Does translucency influence cure efficiency and color stability of resin-based composites?

Changes in optical properties of aesthetic paediatric restorative materials following exposure to beverages: In-vitro study

PURPOSE

Optical properties of recent aesthetic restorative materials must maintain an acceptable appearance throughout their functional lifetime. This study aimed to assess the changes in translucency and colour of recent resin-based restorative materials after exposure to beverages commonly consumed by children.

METHODS

An experimental in-vitro study on 48 discs specimens prepared from; Group I: Filtek Z250 XT (Nanohybrid), Group II: Cention N (Alkasite bulkfill), and Group III: SDR flow Plus (Flowable bulkfill). The prepared disc specimens were randomly assigned into 4 subgroups (n = 12) according to the immersion solution: Subgroup A (control): distilled water, B: Coca-Cola, C: chocolate milk, and D: Orange juice. Translucency and colour measurements were done before immersion (baseline) and on day 30 of exposure. Statistical analysis involved Two Way Repeated Measures ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis revealed that the restorative material, immersion time, and immersion solution had a significant effect on the change in translucency (p < 0.0001*, p < 0.0001*, p = 0.001*, respectively). Regarding colour changes, different immersion solutions had a statistically significant effect on Filtek Z250 XT and Cention N (p < 0.0001*). Distilled water and Coca-Cola were found to have a significant effect on colour change for all restorative materials investigated (p < 0.0001*, p = 0.003*).

CONCLUSION

the optical properties of resin-based restorative materials used in paediatric dentistry were notably affected by prolonged exposure to beverages commonly consumed by children.

Does different application modes of universal adhesives with universal resin composites affect the microleakage in class V cavities? An in vitro study

AIM

Composite restorations often have gingival margins near the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), where the microleakage of these margins can significantly contribute to the restoration failure, especially in the cervical lesions. It is important to determine the microleakage is crucial, as it typically occurs through the interfacial gap between the tooth and the restoration. Various resin composites and techniques have been developed to minimize this gap and reduce the risk of microleakage. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the levels of microleakage of different modes of a universal adhesive and two novel resin composites in restoring class V cavities in the central incisors.

METHODS

Sixty-six freshly extracted sound human central incisors of the similar size were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n = 33 per group) according to the brand of resin composite. Each group was further divided into 3 subgroups based on the Scotch Bond Universal (3 M ESPE, Saint Paul, MN, USA) application protocol used: (a) total etch, (b) self-etch and (c) selective etch. After composite restoration completed with Omnichroma (Tokuyama Dental Corp., Tokyo, Japan) and Filtek Universal Restorative (3 M ESPE, Saint Paul, MN, USA), each tooth was immersed in a 0.5% basic fuchsin dye solution at 37C0 for 24 h. After dye penetration, teeth were sectioned and evaluated with conventional (scoring) and digital methods (ImageJ). The intra- and inter-examiner agreement was estimated according to the Kappa statistics and the results were analyzed with the one-way ANNOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The rates of microleakage of the gingival and incisal margins are statistically similar, regardless of the composite brand and the method of application of the universal adhesive.

CONCLUSION

The microleakage exhibited by current adhesives and resins is independent of the adhesive application mode and measurement method.

Relined fiberglass posts: influence of resin opacity on the bond strength to intraradicular dentin

This study aimed to evaluate the bond strength between relined fiberglass posts with different composite resin opacities in different thirds of the intraradicular dentin. Thirty single-rooted premolars were endodontically treated and divided into three groups (n=10): fiberglass posts relined with translucent composite resin, fiberglass posts relined with opaque composite resin, and fiberglass posts without relining. After cementation of the posts, the specimens were cut perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth in slices of approximately 1.3 mm of each third to be analyzed (cervical, middle, and apical) and then subjected to the push-out test. The bond strength (MPa) data were subjected to Shapiro-Wilk normality tests and two-way repeated measures analysis of variance, considering the experimental groups and different regions as study factors. Tukey's post-hoc test (p<.05) was applied for comparisons between the groups. In the cervical third, higher values of bond strength were found for the group relined with translucent resin, with a statistically significant difference for the other groups. In the other regions, both opaque and translucent resins showed similar results, but both showed higher values of bond strength compared to fiberglass posts without relining. The bond strength of fiberglass posts to different thirds of intraradicular dentin is influenced by composite resin relining as well as the opacity of the resin. The use of translucent composite resin is a more effective alternative for fiberglass posts relining.

