Evaluation of the Color Stability of Multilayer Zirconia After Exposure to Staining Solutions and Artificial Aging

Background/Objectives: Multilayer zirconia restorations can feature a shade gradient or a strength gradient, with layers differing in color or phase composition within the same material. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the color stability in all layers of multilayer zirconia after exposure to staining solutions and artificial aging. Methods: Square-shaped specimens (N = 120) of color A2 were fabricated from 4Y-PSZ and 3Y/4Y-PSZ multilayer zirconia—Katana STML, DD Cube One ML, and Katana YML—and their baseline color values (T0) were measured with a clinical spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade V). The specimens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10/gp) and immersed in physiologic solution, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) mouth rinse, and staining coffee solution. Then, they were measured continuously for 7 (T1), 14 (T2), and 21 days (T3). The last group of specimens underwent accelerated aging in a steam autoclave at 134 °C and 2 bar pressure and measured after 1 (T1), 3 (T2), and 5 h (T3). After the immersion process and artificial aging, discoloration values (ΔE) were calculated using the formula ΔE = [(ΔL*)² + (Δa*)² + (Δb*)²]^1/2 and analyzed with the SPSS v 23.0 software with a p value < 0.05. Results: All specimens showed significant color differences in the T3 measurements after exposure to coffee and CHX, with the highest ΔE values in the enamel layers. Katana YML showed the most significant differences in ΔE in the cervical layers after exposure to artificial aging. Conclusions: Multilayer zirconia exhibited dependent optical changes, with the enamel layers being the most affected after exposure to staining solutions. Gradient pigmentation and differences in phase composition caused differences in color to the multilayer zirconia layers after exposure to staining solutions and artificial aging.