Color stability of microhybrid and flowable composite resin restorations after brushing with children's colored toothpastes: an in-vitro study

Background: Composite resin restorations are commonly used for esthetic dental restorations in dental practices. Often, composite restorations are stained by intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Various pigments are used to enhance children’s toothpaste appeal. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of children’s colored toothpaste on color changes (mean ∆E*ab) of composite resin restoration. Methods: Ninety (N = 90) composite specimens of Spectrum microhybrid composite (SMC) shade A1 (n = 45) and Neo spectra ST-flowable nano composite (NFC) shade A1 (n = 45) were prepared. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups (n = 15 each) to be tested in 3 types of children’s toothpaste (Aquafresh kids’ cavity protection, Oral-B 6+ and Colgate Minions). Color measurements were conducted before intervention using a spectrophotometer. A simulation of tooth brushing for a year was performed. We conducted a second color measurement after the intervention to assess the changes in the composite specimen’s color. An independent t-test, one-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were applied to compare the mean color changes (∆L, ∆a, ∆b and ∆E*ab) and interaction effects of composite materials and different toothpastes. p < 0.05 indicates statistically significant differences. Results: A significant interaction effect was observed between toothpaste type and composite resin color. The ∆E*ab between SMC (1.70 ± 0.83) and NFC (2.54 ± 1.22) differs significantly (p = 0.001). However, a comparison ∆E*ab among different toothpastes did not show any significant difference (p = 0.235). Conclusions: Different toothpastes used by children affected microhybrid and flowable composite color stability. SMC showed higher color stability than NFC composite resin restorations. However, the mean ∆E*ab was not clinically significant.

Children’s toothpaste; Composite resin; Color change; Dental caries

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