Color stability and translucency of newly developed composites for splinting teeth

This study aimed to investigate the colorimetric properties of newly developed composites for dental trauma splints using various staining solutions during the clinical splinting period. The clear shades of G-Fix (GF), Ortho Connect Flow (OC), Light Fix (LF), and Filtek Z350XT (FZ) were fabricated into 96 disk-shaped specimens. Specimens from each composite group were stored in distilled water, coffee, tea, and red wine solutions at 37ºC. CIE values were measured using a spectrophotometer at 24 h after specimen preparation and at 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks after storage in each solution. Color differences and translucency parameters were calculated using the initial and measured values. Within the experiment period, the color differences of GF, OC, and LF compared to the initial measurement were smaller than that for FZ for all staining solutions except distilled water. There were no significant color differences between the GF, OC, and LF groups.

Effect of shade and opacity on color differences and translucency of resin composite veneers over lighter and darker substrates

To evaluate color differences (ΔE00) and translucency parameters (TP) from mono, bi, and trilayer resin composite veneers using different opacities and shades of resin composite over lighter and darker simulated tooth-colored substrates. Mono, bi, and trilayer veneers (1.5 mm) (n = 12) were made using two shades (A1 and A2) and three opacities (enamel, body, and dentin) of resin composite over simulated lighter (A1) and darker (C4, and C4+) tooth-colored substrates. CIEDE2000 formula was used to calculate ΔE00 considering simulated tooth-colored substrate versus opacities in distinct mono, bi, and trilayer combinations of resin composite over the simulated tooth-colored substrate. The TP was calculated using color coordinates measured over standard white and black backgrounds. Differences in ΔE00 and TP values were calculated with a Three-way Analysis of Variance followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. A1E and A1B monolayer veneers showed similar TP values. Significantly higher ΔE00 values were observed over darker (C4 and C4+), and lower over lighter (A1) simulated tooth-colored substrate. Bilayer and trilayer veneers using dentin opacity provided similar ΔE00 values over the darker tooth-colored substrate. Distinct shades and opacities of resin composite layer combinations over lighter and darker tooth-colored substrates significantly affected TP and ΔE00 values. A1 shade and dentin opacity of monolayer resin composite veneers yielded higher ΔE00 values over darker tooth-colored substrates.

Influence of using different translucent composite resins for customizing fiber post on the bond strength of self-adhesive cement to root dentin

This study evaluated the influence of different translucent resins (Z350 and Opallis) for customizing fiber posts and light-curing the cementation system using different LED equipment (V, Valo or R, Radii-Cal) on the bond strength and adhesive failure pattern at 24 h and 6 months. Eighty roots were prepared and divided into 4 groups (n=20): ZV (Z350 resin and LED Valo), ZR (Z350 resin and LED Radii-Cal), OV (Opallis resin and LED Valo), OR (Opallis resin and LED Radii-Cal). After post space preparation, the fiber post was customized and cemented with self-adhesive cement and light-curing using V or R LED equipment. Bond strength values were submitted to 2-way ANOVA test. ZV and ZR showed higher bond strength values than the other groups at 6 months of evaluation (p<0.05). The Z350 resin has a favorable influence on the bond strength of self-adhesive cement to root dentin, regardless of the LED polymerization equipment used.

Effect of layering strategy and prolonged water aging on masking ability of composite resins

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Layered composite resins may adequately mask discolored substrates. However, whether color changes that occur over time affect masking ability is unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of layering and water aging on the masking ability of 2 composite resins.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Disk specimens (1.5 mm-thick and shade A1) from Charisma Diamond (CD) and Filtek Z350XT (Z350) were made according to the composite resin shade combination used in the layering strategies: bilayer for CD (enamel/dentin) and for Z350 (enamel/body and enamel/dentin) and trilayer for Z350 (enamel/body/dentin) (n=5). Color measurements were obtained with a spectrophotometer over an A3.5 ceramic substrate, and the whiteness index for dentistry (WID) was calculated. The specimens were aged in water at 37 °C and evaluated at different times: 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months. CIEDE2000 color differences (ΔE00) and WID differences (ΔWID) were calculated and interpreted by 50:50% color and whiteness perceptibility and acceptability thresholds. Changes among strategies and aging times were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (α=.05). Contrasts were made using the Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction (α=.001).

