Bleaching-induced colour change in plastic filling materials

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry
• Cosmetic Dentistry

Background:

• Tooth-colored restorative materials are widely used in cosmetic dentistry.
• Dental bleaching procedures are common esthetic treatments.
• The interaction between bleaching agents and restorative materials can affect esthetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the color changes of five different tooth-colored restorative materials after two bleaching regimens.
• To evaluate the influence of bleaching agents on the color stability of dental restoratives.

Main Methods:

• An in vitro study comparing Ormocer, compomer, packable composite, flowable composite, and hybrid composite.
• Specimens were subjected to two bleaching regimens: Vivastyle (10% carbamide peroxide) and Crest Whitestrips (6.5% hydrogen peroxide).
• Color changes were measured using a spectrophotometer and analyzed with CIE-LAB color scale and statistical tests.

Main Results:

• All restorative materials showed significantly higher color change (DeltaE) with Whitestrips compared to Vivastyle.
• Dyract AP (compomer) exhibited the most significant color change, followed by Filtek Flow (flowable composite).
• Filtek Z250 (hybrid composite) demonstrated the least color change, with minimal differences observed in control groups.

Conclusions:

• The color change of dental restorative materials during bleaching is specific to both the material type and the bleaching agent used.
• Clinicians should consider the potential for color alteration when performing bleaching procedures on patients with existing restorations.