₀ formula. Data were statistically evaluated with one-way ANOVA, Tukey, and two-way ANOVA tests (α = 0.05). The CAD/CAM block type and the air-polishing powder type significantly influenced the ΔE₀₀ value, whereas their interactions did not affect it significantly. Calcium carbonate and aluminum trihydroxide significantly increased the ΔE₀₀ values of Lava Ultimate and Cerasmart. Although none of the groups exceeded the acceptability threshold (ΔE₀₀ = 1.8), most exceeded the perceptibility threshold (ΔE₀₀ = 0.8). Consequently, dentists should avoid air-polishing or should repolish with care, depending on restorative material knowledge, to maintain color stability when uncertain about the material encountered clinically.