Comparative Evaluation of the Color Stability and Clinical performance of bulk-filled composites: A Split-mouth Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Bulk fill composites are relatively novel and are a boon to esthetic dentistry, as they decrease the chairside time during the restoration while offering as good esthetics and clinical performance as incrementally filled composites. This study was conducted to find out the best composite regarding its color stability and clinical performance among bulk-filled and incrementally-filled composite restorations. Materials and methods: It was a split-mouth randomized controlled trial conducted on 16 patients with 2 anterior teeth each indicated for composite restoration. One tooth was restored using incremental fill composite and the other using bulk-fill composite, the choice of which was made randomly. The patient was recalled after 1 year. Standardized photographs were taken immediately after the restoration and at 1-yearfollow-up, which was analyzed using Image J software for color stability. Clinical performance was evaluated using modified USPHS criteria. Statistical analysis: The comparison of the greyscale values of color stability was done using Paired t-test. The various parameters indicating the clinical performance were compared between the two groups using McNemar’s Chi-square test. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the mean color change between bulk fill and incremental fill composites at 1-year follow-up (p =0.806). Clinical evaluation of the restorations done using the modified USPHS criteria also showed statistically no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: The bulk-fill composite performed similarly to incrementally filled composites in terms of color stability and clinical performance.