RESULTS

ΔE00 decreased from 24 hours to 2 months of aging. From 2 months onwards, ΔE00 increased for all layering strategies and times, without significant changes in lightness for CD (P>.004). Overall, for the CD restorative system, an increase in ΔWID was observed after 1 month of aging (P<.001), while for the Z350 restorative system, ΔWID decreased after aging (P<.001), except for the Z350 bilayer strategy (enamel + dentin) at 1 week and 2 months (P>.004). For all layering strategies and aging times, color differences were higher than the 50:50% perceptibility threshold for ΔE00 and, after 6 months, higher than the 50:50% acceptability threshold for ΔE00 and the 50:50% whiteness acceptability threshold.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of the tested composite resins to mask a discolored substrate was affected by the layering approach applied and by prolonged water aging.

Color change of glass ceramic restorations cemented by four types of dual-cured resin luting agents with different initiator systems

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effect of dual-cured resin luting agents with different initiator systems on the color stability of glass ceramic restorations by simulating various clinical glass ceramic restorations. Three commonly used shades from each of the two dual-cured resin luting agents with an amine-initiation system or without it were studied. The individual specimens had different translucency and thickness and were artificially aged using a xenon light aging machine. The color was measured before and after aging using a digital spectrophotometer with the difference calculated and analyzed statistically. As results, the amine-free dual-cured resin luting agents were more color stable than those using amine-initiation systems for both uncovered and bonding groups. The translucency and thickness of the ceramic, and shade and type of the resin luting agent significantly affected the color stability of glass ceramic restorations.

Influence of the self-adhering strategy on microhardness, sorption, solubility, color stability, and cytotoxicity compared to bulk-fill and conventional resin composites

OBJECTIVES

To analyze and compare, in vitro, the microhardness, sorption, solubility, color stability, and cytotoxicity of three types of resin composites: self-adhesive (SARC) (Dyad Flow (DF)/Kerr), bulk-fill (Filtek Bulk Fill Flow (FBF)/3 M ESPE), and conventional (Filtek Z350XT Flow (Z350)/3 M ESPE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty cylindrical specimens were prepared using a split metal mold (15 mm × 1 mm), divided into 3 groups (n = 10) according to the material used. Vickers hardness (VH) was calculated from three indentations (300gf/15 s) per specimen. The sorption and solubility were measured according to the ISO 4049:2009 specification after storing in distilled water for 7 days. The color of each resin composite was measured using a portable digital spectrophotometer according to the CIELAB system. After a 7-day immersion in coffee, the color variation (∆E) was calculated. Following the ISO 10993:2012, the cytotoxicity in Vero cells was evaluated through the MTT assay. The results were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the studied groups. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the assessments in each studied group. For cytotoxicity analysis, the data were compared by the ANOVA test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

DF showed the lowest VH (28.67), highest sorption (0.543 µg/mm³) and solubility (1.700 µg/mm³), and higher ∆E after 7 days of coffee immersion (p = 0.008). The resin composites studied were considered non-cytotoxic.

CONCLUSIONS

The SARC presented inferior mechanical and physical-chemical properties than bulk-fill and conventional resin composites, with comparable cytotoxicity against Vero cells.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The simplification of the clinical protocol of SARC can minimize the number of possible failures during the restorative technique. However, considering their inferior physical and mechanical properties, their coverage with materials of higher mechanical properties and physical-chemical stability should be considered.

Color stability of resin-based composites: Staining procedures with liquids-A narrative review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to review the experimental staining procedures performed in in-vitro studies for evaluating color stability of resin-based composites used for direct restorations.

OVERVIEW

A review was performed with the purpose to identify in vitro procedures carried out to establish staining and color stability of resin-based composites used for direct restorations. A literature search was performed on four online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science) for articles published from January 1st 2001 till March 20th 2021, using a combination of free words and Medical Subject Headings (MESH) terms: "Composite Resins" AND "Color Stability" OR "Staining." Two reviewers screened titles and/or abstracts of 1728 unique studies. In total, 208 studies were selected for full-text reading, from which 178 were included in the review. The assessed variables were specimen dimensions, shape, and surface finishing; time before immersion; staining media type, dwell time, temperature and renewal interval; type of composite; color and translucency assessment parameters and measuring system. One hundred and seventy-eight articles analyzed color stability with staining liquids. Coffee was the most used staining medium (n = 102), followed by tea (n = 61), and red wine (n = 55). A disc-shaped specimen was used in most studies (n = 170) with a 2 mm thickness (n = 116). Spectrophotometers were the most used color assessment devices (n = 154), followed by colorimeters (n = 17). Color differences were quantified with ΔE (n = 154), ΔE00 (n = 23). Acceptability and or perceptibility thresholds were also taken into consideration (n = 126).

