The effect of saliva substitute on the color stability of three different nanocomposite restorative materialsafter 1 month An in vitro study

Abstract

Context (Background): The color stability of an esthetic material like composite resin may be hampered, due to the constant presence of oral microflora, saliva, and the frequent intake of food. However, as the oral cavity has a dynamic environment, the color stability of these restorative materials has been a challenge to dentistry. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a saliva substitute (SS) on the color stability of three different nanocomposite restorative materials. Materials and Methods: A total of 66 disc‑shaped samples of test materials were prepared using a polycarbonate mold measuring 15 mm diameter and 2 mm height and were randomly assigned to three groups of 22 samples each based on the test material used: Group I – Estelite Sigma Quick, Group II – Solare sculpt, and Group III – Beautifil II LS. They were further divided into two subgroups A and B with 11 samples each based on the immersion solutions, namely distilled water (DW) and saliva substitute (SS), respectively. The samples were immersed for 30 days. Baseline and post immersion color analysis were done with a spectrophotometer. The CIE L*a*b* values were measured and CIE ΔE values obtained were tabulated. Data were analyzed using the two‑way‑ANOVA test and Tukey’s multiple post hoc test. Results: The mean color difference (ΔE) among the three different nanocomposite restorative materials ranged from 4.0 ± 0.26 to 10.62 ± 1.92. Group I showed the lowest color change (7.80 ± 0.55 and 4.00 ± 0.26), followed by Group III (8.59 ± 0.29 and 6.24 ± 0.66) and Group II (10.62 ± 1.92 and 6.85 ± 0.46) when immersed in SS and DW, respectively. Conclusion: All the specimens when immersed in SS showed greater discoloration than compared to the specimens immersed in DW. Group I showed greater resistance to color change compared to other groups.