Clear thermoplastic materials have increased in popularity in the dental field due to their various applications, combination of excellent aesthetics, and good biomechanical behavior, but they may be influenced by different environmental conditions. The purpose of the present study was to assess the topographical and optical characteristics of thermoplastic dental appliances materials relative to water sorption. PET-G polyester thermoplastic materials were evaluated in this study. Related to water uptake and desiccation stages, surface roughness was analyzed, and three-dimensional AFM profiles were generated for nano-roughness measurements. Optical CIE L*a*b* coordinates were recorded and parameters like translucency (TP), contrast ratio for the opacity (CR), and opalescence (OP) were derived. Levels of color changes were achieved. Statistical analyses were performed. Water uptake significantly increases the specific weight of the materials, and after desiccation, the mass decreases. Roughness increased after water immersion as well. Regression coefficients indicated a positive correlation between TP and a* and between OP and b*. Studied PET-G materials have a different behavior to water exposure, but for all their specific weight, they increased significantly within the first 12 h. It is accompanied by an increase in the roughness values, even if they continue to be kept below the critical mean surface roughness. On nano-level, 3D images show an increase in inhomogeneity in the network structure of particles. Slight color changes were registered.
Keywords: optical characteristics; surface topography; thermoplastic PET-G materials; water sorption.