CONCLUSIONS

The large variety of staining procedure suggests the need for standardization.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Aesthetic failure due to discoloration is a relevant clinical problem. Evaluating benefits and drawbacks of resin based composites artificial staining procedures will improve to predict materials clinical performances.

Glass fiber posts relining: can composite opacity influence retention to root canal dentin?

This study aimed at evaluating the influence of glass-fiber post (GFP) relining with composites of different opacities on resin cement layer thickness (CLT), bond strength (BS) to root dentin, and resin cement degree of conversion (DC%). Standardized roots of 52 bovine incisors had their canals prepared and were distributed into 4 groups (n = 10 for CLT and BS; n = 3 for DC%) according to the post used: WP3 (Control)-Whitepost DC3; groups DE, EN and TR-Whitepost DC0.5 relined, respectively, with dentin, enamel, and translucent shade composites. After cementation, specimens were sectioned into six 1.0 mm-thick discs that were submitted to push-out BS test. CLT and failure pattern were evaluated using a stereomicroscope and DC% by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). The control group showed greater CLT than all relined groups (p < 0.05), which did not differ from each other (p > 0.05). Groups relined with low opacity composites (TR; EN) showed the highest BS and DC% means (p < 0.05). BS was not different among root thirds (p > 0.05), while DC% decreased from cervical to apical third (p < 0.05). Adhesive failures between cement and dentin were predominant, except for group DE with frequent mixed failures. It could be concluded that composite opacity did not influence CLT, which was thinner when GFP were relined and that relining GFP with lower opacity composites led to higher BS and DC%.

Experimental Dental Composites Containing a Novel Methacrylate-Functionalized Calcium Phosphate Component: Evaluation of Bioactivity and Physical Properties

The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize a novel methacrylate-functionalized calcium phosphate (MCP) to be used as a bioactive compound for innovative dental composites. The characterization was accomplished by attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The incorporation of MCP as a bioactive filler in esthetic dental composite formulations and the ability of MCP containing dental composites to promote the precipitation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on the surfaces of those dental composites was explored. The translucency parameter, depth of cure, degree of conversion, ion release profile, and other physical properties of the composites were studied with respect to the amount of MCP added to the composites. Composite with 3 wt.% MCP showed the highest flexural strength and translucency compared to the control composite and composites with 6 wt.% and 20 wt.% MCP. The progress of the surface precipitation of hydroxyapatite on the MCP containing dental composites was studied by systematically increasing the MCP content in the composite and the time of specimen storage in Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered solution with calcium and magnesium. The results suggested that good bioactivity properties are exhibited by MCP containing composites. A direct correlation between the percentage of MCP in a composite formulation, the amount of time the specimen was stored in PBS, and the deposition of hydroxyapatite on the composite's surface was observed.

Oxygen Inhibition of Surface Composites and Its Correlation with Degree of Conversion and Color Stability

This study investigated the effects of oxygen inhibition and finishing/polishing procedures on the composite resin properties. One bulk-fill and two conventional composite resins (nanoparticle and microhybrid) were evaluated. Specimens were prepared using 4 surface treatments: control, no treatment; Gly, oxygen inhibition with glycerin; FP, finishing and polishing; Gly + FP, glycerin followed by finishing and polishing. The degree of conversion (DC) was measured using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) immediately and after 15 days (n=5). Color stability (ΔEab, and ΔE00) and opacity were evaluated using a spectrophotometer after 15 days of immersion in coffee, using the CIELAB system (n=5). Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05) and opacity by two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Glycerin usage increased significantly the DC however had no influence on the ΔEab, ΔE00 and, opacity values. Finishing and polishing reduced ΔEab and ΔE00 values, regardless of composite resins. Microhybrid showed higher opacity, followed by the nanoparticle and bulk fill, regardless of surface treatment. Post-polymerization polishing procedures resulted in lower conversion than using an oxygen inhibitor agent (Gly condition), but similar staining caused by coffee.

Optical properties and masking capacity of flowable giomers

Background and aims

To assess the color, translucency and masking properties of novel flowable giomers.

