Fizzy impact: Evaluating microhardness of CAD/CAM dental materials post carbonated drink exposure: An in-vitro study

Abstract

Objective: This study focused to evaluate and compare the effect of carbonated beverage exposure on the surface microhardness of two CAD/CAM milled temporary restorative materials: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Materials and Methods: Eighteen rectangular specimens (6x5x4 mm) were fabricated-nine each from PEEK and PMMA. Vickers microhardness values were recorded at different time intervals (baseline = T0), (7 days = T1), and (28 days = T2) after immersion in Coca-Cola (pH 2.5). Each specimen underwent three indentations per time point. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess intra-group and inter-group differences across the time intervals. Results: Both materials exhibited a statistically significant reduction in microhardness over time. PEEK consistently showed higher microhardness than PMMA across all time points. The greatest loss in microhardness was observed between T0 and T2, with PMMA demonstrating a more pronounced decline than PEEK. Conclusion: Exposure to carbonated drinks significantly compromises the microhardness of CAD/CAM restorative materials, with PMMA being more susceptible than PEEK. These findings highlight the need for patients to limit carbonated beverage consumption to enhance the longevity of dental restorations.