Color stability and degree of conversion of gingiva-colored resin-based composites

ObjectivesTo evaluate gingiva-colored resin-based composites' (GCRBC) color stability and degree of conversion (DC%). MethodsEight discs (8 x 1 mm) of 20 shades of GCRBC were prepared. Color coordinates were measured against a gray background with a calibrated spectroradiometer, CIE D65 illuminant and the CIE 45 & DEG;/0 & DEG; geometry at baseline and after 30 days of storage in distilled water, coffee, and red wine. Color differences ( increment E00$$ \Delta {E}_{00} $$) between final and baseline conditions were calculated. An ATR-FTIR spectrometer with a diamond tip was used to calculate DC%. The results were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test. The level of significance was p < 0.05. ResultsDC% and color stability correlated with each other and with the GCRBC brand. DC% ranged between 43% and 96%, highest values correspond to flowable composites. All composites have experienced color changes after immersion in water, wine and coffee. However, the magnitude of the color change has varied widely depending on the immersion medium and the GCRBC. Color changes generated by the wine were, globally, greater than those induced by coffee (p < 0.001) and above the acceptability thresholds. ConclusionsThe DC% of GCRBCs is sufficient to achieve adequate biocompatibility and physicomechanical properties, but the high susceptibility to staining could compromise aesthetic long-term results. Clinical SignificanceThe degree of conversion and the color stability of gingiva-colored resin-based composites correlated with each other. All composites have experienced color changes after immersion in water, wine and coffee. Color changes generated by wine were, globally, greater than those induced by coffee and above the acceptability thresholds that could compromise aesthetic long-term results.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the color stability and degree of conversion (DC%) of gingiva-colored resin-based composites (GCRBC) and found that DC% and color stability were related to the GCRBC brand. All composites experienced color changes after immersion in water, red wine, and coffee, with wine causing greater color changes than coffee, which may compromise long-term aesthetic results.