Methods

Three flowable giomers were used for the fabrication of 1-mm thick samples (n=126) in three different consistencies (Beautifil flow Plus X F00; Beautifil flow F02; Beautifil flow Plus X F03, Shofu Dental Corporation, Japan) and two shades (VITA Classical shade A2 and A3). The relative spectral reflectance was recorded over white, black, C3 (VITA Classical shade C3 simulating a severe tooth discoloration), and a tested-sample colored background. Lightness (L*), and color coordinates a* and b*, Relative Translucency parameter (RTP₀₀) and masking capacity of C3 background were calculated; differences in color and translucency were compared with thresholds for perceptibility and acceptability (PT and AT). Statistical analyses used significance tests for paired samples.

Results

All tested materials displayed increased values of L*: for A2 F00=86.16(±0.86), F02=86.39(±0.63), F03=86.40(±0.63); for A3: F00=84.24(±0.58), F02=83.34(±0.3), F03=84.19(±0.4), as well as of RTP: for A2 F00=30.34(±0.88), F02=31.37(±0.94), F03=31.11(±1.15), for A3 F00=29.64(±1.64), F02=30.79(±1.02), F03=30.1(±1.26). For A2 samples, the masking capacity was significantly different for all materials, whilst for A3 there were differences only between F00-F03 and F02-F03.

Conclusions

The tested flowable giomers proved high values of lightness and translucency. The color differences between the materials with the same designation and different consistencies were below the perceptibility threshold in most cases. In addition, the differences in relative translucency parameter ranged between the perceptibility and acceptability thresholds. However, all tested flowable giomers had an unacceptable masking capacity for a dyschromic background.

[Color measurements of composite materials for tooth restoration in standardized in vitro conditions]

A national standard GOST R 58165-2018 (ISO/TR 28642:2016) 'Dentistry - Guidance on colour measurement' has been developed based on the international document which establishes standardized conditions for carrying out laboratory methods of measuring color by visual and instrumental methods. In vitro tests of samples of FiltekTM Ultimate, FiltekTMZ250 and Premise on the acoustooptic color analyzer SPEKTRON-M (FGUP 'VNIIOFI', Russia) in accordance with the recommendations of the standard GOST R 58165-2018 (ISO/TR 28642:2016) allowed to determine the effect of the shelf life of paste composite materials on the aesthetic indicators: colour compatibility, colour stability after aging and degree of transparency. The greatest changes in color characteristics in the CIELAB system during the storage of pastes were noted for the Premise Kerr A2 Enamel and A3 dentin composites. The greatest color change after exposure in water at 37 ° C was established for FiltekTMZ250 A4 samples with a long shelf life of the composite resin, ΔE=3.92>2.7 (p=0.001), but the color resistance of samples of the same composite from a new batch after exposure in water corresponds to the requirements of the standard, ΔE=2,18<2,7 (p=0,001).

Color stability of bulk-fill and universal composite restorations with dissimilar dentin replacement materials

OBJECTIVE

To determine color changes in bulk-fill composite and universal composite restorations with dissimilar dentin replacement materials in extracted teeth after staining in red wine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cylindrical, 4 mm deep, class I cavities were prepared in 140 human molars. Bottom 2 mm was restored with Biodentine (Septodont), everX posterior (GC) or experimental HAP inserts. Each dentin replacement material was covered with a 2-mm layer of a universal composite Filtek Z250 or Z550 (3M ESPE) or Gradia Posterior (GC). Groups combining top composite layer and the underlying dentin replacement were designated as "composite_dentin replacement." Filtek Bulk Fill (3M ESPE) and Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (Ivoclar Vivadent) were placed as a single 4-mm layer. Color measurements were performed using Vita Easyshade 4.0 (Vita Zahnfabrik) initially and after 48-hours storage in red wine at 37°C.

RESULTS

Color differences (ΔE_oo ) ranged between 2.1 ± 0.7 (Z250_HAP) and 7.8 ± 1.1 (Z550_everX). EverX resulted in higher ΔE_oo of the overlying composite than HAP (P < .001) and Biodentine (P = .006). Generally, ΔE_oo was affected more by decreasing lightness (ΔL') than changes in chroma (ΔC').

CONCLUSIONS

EverX resulted in higher ΔE_oo of the restoration than Biodentine and experimental HAP after staining in red wine. No significant differences in ΔE_oo may be expected in different composites with the same underlying dentin replacement material. The same was generally true for bulk-fill and universal composites.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Similar extent of color changes may be expected in bulk-fill and universal composites. Highly translucent everX might exhibit greater color differences irrespective of the capping composite than non-translucent materials. Clinicians have a wider choice of composite materials to cover a particular dentin replacement material, for example, everX or Biodentine, as similar color differences may be expected in various overlying composite brands.

