Effect of Food-Simulating Liquids on the Hydrolytic Behavior of Resin Matrix Ceramics.

This article investigates the hydrolytic behavior of five different computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin matrix ceramics (RMCs), including one polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) and four resin-based composites (RBCs), after exposure to various food-simulating liquids (FSLs) such as artificial saliva, heptane, citric acid, and ethanol. The study measured parameters including sorption, solubility, and mass change over 30 days at 37°C, finding statistically significant differences in hydrolytic behavior depending on both the material composition and the liquid environment, though all values remained below ISO threshold limits for clinical acceptability. Results suggest that factors beyond polymer content—such as filler distribution, polymer matrix type, fabrication protocols, surface treatments, and patients' dietary habits—influence the hydrolytic stability of RMCs. The authors conclude that clinical success and longevity of RMC restorations depend on appropriate material selection and patient-specific considerations, especially regarding exposure to acidic and alcoholic substances.