Effect of Printing Layer Thickness on the Color Stability and Surface Roughness of Three-dimensional Printed Resin Material Immersed in Different Aging Media: An In Vitro Study

Purpose: To investigate the effect of printing layer thickness on the color stability and surface roughness of three-dimensional (3D)-printed resin material. Materials and methods: A total of 45 specimens of interim crowns for the maxillary left central incisor were 3D printed using the D-Tech crown and bridge material. The specimens were fabricated and grouped (<i>n</i> = 15 each) in three different layer thicknesses: group I: 50 microns, group II: 75 microns, and group III: 100 microns. The specimens of each group were immersed in three different aging media (distilled water, tea, and carbonated drink) (<i>n</i> = 5 each). The color values were measured with a spectrophotometer at baseline and different time points (1, 15, and 30 days). The surface roughness (Ra) of resin specimens was measured by a perthometer. The statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a multiple comparison test. Intragroup comparison within each group was done using repeated ANOVA <i>F</i>-test followed by a Bonferroni <i>post hoc</i> test. Results: The greatest color stability was shown by 100-micron layer thickness samples immersed in different aging media (mean color change values in distilled water 1.915, tea 2.437, and carbonated drink 5.089) (<i>p</i> = 0.001). 50-micron layer thickness samples showed the least color stability (3.173, 3.551, and 6.023, respectively) (<i>p</i> = 0.001). Most discoloration of samples was seen when immersed in carbonated drink. Surface roughness decreased with a decrease in layer thickness (50 microns = 0.339) and increased with greater layer thickness (100 microns = 0.638) of the 3D-printed materials, and the difference was significant (<i>p</i> = 0.001). Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it was found that as the printing layer thickness increases, the color stability as well as the surface roughness of the 3D-printed resin material increases. In areas where esthetics are crucial, a thicker layer may be suggested for improved color stability. On the contrary, in regions prone to plaque buildup, a thinner layer might be recommended to reduce surface roughness. How to cite this article: Mahajan S, Gopan G, Bhatawadekar SD, <i>et al.</i> Effect of Printing Layer Thickness on the Color Stability and Surface Roughness of Three-dimensional Printed Resin Material Immersed in Different Aging Media: An <i>In Vitro</i> Study. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2025;15(1):36–40.