Color stability of Lucirin-photo-activated resin composite after immersion in different staining solutions: a spectrophotometric study

INTRODUCTION

Exceptional optical properties characterize teeth. As such, an esthetic restorative material should enable the dental professional to imitate the optical properties of natural teeth accurately. IPS Empress Direct was introduced to the market with the claim that it can mimic optically dental tissues with superior clinical performance.

AIM

To evaluate the ability of IPS Empress Direct to mimic tooth appearance and color and resist staining.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three disc specimens were prepared for each shade of enamel and dentin of Lucirin-based composite, IPS Empress Direct (Ivoclar Vivadent) (A1, A2, A3, B1, and B2) (total of 60). The specimens were submitted to colorimetric evaluation in comparison after immersion in 10 different solutions (coffee, coffee with sugar, coffee with milk, red tea, red tea with sugar, red tea with milk, tomato juice, pomegranate juice, coke, and distilled water as a control group) for 4 weeks using spectrophotometric analysis.

RESULTS

After plotting the data and conducting linear regression analyses, IPS Empress showed high potential in mimicking the optical properties of natural tooth color according to the CIE color space. Three solutions showed a change in color higher than 3, coffee, coffee with sugar, and red tea. All other solution showed changes in color that are acceptable clinically.

CONCLUSION

IPS Empress Direct can satisfactory mimic teeth appearance and color while manifesting high stability of color resisting staining upon clinical aging.

The Use of Composite Layering Technique to Mask a Discolored Background: Color Analysis of Masking Ability After Aging—Part II

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the layering technique to mask a discolored background (C4) after one year of water aging. The technique was used with three resin composite restorative systems (IPS Empress Direct, Charisma Diamond, and Filtek Z350XT). Ninety 1.5-mm-thick specimens were divided into groups and subgroups according to the restorative system and resin composite shade combination used in the layering technique (enamel, body, and dentin). The color measurements were made by reflection spectrophotometer (SP60, EX-Rite) over the C4 substrate at two time points: after 24-hour water immersion (T0) and after one-year water aging (T1). The masking ability was evaluated by calculating the ΔE between an inherent color background and a C4 background at T0 and T1. CIELAB and CIEDE2000 formulas were used for comparative analysis between T0 and T1 color measurements. Analysis of variance and Turkey's post hoc test (a=0.05) were performed to analyze ΔEab and ΔE00 mean values. The Z350XT restorative system presented adequate masking ability in the combinations of 0.5 mm body + 1.0 mm dentin, 0.5 mm enamel + 1.0 mm dentin, and 1.5 mm dentin after 24-hour water immersion. The masking ability was affected negatively by water aging in most of the combinations. The IPS Empress Direct was the only system that remained stable after aging in the combinations of 0.5 mm enamel + 1.0 mm dentin and + 1.5 mm dentin (p=0.05 and p=0.47 for CIELAB; p=0.15 and p=0.51 for CIEDE2000), although it did not present adequate masking ability in both time points. None of the combinations of any system presented adequate masking ability after prolonged water aging.

Influence of Acid, Ethanol, and Anthocyanin Pigment on the Optical and Mechanical Properties of a Nanohybrid Dental Composite Resin

This study investigated the influences of acidity, ethanol, and pigment on the optical properties, microhardness, and surface roughness (R_a) of a nanohybrid dental composite resin. A total of 108 disc-shaped specimens were fabricated using a nanohybrid dental composite and allocated into 36 different storage solutions according to the levels of pH (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.5), ethanol (0%, 20%, and 40%), and anthocyanin pigment (0%, 2.5%, and 12.5%). Measurements of the colorimetric parameter and the amount of color change (ΔE), translucency parameter (TP), microhardness, and surface roughness (R_a) were performed at 24 h (baseline), 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-weeks. Repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a Tukey honestly significant difference test and Pearson correlation analysis were carried out (α = 0.05). Pigment of 12.5% or 40% ethanol significantly increased the ΔE (P < 0.001, P = 0.048, respectively). Pigment of 2.5% or 12.5% significantly decreased the TP (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Microhardness of composite resin stored in pH 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 solution was lower than that for pH 5.5 (P < 0.001). Pigment, ethanol, and pH did not influence the R_a. TP change and ΔE, and R_a and ΔE had a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, pigment and ethanol levels influenced the optical properties and acidity affected the microhardness of composite resin.