Staining susceptibility of dental composite resins with various nano-filler technologies

Abstract

Background: Discoloration of dental composite restoration is a common problem that usually results in refurbishing or replacement or even removal of the restoration. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the color stability of polished composite resin material with different filler technologies. Methodology: Three composites were studied; Filtek™ Z350 XT (3M, ESPE, St. Paul, USA) [Group-I] that has nano-cluster filler particles, Brilliant EverGlow™ (Coltene/Whaledent® AG, Altstatten, Switzerland) [Group-II] which consists of submicron barium glass fillers and pre-polymerized fillers and Ceram.X® Sphere TEC™ (Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany) [Group-III] with advanced granulated filler technology composite. Twenty standardized composite discs were prepared with each composite resin, and it was polished with Sof-Lex disks (3M, ESPE, St. Paul, USA). The baseline color was then recorded using a spectrophotometer (X-Rite PANTONE® iPro-2, Michigan). Eight samples from each group were then subdivided and immersed into freshly prepared solutions of turmeric, coffee, and four samples into distilled water for a total period of 3 hours/day for 30 days. Following this, the color was again recorded. Statistical analysis: The change in color (ΔE) was calculated, and the data obtained were subjected to Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney test. Results: A significant difference was seen between the staining characteristics of Group-III and Group-I (p<0.05). The mean color change in the values was highest in Ceram.X that was clinically unacceptable (ΔE>3.3). Conclusion: Though all composites revealed color changes after their immersion into the staining solutions, the amount of stain varied based on their constituents and filler characteristics.